Antarctica, South Shetlands and The Falklands

Few experiences in life compare to the sheer amazement of looking upon Antarctica’s coast for the very first time. This is a land almost completely free of the touch of humankind; an untouched wilderness that seems frozen in time. Your expedition cruise takes you right into the center of it, where you’ll encounter the serenity and grandeur of one of the planet’s most inspiring landscapes.

In the nearly 100 years since the South Pole Continent was first reached by the most intrepid explorers of the day, little has changed. Antarctica is still seen as an exciting voyage and a rare achievement few can claim. Here, you’ll feel the same thrill of setting foot on snowy, ice-packed shores as did Sir Ernest Shackleton when he took the first ofmany steps on the first land crossing of the continent. You’ll also gaze in wonder at the mountain ranges and glacial peaks first seen by Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen as they raced in wooden ships to see these lands by sea. All along the way, Antarctica will astound you with its crystal blue mountains of ice, daylight that persists for months at a time, and hundreds of fearless penguins plunging into the ocean for fish.

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Depart USA and arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina the following morning
Enjoy a complimentary overnight hotel stay in Buenos Aires before flying to Ushuaia to begin your expedition. The Argentine city offers history-rich sightseeing and dozens of other attractions. If your flight arrives early enough, you’ll have time for an optional city tour.

Day 3: Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia for a sightseeing tour along the steep streets of the southernmost city in the world. Here we board Minerva and settle in for our first night at sea. Take advantage of the austral summer daylight to toast a bon voyage out on deck as we set sail past the cormorant and seal colonies of the magnificent Beagle Channel.

Day 4: At Sea
As we cruise east towards the Falklands, our team of experts begin their informal discussions on the fauna, flora and history of Antarctic exploration. Tonight is the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. This evening and our last aboard ship are the only two nights where informal attire is suggested. All other evenings will be country club casual.

Day 5: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Enjoy a taste of Victorian England in the South Atlantic. Take a walk through the streets of the Falklands’ quaint frontier capital with its colorful houses and friendly residents. A choice of optional excursions is available.

Day 6-7: At Sea
A virtual parade of natural wonders fill the landscape during our days at sea and throughout the rose-colored nights. Amid the spectacular scenery and ice-filled channels, we’ll look for whales and seals, giant albatross and blue-eyed shag. After each evening’s leisurely dinner, there’s time to stroll the deck and gaze at the seascapes in the lingering light of an Antarctic summer twilight.

Day 8-10: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
We plan to land on the Antarctic Peninsula and also visit a number of islands in the South Shetlands. On most days we’ll make two landings, heading out in swift and versatile Zodiacs, accompanied by lecturers. In the sunken caldera at Deception Island, some may dare to take a dip in the thermal springs of Pendulum Cove. Ashore, thousands of penguins strut like miniature Charlie Chaplins. Crabeater, Weddell and leopard seals laze in the sun.

We’ll transit the Lemaire and Neumayer Channels*, filled with some of the most dramatic and humbling landscapes of unimaginable beauty, and sail through “Iceberg Alley,” passing mountains of ice sculpted like giant mounds of whipped cream. If weather permits, we may also try Zodiac cruising for a view of the various seals and penguins resting on ice floes. Invariably every outing reveals another wonder.

Day 11-12: Cruise the Drake Passage
This remote 600-mile stretch teems with wildlife at this time of year, when the warmwaters of the north converge with the icy waters of Antarctica, creating a nutrient-rich feeding ground of krill and plankton for multitudes of seabirds and whales. Now is the time to compare notes and exchange addresses with your fellow shipmates while the guides recap the highlights of your voyage.

Day 13: Ushuaia – Buenos Aires
Today we disembark for our complimentary charter flight to Buenos Aires to catch connecting flights home. If you’ve added an optional hotel or land extension, your transfers are included.

What's Included:

• Complimentary Economy Class air to/from Buenos Aires
• Complimentary overnight hotel stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina (in addition to 11 nights on board)
• Included charter flights* to/from Ushuaia, Argentina, transfers and city tour with lunch en route to ship
• Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, served throughout the ship
• All onboard gratuities
• Expedition team of the highest caliber
• All Zodiac® excursions
• Complimentary backpack and parka
• Boots and binoculars available on board for use during expedition

What's Not Included:

• Transportation to and from the embarkation point

Call Toll Free: (888) 815-5428 or Inquire Today!

All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.