HIGHLIGHTS OF ANTARCTICA WITH HURTIGRUTEN

From AUD $9,455.00
  • Duration: 12 Days (approx.)
  • Location: Antarctica
12 day expedition cruise starting and finishing in Buenos Aries. Breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife and fabulous ship with an amazing crew that will ensure our experience of the frozen continent is unforgettable. Our ship is the luxurious MS Roald Amundsen, a next generation hybrid powered expedition vessel. (Can be combined with numerous land tours of South America or a cruise around the Galapagos Islands).  

 

Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and to reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable base camp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.


CRUISE ITINERARY

 

Day 1 –   Buenos Aires

An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.  There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.  

 

Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer with our optional Pre-Programme. 

 

Day 2 –   Early Start in Ushuaia

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll meet our hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city. After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.

 

Days 3 & 4 -   Get set for Antarctica

On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition. Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.  There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

 

Days 5 to 9 –   Antarctica: another world

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It's a stillness that's broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife. Whales begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. This is also when the first penguin chicks hatch and seeing the clumsy clumps of feathers run around is always a charming sight. February and March offer peak whale-watching opportunities, when large amounts of krill lure them to the area. Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling.  You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises, and may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs.  Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent. Over five magical days, you'll experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.

 

Days 10 & 11 –   Returning to warmer waters

After five incredible days, you’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica. Your head will likely be filled with a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and impressions. The next couple of days will be a chance to reflect on your adventure to the seventh continent. As your mind tries to conjure up the magical Antarctic scenery, now could be a good time to sift through your photos and videos to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Why not take the chance to unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a few relaxing spa treatments in the wellness area.

 

Day 12 – Ushuaia and Buenos Aires

Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure. 

 

What’s includes:

·      Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast 

·      Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia 

·      Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise 

·      11 Nights cruise in a Polar Outside Cabin on MS Roald Amundsen

·      Breakfast, lunch and dinner including drinks (beer and house wine as well as soft drinks and mineral water) are served in the Aune and Fredheim restaurants

·      À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests 

·      Complimentary tea and coffee 

·      Complimentary Wi-Fi on board† 

·      Complimentary reusable water bottle 

·      English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore 

·      Range of included activities (as listed below)

·      Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship, including a brief tour of the town 

 

Onboard activities

·      In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team 

·      Full use of our Science Centre, small library and advanced biological and geological equipment 

·      Citizen Science programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research 

·      Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer 

·      Use of ship's hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and running track 

·      Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings 

 

Landing activities

·      Escorted landings with small expedition boats 

·      Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities 

·      Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket 

·      Expedition photographers on hand to assist you