Antarctica - Highlights of the Frozen Continent

Cruise Ship : Ms Midnatsol
Departure Dates: 10th November, 21st November, 2nd December and 28th December 2019
Cruise Duration: 13 Days

Holiday Itinerary:

This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine your final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience, and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.

Day 1 Cultural and cool
This adventure starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. An an optional city tour is on offer in the afternoon. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover ”Paris of South America” for yourself.

Day 2 Tierra del Fuego
Fly early in the morning to Ushuaia, where MS Roald Amundsen awaits. Once on board, kick off your journey with a welcome-on-board dinner.

Day 3 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare yourself for Antarctica as you cross the infamous Drake Passage, and trust us - it will overwhelm you! MS Roald Amundsen is designed especially to bring polar exploration to all ages and learning levels. There will also be several lectures on the environment around; films about Antarctica and the Activity Center will be providing the latest technology for preserving your memories. This will be the heart of the expedition community, where you gather for talks, recaps and spontaneous events, mingle and share stories.

Day 5 - 10 Antarctica … another world!
You are now in one of the most remote areas on earth! There have been spectacular photo opportunities so far, but Antarctica itself is in a whole different category. Come ashore to explore the breath taking Antarctic scenery and to come close to penguins and seals. You will feel like a real explorer from the moment you set foot on the endless expanse of snow and ice. From the deck there will be ample opportunities to sight whales.

Enjoy close encounters with wildlife and glaciers, old whaling stations and relics. Trust us when we say that every second of this journey has something new to offer. One of the highlights of the South Shetlands is Deception Island. When we sail into the natural harbour of this volcanic island, you will see an abandoned whaling station known as Hektor and a derelict British base.

We are certain you will enjoy a visit to Half Moon Island, a staggeringly photogenic island blessed with some of the most beautiful Antarctic scenery imaginable, or Yankee Harbour, with its large colony of Gentoo penguins, estimated to be 4,000 breeding pairs. Cuverville Island is home to another of the largest known colonies of Gentoo penguins. Neko Harbour is beautifully located in the innermost part of Andvord Bay.

Paradise Harbour got its descriptive name from the whalers during the last century. Wilhelmina Bay has stunning scenery and is often called “Whale-mina Bay”, because of the large number of humpback whales spotted here in December. We have planned plenty of activities to make you experience Antarctica in the best way. This might mean that one day you will go shore to see penguins and hear the crackling noise of glaciers.

Next day, you get to feel the salt and wind as you cruise between the sea ice, looking for leopard seals taking a snooze on the ice. Third day, kayaking or a longer hike or walk. Back on board we also have activities that will satisfy a whole range of interests in the explorer room. The on board photographer will show you the basics of expedition photography.

Join gatherings where the various members of the expedition team recount the day’s activities, make presentations, and the expedition leader discusses the next day’s plan. These gatherings are great opportunities for sharing and shared memory making and mingling with the expedition community.

Day 11 - 12 - Heading back to civilisation (Drake Passage)
After exploring this exhilarating continent, set course back to civilisation. Spend the day at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Activity Center or just relaxing on deck.

Day 13 The end of the adventure
Sadly, every adventure must come to an end. It is time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends when you reach Ushuaia. Transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. If you haven't had enough adventures, you have the possibility to extend your stay and enjoy Hurtigruten's optional post expedition programmes.

Prices start from only £5,436 per person - call our friendly cruise consultants today for further details!