Christmas in Antarctica

Your Antarctica itinerary will begin in Buenos Aires, the bustling and vibrant capital of Argentina, where after having arrived independently you will make your way to your included hotel for an overnight stay. The day is yours to do with what you please, and we can arrange an optional city tour in the afternoon if you wish. In the evening you can spend some time sampling the city’s unique atmosphere before getting a good night’s sleep in preparation for the adventures that lie ahead.

After breakfast it will be time to join your transfer to the airport for your included flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost town in Argentina, where your ship awaits. After boarding and familiarising yourself with the ship you can enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and spend some time on deck as we sail through the scenic Beagle Channel towards the Drake Passage.

Today your adventure truly begins as we spend 2 days traversing the famous Drake Passage towards mighty Antarctica. Make sure to spend some time on deck or in the observation lounge watching the myriad seabirds that follow the ship and looking out for whale sightings. Your programme of expert lectures and presentations will begin, covering everything from the environments and wildlife of Antarctica to historic polar exploration. As the excitement builds we will gather for talks and briefings, and as we pass the Antarctic Convergence we will spot the first of many icebergs.

Today we have reached one of the most remote areas on earth…Antarctica! A land of superlatives, Antarctica will without doubt take your breath away. We will spend our days here exploring by Zodiac and on foot to get up close to one of nature’s most remarkable areas. As you set foot on the endless expanse of snow and ice it is not uncommon to feel sense of euphoria as you discover a land where few have been and experience unforgettable scenery and wildlife encounters. Throughout your time here you are likely to see thousands of penguins along with numerous seals, whales and seabirds, all set amongst the most picture perfect landscapes you could imagine.

Any expedition to Antarctica requires an element of flexibility as ice and sea conditions can often dictate the routes taken, and your captain will choose each day the best route to take to ensure you experience everything that this amazing region has to offer, with each day offering a new and exciting experience. The first area we expect to visit will be the often mist-shrouded volcanic islands of the South Shetland Islands group, and make sure to have your cameras ready as we sail into the natural harbour of Deception Island to visit an abandoned whaling station known as Hektor and a derelict British base. We also plan to visit the staggeringly photogenic Half Moon Island, home to the most beautiful Antarctic scenery imaginable, and Yankee Harbour to visit its large colony of Gentoo penguins.

As we sail to the Peninsula itself we will stop at Cuverville Island to see another of the largest known colonies of Gentoo penguins, the aptly named Paradise Bay and beautifully scenic Neko Harbour. For whale spotting we will visit Wilhelmina Bay, often called “Whale-mina Bay”, because of the large number of humpback whales that are often spotted here.

Each day will bring a new adventure and focus, with planned activities designed to ensure every moment is memorable. And the fun isn’t restricted to land, as your expert expedition crew will deliver activities and talks to suit a wide range of interests. Your onboard photography expert will offer hints and tips for capturing the perfect pictures and if you prefer to stay on board there will be excellent viewing opportunities from the deck or observation lounges.

Christmas Day will be a unique mix of exciting activities amongst the ice and penguins, combined with traditional Norwegian celebrations on board. You might enjoy a special lunch followed by a walk to the top of a snow-covered hill set within a glaciated bay. Or your Christmas gift may be a cruise amongst ice bergs followed by a visit from a certain white-bearded gentleman.

From hiking across the snowscapes and optional kayaking excursions to wildlife Zodiac cruises and expert lectures and discussions, this will surely be the trip of a lifetime.

After an in-depth exploration of this exhilarating continent it’s time to head back towards civilisation as we sail back through the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia. Spend some time on deck looking for more seabird sightings, relax in the welcoming lounge and share tales of your adventures or enjoy the onboard Science Centre. Whatever you choose to do with these last few days you can be sure that you will be filled with contentment as you dissolve the fact that you have just visited one of the most impressive and remote regions on the planet.

Sailing back through the beautiful Beagle Channel it’s sadly time to bid a fond farewell to your expedition team as we disembark in Ushuaia and take our return flight back to Buenos Aires. If you’re itching for more adventure there are ample opportunities for extensions either in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires and we would be more than happy to help arrange these for you.