Day 1: Set Sail To Antarctica
We begin in Ushuaia, Argentina, which is the bottom tip of South America. You'll board the ship in the quaint resort town of Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed "The End of the World". Destination today is the Beagle Channel.
Day 2: Sail Into The Westerlies
The winged life of the westerlies. You'll find albatross following our ship as we move into the westward ocean current of Antarctica.
Day 3: The Falklands
With the opportunity to see wildlife close up today on the Falkland Islands, we remind and encourage you to use caution. For those history buffs, this is the site of a 1982 war between Argentina and the UK. Numerous bird species call these islands home, as You may also be able to do the following:
*Carcass Island - Ironically, this island is rodent-free and actually full of birdlife. There are Magellanic penguins, gentoos, wrens and tussock birds.
*Saunders Island - Here, you can see the black-browed albatross with its comically ungraceful landings, as well as imperial shags and rockhopper penguins.
Day 4: Port Stanley the Falkland Capital
This charming post era town has bright houses, quaint gardens and English pubs with a population just over 2,000. 19th century ships are a reminder of all sailors endured on these rugged waters. If you have an interest in museums (admission included), be sure to stop by.
Day 5 - 6: Back to Sea
On our way to South Georgia, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will feel the temperatures dip. We will encounter a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including petrels, prions, and skuas.
Day 7 - 10: The Push to South Georgia
Today you arrive at the first South Georgia activity site. You will have the chance to visit some of the following:
*Prion Island - Home of the Wandering Albatross, which possess the largest wingspan of any bird in the world.
*Fortuna Bay - An outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. Follow the final part of Shackleton's journey to an abandoned whaling village.
*Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour - Three of the largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, and fur seal breeding beaches.
*Grytviken - An abandoned whaling station where king penguins walk the streets like they own them.
In the afternoon of day 10 and depending on the conditions, we will start sailing south.
Day 11: Continuing South...
We could have sea ice at this point of the journey.
Day 12: South Orkney
The base here is a scientific station on Laurie Island. Staff here will show you around the facility and you'll see the massive glaciers.
Day 13: Final push to the Antarctic
Fin whale sightings and huge icebergs will keep your cameras busy.
Day 14 - 16: You Made It To Antarctica
If the ice allows, we will move into the Weddell Sea. We could stop at Paulet Island with Adelie penguins or Brown Bluff for a chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent. Otherwise, we will sail to Bransfield Strait.
Day 17 - 18: Return Voyage Home
We will cross the Drake Passage as we start our journey back.
Day 19: The End of the Adventure
It is time to disembark in Ushuaia with all that you have learned, seen and experienced on this cruise of a lifetime.
