Early booking offer

Southern Hemisphere Adventure to Antarctica (Southbound)

Experience stunning Patagonia, the magical Falkland Islands and majestic Antarctica with one amazing expedition cruise. There will be ample opportunities to see penguins, seals, whales and other wildlife as our expert Expedition Team takes you ice-cruising and on landings to explore these spectacular areas for an unforgettable voyage.

  • Experience Antarctica, Patagonia, the Falklands and South America on one voyage
  • See amazing wildlife, such as penguins, seals, whales and albatrosses
  • Come ashore on landings and enjoy ice-cruising in the most remote place on Earth
  • Wide-ranging Science and activity programme led by our expert Expedition Team
Early booking offer

On 03 December, we released our new expedition cruise program for 2020/21. If you book this voyage before 31 March 2019, you can save £500 per person.

The price you see online already includes the discount.


Itinerary

The itinerary

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Departure 21 October 2020

Departs from Montevideo, Uruguay
Overview

From Urban Adventure to Polar Highlights

This wide-ranging and amazing expedition cruise to Antarctica brings you from cosmopolitan Montevideo, via Patagonia and the Valdez Peninsula to the magical Falklands, further south to the spectacular wildlife of Antarctica, and ends in Ushuaia.

Patagonia and the Fabulous Falklands

We sail on MS Fridtjof Nansen south through the beauty of the Patagonian coast before setting course for the colourful Falkland Islands. A starkly contrasting wilderness and cultural experience awaits on these isles: sheep graze next to penguin colonies in the countryside, while red English buses trundle by cozy pubs in the town of Stanley.

Unmatched Antarctica

We cross the Drake Passage to explore the most remote place on planet Earth, Antarctica. This is a wilderness teeming with life, and our expert Expedition Team will take every opportunity to take you for ice-cruising among the icebergs, or for landings that are designed to help you come close to penguins, seals, whales and more. 

There may also be chances to kayak, hike in spectacular surroundings and perhaps even camp on the most remote continent on Earth.

Throughout the expedition cruise, our Science Center will be busy with fascinating lectures and activities to enhance your journey.

Day 1: Montevideo
Twilight view of the Pocitos Coast on the River Plate, Montevideo, Uruguay
Twilight view of the Pocitos Coast on the River Plate, Montevideo, Uruguay Photo

Welcome to South America!

Hotel

Enjoy an overnight stay in Montevideo, the scenic capital of Uruguay.

Day 2: Montevideo
Independence Square in Montevideo, Uruguay
Independence Square in Montevideo, Uruguay Photo

A Vibrant Capital in Spring

Embarkation

Montevideo boasts colourful cultural diversity, with a picturesque blend of colonial Spanish, Italian and Art Deco architectural styles. Enjoy a tour through this historic city before embarking on MS Fridtjof Nansen for your polar adventure.

Day 3-4: At sea
Photographer capturing wildlife from deck
Photographer capturing wildlife from deck Photo: Marsel Van Oosten Photo

Wildlife and Lectures

Enjoy the first days on board! The Expedition Team will start the lecture programme, covering history, the great explorers, marine biology, wildlife and oceanography. Spend some time on deck and enjoy the sun and warm temperatures as you scan for wildlife while we make our way south.

Day 5: Puerto Madryn

World Heritage Highlights

Half day

Visit Valdez Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated on Argentina's Patagonian coast, this peninsula is home to some of the country's most dramatic wildlife habitats. Enjoy our optional excursions starting in Puerto Madryn that bring you closer to wildlife and let you experience the Gaucho-lifestyle of Patagonia.

Day 6: At sea
Birds, New Island, Falkland Islands
Birds, New Island, Falkland Islands Photo: Andrea Klaussner Photo

Relaxing on MS Fridtjof Nansen

Relax in the tranquility of a day at sea, sharing experiences and exchanging stories with your fellow adventurers. Enjoy the amenities of our innovative expedition ship and look out for wildlife from our outer decks.

Day 7-9: The Falkland Islands
Highlight

Pubs, Penguins and Perfect Wilderness

As we reach the westernmost outposts in the Falklands, you will see remote farms that have been family-owned for several generations. We hope to call on New Island, which boasts white sand beaches and turquoise waters that could easily be mistaken for those on a Caribbean isle.

We may go ashore on Carcass Island - an avian paradise with ducks, geese, penguins, albatrosses, caracaras and wrens. Our Expedition Team will look for every opportunity to take you exploring, hiking or cruising to get a closer look at local wildlife.

Stanley, the inviting capital of the Falklands, is a good size for roaming the streets on foot. Or you can join an optional excursion to explore the wilderness and wildlife in the surrounding area. We will be docked at Stanley throughout the day.

Day 10-11: Drake Passage

Enjoy the Onboard Activities

At Sea

Days at sea are full of activity. Our expert Expedition Team will lead talks and lectures on fascinating topics in the Science Center, and there this is a great time to enjoy the Wellness area or pools.

Once we have crossed the Antarctic Convergence, and begun our approach to Antarctica, you will notice that the air becomes crisper and colder. From deck, you might start seeing icebergs in the water, and perhaps the first sighting of whales as well.

Day 12-16: Antarctica
Highlight

Penguins, Icebergs, Seals and Whales

Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder, with white horizons above oceans full of icebergs and whales. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring will be your first meeting with huge colonies of fearless penguins on the pristine ice.

Our captain and Expedition Team will work with the elements to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure.  They will look for every chance to go ice-cruising or on landings designed to give you the chance to explore the most beautiful and remote places on Earth.

We will attempt landings on several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula and aim to bring you to the incredible diversity of wildlife and landscapes the area has to offer.

Everywhere we explore in Antarctica is truly pristine and offers great chances to observe penguin colonies, seals, whales, glaciers, or icebergs in every shape and colour.

Nowhere else on Earth offers such untouched wild beauty, explorer history and rich wildlife. Antarctica is unlike anywhere you´ve ever been.

Day 17-18: Drake Passage
Birds in the Drake Passage
Birds in the Drake Passage Photo: Hilde Foss Photo

The Legendary Drake Passage

At Sea

After exhilarating days in Antarctica and the Falklands, the final days on board are spent crossing the Drake Passage. Spend time recapping our expedition with the Expedition Team in the Science Center and enjoy the Farewell dinner on the last evening.

Day 19: Ushuaia

The Southernmost Town in the World

Disembarkation & flight

Arriving in Ushuaia, it’s time to say goodbye. We transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. If you want to explore further before going home, you are welcome to join our optional excursions in the Post-programme.

Arrival 08 November 2020

Location Ushuaia / Buenos Aires, Argentina
What's included

INCLUDED IN YOUR VOYAGE:

  • Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice   
  • One hotel night in Montevideo before the voyage including breakfast
  • Transfer hotel to ship in Montevideo including city tour
  • Transfer ship to airport in Ushuaia
  • Economy flight Ushuaia to Buenos Aires

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE

  • A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including ice-cruising and onshore exploration with the Expedition Team  
  • Professional English-speaking Expedition Team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts of various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail in  
  • Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket   
  • Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment neededfor optional and included activities  

ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION

  • In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience  
  • Explorer Science programme, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
  • Introduction photo lecture, camera adjustment and tips & tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage shared in an Expedition Logbook
  • Casual opportunities to engage with the Expedition Team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatheringsto recap the day and prepare for the day to come
  • Opportunities to dine and interact with the Expedition Team and officers  
  • Destination-focused onboard library  
  • Port presentations providing destination insight
  • A farewell event

PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT

  • All meals including beverages (ship beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all restaurants)
  • Fredheim restaurant meals included 
  • Coffee and tea included throughout the day
  • Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner 
  • Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track 
  • Gym, hot tubs and panoramic sauna
  • Free Wi-fi on board for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
  • No gratuities expected   

NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR VOYAGE:

  • International flights 
  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners  
  • Optional small-group adventures with our Expedition Team such as kayaking, camping, glacier walks, long hikes (availability contingent on weather conditions and safety)  
  • Optional small-group Explorer Photo programme with our Expedition Photographer   
  • Travel insurance  
  • Luggage handling

NOTES:

Life on board

Your ship: MS Fridtjof Nansen

Our brand new, state of the art expedition ship MS Fridtjof Nansen serves as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing you to spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.

Read more