Iconic Antarctica – The Explorer’s Route

16 days
Oct 2026 - Mar 2027
MS Roald Amundsen
Included: hotels, flights, transfers
Kayaking
Zodiac Landings
Whale Watching

2026
2027

From

$12,140

per person

A deep dive into the wonders of Antarctica 

This voyage is for those who want the ultimate in Antarctica experiences. With nine full days in the White Continent, we venture further to visit iconic regions where the Antarctic explorers first set sail. You’ll witness a wildlife extravaganza as we encounter whales, seals, colonies of penguins, and many seabirds – all living wild and free in this pristine haven. On this active expedition, we’ll head out in kayaks or use snowshoes so you can really get to know Antarctica up close and personal. And with flexibility built into our itinerary, we can adapt our route to chase the extraordinary.

Explore further with the expedition factor 

 Our adventure begins in the birthplace of the tango, Argentina’s Buenos Aires, before we fly to Ushuaia and join our comfortable hybrid-powered expedition ship. Crossing the Drake Passage is a time of anticipation, excitement and learning with the Expedition Team, as we sail toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea, Antarctic Sound and the Gerlache and Penola straits. The days will be filled with wonder and awe as we gaze upon immense glaciers and icebergs and enjoy a rich and fulfilling adventure like no other.

Highlights


Itinerary

Day 1 | Buenos Aires

Feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires and get into the spirit of adventure

An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic voyage. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, the city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache.

There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practice 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 or explore the region with our optional Pre-Program.


Day 2 | Ushuaia

Set sail from the capital of Tierra del Fuego

The morning begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia. This port city is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province, and it’s set against the magnificently rugged backdrop of the Andes mountains. Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city, and it’s from here that many adventures to Antarctica set out—including ours.

You’ll be welcomed aboard your hybrid-powered expedition ship – specially designed for exploring polar waters – and after a briefing from your Expedition Team there will be time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board. Your adventure has truly begun!


Day 5 | South Shetland Islands

Some 770 kilometers (478 miles) south of Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, nine major islands make up the group. The region was the first to be exploited by sealers in the early 19th century, and because of its proximity to South America, it still is the most visited by scientists and tourists. Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here. In addition, because it is the warmest part of the continent, large moss beds as well as orange, black, grey and green lichens grow –even hair grass and pearlwort manage to survive. Leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals can be seen in the water and on the beaches.


Day 6 | Antarctic Sound

The Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could be rescued. Sites that have to do with this story - like Hope Bay or Paulet Island - are sometimes visited. At Paulet, Hope Bay and Brown Bluff Adelie and Gentoo Penguins breed, as do Kelp Gulls and Cape Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. The Sound’s main attractions are the spectacular tabular icebergs that come from the Larsen Ice Shelf further south.


Day 8 | Antarctic Sound

The Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could be rescued. Sites that have to do with this story - like Hope Bay or Paulet Island - are sometimes visited. At Paulet, Hope Bay and Brown Bluff Adelie and Gentoo Penguins breed, as do Kelp Gulls and Cape Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. The Sound’s main attractions are the spectacular tabular icebergs that come from the Larsen Ice Shelf further south.


Day 9 | Gerlache Strait


Day 10 | Penola Strait


Day 13 | Gerlache Strait


Day 15 | Ushuaia to Buenos Aires


Ships

ms roald amundsen

MS Roald Amundsen

MS Roald Amundsen is as pioneering as the man it is named after, Roald Amundsen - the legendary Norwegian explorer. One of two fully hybrid ships in our fleet, explore the wonders of the world onboard one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships in the world.

Named after the legendary Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen - the first man to traverse the Northwest Passage in 1903, and reach the Geographical South Pole in 1911. MS Roald Amundsen is as pioneering as the man it is named after, the state-of-the-art ship features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that reduces fuel consumption and shows the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.

MS Roald Amundsen 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. As one of two hybrid ships within the fleet, the innovative sustainable technology reduces the ship's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 20%.

One of the most eye-catching exterior design features is the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck. It is an ideal place to scan the scenery as you explore the world around you and watch for wildlife with your binoculars.



What's included

Hotels, flights and transfers

  • 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 and transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship

Expedition Cruise

  • A stay in a cabin of your choice

  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Wine, beer, and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)

  • All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks

  • Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests

  • A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home

  • Wind and waterproof expedition jacket

  • Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that streaming is not supported.

  • Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges, and more

  • Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).

  • Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team

  • Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment

  • The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research

  • An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos

  • Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

  • Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day

Landing Activities

  • Escorted landings with small expedition boats

  • Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.

  • Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

  • All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions

  • Excursions and activities are subject to change

  • Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements

  • Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)

What's not included

  • International flights

  • Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings

  • Travel Insurance

  • Luggage handling

  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners

  • Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

  • Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area


Excursions

Kayaking

3 hours

Included

Hear the beautiful 'symphony of the ice' as you glide silently past nature's frozen works of art in a sea kayak. Designed for close-up polar exploration, there's no better way to encounter the wildlife of Antarica and to enjoy its soul-stirring scenery.

  • Kayak tours optimal for beginners

  • Exploring by kayak means merging with nature in tranquility

  • Potential of wildlife sightings as you glide through the water without the sound of a motor

  • Safe experience, accompanied by very experienced guides with high standard equipment

Paddle with penguins

Merge with nature on an exceptional Antarctic sea kayaking adventure. Explore nature and wildlife up-close as we kayak along awe-inspiring icebergs and glaciers.

Paddling through crystal-clear water and spot seals, penguins, and even whales. Our experienced Expedition Team will take you to stunning Antarctic areas with high chances of encountering wildlife.

Practical information

  • Only bookable on board

  • Kayaking gear and dry suits are included in this excursion.

  • A good level of fitness is essential.

  • Basic level swimming skills is required.

  • Knowledge of basic English is required to communicate with instructors.

  • Subject to weather and ice conditions.

  • This activity may have limited availability. If space becomes limited, participants will be chosen via a lottery-based lucky draw.

Camping | Amundsen Night

10 hours

Included

Spend a magical night camping in a tent on the shore in Antarctica. In the style of the early explorers, we use our specialized equipment to spend the night under the stars for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. As you might expect, camping is a popular activity and numbers are limited. Who gets to go usually has to be decided by a lottery system. Feeling lucky?

  • Sleeping under the Antarctic sky with only the thin wall of your tent separating you from the elements.

  • Encounter the Antarctic´s natural elements up close

  • In the true style of the early explorers we venture out at night

  • Stay warm and comfortable with top-quality camping gear

This is an after dinner and before breakfast activity offered only where the route, weather and ice/snow conditions allow.

When Scott arrived at the South Pole on the 17th of January 1912, he found a silk tent erected together with a Norwegian flag and pennant from Amundsen’s ship, Fram. The tent was a masterpiece of its time, designed for emergency use. It could fit into the pocket of an anorak and weighed less than two pounds.

Imagine yourself sleeping under the Antarctic sky with little more than the thin wall of a tent separating you from the elements. In the true style of the early explorers we venture out at night for this once in a lifetime chance to feel like a polar explorer. Although Amundsen, Scott and Nordenskjold had different equipment, they used the best gear available at the time. So do we. This activity features top of the line camping equipment that meets Antarctic standards for camping on snow.

The adventure starts with a pre-camp briefing by the experienced expedition staff who accompany us on the activity. We set up our camp after dinner with guests participating from beginning to end. If you have never pitched a tent before, this is your chance. After the camp is set up you can either go to bed or sit outside and marvel at the stillness, or listen to penguins in the distance. Depending on the landing site, we may take short walks to nearby viewpoints and visit penguin colonies in the bright Antarctic night. If you like, wake up early, climb out of your tent and watch the sunrise.

In the morning hours we take down the camp and boats pick us up for the return trip to the ship. Back on board, we enjoy a special breakfast and debrief the experience.

As an IAATO member, Hurtigruten adheres to all guidelines associated with onshore overnight stays in Antarctica. We leave nothing behind and remove all traces of our presence to protect wildlife and the fragile environment. Join us for this unique and unforgettable experience!

Practical information

  • Only bookable on board.

  • Emergency food, all camping equipment meeting Antarctic standards, special breakfast served back on the ship after camping and a special certificate.

  • Walking information: Walking mostly on snow, camping also on snow. Some walking with gear required to the camp. We also offer short hikes if conditions and the site allow.

  • Bringing food ashore is not allowed.

  • Subject to weather and ice conditions, all tents are two-person capacity. Limited space available. All participants for this activity are chosen by a lottery.

Snowshoeing

2 hours

Included

When the conditions are right, there's no better way to cross the frozen terrain than by wearing snowshoes. Our modern equipment makes it easy to walk on the soft snow, and the elements are usually best during our late spring and early summer Antarctica cruises.

  • Explore a snowy area which are hard to reach without snowshoes

  • Feel the spirit of the early Antarctic explorers who persevered through great frozen expanses

  • Expert guidance by the Expedition Team

  • The thrill of snowshoeing

Snowshoeing pure Arctic landscapes

Feel the spirit of the early Antarctic explorers. Join us for a walk on the wild side with snowshoes. Climb hills, cross glittering white plains, and untouched landscapes. Here few humans have set foot. Our experienced Expedition Team will guide you to places with awe-inspiring views. You might observe penguin colonies or even see whales swimming in the sea from above.

Practical information

  • Only bookable on board.

  • Language: English.

  • Included: Snowshoes and ski poles.

  • Requirements: A good level of fitness is essential.

  • Walking information: Walking mostly on snow and icy terrain, uphill and downhill.

  • This activity may have limited availability. In the event that space becomes limited, participants will be chosen via a lottery based lucky draw.

  • Subject to snow and weather conditions, there is no guarantee for snowshoeing towards the end of the season.


Pre- and post programmes


Meet your expedition cruise experts

Australia and
Latin America

DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time

Join our newsletter

We’ll send you a newsletter with our best offers once a week.


Head office

CRUISE NORWAY
373 Broadway, Suite C1

New York, NY 10013, USA

Cruise Norway International

Tallinn, Estonia

info@cruisenorway.com

Contact us

U.S. & Canada Toll Free: +1 (888) 53 8 8652
Europe & Global:+372 56 37 1351/ WhatsApp
Germany: +49 156 7820 3775 / WhatsApp
Australia: +61 7 5641 4902 / WhatsApp
India: +91 98300 53005 / WhatsApp


27 years ©2025 Cruisemon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.