DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
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| Start Date | End Date | Polar Outside | Arctic Superior | Expedition Suite |
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Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Polar Outside | (Mid-range)
Arctic Superior | (High-end)
Expedition Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
DAY
1: VANCOUVER, CANADA
Start
of the grand expedition
August
8, 2022
Your
Pole-to-Pole expedition cruise begins in Vancouver. Set amid gorgeous
mountain scenery and beside the waters of English Bay, Vancouver is
both a bustling seaport and cosmopolitan city. Arrive a few days ahead
of your cruise and find out why people rave about British Colombia's
largest city.
For
an easy way to enjoy the many highlights of Vancouver, we offer a
half-day Sightseeing Tour as an optional Pre-Program. It includes a
trip to the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge, which hangs 230 feet
over the Capilano River.
Pining
to venture even further afield? Sign up for the optional Pre-Program
aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train and travel through the Canadian
Rockies. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular.
DAY
2-17: VANCOUVER TO NOME, ALASKA
Alaska
– Inside Passage, bears, & Aleutian Islands
August
9, 2022 - August 24, 2022
Sailing
north, we'll make our way toward the narrow channels of Canada's Inside
Passage. Feel the thrill of a great adventure as we navigate among
thousands of islands in the Pacific Northwest aboard the stylish and
comfortable MS Roald Amundsen.
Misty
Fjords
The
first area you'll explore is the spectacular Misty Fjords National
Monument. It forms part of the two-million-acre Tongass National
Forest, a pristine coastal wilderness of evergreen trees, deep fjords,
and majestic snow-capped peaks.
Wrangell,
Alaska
Feel
like you're truly stepping back in time at Wrangell, one of Alaska's
oldest and most historic island towns. Reconnect with nature on one of
the local trails leading to the edge of the rainforest, surrounded by
alluring scenery at the mouth of Stikine River and at the foot of Mount
Dewey.
Sitka
Situated
on Baranof Island on the outer coast of the Inside Passage, Sitka can
only be reached by sea or by air. Tongass National Forest surrounds the
town. This is the largest temperate rainforest in the world and a local
highlight is the 107-acre Sitka National Historic Park. Settlements
here date back over 10,000 years, and Sitka is a place where ancient
culture can still be felt. Tlingit traditions remain strong, existing
alongside Russian and American influences.
Icy
Bay
Three
prominent glaciers—Guyot, Yahtse, and Tyndall—feed
vast chunks of floating ice into the bay's waters. Our aim will be to
visit the 34-mile-long and 8-mile-wide Guyot Glacier, although this
depends on local weather conditions. We hope to land as close to the
glacier as safely possible and explore the waters by kayak as part of
an optional excursion. Like always, we'll be on the lookout for the
awesome wildlife that abounds in the Gulf of Alaska, including humpback
whales, orcas, Stellar sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, and other
marine life.
Kodiak
The
bustling fishing port of Kodiak, which is Alaska's largest, sits on the
eastern shore of Kodiak Island. The surrounding spruce forest and
grassland here have earned it the nickname ‘Emerald Isle'.
This is Alaska's largest island, at over 3,670 square miles and over
100 miles in length. It is the second-largest island in the U.S. after
Hawaii. The best-known park here is the Kodiak National Wildlife
Refuge, which covers two-thirds of the island. There are a wide range
of habitats here, from mountains to meadows. It is also home to the
island's most famous residents: around 3,500 Kodiak brown bears.
Katmai
National Park
Witness
a park that is four million acres big, with over a dozen active
volcanoes and which hosts the dramatic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
In 1912, this was the site of one of the most devastating volcanic
eruptions ever recorded in modern times. Today, we'll cruise around
looking for bears from the deck or from our small boats (RIBs) at one
of three possible sites in the park, each one known for its brown bear
community. Katmai National Park offers excellent bear watching and has
a population of protected grizzlies numbering more than 2,000.
Chignik
The
small village of Chignik is a prime example of a typical Alaskan
fishing settlement. Red salmon fishing has been the core of the
community's economy for over a century. Stop in for a look at the fish
processing factory, meet the welcoming locals, or step into the scenic
surroundings to explore the salmon streams. Around 20 waterfowl species
inhabit the area, so see if you can see them. Don't forget to look up
to the skies to spot Bald Eagles.
Unga
Village
The
abandoned Unga Village is picturesque, located on the southern end of
the uninhabited Unga Island in the remote Aleutian Islands. Settled by
Aleuts in 1833, subsistence fishing proved insufficient to support the
community, who had almost completely moved out by 1969. Today, only a
few wooden buildings remain, surrounded by a carpet of pink louseworts
and fireweed flowers.
Dutch
Harbor
The
small town of Dutch Harbor is one of the most important fishing ports
in the U.S., famous for appearing on the TV show The Deadliest Catch.
Steeped in history, the port is home to the Museum of the Aleutians,
the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area, as well as the
Russian Orthodox Cathedral dating back to 1896. Approximately 600 Bald
Eagles, along with some 40–50 million seabirds such as
puffins, cormorants, and kittiwakes inhabit the region around Dutch
Harbor.
St.
Paul and St. Matthew Islands
St.
Paul Island is the largest of the Pribilof Islands, an important bird
area that is also home to as many as 500,000 northern fur seals. You'll
pay a visit to deserted St. Matthew Island, said to be the most
isolated place in Alaska.
Nome
Leftovers
from Gold Rush era are everywhere in the small town of Nome, from
abandoned dredges to turn-of-the-century steam engines and old railroad
tracks. Cries of “Gold! Gold!” You might still spot
people prospecting along the banks of the Snake River.
DAY
18-21: AT SEA
Crossing
the Arctic Circle
August
25, 2022 - August 28, 2022
As
we sail through the Bering Strait, look to the sky to spot a range of
seabirds. There are over 30 species here, including Black-legged
Kittiwakes and different species of auklet and murrelet. More than 10
million of these winged wonders visit the region in late summer, so
you'll get plenty of use from your binoculars.
As
we pass through the Bering Strait, you'll have Russia to the west and
the U.S. to the east. This is also the international date line, where
‘tomorrow' rests to your left and ‘today' to the
right. At this point, we cross into the Arctic Circle.
After
crossing the Chukchi Sea, we reach the northernmost point of the U.S.
at Point Barrow and enter the Beaufort Sea. Keep an eye on the waters
here to spot bowhead and gray whales—we might also start
seeing sea ice.?
DAY
22-32: CANADA AND GREENLAND
Heading
through the Northwest Passage
August
29, 2022 - September 8, 2022
Continuing
into the Amundsen Gulf, we hope to observe the amazing sight of the
colorful Smoking Hills. Smoke billows from the cliffs on the east coast
of Cape Bathurst. This unusual and photogenic phenomenon is due to
lignite (a combination of eroded shale and pyrite) spontaneously
igniting when exposed to air.
Explorer
Roald Amundsen—after whom our ship is named—was the
first to conquer the Northwest Passage on an expedition that lasted
from 1903 to 1906. Before him, many others had tried without success,
with the earliest known attempt being as far back as 1497.
Fast
forward to today, as we enter the Northwest Passage on our own
adventure aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship, setting sail for
Greenland and Eastern Canada.
During
the passage, we'll land at sites linked to early exploration history,
visit Inuit communities, and keeping a keen eye out for Arctic wildlife
such as polar bears, whales, seals, and a variety of seabirds.
There
may be opportunities for small boat (RIB) cruising between ice floes.
In true expedition style, we'll go ashore and experience the pristine
wilderness of the Canadian Arctic firsthand.
The
ship's Captain the Expedition Team Leader will continuously assess the
weather and sea conditions and will adapt the activities accordingly,
adjusting the itinerary to take the sea ice into account. Like all good
explorers, we must respect and work with nature, never against her.
Here
are some of the places in this wild and untamed region that we hope to
explore during landings and short walks—wind, waves, and sea
ice permitting:
Ulukhaktok
Many
in this 500-people strong community are involved in the local artists'
co-op and produce prints, tapestries, and other handicrafts. This is
also home to the world's northernmost golf course, which hosts a
tournament every summer.
Cambridge
Bay
Located
on Victoria Island, this is a common stop for vessels traversing the
Northwest Passage. It's also called ‘Iqaluktuuttiaq'
(‘A Good Fishing Place') due to the Ekalluk River, which
attracts Arctic char, a type of cold-water salmon.
Gjoa
Haven
Roald
Amundsen wintered at this village in 1903. During his time here, he
learnt crucial survival skills from the local Netsilik people. This
knowledge would later give him the upper hand in his famous race to the
South Pole in 1911. There is an informative walking tour and a Heritage
Center dedicated to the history and culture of the area.
Fort
Ross
Here,
we'll investigate an abandoned Hudson's Bay trading post located at the
southern end of Somerset Island. The storehouse here is still
occasionally used as a shelter by travelers, with bunk beds and shelves
of canned goods.
Beechey
Island
This
is the final resting place for three members of the infamous Franklin
expedition, which sailed into the Northwest Passage in 1845, never to
return. It is customary for explorers in the region to stop and pay
their respects at the graves, as Roald Amundsen did in 1903.
Devon
Island
Welcome
to the largest uninhabited island on Earth. The only signs of human
life here are at the long-abandoned settlement of Dundas Harbour, along
with several archeological sites from the Thule period.
Pond
Inlet
Called
‘Mittimatalik' in Inuktitut, it means ‘The Place of
the Landing Place'. This is a traditional Baffin Island Inuit community
with incredible views of the Eclipse Sound and the mountains of Bylot
Island. I''s also a great place to see narwhal—the
‘unicorn of the sea'.
DAY
33-40: GREENLAND & ATLANTIC CANADA
Baffin
Bay to Greenland and Atlantic Canada
September
9, 2022 - September 16, 2022
As
we emerge from the Northwest Passage, we leave Canadian territory
behind us for now and set course for Greenland. The informative
lectures in the Science Center continue while we sail across Baffin Bay
and the Davis Strait. The topics may include the wildlife you might
see, Greenlandic culture, expedition history, geology, photography, and
lectures on famous historic explorers.
Ilulissat,
Greenland
Ilulissat
(translated simply as ‘Icebergs') is set in the stunning
scenery of the IlulissatIcefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This
place is picture perfect. It's also a vibrant hub for adventure seekers
who head out onto the polar ice sheet. There are almost as many sled
dogs living here as people.
Just
outside the town, you can often see enormous icebergs floating in the
deep blue waters. They originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, which
calves some 35 billion tons of icebergs each year. These bergs make
their way down the 12-mile fjord before entering Disko Bay. Their
shimmering forms and delicate hues are a nature photographer's dream.
Sisimiut,
Greenland
Greenland's
second-largest settlement sits 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle in
the central coastal area of the Davis Strait. Its name translates into
‘The People at the Fox Holes' a reference to the many Arctic
fox burrows found nearby. Another local animal is the musk ox, whose
wool is used to make a local fabric called qiviut—said to be
10 times warmer than sheep's wool.
After
Sisimiut we set out across the Labrador Sea. Relax, get to know your
fellow travelers, and make full use of the onboard facilities. In the
Science Center, the Expedition Team's fascinating lecture program
focuses on the wildlife and ecosystems of the Arctic region.
Red
Bay, Canada
Red
Bay is a former Basque whaling settlement on the coast of southern
Labrador in the Strait of Belle Isle. Keep your eyes peeled for
humpback and minke whales as we sail through these waters.
A
fair share of whaling vessels met their doom just before reaching the
shores of Red Bay. Wrecked galleons and chalupas—small boats
used by whalers in the 16th century—are just some of the
ships that have been found preserved in these icy waters. These
discoveries make Red Bay one of the most important underwater
archeological sites in the world.
Corner
Brook, Canada
As
we sail into the Bay of Islands, surrounded by the jagged slopes and
dense forests of the Long Range Mountains, we'll chart the same course
as Captain James Cook over 250 years ago.
Just
like the famed British explorer, we'll head to Corner Brook, at the
mouth of the Humber River. This is the second-largest city in the
Newfoundland and Labrador province, after St. John's. While St. John's
is trendy and international, Corner Brook is definitely traditional and
local.
DAY
41-48: HALIFAX TO BOSTON
History,
seafood, and nature
September
17, 2022 - September 24, 2022
The
next leg of your journey begins in Halifax, the cosmopolitan capital of
the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. This well-situated seaport looks
out over one of the world's largest natural harbors.
Sable
Island, Canada
Our
first stop after Halifax is the long, crescent-shaped Sable Island,
some 185 miles to the east. The name comes from the French word for
sand, as this unusual sandbar island cannot support any natural trees.
People come here to see the wild horses, as more than 550 are thought
to live here.
Due
to frequent heavy fog and strong currents, even our modern navigation
equipment can struggle with the unpredictable waters close to the
island, making landing a challenge. Should the weather not cooperate,
the captain will maneuver close enough to see the horses from the
observation deck. If conditions are more favorable and we can go
ashore, we'll see the Sable Island horses up close and keep our eyes
peeled for harbor seals and gray seals on the shoreline.
Lunenburg,
Nova Scotia
The
colorful buildings along the waterfront will mark your first sight of
Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its brightly painted houses
and square gardens are almost unchanged since the 1700s, when it was a
British colonial settlement.
Eastport,
Maine
As
we exit Canadian waters and cross into the U.S., the next stop on our
expedition cruise is Eastport City, on Moose Island. Archeologists
believe the indigenous Passamaquoddy people lived here for at least
10,000 years before the first Europeans appeared in 1604. While we're
in Passamaquoddy Bay, check out Old Sow, believed to be the biggest
whirlpool in the western hemisphere and named after the
‘squealing' noise it supposedly makes as it spins.
Rockland
&Castine, Maine
If
you've ever been served a Maine lobster, chances are it passed through
Rockland. Art lovers should check out the Center for Maine Contemporary
Art and the Farnsworth Art Museum, which contain works by Andrew Wyeth
and other New England painters. The real magic happens when night
falls. We'll drop anchor in Castine Harbor, where the unique aquatic
ecosystem creates the perfect environment for bioluminescent
phytoplankton to thrive. Subject to availability, we'll have a number
of kayaks for guests to see this natural phenomenon up close, gliding
between the starlit sky and the shimmering waters.
Bar
Harbor, Maine
Perched
in Frenchman's Bay on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor sits at the
entrance to Acadia National Park and provides views over Cadillac
Mountain and the Cranberry Islands. Its seafood restaurants are said to
be among the finest in New England.
Provincetown,
Massachusetts
Provincetown
is something of an artistic hub. Painters such as Jackson Pollock have
drawn inspiration here since the 1940s. The protected dunes of the Cape
Cod National Seashore are within walking distance of town, which you
can explore on foot or as a possible optional excursion by dune buggy.
For whale-watching opportunities, the offshore Stellwagen Bank National
Marine Sanctuary attracts 17 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins,
and porpoises), so make sure to bring your binoculars.
Boston,
Massachusetts
Home
to Harvard and the Red Sox, there's something for everyone to love
about Boston. It's one of the most European-looking American cities and
is packed with history. Its cobbled streets, Tea Party attractions, and
the fascinating Freedom Trail make it the perfect place to explore on
foot.
DAY
49-52: AT SEA
East
Coast sights at sea
September
25, 2022 - September 28, 2022
With
several days at sea, enjoy the onboard facilities such as the infinity
pool, hot tubs, sauna, indoor gym, and outdoor running track.
Indulge
yourself with a treatment in our Wellness Center or participate in an
art workshop. Eat in style in one of our three restaurants, and spend
time on deck looking for seabirds and other marine wildlife. Use these
days at sea to better get to know the Expedition Team members, an
impressive bunch. They'll continue to deliver in-depth lectures on a
wide range of subjects relating to our upcoming destinations.
If
you haven't done so already, why not sign up to participate in one of
our Citizen Science projects? Citizen Science projects gather real data
and are aimed at helping scientists better understand the environment
and perhaps even help combat many of the problems that threaten our
planet.
DAY
53-62: MIAMI, U.S., TO COLÓN, PANAMA
Caribbean
vibes & ocean exploration
September
29, 2022 - October 8, 2022
Miami,
Florida
The
‘City of Neon' has a well-earned reputation as one of the
world's most popular vacation destinations, and you'll see why.
Year-round sunshine? Check. White-sand beaches? Check. Clear teal
waters? Check. These are just a few reasons why visitors come here in
droves. While the glitz you've seen in the movies does exist, there's a
lot more to Miami than cocktails and luxury yachts. Delve deeper and
you'll find a thriving metropolis with vibrant doses of Latin American,
Caribbean, Asian, and European influences.
Belize
City, Belize
Charming,
low-rise Belize City is a laid-back Caribbean coastal gem. Here, you'll
find colorful British Colonial architecture and monuments, which serve
as a reminder of the city's past as the country's former capital. Our
main focus for the day lies 301 miles north of the city: the
well-preserved Maya ruins of Altun Ha. This evocative site is
surrounded by a jungle rich in wildlife and features two main plazas
surrounded by numerous ancient temples and pyramids.
Lighthouse
Reef, Belize
Belize's
famed barrier reef is one of the country's main attractions. It is
considered to be one of the best marine sites in the entire Caribbean.
It hosts an extraordinary variety of sealife, lush keys, and
opportunities for active activities. We anchor for the day at the
uninhabited Half Moon Cay Island, in the Lighthouse Reef, the most
remote of the atolls. The island is best known as a sanctuary for the
rare Red-footed Booby.
Isla
de Providencia, Colombia
This
remote and mountainous island in the Caribbean was once used as a base
by 17th-century pirate Henry Morgan to plunder passing imperial
galleons loaded with gold doubloons. Legend has it that much of the
gold remains hidden on the island. But the real treasures to be found
here are gorgeous sandy beaches, friendly locals, and pristine waters.
Sadly,
Hurricane Iona hit the island in 2020. Rebuilding works are underway
and our visits are vitally important in helping local businesses, and
the community as a whole, to recover.
Corn
Islands, Nicaragua
One
of the best things about our expedition cruises is our ability to bring
you to smaller, hard-to-reach destinations that are often missed by the
bigger cruise ships. We plan to land on Big Corn Island, located
roughly 50 miles off the coast of Nicaragua. You'll find none of the
usual tourist traps here, just a slow island vibe with beautiful
beaches and genuinely friendly locals. You'll get the feeling that
everybody knows everyone in this place and you'll be welcome wherever
you go. Feast on juicy lobster, then allow the tropical island bliss to
wash over you as you swing in a beach hammock.
Bocas
del Toro, Panama
Bocas
del Toro is a dreamy tropical archipelago made up of nine main islands
and hundreds of smaller ones. This is what people imagine when they
dream of paradise. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this National
Marine Park is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.
Its many islands support an exotic mix of wildlife, including sloths,
red frogs, and leaf-cutter ants.
We'll
hop on a local water taxi to one of the surrounding islands and take a
guided walk. One place we might visit is Red Frog Beach, where you can
try and spot those aptly named frogs. Or we could venture to Solarte
Island, which features several great hiking trails for nature walks.
Colón
This
bustling Caribbean seaport is a popular stop for ships preparing to
transit the Panama Canal. Its population is diverse population for such
a small size. As you might expect, there are many of great restaurants
here, as well as excellent shopping opportunities.
DAY
63-76: PANAMA CANAL TO VALPARAÍSO, CHILE
Inca
history, Colonial architecture, & the Panama Canal
October
9, 2022 - October 22, 2022
Panama
Canal
We'll
pass through the Panama Canal, the man-made marvel of engineering
engineering featuring channels and open water that was opened to
traffic in 1914. The canal links the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific
Ocean, and roughly halfway through the 12-hour transit, we'll enter the
Gatun Lake section. If you're lucky, you may spot a crocodile or
alligator on shore. Watch the trees and you may also catch a glimpse of
monkeys and even a sloth or two.
Manta,
Ecuador
MS
Roald Amundsen will bring us across the Equator early in the morning.
Join a traditional ceremony on board in which we seek King Neptune's
blessing. Setting foot on South American soil, our first port of call
is Montecristi, located five miles inland from the tuna-fishing port
city of Manta. This town was established in the 16th Century by
manteños (indigenous Ecuadoreans) seeking respite from the
frequent pirate raids on the coast. Montecristi is the actual
birthplace of the Panama hat, despite its name.
Puerto
Bolívar (Machala), Ecuador
Machala's
main claim to fame is Puerto Bolívar, an important
Ecuadorian port where coffee, cocoa, shrimp, and bananas (which the
locals call oroverde, or ‘green gold', given their abundance)
leave for export. The nearby Puyango Petrified Forest has one of the
largest collections of fossilized trees in the world, and thought to be
about 100 million years old.
Salaverry,
Peru
Pummeled
by the Pacific Ocean's wind and waves, Salaverry can be a hard port to
access. If we are able to land there, it's a good starting point to
explore Trujillo, Peru's third-largest city, along with the array of
pre-Colombian archaeological sites scattered throughout the region.
Lima,
Peru
Set
on a strip of desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains,
you'll find the Peruvian capital city of Lima. Served by the seaport of
Callao, Lima is the largest city in the country. It is a modern,
sprawling metropolis where traditions and modernity mix to create a
heady cocktail of culture and cuisine. Among this modern metropolis,
the fascinating and enigmatic adobe clay ruins of the Huaca Pucllana
and Huaca Huallamarca ceremonial pyramids are all that remains of a
long-lost ancient culture.
Paracas,
Peru
Nestled
on a bay behind a peninsula, the humble and sleepy resort town of
Paracas is surrounded by brown-sugar–colored cliffs and
lovely beaches. Opposite the Paracas harbor is a mysterious local
geoglyph carved into the landscape of a candelabra-like
symbol—the origin and meaning of which remain a mystery. It
could be related to the famous Nazca Lines, which you may have an
opportunity to visit in the Pisco Valley on an optional excursion.
Arica,
Chile
Unusual
for a city by the sea, Arica is bathed in glorious sunshine almost
every day of the year. Residents proudly describe the place as being
immersed in a never-ending spring. You can't miss the San Marcos
Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Parisian fame) and
inaugurated in 1876.
Iquique,
Chile
Welcome
to a slice of paradise by the Pacific Ocean, complete with palm trees
and beachside promenades. You may have the opportunity to visit the
nearby abandoned saltpeter mining town of Humberstone in the Atacama
Desert. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a slice of history that you
can literally walk through.
La
Serena, Chile
Perched
beside the ocean, La Serena is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches all
along Avenida del Mar and beyond. You'll find Chile's second-oldest
city to have a distinct Neo-Colonial look and feel to it. Its modern
buildings meld with classic architecture, such as the 30 or so
carefully restored stone churches, some of which are around 350 years
old.
Valparaíso,
Chile
Known
as UNESCO's ‘Jewel of the Pacific', this UNESCO World
Heritage–listed city is a maze of monuments, churches,
historical funicular cable cars, trendy neighborhoods, cobblestone
alleys, colorful houses, and charming plazas.
DAY
77-86: PATAGONIA
Cruising
toward the Antarctic
October
23, 2022 - November 1, 2022
Castro
We've
made it to Patagonia. In Castro, bring your camera to snap the brightly
painted palafitos. These are traditional wooden houses on stilts, which
line the edges of the fjord at Gamboa Wharf. The nearby UNESCO-listed
Church of San Francisco is a masterpiece of carpentry, made entirely of
wood in a Neo-Gothic style.
Puerto
Edén
The
tiny hamlet of Puerto Edén sits on a bay in a remote
peninsula jutting into a fjord in the province of Última
Esperanza (which means ‘Last Hope'). This is a good place to
access the exceptional landscapes of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park,
Chile's largest protected area. This features a stunning network of
peaceful fjords and gorgeous forest-mantled mountains. There are no
roads leading to or from this isolated village—and not even
within it! There are simply boardwalks and footpaths connecting the
homes of its fewer than 200 residents.
Puerto
Natales
Take
in the breathtaking views of the southern Andes as we arrive at Puerto
Natales. The city is an entry point to Torres del Paine National Park,
which attracts hikers and climbers from all over the world. Aside from
a full-day optional excursion to the national park, you can also spend
some time leisurely exploring Puerto Natales on foot. This sleepy city
is a mix of Bohemian bars, outdoor gear retailers, corrugated tin
houses, and restaurants serving international cuisine.
Chilean
fjords
We'll
cruise among the fabled fjords and a multitude of islands found within
Chile's rugged Magallanes Province, where jagged mountains reach for
the sky. We will pass through the western part of the Strait of
Magellan, named after the famous 16th-century Portuguese explorer who
first traversed it. The scenery is so fantastic that you'll feel an
innate sense of wonder and awe.
Cape
Horn & the Drake Passage
After
looping around the glacier-carved Alberto de Agostini National Park,
we'll enter Beagle Channel. Take in breathtaking landscapes as we pass
between the national park and Isla Gordon, which belongs to the Tierra
del Fuego Archipelago. At the tip of South America lies the legendary
Cape Horn. It was a major milestone in the old clipper routes that
connected Europe with the Far East and Oceania. This is where the open
waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans collide, creating powerful
waves made even stronger by swirling westerly winds. For yachters,
rounding Cape Horn is a maritime feat, comparable, for them, to
summiting Mount Everest. Given the notoriety of these turbulent waters,
we can't guarantee a landing. However, if fortune plays in our favor
that day and the weather is stable enough to dock on the island, you'll
be among a select few in the world to set foot here. From Cape Horn,
it's a clear shot to Antarctica across the Drake Passage.
DAY
87-90: ANTARCTICA
The
fabled frozen continent of Antarctica
November
2, 2022 - November 5, 2022
Nowhere
else on Earth can we find anywhere that compares to this otherworldly
landscape of snow and ice. The wind and waves mix with the late-spring
sun to sculpt icebergs into massive white and white-blue gems, some as
tall as buildings. Immense ice shelves and crumpled glaciers creak and
rumble while chunks of ice crash into the waters below. Mighty
mountains hibernate beneath blankets of soft snow. Welcome to the
unmatched Seventh Continent. Welcome to Antarctica.
Your
next four days will consist in an exploration of several landing sites
(there are more than 20 possible sites on and around the Antarctic
Peninsula and South Shetland Islands). It doesn't matter where we go
and what we do, every day in this immense and pristine region will be
thrilling, unlike anything you've ever experienced before. How about
sailing into a flooded volcanic caldera? Or landing at a dramatic bay
harboring relics of the whaling era? You can also ashore and stand
among thousands of penguins. Of course, we must keep a good distance
from the inquisitive ones who come to inspect you.
Late
spring in the Antarctic means that the Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins
will be at the start of their courting season, while the
Adélie penguins may have already laid their eggs and be
nesting. There are plenty of other birds in Antarctica, such as the
skuas, jaegers, petrels, and terns. Unlike penguins, these birds
actually have functioning wings, so remember to look up to the sky now
and again.
The
Expedition Team will guide you each step of the way, leading you on
landings and leading ice cruises aboard our small boats (RIBs).
Depending on local snow, ice, and wind conditions, you could be among
the select few to participate in optional activities such as kayaking
and snowshoeing—and you may even be able to spend a night
camping on land.
There
are also fun and interesting Citizen Science projects to do, such as
cloud observation, or whale and leopard seal spotting. Or look at
phytoplankton in a whole new way under a microscope in the Science
Center! It is satisfying to know that the data you help collect as part
of Citizen Science projects feeds into current scientific studies at
key institutes all over the world. The resident photographer will also
have handy tips on how to best capture these spectacular landscapes and
the photogenic wildlife. Don't forget to come out from behind your
camera lens now and again to take it all in and relish the moment!
DAY
91-93: USHUAIA/BUENOS AIRES
To
the bottom of the world and back again.
November
6, 2022 - November 8, 2022
After
the magic of Antarctica, we'll set off on a two-day cruise back across
the Drake Passage to South America. This is the perfect time to wind
down and reflect on your experiences in the frozen continent. Pamper
yourself in the Wellness Center with a soothing treatment and chat with
your fellow voyagers about your shared memories from the trip in the
Explorer Bar. Perhaps swap photos and stories about your different
adventures and experiences. Perhaps join the Expedition Team in the
Science Center to review everything you've seen and learned along the
way?
Your
pole-to-pole journey has reached its triumphant end. Once we arrive in
Ushuaia, Argentina, you'll be transferred to the airport for your
flight to Buenos Aires. You can choose whether to fly home directly or
spend a few extra days exploring the birthplace of the tango. Ready for
more adventures? Add on a Post-Program to the magnificent
Iguazú Falls on the Brazilian border.
Before
you disembark, bid a bittersweet goodbye to the ship, the crew, your
fellow guests, and the amazing Expedition Team. Each of them has worked
very hard to make your adventure a joyful and unforgettable one. We
share an overall goal: Showing you and all our guests that expedition
cruises can and should be sustainable, and inspiring everyone to do
more to protect and cherish the delicate balance of life on our planet.
This is the appreciation we want you to take home with you and share
with your friends and family. Here's to seeing you again on your next
adventure!
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Flight
- Flight in economy class between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
Transfer
- Transfer between ship and Ushuaia airport
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- 1000€ onboard credit
- Laundry service
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house
beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and
Fredheim
- Fine-dining À la carte restaurant
Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in
remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard
water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide
activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures
on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an
extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to
current scientific research projects
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and
tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, an infinity pool, a sauna, an
outdoor and indoor gym, and an outdoor running track
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as
daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing activities
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for
the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will help configure your camera
settings before landings
Not Included In Your
Expedition
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage 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
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you can meet all entry and boarding
requirements
- No gratuities are expected
