fbpx

Antarctic Voyage to the Late Summer Sun with South Georgia, the Falklands and Buenos Aires

Antarctic Voyage to the Late Summer Sun with South Georgia, the Falklands and Buenos Aires

From $ 17,346 AUD

Description

Amazing Antarctic wildlife 
Explore the awe-inspiring frozen continent during peak whale watching season, when larger numbers and different species come to feed on krill. It’s also the time when penguin chicks are learning to swim and feed themselves, and when the late summer sunsets paint the icescapes in palettes of pink and orange. 
Southern Ocean islands of wonder 
From windswept green hills and the white-sand beaches, there is much beauty and charm in the Falkland Islands. And while the wildlife here is plentiful, South Georgia is in a class of its own, and the beaches heave with seals, penguins and other seabirds. From here we’ll head to beautiful Buenos Aires, for one last tango.

Trip Name
Antarctic Voyage to the Late Summer Sun with South Georgia, the Falklands and Buenos Aires
Days
24
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 135,75 m Passenger Capacity: 528 Built: 2003 About the ship MS Maud, previously MS Midnatsol, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen's 'Maud' from 1917. The original 'Maud' got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. She also had her namesake in Hurtigruten Expedition’s 1925 flagship, DS Dronning Maud ('DS Queen Maud'). Ship features This ship has passed stringent tests and has been accredited by the leading independent certification body Bureau Veritas (BV). The strict and thorough safety audit required by BV ensures every ship is in compliance with industry and international health, safety and hygiene best practices. When you see the SafeGuard label, you can feel confident the vessel you’re sailing in meets the highest standards to achieve certification. SafeGuard furthermore ensures that best practice guidelines are being followed with regard to hygiene, sanitation and limiting the spread of infectious diseases on board. Today, MS Maud is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway and the British Isles. Premium expedition comfort Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year. Channel your inner scientist in the advanced Science Center and enjoy daily lectures in the lecture hall or in the comfort of your cabin with our new streaming service. Sample delicious dishes from local suppliers in the restaurants and enjoy beverages and the spectacular views in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. On deck 9, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor Observation deck. There’s also a gym and a sauna with stunning views. Interior and Cabins MS Maud is well-suited for expedition cruising, with a décor inspired by Norway’s stunning nature, reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board. Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year. Explorer lounge & bar Enjoy the view with a drink in the Explorer lounge & bar. Science Center The hub of onboard learning is our Science Center, an edutainment venue where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. We stream for your comfort our lectures to cabins. Gym The MS Maud offers a complete gym. Sauna & Ralaxation After a day of exploring, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the hot tubs or the sauna, exercise in the gym, take in the scenery in the elegant Explorer Lounge & Bar, or browse in the on-board shop. Library  The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board. Observation Deck The Observation Deck is an ideal place to scan the scenery and watch wildlife with your binoculars. Aune Restaurant Welcome onboard to a culinary journey and our award-winning food sourcing program. On board you find restaurant Aune - our main dining room; Named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune. Fredheim Restaurant The ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. Fredheim - with casual fast food and plant based alternatives. Lindstrom Restaurant And our fine dining restaurant Lindstrøm, named after Polar Hero and Amundsen Chef Adolf Lindstrøm. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Beautiful Santiago
Start your adventure in style Your trip starts with an overnight stay in Santiago, the energetic and cultural core of Chile. Packed with museums, beautiful architecture and restaurants, the city hits all the high notes you’d expect of a South American capital. You’ll discover a wealth of sites and attractions, and you’ll only be limited by time, not choice. If you’ve time, head to the Mercado Central fish market to sample the classic Chilean seafood stew caldillo de congrio. With so much on offer, if you feel you need more time to explore the capital, we recommend coming a few days early. We also offer an optional South America Winelands tour, or a Chilean Patagonia tour – both of which are Pre-Programmes.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Punta Arenas, Chile’s southern port
Get set for adventure You’ll leave Santiago early in the morning and fly to Punta Arenas, the largest city in Chilean Patagonia. This is a place of old world, romantic charm, where discovery lies around every corner, and it’s also one of the southernmost cities in the world. Your expedition ship MS Maud awaits you. After boarding there will be a mandatory health and safety session for everyone. Later on, you will meet some of the crew, and of course, the Expedition Team, who will be your guides, hosts and travel companions.
Day 3 - DAY 3-5 Sailing the Drake Passage
Prepare for your Antarctic adventure Heading south, before we reach Antarctica, we must first experience the legendary Drake 'rite of' Passage, a two-day crossing where sea conditions can vary dramatically. It's named after Sir Francis Drake, who discovered it by chance when his boat was blown south by heavy winds. Visit the Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Your Expedition Team will deliver lectures on Antarctica – its history, wildlife and ecosystems. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join. Take this time to enjoy all the comforts you’ll find on board. Relax in the hot tubs or panoramic sauna, look out for icebergs, whales and albatrosses on deck, or unwind in our Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Day 4 - DAY 6-10 Antarctica: another world
The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins watch erect from the shores while flying seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge. You’ll spend five exciting days exploring several of more than 20 possible landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling. We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays, where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint. Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels and terns. By attending onboard lectures and onshore talks, you'll learn more about this precious ecosystem and how we can all protect it for the future.
Day 5 - DAY 11-12 Cruising the Southern Ocean
Relax at sea as we head towards South Georgia After five unforgettable days in Antarctica, we’ll turn around and head back north across the Drake Passage. You'll have plenty of time to relax on board as we sail towards South Georgia. In South Georgia you can look forward to exploring an archipelago of impressive and diverse wildlife. As we sail, the Expedition Team will inform you about what you can expect, including giving you information about South Georgia’s fauna, history and geology, as well as the legends of the intrepid Norwegian whalers from past times.
Day 6 - DAY 13-15 The Serengeti of the Southern Ocean
Explore wildlife-rich South Georgia South Georgia’s abundant fauna has earned it the nickname “The Serengeti of the Southern Ocean”. Its unique position free from sea ice makes the island a breeding site for large colonies of penguins, as well as other seabirds and seals. In fact, it’s an Important Bird Area, home to albatrosses, petrels, shags, skuas and terns.  Throughout our three days in the area, we’ll land as often as we can to explore the wilderness and wildlife. We’ll also try to reach Grytviken, the final resting place of legendary Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Our expedition route will as always be guided by nature, responding to daily conditions to seek out the best possible experience.
Day 7 - DAY 16-17 Sailing to the Falklands
Relax and reflect at sea As we continue our voyage of exploration there’s time to pause and reflect on our journey. Why not immerse yourself in the informative lectures from the Expedition Team and learn more about our destinations. You might learn about how tectonic activity formed the surrounding mountain ranges, then examine rock samples, ice cores, or skeletal recreations in the onboard Science Centre.  If you want to exercise your body as well as your mind, head to the gym and get your blood pumping. MS Maud has many onboard facilities for your enjoyment, so why not take some time to discover the panoramic sauna, or simply sit out on deck in a hot tub and watch the seas roll by. The choice is yours.
Day 8 - DAY 18-20 Wildlife of the Falklands
Enjoy birding and hiking in these green islands The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sands teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. You'll also enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.  Our landings, hikes and excursions are, as always, guided by the conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, which are often found sharing space with seals, and getting as close as we can without disturbing them.
Day 9 - DAY 21-23 The final stretch
Enjoy your last couple of days at sea With Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands behind us, it’s time to relax and rejuvenate as we head towards our final port of call. Spend time with new friends and enjoy the expertise of your Expedition Team for our last three days together as we sail north to Buenos Aires.  How do you end an experience of 23 days at sea surrounded by some of the most remote, awe-inspiring scenery known to humankind? The answer is: you don’t. The experience will continue on with the memories and knowledge you now carry with you. It lives in the photos and stories you’ll bring back to your friends and family. We hope your experience of has been an inspiring one, renewing your awe for nature and reigniting a passion to protect it.
Day 10 - DAY 24 One last tango
Disembark and enjoy this fabulous city Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, Buenos Aires is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.  There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famed birthplace of the tango. After such an extraordinary adventure, if you're not yet ready to head home you can join one of our optional Post-Programmes and stay a little longer.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Go ice and fjord-cruising in small expedition boats and join landings with the expert Expedition Team.
    • Visit the Falkland Islands and South Georgia when the penguin colonies are at their most raucous.
    • The best time of year for whale watching, seeing snow algae and colourful sunsets in Antarctica.

Map