Quest for the Weddell Sea

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can’t be accommodated at the Arakur, you’ll unwind at another of Ushuaia’s top luxury hotels.) Our optional evening briefing  is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: Embarkation
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid–afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

Day 3–4: Drake Passage
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

Days 5-7: Antarctic Sound & Weddell Sea
We travel into the captivating region at the northeastern tip of the continent, the Antarctic Sound, the gateway to the Weddell Sea. This area boasts some of Antarctica’s most striking scenery, from the vast Adelie Penguin colonies at Hope Bay and Devil’s Island, to the dramatic volcanic cliffs at Brown Bluff. Continuing southward toward the Weddell Sea, we’ll likely encounter immense tabular icebergs, as well as a diverse array of wildlife, including penguins, seals, seabirds, and humpback whales.

Days 8-9: Antarctic Peninsula
In the days ahead, we venture further west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region, consisting of the ‘spine’ of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of mountainous glaciated islands, while offering a plethora of iconic Antarctic experiences. From Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay, to witnessing penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential stop promises awe-inspiring encounters. Explore historic huts at Damoy Point, witness humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery of the Lemaire Channel.

Day 10: South Shetland Islands
Despite the inhospitable elements, the South Shetland Islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels. The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. Experience the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, or witness the bustling penguin colonies on Aitcho and Half Moon Islands.

Days 11-12: Drake Passage
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 13: Ushuaia Disembarkation
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Please note the itinerary and route map are only tentative outlines of what you may experience. No specific itinerary, routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Where the ship actually sails will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, the weather & ice conditions and the captain & expedition leader. Every trip is different, which adds to the excitement of expedition cruising in the polar regions.