Celebrating Antarctica

19 Feb - 02 Mar 2023

Day 1, Arrival: No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy all that the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa has to offer, or head out and discover the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Day 2, Ushuaia: Explore the sights of Ushuaia such as the museums and Argentinean leather markets or relax in style and comfort at the hotel. Attend the optional evening briefing for the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 3, Embarkation: After a final morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort, our mid-afternoon transfer will take you to the beautiful MS Seaventure. The Expedition team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner. You’re on your way to Antarctica!

Day 4–5, Drake Passage: Join our Polar Experts in the lounge to immerse yourself in all things Antarctic, from its fascinating wildlife to its adventurous history; choose to participate in our renowned Citizen Science program; or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching your first glimpses of wildlife. Grab your binoculars to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship.  As we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters, you’ll start to notice the cooler temperatures, your cue to get ready for that first iceberg sighting, an unforgettable moment on every journey.

Day 6–7, South Shetland Islands: The volcanic South Shetland Islands offer amazing abundance and beauty, so we’ll hop into our inflatable Zodiac boats and spend as much time as possible exploring. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature’s glory!

Day 8–10, Antarctica: Here we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as we travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.

Day 11-12, Drake Passage: Time to leave this magical place inspired, exhausted, and most likely changed forever. We make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We’ll have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and photography awards ceremony, then a final meal together.

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

Crossing the Circle

29 Feb-14 Mar 2024

Day 1, Arrival: No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy all that the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa has to offer, or head out and discover the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Day 2, Ushuaia: Explore the sights of Ushuaia such as the museums and Argentinean leather markets or relax in style and comfort at the hotel. Attend the optional evening briefing for the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 3, Embarkation: After a final morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort, our mid-afternoon transfer will take you to the beautiful MS Seaventure. The Expedition team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner. You’re on your way to Antarctica!

Day 4–5, Drake Passage: Join our Polar Experts in the lounge to immerse yourself in all things Antarctic, from its fascinating wildlife to its adventurous history; choose to participate in our renowned Citizen Science program; or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching your first glimpses of wildlife. Grab your binoculars to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship.  As we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters, you’ll start to notice the cooler temperatures, your cue to get ready for that first iceberg sighting, an unforgettable moment on every journey.

Day 6, South Shetland Islands: The volcanic South Shetland Islands offer amazing abundance and beauty, so we’ll hop into our inflatable Zodiac boats and spend as much time as possible exploring. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature’s glory!

Day 7-9, Antarctic Circle: Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we sail towards the Antarctic Circle. From our most southern point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we’ll start making our way back north, cruising through the narrow channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 10-12, Peninsula: Heading north, we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as we travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.

Day 13-14, 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 15, 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

South Atlantic Island Explorer

Ushuaia to Cape Verde

14 Mar - 16 Apr 2024

Day 1 (Mar 14), Arrive in Ushuaia: Transfer to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa, surrounded by stunning panoramic views, native forests, natural terraces, and green areas. Enjoy the resorts facilities and then attend an evening briefing where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers.

Day 2 (Mar 15), Embarkation: Spend your morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner.

Day 3 (Mar 16), Scotia Sea: Wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail across the Scotia Sea will include albatross, prions, and petrels that frequently follow the ship. Our expedition team will be out on deck looking for whales and dolphins that may also be seen in the area. During our crossing to the Falkland Islands, our onboard experts will begin their presentations with informative and entertaining talks on the wildlife, history, and geology of the Southern Ocean.

Day 4-5 (Mar 17-18), The Falkland Islands (Malvinas): The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) are isolated, windswept, and a haven for wildlife, and will be our base for a few days of exploration. Our visit in March should coincide with the end of the breeding season for the many seabirds that make these islands their summer home including Gentoo, Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins, as well as the Black-Browed albatross. Hopping in our inflatable Zodiacs, we hope to see a flurry of activity associated with fledging seabirds and adults departing the islands before autumn closes in. We also plan to call at Port Stanley, the charming capital of the Falklands (Malvinas) and discover some of the historic sites from museums to battlefields.

Day 6-7 (Mar 19-20), At Sea: As we cruise towards South Georgia, the richness of these waters will be evident in the marine mammal life – especially Fur seals on fishing forays. We have a good chance of spotting Humpback and Fin whales while the birds circling our stern will be outstanding, particularly the large albatross and numerous breeds of petrels.

Day 8-10 (Mar 21-23), South Georgia: Three glorious days of expedition cruising in and around South Georgia, a paradise island with snow-clad mountain peaks rising 9000 feet and hundreds of glaciers tumbling down towards the sea. Large colonies of King penguins make South Georgia one of our planet’s greatest wonders. During our visit (in the Austral Autumn) the fluffy brown King chicks hatched in the summer, will crowd the shores like a huge kindergarten.

We hope to catch the Wandering albatross and migrating whales as the wildlife starts to prepare for the upcoming winter. Witness incredible scenes of this unique animal paradise on walks, hikes, and Zodiac rides while our onboard team of biologists and geologists increase your knowledge of this unique natural experience. Meanwhile, in Grytviken, we will visit the old whaling station and pay our respects at the grave of “the boss” – Ernest Shackleton.

Day 11-15 (Mar 24-28), At Sea: Kick back and relax, keep a look-out for passing wildlife from the deck, or feed your mind and imagination at any of our ongoing lectures or workshops. We’ll be discussing Antarctica’s incredible history and the future of Antarctic tourism, and our photography coach will be hosting workshops to help you take your photo skills to a new level. This is your time to indulge – or just daydream! – as we sail towards the most remote inhabited archipelago of islands in the world – Tristan Da Cunha.

Day 16-17 (Mar 29-30), Tristán da Cunha: First sighted in the early 16th century and settled in the early 1800s, Tristan da Cunha was frequented by naval ships, whalers, and sealers throughout the 19th century. Today it is home to some 250 hardy souls who make their living from the sea.

With two days here, there will be plenty of time to visit the main settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas where local guides will tell us about the island’s history and culture. Take an optional hike to a volcano where we learn about its eruption in 1961 and the impact that it had on the local population. End at the Thatched House Museum featuring a home preserved from that time. Other walks will include the cliffs and the potato patches where we can hear about the islanders’ subsistence farming. We also hope to visit Nightingale Island, one of the most unique wildlife strongholds in the world and home to thousands of seabirds.

Day 18-21 (Mar 31-Apr 3), At Sea: This is a great time for wildlife and bird viewing or attending one of our lecture and round table series, where you can learn about our upcoming visit to the richly historic St Helena, Napoleon’s final place of exile. It might be a good time to hit the gym, too, if you plan to take on the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder on St Helena, for an excellent view of Jamestown.

Day 22-24 (Apr 4-6), Jamestown, St. Helena: Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, the island of St Helena has been both a Dutch and British possession. In the late 17th century, the island became a strategically important port of call in the British Empire and was controlled by the East India Company for over 200 years.

The island is probably best known as Napoleon’s last place of exile, where he died in 1821 after six years living at Longwood House, which we will visit.

Explore the tiny capital of Jamestown and see the courthouse, government buildings and library. Those feeling active may want to climb the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder with views over Jamestown. During a range of walks for all levels, there will be time to explore the surrounding countryside, experience some amazing views, and witness the prolific birdlife, including the endemic St. Helena Wire bird.

Coffee lovers may want to try the rare ‘Green Tipped Bourbon Arabica’, grown on the island since 1732. Those interested in spirits might enjoy a visit to the most remote distillery in the world with the opportunity to taste the local gin, rum, and ‘Tungi’ made from local prickly pears.

Day 25-26 (Apr 7-8), At Sea: We’ll celebrate crossing the Equator with a special ceremony and swim in Seaventure’s saltwater pool, which will be filled especially for this occasion. Our Lecture series continues in preparation for landing in Ascension.

Day 27-28 (Apr 9-10), Georgetown, Ascension Island: Named after the day it was discovered, and first inhabited in 1815 by a British Garrison, today Ascension Island plays an important role in supplying British forces and scientists based in the South Atlantic.

The massive marine reserve, designed to protect the unique ecosystem, is home to huge Marlin, green turtles, and the endemic Frigate bird. We hope to take the opportunity to climb Green Mountain, explore the small capital of Georgetown, and if time and conditions allow, circumnavigate the island.

Day 29-32 (Apr 11-14), At Sea: Our time at sea is always a great opportunity to chill, revisit the photographs you’ve been taking, or share adventure stories with some of your newly-made friends. Our lecture series is always ongoing, too. Join us as we preview our next stop, the historic port and beautiful beaches of the Cape Verde Islands.

Day 33 (Apr 15), Praia, Cape Verde: This morning we’ll be in port in Praia, the capital city of the Cape Verde Islands. We will have a full day to explore Praia’s colonial architecture, bustling markets, and beautiful beaches, before returning to the Seaventure for a sumptuous final night feast.

Day 34 (Apr 16), Disembarkation, Sal, Cape Verde: Disembark this morning and transfer to Amílcar Cabral International Airport, in Sal, Cape Verde. (Airport Code SID). Flight options (at your own expense) include TAP Airlines direct to Lisbon or Edelweiss Airlines direct to Zurich, where you can connect to your home airport. Or if you’re not quite ready for your adventure to end, make your own way from the ship to a local hotel and enjoy everything this island has to offer.