Antarctica Classic | MS Expedition

Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world with a dramatic setting overlooking the Beagle Channel, surrounded by mountains. It is a major port for Antarctic bound vessels and an interesting city to explore. The Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia, (Maritime & the Prison of Ushuaia Museum), located in the former prison of Ushuaia in buildings dating back to 1906, is well worth a visit. Tierra del Fuego National Park, a short bus ride from Ushuaia was the first shoreline National Park to be established in Argentina. It is a rugged, mountainous park with great views of Lapataia Bay and dramatic scenery with waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and lakes including parts of Fagnano and Roca Lakes. There are many hiking trails within the park including the Coastal Path (Senda Costera) that connects Ensenada Bay to Lapataia Bay on Lago Roca and the park is home to many species of birds and animals.

Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Embarkation time is set for 4:00 pm. The morning is free for any last minute shopping, an optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park or a hike up to the Marshall Glacier. The evening is spent on board the ship watching the sunset over the Beagle Channel. On the first day on-board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.

Our adventure begins with an 800km (497 mile) crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The M/S Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. On the second day we cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species.

As we make the passage you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where you meet your guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Keep a look out for sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the ship’s wake.

This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent to experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world! Over the next four days we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and on to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter. During the voyage, learn about the Peninsula's remarkable history and encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as orca, humpback and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.

Today we leave Antarctica and head north back across the Drake Passage to our home port of Ushuaia. In between bird watching, whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, our final two days are a perfect opportunity to relax and review the highlights of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

And so our adventure comes to a close. We'll say our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning. Upon completion of the 8:00 am disembarkation in Ushuaia, you will be transferred to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored.

*** Important - Please be sure not to book flights out of Ushuaia before 12PM (Noon) on the day of disembarkation from your cruise ship.