Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica | MS Expedition

Arrive into Montevideo at any time. An arrival transfer is included from the airport to your hotel.

Montevideo is the historic yet cosmopolitan capital of Uruguay. Situated on the east bank of the Rio de la Plata it is home to half of Uruguay’s population. The city has much to offer including the historic Old City with the Plaza Independencia at its heart and its Citadel Gate used up until 1829 to protect the city from invasion. The plaza separates the Ciudad Vieja (old town) with its art deco buildings, colonial homes and landmarks such as the towering Palacio Salvo, from the city's downtown. Explore the covered market of Mercado del Puerto or the Centenario Football Stadium where the first World Cup was played in 1930. Stroll along La Rambla, hugging Montevideo’s scenic waterfront or maybe head to the beachside suburbs of Carrasco or Pocitos.

Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port of Montevideo. The morning is free to explore Montevideo. The evening is spent on board the ship watching the sunset and Montevideo fading into the distance. On the first day on-board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.

With a course set southeast, 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. Enjoy the lecture and educational sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins and albatross are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. Port Stanley, the capital, offers an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.

The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is an archipelago that lies 490kms east of Patagonia in the South Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by decades of controversy, the Falkland Islands (or Islas Malvinas as they are known in Argentina) have been settled and claimed by France, Spain, Britain and Argentina. The islands have much to offer with a wide variety of spectacular wildlife, beautiful rugged scenery as well as an interesting history. Five species of penguin breed on the islands (gentoo, king, macaroni, magellanic and rockhopper).

With a course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

Home to many interesting sites, including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts prolific wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, we will have three to four days to explore this island.

South Georgia has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775. It is the largest island in the territory and one of the wildest and most remote places on earth with dramatic scenery of snow-capped mountains and huge glaciers. In the 19th century South Georgia was a prominent whaling base, but whaling ceased in the 1960’s and the only remnants are museums and well-preserved buildings. South Georgia teems with wildlife due to the currents that bring nutrients to the island from the Atlantic. Huge numbers of penguins and seals breed here.

Plotting a south westerly course across the Scotia Sea, we sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards.

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting), 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 turn north to begin our journey back across the Drake Passage to our home port of Ushuaia. In between bird watching, whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the 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.