Quest for the Antarctic Circle | 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.

You will check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Embarkation time is set for 4:00pm. 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.

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. The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in our wake. There is plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history, and during the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions.

With a close eye on weather conditions, we set off southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins we push on – our aim being to cross the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travellers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, we can access many remote locations that other ships cannot reach.

We will continue our exploration of the Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands as we move north again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife we might have the opportunity to do some whale watching or even go for a Polar plunge in the Southern 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.