Antarctica, Chilean Fjords And Falklands - Great Explorers And Solar Eclipse

Your adventure starts with an overnight stay in Santiago, the exciting and diverse capital of Chile. There is much to discover here, from Andean glaciers at the city borders, to skyscrapers in the centre, to lovely colonial architecture, to the shores of the fast-flowing Mapacho River. You can also extend your expedition by adding an optional Pre-Programme to the amazing Atacama Desert or to Torres del Paine National Park during a tour of Chilean Patagonia.

Fly early in the morning to Punta Arenas where the hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen awaits, ready for your expedition cruise to Antarctica.

We sail through the scenic Beagle Channel and over the legendary Drake Passage. On board, the Expedition Team starts the lecture programme, giving you information about Antarctica’s fantastic animals, geology and history.

You will also learn what it takes to be an Antarctic Ambassador in our mandatory briefing and join the Citizen Science programme to learn more about the wildlife and ecosystems of Antarctica.

The time at sea is also great time to enjoy all the amenities of our advanced hybrid powered expedition ship

With white horizons above oceans full of icebergs and whales, Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring will be your first encounter with the huge colonies of penguins.

Our Expedition Team will lead ice-cruising and landings at every opportunity to come ashore and explore the impressive Antarctic scenery. From deck, there are great chances to spot whales. Of course, this is true wilderness, so nature is in charge, but our experienced captain will work with the elements to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure.

We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula and aim to bring you to the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife on display in this pristine wilderness.

Wherever we explore, the sights and sounds and of Antarctica are sure to stay with you for a lifetime!

Relax in the tranquility of a day at sea, sharing experiences and exchanging stories with your fellow adventurers. Enjoy the amenities of our innovative expedition ship and look out for wildlife from our outside decks.

The South Orkney Islands consist of four islands situated in the Scotia Sea about 600 km northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula. We arrive here in the very early morning to experience the Solar Eclipse, weather permitting. Our Expedition Team will be on deck to give out special-purpose solar filters which will protect your eyes while you observe the extraordinary occurrence. If your cabin faces the right direction, you can enjoy the event through the window, without even having to change out of your pyjamas

A professional astronomer will also be part of the Expedition Team for the full duration of the voyage, delivering a series of in-depth lectures and providing insights during the Solar Eclipse.

After observing the Solar Eclipse, we plan to explore the South Orkney Islands themselves. 85% of the islands’ surface is made up of glaciers, which make it the perfect home for various species of penguins and seals. We will do our best to navigate a route through the area’s icebergs, sea ice, and frequent mist.

After exploring this unforgettable continent, we set course for the Falkland Islands. Our Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the Islands, point out wildlife from our outer decks and scout for the Albatrosses that often guide our way. Using the state-of-the-art microscopes in the ship’s Science Center, you can analyse samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level.

After the wilderness of Antarctica, enjoy the contrast provided by Stanley, with red phone boxes, red buses and old pubs. The capital is a good size for roaming the streets on foot, or you can join an excursion to explore the wilderness and wildlife in the surrounding area. We will be docked here throughout the day.

The Falklands are teeming with wonders of nature, with fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons and stunning white sand beaches.

As we reach the westernmost outposts in the Falklands, you will see remote farms that have been family-owned for generations. Penguins waddle along the beaches here, often coming close to you to take a look out of curiosity, and even posing for photos! We plan to go ashore to explore the area on hikes and to spot some of the many bird species that live here.

As we complete the loop of the Magellan Strait, we will have a recap of everything we have experienced on this expedition cruise in the Science Center. Make sure you also spend some time on deck looking for wildlife.

We arrive back in Punta Arenas in the morning. After the flight back to Santiago de Chile, you can extend your vacation with a Post-Programme to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.