Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires 

Your journey begins with a flight from Australia to Buenos Aires. An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure.  

Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.  

There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango. 

Flying south to Ushuaia where you’ll board your ship 

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. 

This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city. 

After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.

Centre on science and learning before your Antarctic adventure 

On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise. 

Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You’ll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.  

There’s plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Experience Antarctica in all its majesty 

Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It’s a stillness that’s broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife. 

In the Antarctic summer, that might be penguins tending to their chicks; cormorants, sheathbills and petrels wheeling through the skies; or even orcas or humpback whales feeding on the krill-rich waters. Antarctica is simply a place where nature is king and the rest of us are mere observers. 

You’ll spend an exciting five days busily exploring several of the possible landing sites. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.  

You’ll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice cruises. You can take part in activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing and hiking, and may even get the chance to go camping overnight. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent.

Discover more about the Falkland Islands 

As you savour your Antarctic experiences, prepare for more adventures ahead as we cruise towards the Falkland Islands. Your Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the islands. In the Science Center, you can look through the microscope at the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustains so much of the region’s wildlife.  

Get tips from our professional photographer to improve your images or join workshops on wildlife painting and nautical knots. You can also book a spa treatment, visit the gym, and enjoy the locally sourced, regionally inspired dishes in our restaurants.

Enjoy birding and hiking in these green islands 

The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sands teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. You’ll also enjoy a community walk of Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.  

Our landings, hikes and excursions are, as always, guided by the conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, which are often found sharing space with seals, and getting as close as we can without disturbing them.

A relaxing day at sea with time to reflect 

Your expedition cruise, taking in the wonders of Antarctica and the wildlife of the Falkland Islands nears its end. As we sail the final leg to Ushuaia, enjoy your final day at sea. 

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, mulling over the highlights of a memorable adventure. End the day in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.

From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires 

Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, where you’ll have an overnight to explore the city further.

From Buenos Aires to Australia

You’ll be transferred to the airport in Buenos Aires and take your flight back to Australia.

But it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure. Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.

Discover the World Like Never Before with Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten Expeditions invites you to step beyond ordinary travel and embark on an extraordinary journey to the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations. Whether you’re cruising through the icy realms of Antarctica, navigating the Arctic’s pristine landscapes, or exploring the tropical wonders of the Amazon, our expeditions offer an immersive travel experience that combines adventure, luxury, and sustainability.

As pioneers in responsible travel, Hurtigruten is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Our fleet of hybrid-powered ships is designed with sustainability at the forefront, allowing you to explore some of the world’s most fragile environments while knowing your journey is part of a broader commitment to preserving them. With every expedition, you’ll leave with not just memories, but the knowledge that you’re traveling with a company that cares deeply about the planet.

Hurtigruten Expeditions offers a unique, small-ship experience that sets it apart from traditional cruises. With fewer passengers, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and personalized journey. You’ll have access to off-the-beaten-path destinations that larger ships can’t reach, and every aspect of your voyage will be tailored to provide you with maximum comfort and enjoyment, from stylish cabins to world-class dining.

But Hurtigruten Expeditions is not just about luxury—it’s about discovery. Our expert-led teams of naturalists, scientists, and local guides provide in-depth knowledge of the places you visit, enriching your journey with insightful lectures and hands-on exploration. Whether you’re learning about the unique wildlife of the polar regions or uncovering the rich history of the places you visit, each day is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the world.

The experiences you’ll have aboard a Hurtigruten ship are truly one of a kind. From witnessing awe-inspiring wildlife encounters to watching the Northern Lights dance above the Arctic Circle, your voyage will be filled with moments of wonder and excitement. You’ll encounter animals in their natural habitat, from penguins and whales to sea birds and seals, making each expedition a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Designed for the passionate traveler who seeks more than just a vacation, Hurtigruten Expeditions is for those who yearn to explore the world’s wildest corners while enjoying the comfort and luxury they deserve. Our guests are those who are not only looking to escape but to experience the world in its most authentic and transformative form.

Are you ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? With Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s most stunning and remote destinations await. Let us help you make your dream expedition a reality.

In 2019, Hurtigruten added a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.

MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years, cutting emissions by sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrid technology, combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board will reduce fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent. The build of these two ships represents the largest single investment in the history of Hurtigruten.

The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Roald Amundsen will lead the way towards an even more sustainable way of traveling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. The ship will be specially constructed for voyages in polar waters and serve as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.