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A deep dive into the wonders of Antarctica
This voyage is for those who want the ultimate in Antarctica experiences. With nine full days in the White Continent, we venture further to visit iconic regions where the explorers of old first set sail. You’ll witness a wildlife extravaganza as we encounter whales, seals, colonies of penguins, and many seabirds – all living wild and free in this pristine haven. On this active expedition, we’ll head out in kayaks or use snowshoes so you can really get to know Antarctica up close and personal. And with flexibility built into our itinerary, we can adapt our route to chase the extraordinary.
Explore further with the expedition factor
Our adventure begins in the birthplace of the tango, Argentina’s Buenos Aires, before we fly to Ushuaia and join our comfortable hybrid-powered expedition ship. Crossing the Drake Passage is a time of anticipation, excitement and learning with the Expedition Team, as we sail towards the Antarctic Peninsula. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea, Antarctic Sound and the Gerlache and Penola straits. Days will be filled with wonder and awe as we gaze upon immense glaciers and icebergs and enjoy a rich and fulfilling adventure like no other.
Highlights
• Spend nine days exploring Antarctica, visiting the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, Gerlache Strait and Penola Strait, beginning and ending in Buenos Aires.
• Travel beyond the ordinary routes and visit exclusive and secluded areas. Experience every facet of Antarctica and have enough time to savour every unforgettable moment.
• Learn all about the splendours of the Antarctic Peninsula, with more exploration than any other Antarctic Peninsula voyage.
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Day 1 The beat of Buenos Aires
Feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires and get into the spirit of adventureAn overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic voyage. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, the 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.
Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer or explore the region with our optional Pre-Programme.
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Day 2 Heading south
Set sail from the capital of Tierra del FuegoThe morning begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia. This port city is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province, and it’s set against the magnificently rugged backdrop of the Andes mountains. Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city, and it’s from here that many adventures to Antarctica set out – including ours.
You’ll be welcomed aboard your hybrid-powered expedition ship – specially designed for exploring polar waters – and after a briefing from your Expedition Team there will be time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board. Your adventure has truly begun!
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Day 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage
Get into adventure mode and learn about the nature and science of AntarcticaOn the two-day crossing over the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your upcoming adventure.
Visit the onboard Science Centre and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the serious effects of modern-day environmental concerns. You'll discover how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and learn about the onboard Citizen Science projects which help protect the environment and that you can be a part of.
There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine in the ship’s restaurants, and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
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Day 5-13 Antarctica: another world
Experience all the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula as we enter expedition modeNothing quite prepares you for it. Silence and serenity infuse your soul as we sail through the deep blue waters past looming glaciers and cathedral-sized icebergs. Every moment in Antarctica will fill you with wonder.
Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them, and majestic, migrating whales glide past pristine icebergs as they feed on shoals of krill. Look skywards and you may spot some of the 45 species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, including skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns.
Here, nature reigns, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for adventure, and we’ll spend nine action-packed days exploring several of the many possible landing sites. Each day will offer something different and thrilling as we probe uncharted territories.
Where most journeys to Antarctica end, yours only intensifies, offering unprecedented access to some lesser-explored areas. Remember, this is an expedition voyage! This means we’ll be able to adapt our itinerary depending on the sea and ice conditions, and we’ll endeavour to spend at least one day – or possibly several – in each of the following regions:
South Shetland Islands: Typically, the first glimpse of Antarctica for travellers, the South Shetland Islands boast a dramatic landscape across the 20-island archipelago. These rugged isles are not just strikingly beautiful, they are also teeming with wildlife, offering a vibrant, up-close encounter with nature's resilience and diversity.
Antarctic Sound: A lesser-visited gem in the region, Antarctic Sound serves as a grand gateway to the Weddell Sea and is home to some of the largest tabular icebergs. This striking corridor of ice and water is also a prime habitat for observing the rarer Adélie Penguin and offers a unique snapshot of the grandeur of Antarctica.
The Weddell Sea:
Navigable only by the most advanced ice-strengthened ships, the Weddell Sea offers a profound connection to Antarctic exploration history. It was in this region in 1925 that Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance, was crushed by sea ice, setting off his legendary survival journey. Visitors to this harshly beautiful environment gain a vivid sense of Shackleton’s extraordinary feats. Here, you might also see Emperor Penguins migrating to or from the nearby colony at Snow Hill Island.
Gerlache Strait:
A centrepiece of Antarctic exploration, the Gerlache Strait, offers sheltered waterways ideal for up-close encounters with some of the continent's most iconic sights. This is the area where that our ship’s namesake, Roald Amundsen, in 1898 sailed aboard the Belgica before he and the crew became the first humans to overwinter in Antarctica. Frequented by humpback whales and resident orca pods, this area mesmerises visitors with 360-degree views of snow-covered alpine landscapes, providing a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for adventure.
The Penola Strait (South of the Lemaire Channel):
The Penola Strait, accessed via the breathtaking Lemaire Channel – often hailed as the world's most picturesque channel – offers a spectacular maze of penguin-covered islands set against the massive glacier-clad peaks of the continental shoreline. This remote area, often beyond the range of standard voyages, teems with wildlife and presents boundless exploration opportunities. The abundant sea ice not only enhances the beauty but also increases the chance of observing seals and seeing the unique hunting tactics of orcas.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, enlightening and entertaining with their insights into the wonders of the frozen continent.
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Day 14-15 Back through the Drake Passage
Reflect on your adventureAfter nine days of exhilaration, taking in the wonders and wildlife of Antarctica, our ship begins to head back north. As we make the return trip across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this time at sea.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre to delve into areas of interest in more depth and contribute your observations to Citizen Science projects. Enlist the help of our onboard photographer with the editing of your photos.
Relax with a treatment in the spa and wellness area or take in the fresh sea air from the on-deck hot tubs. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.
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Day 16 Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos AiresYour expedition cruise ends back where we set out from in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but if you’re still in the mood for some more experiences it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.
Buenos Aires is a city rich in culture, with some amazing architecture and dining options. If you fancy lingering a while longer, why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.
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Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
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31 October, 2026 to 15 November, 2026
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. They can accommodate up to four passengers.
Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
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14 November, 2026 to 29 November, 2026
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. They can accommodate up to four passengers.
Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
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12 December, 2026 to 27 December, 2026
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. They can accommodate up to four passengers.
Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
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20 February, 2027 to 07 March, 2027
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. They can accommodate up to four passengers.
Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
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Roald Amundsen
Roald Amundsen
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 140 metres
Passenger Capacity: 530
Built: 2019
MS Roald Amundsen is a modern expedition ship named after the legendary Norwegian polar explorer who first reached the South Pole. Built in 2019 at Kleven Yards in Norway, the vessel is purpose-designed for voyages in polar and remote waters, combining exploration capability with a strong focus on environmental performance. As one of the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships, she uses battery-assisted electric propulsion to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 20 percent, setting a new standard for more sustainable expedition travel. With a capacity of 490 guests, she serves as a comfortable and efficient base camp at sea for journeys to some of the planet’s most extreme and spectacular regions.
Onboard, Scandinavian design principles define both public spaces and accommodation, using natural materials such as granite, oak, birch, and wool to create a calm, functional, and refined atmosphere. All cabins are outside-facing, with around half featuring private balconies, while selected suites offer private outdoor hot tubs. Key facilities include a two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck, a Science Centre at the core of the expedition experience, multiple dining venues inspired by regional flavours, and comprehensive wellness amenities including a gym, sauna, spa, infinity pool, and hot tubs. Together, these features position MS Roald Amundsen as a technologically advanced and thoughtfully designed vessel, built to support immersive exploration without compromising comfort or environmental responsibility.
