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Experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This 21-day voyage illuminates Ernest Shackleton’s legend and recounts his courageous exploration of Antarctica. You’ll visit historical sites of past explorers, as well as Shackleton’s final resting place – the wildlife-rich island of South Georgia. Antarctica is beyond comprehension and sure to amaze any traveller seeking a true adventure to the world’s most remote wilderness.
Highlights
• Meet hardy locals and spot unique wildlife in the Falkland Islands
• Explore abandoned whaling stations and visit Shackleton’s grave
• Walk quietly amongst king penguins and watch them surf onto the beach
• Learn about the environment and ecology from industry experts
• Spot whales and seals while cruising past icebergs aboard Zodiacs
• Set foot on the continent of Antarctica
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Day 1 Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city. Arrival transfer is included. There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the MS Expedition.
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Day 2 Ushuaia/Beagle Channel
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping or explore the town or the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the MS Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel. Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day onboard, the Expedition Leader will give an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for the trip.
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Day 3 Beagle Channel/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
As the Expedition makes passage east, become acquainted with the ship. Begin lectures and information sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. On the passage east visit the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall and meet the guides, ship’s crew and lecturers. Begin the lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
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Days 4–5 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean
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. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters. Catch our first glimpses of penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck, spot elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep.
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Days 6–7 Southern Ocean/South Georgia
Sailing east, set course for South Georgia. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters.
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Days 8–11 South Georgia/Scotia Sea
Home to many interesting sites (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend three full days exploring the island. Weather permitting, three full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.
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Days 12–13 Scotia Sea/Tierra de O'Higgins, Península
Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards on course towards Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. These waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.
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Days 14–18 Tierra de O'Higgins, Península/Drake Passage
Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting), and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history. Finally a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and 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 that we encounter. The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take a chance to visit scientists working in modern research bases, with plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and 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, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
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Days 19–20 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures on route back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful lookout for a last chance to spot whales. Heading north across the Drake Passage, spend two days enjoying the beauty of the sea while sailing for Ushuaia. In between bird watching, whale watching, and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions, and Whales!
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Day 21 Ushuaia
Disembark in the morning. Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying goodbyes before disembarking in Ushuaia in the morning.
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Please Note:
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.
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11 January, 2026 to 31 January, 2026
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
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11 January, 2027 to 31 January, 2027
Located on the Main Deck
Approximately 13.5 sq. m (145 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower and 1 upper berth and a porthole
Ensuite bathroom with hairdryer
Located on the Lower deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the main deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the main deck, midships (Deck 2)
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and 2 windows
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain's Deck or Upper Deck
Approximately 12 sq. m (132 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 13 sq. m (144 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 20 sq. m (215 sq. ft.)
Include a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), a couch and sitting area, and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Bridge Deck at the stern
Approximately 19 sq. m (208 sq. ft.)
Includes a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), large sitting area with couch
Panoramic window facing either aft or port or starboard (depending on the cabin)
Ensuite bathroom
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Expedition
Expedition
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 105 metres
Passenger Capacity: 128
Built/Refurbished: 1976/2017
Launching for the 2025/2026 season, this newly refurbished expedition vessel offers a stylish yet rugged upgrade for polar exploration. With brand new engines, refreshed communal spaces, and modernised cabins complete with ensuite bathrooms, it blends performance, comfort, and an intimate atmosphere for just 128 guests. Designed to keep things cosy and capable, the ship’s small size means guests can disembark more frequently (weather permitting), ensuring more time ashore, closer wildlife encounters, and memorable moments that larger ships simply cannot provide.
On board, 70 well-appointed cabins feature lower beds, private facilities, and views of the ever-changing landscapes through windows or portholes. Facilities include a dining room, observation deck, theatre-style lounge for presentations, jacuzzis, gym, and a 24-hour tea and coffee station. Guests can also enjoy optional adventures such as kayaking among ice floes or camping overnight on the Antarctic ice. Whether navigating polar waters or tracing the rugged coastlines of the Scottish Isles, this ship offers a perfect balance of adventure and comfort in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
Camping
Follow in the footsteps of bold explorers and experience this land’s awe-inspiring splendours first hand. Our Antarctica camping experience includes time to enjoy the beauty of Antarctica near your campsite with ample photography options. Experience the sounds of heaving ice, the fresh scent of the sea, the stars at night—nothing gets you closer to the humbling forces of nature than spending a night ashore!
Kayaking
Weather permitting, you will head out in kayaks during the days where zodiac landings are also available. Kayaking as part of a group lead by experienced and skilled leaders, is an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment!
Optional tours and excursions are available, please contact us for more details.
