11 Nights - Antarctica Voyage

Ushuaia, Argentina

Originally founded as an outpost on the Beagle Channel by the South American Missionary Society, Ushuaia has developed into a fast-growing frontier town. The capital of the Argentinian part of Tierra del Fuego boasts a spectacular setting. The jagged peaks of the Martial Range rising from sea level to nearly 4,500 feet provide Ushuaia with a dramatic backdrop. The surrounding areas offer great outdoor recreational possibilities, such as trekking, hiking and fishing. Rugged roads lead into the mountain and lake region and to Lapataia, which is part of the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Ushuaia itself has an interesting museum and a wide variety of shops selling everything from souvenirs and outdoor wear to duty-free luxury items. Several restaurants offer excellent seafood. Most of the town can be explored on foot in a fairly short time; the real attraction lies in the rugged beauty and unspoiled nature of the area surrounding Ushuaia.

From the 16th-century voyages of Magellan and the 19th-century explorations of Charles Darwin to the present time, Tierra del Fuego has held an ambivalent fascination for scores of adventurous travelers. Separated from the South American mainland by the Strait of Magellan, the archipelago consists of one large island, with numerous smaller islands surrounding the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. Most of them are uninhabited. The name derived from the fires that the Yahganes Indians kept burning day and night in order to keep warm.

This prompted the first Europeans to name their discovery Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). For more than three centuries the climate and terrain discouraged European settlement; the island, which is shared by Argentina and Chile, is now famous throughout the world. Charles Darwin visited here in 1832 aboard the vessel Beagle and incorporated the region’s biological diversity into his theories.

Travelers to this remote and rugged area of South America never can be certain what the weather is going to be like; experiencing four seasons in one single day is the norm rather than the exception.

However, one fact is always certain: the spirit of the rough frontier prevails and the scenic beauty is awesome.

Drake Passage Navigation

The Drake Passage or Mar de Hoces—Sea of Hoces—is the body of water between South America's Cape Horn, Chile and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It connects the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean with the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and extends into the Southern Ocean.

Drake Passage Navigation

The Drake Passage or Mar de Hoces—Sea of Hoces—is the body of water between South America's Cape Horn, Chile and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It connects the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean with the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and extends into the Southern Ocean.

Crossing Antarctic Circle

As you make the voyage across the Antarctic Circle at the 66th parallel, you become a “Red Nose,” one of the select few who navigate deep into the frontier of The White Continent to make the crossing. It is a feeling of triumph that cannot be beat.

Exploring Antarctica- Captain’s Choice

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

Exploring Antarctica- Captain’s Choice

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

Exploring Antarctica- Captain’s Choice

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

Exploring Antarctica- Captain’s Choice

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

Exploring Antarctica- Captain’s Choice

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

Drake Passage Navigation

The Drake Passage or Mar de Hoces—Sea of Hoces—is the body of water between South America's Cape Horn, Chile and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It connects the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean with the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and extends into the Southern Ocean.

Drake Passage Navigation

The Drake Passage or Mar de Hoces—Sea of Hoces—is the body of water between South America's Cape Horn, Chile and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It connects the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean with the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and extends into the Southern Ocean.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Originally founded as an outpost on the Beagle Channel by the South American Missionary Society, Ushuaia has developed into a fast-growing frontier town. The capital of the Argentinian part of Tierra del Fuego boasts a spectacular setting. The jagged peaks of the Martial Range rising from sea level to nearly 4,500 feet provide Ushuaia with a dramatic backdrop. The surrounding areas offer great outdoor recreational possibilities, such as trekking, hiking and fishing. Rugged roads lead into the mountain and lake region and to Lapataia, which is part of the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Ushuaia itself has an interesting museum and a wide variety of shops selling everything from souvenirs and outdoor wear to duty-free luxury items. Several restaurants offer excellent seafood. Most of the town can be explored on foot in a fairly short time; the real attraction lies in the rugged beauty and unspoiled nature of the area surrounding Ushuaia.

From the 16th-century voyages of Magellan and the 19th-century explorations of Charles Darwin to the present time, Tierra del Fuego has held an ambivalent fascination for scores of adventurous travelers. Separated from the South American mainland by the Strait of Magellan, the archipelago consists of one large island, with numerous smaller islands surrounding the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. Most of them are uninhabited. The name derived from the fires that the Yahganes Indians kept burning day and night in order to keep warm.

This prompted the first Europeans to name their discovery Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). For more than three centuries the climate and terrain discouraged European settlement; the island, which is shared by Argentina and Chile, is now famous throughout the world. Charles Darwin visited here in 1832 aboard the vessel Beagle and incorporated the region’s biological diversity into his theories.

Travelers to this remote and rugged area of South America never can be certain what the weather is going to be like; experiencing four seasons in one single day is the norm rather than the exception.

However, one fact is always certain: the spirit of the rough frontier prevails and the scenic beauty is awesome.