The Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Arrive in Santiago, Chile’s mountainous capital, or Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina.

2026-2027 or 2027-2028 departures: Transfer from the airport to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, or similar.

Beginning with 2028-2029 departures: Transfer from the airport to the Alvear Art, Buenos Aires, or similar.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:30 a.m. local time.
Arrival City: Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This day has a recommended group flight.

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Embark the ship.

At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as we begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins. Or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces.

With long hours of daylight at this time of year and nine days on the Continent, you’ll experience more as you sail in the wake of history’s boldest explorers on a quest to cross the legendary Antarctic Circle. Your schedule is flexible, and the state-of-the-art ship you’ll be sailing on allows you to get deeper and go further to explore the unexpected—whether it’s watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, walking amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins, enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise under the spectacular midnight sun or even discovering a new uncharted cove. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal, from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze.

One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level or embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. No matter where you go in Antarctica, you’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich your experiences and the vessel’s Icemaster Captain will navigate you safely through these icy waters.

Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Take some time to go through your photos, or send a message home to friends and family. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.

This day has a recommended group flight.

Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Fly to Santiago or Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home.

Departure Time: Depart after 9:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina