Exploration of Antarctica, Patagonia and the Falklands (Northbound)
About Montevideo, Uruguay
Highlights of Antarctica
We cross Drake Passage to explore the most remote place on planet Earth, Antarctica. The Antarctic ice cap is the largest single mass of ice in the world, but amazingly, this is a wilderness teeming with life. Go ashore on landings to meet penguins in their lively colonies or on ice-cruising outings to spot for whales and seals in spectacular surroundings.
The elements rule in this wilderness, and our captain works with the conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. There may be chances to join optional kayaking tours or even hike and camp in the world´s most isolated wilderness. Antarctica is unforgettable!
Fabulous Falklands
A starkly contrasting natural and cultural experience awaits you on the Falkland Islands. Sheep graze next to penguin colonies in the countryside, while red English buses trundle by cozy pubs in the town of Stanley.
Patagonian Wildlife and Big City Life
Puerto Madryn, the gateway to the beautiful Valdez Peninsula, is our next destination. This area was named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its abundant wildlife. At the end of our journey, you can enjoy a taste of big city life during the late days of summer in Montevideo after disembarking MS Fridtjof Nansen.
- Experience Antarctica, Patagonia, and the Falklands on one expedition cruise
- See amazing wildlife: penguins, seals, whales, albatrosses and more
- Go on landings and ice-cruising outings in Antarctica
- Join in a wide-ranging science and activity program led by our expert expedition team
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
- One hotel night in Buenos Aires before the voyage including breakfast
- Transfer hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
- Coach-class flight Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
- Transfer airport to ship in Ushuaia including an orientation tour
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including ice-cruising and landings with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team - an international, handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail in
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGINE ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Destination-focused onboard library
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- +All meals including beverages (ship beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all restaurants)
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Gym, hot tubs and panoramic sauna
- Free Wi-fi on board for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking, camping, glacier walks, long hikes (availability depends on weather conditions and safety)
- Optional small-group Explorer Photo program with our Expedition Photographer
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Medical questionnaire mandatory. Read all Entry Requirements for your travel.
Itinerary
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Cultural and Cool - Buenos Aires - Hotel
Your adventure starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover the “Paris of South America,” or extend your stay with an optional pre- and/or post-cruise Land Adventure to explore Wild Patagonia.
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Tierra del Fuego - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia - Embarkation
Fly early in the morning to Ushuaia, where MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits. Once onboard, we kick off our journey with a welcome dinner.
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Crossing Drake Passage - Drake Passage
Prepare yourself for Antarctica as we cross famed Drake Passage. Learn about the fascinating history and environmental science of Antarctica from our expedition team in the Science Center. This is also a great time to enjoy all the amenities of our advanced hybrid-powered expedition ship.
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Penguins, Icebergs, Seals and Whales - Antarctica
Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder, with white horizons looming above seas full of icebergs and whales. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring will be your first encounter with huge colonies of penguins.
At every opportunity, our expedition team will lead ice-cruisings and landings that go ashore and explore Antarctica’s astoundingly beautiful scenery. From on deck, there are great chances to spot whales. Of course, this is true wilderness, so nature is in charge, and our experienced captain works with the elements to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure.
We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula to bring you into the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife of this pristine wilderness.
Wherever we explore, the sights and sounds of Antarctica are sure to stay with you for a lifetime!
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Scanning for Wildlife and Joining Lectures - At sea
The expedition team will continue the lecture program, covering history and the great explorers, marine biology, wildlife, oceanography and climate change. Spend some time on deck and watch for wildlife as we make our way north to the Falklands. We are usually followed by different sea bird species, such as albatrosses.
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Pubs, Penguins and Perfect Wilderness - The Falkland Islands
As we reach the westernmost outposts in the Falklands you will see remote farms that have been family-owned for several generations.
We may call on New Island, which boasts white sandy beaches and turquoise waters that could easily be mistaken for those on a Caribbean isle.
Carcass Island is another possible stop, an aviary paradise with ducks, geese, penguins, albatrosses, caracaras and wrens. We hope to go ashore for exploring, hiking or taking a closer look at the wildlife.
Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, is inviting and an ideal size for roaming the streets on foot. Or, you can join an optional excursion to explore wilderness and wildlife in the surrounding area. We will be docked in Stanley throughout the day.
Included activity:
Stanley self guided walk (1 - 2 t)
Take a short self-guided walk to get insight into life in the Falklands. Start at the historic Jubilee Villa gardens where local flora and fauna are found, stroll along Ross Road and visit Christchurch cathedral and the Whalebone Arch before proceeding to the Historic Dockyard Museum. Take the tour as part of a group or on an individual basis.
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Enjoy Onboard Activities - At sea
Days at sea are full of activity. Our expedition team presents fascinating talks and lectures in the Science Center, and MS Fridtjof Nansen features a wellness area, swimming pool and hot tubs.
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World Heritage Highlights - Puerto Madryn - Half Day
The Valdez Peninsula is a stunning nature reserve that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated on Argentina's Patagonian coast, the peninsula is home to dramatic natural habitats. Enjoy our wide variety of optional excursions starting in Puerto Madryn that bring you closer to wildlife and let you experience the Gaucho-lifestyle of Patagonia.
Included activity:
Welsh Tea and Sea Lion Lookout (5 hrs 30)
Puerto Madryn was founded by Welsh settlers in the late 19th century so it is fitting to enjoy some Welsh tea even though we are in Argentina. Actually, you find a number of tea houses around town. Puerto Madryn is also a great place to observe sea lions after you've enjoyed your tea.
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Wildlife and Lectures - At sea
After exhilarating days in Patagonia, Antarctica and the Falklands, the final days of the voyage are spent sailing north while air and sea temperatures rise. Relax with your fellow explorers on the outer decks, restaurants and lounges, and enjoy a farewell dinner on the last evening.
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Fascinating Capital - Montevideo - Disembarkation
Montevideo boasts colorful cultural diversity, with a picturesque blend of colonial Spanish, Italian and Art Deco architectural styles. After disembarking MS Fridtjof Nansen, you can visit the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), the vibrant Mercado del Puerto, museums, art galleries, and the white, sandy beaches surrounding the city.
