We were delighted to book this wonderful holiday to Antarctica for a mother and daughter looking for a bucket list adventure. Here is what they will be enjoying later this year.
Day One
Arrive in Buenos Aires, a buzzing European-style city which radiates charisma and where old meets new. The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is not only a hub for the rest of the country, it is also a fascinating destination in its own right.
Get under the skin of the city by watching risqué tango performed on the streets and sniffing out the best steaks and wine you've ever tasted. After this, you've got the brightly-coloured houses of the vibrant La Boca district of Palermo to explore with its designer boutiques and restaurants and the world-famous Teatro Colon, where you just have to catch a show.
Stay at the Emperador Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis for two nights
Day Three
Transfer by private vehicle to Buenos Aires domestic airport for an onward flight to Ushuaia and transfer to Ushuaia pier to board your cruise to explore the highlights of Antarctica.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is known as the city at the end of the world, due to it being the southernmost city in the world clinging to Argentina's most southerly tip. It is the capital and port of the Tierra del Fuego province and is located between the majestic snow-capped Martial mountain range and the shores of the stunning Beagle Channel on the main island of the archipelago. The name Ushuaia was given by the indigenous Yaghan people who used to inhabit the land and it means 'deep bay' or 'bay that penetrates westward'. This scenic location is adorned with raw, natural beauty - making it possible for visitors to go on wildlife adventures to nearby penguin-inhabited islands or to spot the majestic orcas in the channel.
To experience the breathtaking landscapes for yourself you can ski, trek the mountains and glaciers, or take a boat trip through the magnificent fjords. Ushuaia is also the gateway to the Antarctic and the notorious Drake Passage. Some visit here simply to say they've visited the world's southernmost town, whilst others get into the spirit of adventure before a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic cruise.
It was here that Darwin and Vice-Admiral FitzRoy set forth on their famous voyage - the fruits of which can be seen in Ushuaia's anthropological museums. Take a stroll down Maipu Coastal Avenue, which fringes the Beagle Channel, before visiting Malvinas Argentinas Street to catch a glimpse of the historic Beben House.
Ushuaia is also the bustling port of the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province and where you board your cruise to Antarctica.
After boarding the ship and having a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board and have time to familiarise yourself with the friendly crew and the ship. Take time to unpack and meet your fellow shipmates before a relaxing dinner and your first departure.
Stay aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen on a full board basis for 10 nights.
MS Fridjof Nansen
The remarkable MS Fridtjof Nansen stands as a pioneering vessel in Hurtigruten Expeditions' fleet. This state-of-the art hybrid ship represents the future of expedition cruising, with innovative sustainable technology that reduces fuel consumption.
Accommodations aboard range from comfortable Polar Outside cabins, Arctic Superior cabins to luxurious Expedition Suites. Arctic Superior cabins feature convertible double beds, private bathrooms with showers, with many offering private balconies. If you are seeking indulgence, the Expedition Suites provide spacious apartments with premium
amenities including private balconies, expansive windows, and some with hot tubs. Suite guests enjoy exclusive perks such as complimentary fine dining in the Lindstrøm restaurant, champagne and delicacies upon departure, daily turndown service, and the convenience of in-suite dining through a dedicated takeaway service.
The ship's distinctive restaurants celebrate Norway's rich heritage and local ingredients. Lindstrøm, named after the favourite chef of Norwegian polar heroes, offers fine dining. Restaurant Aune, named after polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune, serves as the main dining venue, while the informal Restaurant Fredheim, inspired by a 1900s Svalbard
hunting station, provides a social gathering place. For refreshment with a view, the Pool Bar offers cocktails and beverages to enjoy while soaking in the hot tubs or infinity pool, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation after a day of exploration.
The elegant Explorer Lounge & Bar provides comfortable armchairs and floor-to-ceiling windows for magnificent panoramic views. The cutting-edge Science Center serves as the intellectual heart of the vessel, equipped with touch screens and specialised equipment where you can interact with the expert Expedition Team through lectures, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences. For physical and mental wellbeing, the ship features a full fitness centre and Wellness suite offering various treatments including massage and facial services. The Observation Deck is an ideal vantage point for wildlife watching and the relaxing pool and hot tubs provide the perfect ending to days filled with adventure.
Cruising the highlights of Antarctica
During the following days, the ship will sail through the majestic Drake Passage. On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition.
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 impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.
There's also plenty of time to relax over the next two days, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and mingle with fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Over the next few days, you'll be able to experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty.
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Surrounded by looming glaciers and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder.
Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It's a stillness that's broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife.
Whales begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. This is also when the first penguin chicks hatch and seeing the clumsy clumps of feathers run around is always a charming sight. February and March offer peak whale-watching opportunities, when large amounts of krill lure them to the area.
Here, nature is king, and you are a mere observer. Your experienced Captain will continually
monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling. You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises and may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent. Over five magical days, you'll experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.
After five incredible days, you’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica. Your head will likely be filled with special memories and impressions of the magical sights. The next couple of days will be a chance to reflect on your adventure to the seventh continent.
As your mind tries to conjure up the impressive Antarctic scenery, now may be a good time to sift through your photos and videos to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Why not take the chance to unwind in the sauna or enjoy a few relaxing spa treatments in the wellness area. Admire the towering Drake Passage as you make your way back to Ushuaia and enjoy the ship's facilities.
Day Thirteen
Today your cruise ends in Ushuaia.
On arrival into the port you will be met and transferred to Ushuaia airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires.
Day Fourteen
Arrive into Buenos Aires.
Stay at Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis for two nights, enabling you to explore more of the capital of Argentina.
Day Sixteen
Transfer to Buenos Aires airport for your flight home.