South Atlantic Cruise: South Africa to Antarctica

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Cape Town. This evening, enjoy the hotel’s amenities or take advantage of your free time to explore the city.

Overnight in Cape Town

This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the cruise ship for embarkation.

Between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture.

Days at sea are rarely idle on an expedition voyage. Scan the horizon from the open deck, albatrosses tracking the ship's wake, a blow in the distance, ice on the edge of visibility. Between landings, the ocean itself becomes part of the itinerary. Head inside when you're ready: sauna, gym, hot tub, or a talk from the expedition team on what lies ahead.

Seabirds outnumber humans on this remote British outpost in the middle of the southern Atlantic. Millions of species like the rare yellow-nosed albatross, skuas, terns and petrels, including the endangered Tristan albatross, inhabit the bluffs. Northern rockhopper penguins breed on the beaches, while upwellings attract whales and dolphins. Fur seals also haul out on the island teeming with avian life.

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.

Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with tens of thousands of King Penguins and gentoo penguins, making up some of the largest populations in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is laid to rest.

On some days at sea guests are welcome to visit the bridge and see how the ship is navigated through ice, read the instruments, and talk with the officers on watch. Days at sea are also when the expedition team runs their best talks: deeper dives into the wildlife, history, and science of the region you're crossing. Or simply find a quiet corner and watch the Southern Ocean go by.

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery, like the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Expedition activities might include Mikkelsen Harbour, where among gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills and skuas, Antarctic Weddell seals haul out.

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be transferred from the cruise ship to the airport in time for your flight to Buenos Aires.

*Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.