New Year South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Arrive independently and transfer to the hotel for your included overnight stay. Enjoy time seeing the sights and sounds of this city which is renowned for its enchanting scenery, before enjoying a good night’s sleep in preparation for the adventures ahead.

After checking out of the hotel, you will have time to explore more of Ushuaia and its surrounds before heading to the port in the mid-afternoon to board the brand new polar vessel Greg Mortimer. Settle into your cabin and get to know your home for the next 19 nights as the ship sets sail through the scenic Beagle Channel. A luggage transfer from the hotel is included.

As your ship sails south through the famous Drake Passage keep an eye out in one of the many observation areas for the seabirds, including albatross, which follow the ship, and the first of many iceberg sightings. Enjoy informative lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of the areas you are about to discover and attend bio security briefings for your time in Antarctica. As we approach the Shetland Islands possible landings may include the Aitcho, Robert or Deception Islands.

As you awake on day 5 the sight that will greet you is the stunning Antarctic Peninsula. A land of superlatives, Antarctica’s vast proportions are a sight to behold. Enjoy Zodiac excursions to explore penguin rookeries, visit historic sites and scientific stations, and get up close to the masses of elaborate icebergs. Watch seals basking on the ice floes, join an excursion in search of orca sightings, and enjoy the exhilaration of stepping foot on the white continent. As with all polar expeditions, your exact itinerary in Antarctica will be dictated by weather and wildlife sighting opportunities so be prepared for the unexpected. Making the most every moment, your captain will choose the best course each day for wildlife viewings and adventures, with a new experience guaranteed each day. Discover the Weddell Sea area and sail through the Lemaire Channel, making sure to have your camera ready at all times! For the more adventurous there will be ample opportunities for kayaking.

On our way towards South Georgia we will visit Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men wintered beneath their upturned boats. Weather permitting you can board the Zodiacs and head towards Point Wild to go ashore to pay tribute to these hardy souls.

Heading closer to South Georgia your ship will follow in Shackleton’s wake across the Scotia Sea, with the possibility of a detour to visit the remote South Orkney Islands if ice conditions allow. Make sure to spend time on deck or in one of the many observation areas to watch for whales and icebergs riding up from the Weddell Sea. Take the time to reflect on the exciting experiences you will have had in Antarctica and join interesting lectures and discussions on South Georgia’s wildlife and history. There will also be bio-security briefings to prepare you for your time on South Georgia.

Welcome to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, a mostly uninhabited land filled with historic associations, spectacular scenery and the world’s largest king penguin rookeries. Your time here will allow for an in-depth exploration of the island, with your captain choosing each day the best spots to visit. You will explore the stunning northern coast as well as the Stromness and Grytviken harbours, where 3000-metre peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Enjoy Zodiac excursions each day and for the kayakers there are plentiful areas along the beautiful coastline to explore and get up close the playful seals that frequent the waters. Enjoy walks along the beaches where an abundance of basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and busy penguins jostle for the perfect spot and take the time to soak up the sights and sounds of this simply remarkable island.

As we leave South Georgia behind your ship will sail towards the Falkland Islands through the Scotia Sea. As you pass the Shag Rocks keep an eye out on deck for the seabirds that follow the ship. Enjoy further presentations from your onboard experts on the history, wildlife and geology of the areas, and take the time to revel in the memories you will have made.

As your journey nears its end there’s time for one more adventure as your ship sails around the northern coast of the Falkland Islands. Time and weather permitting we may be able to make some landings on some of the more remote islands of the archipelago in search of more penguin encounters and scenic photo opportunities. There may also be time to explore Stanley, the capital of the Falklands. There are many opportunities available for extending your stay in the Falklands so please ask for details if you would like more time here to experience the wonders of these beautiful wildlife and history-filled islands.

On the morning of day 21 you will awake to your ship gently cruising along the Beagle Channel into Ushuaia, as your epic adventure comes to an end. After breakfast it will be time to say goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the airport or to a downtown location should you wish to extend your time in Ushuaia.