BUCKET LIST TRIP
Buenos Aires & Antarctica Expedition Cruise
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What's included
- Accommodation based on twin share room
- Cruise as per itinerary
- Cruise meals and non-chargeable entertainment
- Escorted tour
- Expert local guides
- First class hotels
- Internal flights
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Professionally guided local tours
- Transport in air conditioned vehicles
- Wildlife viewing
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Cruise gratuities
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- International flights from Australia
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
Cruise & Tour overview
The bucket-list trip starts in Buenos Aires, where you’ll discover the city’s many highlights and even learn to tango. Then fly south to Ushuaia to board purpose-built MS Fridtjof Nansen for a spectacular voyage to Antarctica.
Named after polar explorer and scientist Fridtjof Nansen, this impressive 2020 ship is one of Hurtigruten’s newest fleet members and is the next generation of expedition ships. Practical features, like revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system and strengthened hull for sea ice, are combined with premium comfort and stylish Scandinavian design.
Witness the awe of Antarctica’s wildlife and unique glaciers, see breathtaking icebergs, spot whales or dolphins from outdoor observation decks and take in the many once-in-a-lifetime moments. Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition team will be your guides and guardians on your incredible voyage of exploration!
SEE THE BROCHURE
Special Cruise Deal
Book early and you can travel in 2023 and 2024 at 2021 rates with this exciting Antarctica deal!
2023 Departures from Buenos Aires:
- From $999 per person – 10 December
- From $10,999 per person – 10 & 30 November
2024 Departures from Buenos Aires:
- From $11,999 per per person – 09 January, 04 & 24 February, 05 March
Ask us about cabin upgrades!
Note: Prices in AUD are per person, based on twin share in lead cabin categories and subject to currency fluctuations. Cabins are limited and the special offer may be withdrawn at any time. International flights from Australia to Buenos Aires are not included, but can be added on request. Booking conditions apply.
Inclusions at a glance
- All intra-flights: Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & Ushuaia-Buenos Aires
- 13 nights First Class accommodations
- 3 nights Buenos Aires
- 10 nights Antarctica Small Ship Cruise on the MS Fridtjof Nansen
- Hotel & cruise porterage
- 35 meals: 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Cruise amenities:
- Welcome dinner reception
- Coffee & tea with all meals
- Panoramic lounge & bar
- Spa & fitness centre
- Observation deck
- Non-smoking ship interior
Special features
- Tour of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the sophisticated “Paris of South America”
- Enjoy tango lessons with professional Argentine tango dancers
- Navigate through the calm waters of the Beagle Channel in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago
- An exciting journey takes you along the Drake Passage where the Atlantic & Pacific converge
- From the observation deck, opportunity to view various species of sea birds, whales, dolphins, seals, albatross
- Reach the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands – a haven for prolific wildlife
- Exciting explorations by zodiac with expedition leaders in the glacial wonderland of Antarctica
- Watch as the evening light transforms icebergs into multicolour paintings in hues of blue and green
- Traverse Cape Horn, once of great strategic importance because of its location and trade routes
- Onboard activities while at sea: enriching lectures, discussions and wildlife spotting
Life aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen
The custom-built ship launched in 2020 and combines state of the art technology and premium onboard facilities with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience. Up to 500 passengers are carried on Antarctica voyages and all cabins are outside, 50% with balconies. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool, create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. The three restaurants offer a variety of dining options and you can relax the end of an exciting day with a soak in the infinity pool or hot tubs. Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a team of specialists and the core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Centre, an edutainment venue for guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas that the cruise explores.
Is this trip right for you?
This itinerary requires a high level of physical fitness. All passengers must be able to walk on uneven or slippery surfaces and to climb on and off the small boats used for landings. An expedition cruise is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking, have heart conditions or require frequent medical care.
- DAY 01
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
- DAY 6
- DAY 7
- DAY 8
- DAY 9
- DAY 10
- DAY 11
- DAY 12
- DAY 13
- DAY 14
Arrive Buenos Aires
Arrive in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires; make your own way to your hotel (or ask if you’d like to pre-book a transfer). The city's beauty is apparent as you drive through this 19th century "Paris of South America" with its elegant architecture, wide tree-lined boulevards, striking monuments and sprawling parks. The rest of the day is yours to get acquainted with this city that has a distinct European flavour. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM with your Tour Manager, followed by a festive dinner with your fellow travellers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in Buenos Aires no later than 4 PM on Day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if possible
Overnight:Â Buenos Aires
Meals:Â Dinner
Buenos Aires City Tour
Discover the city's highlights this morning on a tour that includes the Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace); see the balcony where Eva and Juan Peron made their speeches.
Then, to the colourful La Boca neighbourhood, a working-class barrio, and the old quarters of San Telmo and Caminito, a mix of colonial style homes, narrow lanes, artists' lofts and very trendy cafes. Drive to the Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of many of the wealthiest and most important Argentine historical figures. The grounds here cover more than four city blocks, filled with tombs adorned by works of local and international sculptors, and more than 6,400 mausoleums including the tomb of Eva "Evita" Peron, always heaped with flowers and letters from adoring fans. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some of Buenos Aires neighbourhoods and fabulous collection of shops before this evening's tango lesson with professional Argentine Tango dancers. Tonight is at leisure, or, participate in the optional Argentine Dinner and Tango Show
Optional:Â Buenos Aires Dinner & Tango Show (PM)
Overnight:Â Buenos Aires
Meals:Â Breakfast
Flight to Ushuaia, Cruise Embarkation
Arrive in the quaint city of Ushuaia at the southern tip of South America; transfer to the port for embarkation on the MS Fridtjof Nansen. After a warm welcome by the Captain and crew, time to settle in and get acquainted with your new surroundings. Tonight's Welcome Dinner celebrates the beginning of your extraordinary voyage of discovery to the Great White Continent
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Beagle Channel, Drake Passage
The journey begins as you navigate through the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. Sailing onward, reach the legendary Drake Passage, a body of water that marks the convergence of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, where the nutrients are pushed to the surface attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend time on deck observing the horizon and the variety of seabirds that float in the air currents of the ship's wake, such as the black-browed albatross, sooty shearwaters, and white-chinned petrels. On board, the ship's expedition team provides enriching lectures on various topics ranging from history to wildlife that will enhance your experience and prepare you for the extraordinary days that lie ahead. At dinner, share today's sightings with your travel companions
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruising the Drake Passage
The ship continues through the 600-mile-wide Drake Passage,* an important trade route named after the 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake who sailed these rich ocean waters, prolific in marine life. The excitement builds today as Antarctic wildlife comes into view -- perhaps you'll catch your first sights of seals and penguins! Join the onboard naturalists for views from the observation deck of numerous species of sea birds, whales, dolphins, seals, albatross and more. Wildlife is plentiful here in this starkly beautiful area.
Crossing the legendary Drake Passage is indeed an unforgettable experience! In the evening, perhaps wine tasting followed by a lovely dinner
*The Drake Passage is known for its rough waters
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
South Shetland Islands
When land is spotted for the first time, you'll know you have reached the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands. This impressive group of islands, lying to the north and roughly parallel to the Antarctic Peninsula, is a haven for wildlife. Here, observe vast penguin rookeries, Antarctic fur seals, and wallowing southern elephant seals. The exploration of these sub-Antarctic islands includes a hike (weather and conditions permitting) at crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, to a view point that is a popular place to look for whales in the bay facing towards the Bransfield Strait. At lunar-like Deception Island, sail into the natural harbor of this volcanic island and view the abandoned whaling station known as Hektor. Enjoy staggering panoramas of sheer cliffs rising from the sea and snow-covered peaks - surely a highlight of the day
The itinerary and activities over the coming days are subject to weather and ice conditions with the route and shore landings communicated by regularly scheduled briefings
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland chain of Islands, with its breathtaking mountainous views and looming glaciers, is completely ice covered. Today sail into Yankee Harbor, a base for early sealers because of its remarkable natural haven. The main attraction here is the Gentoo penguin terraced colony with its over 4,000 breeding pairs. Yankee Harbor offers spectacular views across the McFarlane Strait to Livingston Island and out into the Bransfield Strait, a common feeding spot for whales. On board, there are lectures, scientific experiments and astonishing views from the deck
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica is truly unlike anything you have ever experienced - a pristine wilderness with towering mountains of ice as far as the eye can see. Be prepared for an incomparable discovery of Antarctica with your experienced expedition leaders. Today, a thrilling passage through the scenic Errera Channel and crunching icebergs, takes you to the islands of Danco and Cuverville, the latter being home to one of the largest known colonies of chinstrap penguins.
The Errera Channel, a waterway between Rongé Island and the Arctowski Peninsula, is narrow and truly magnificent. Because of its shallow and narrow waters, you may be treated to a fantastic spectacle of icebergs wedged against each other creating a massive ice sculpture
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Antarctic Peninsula
The landscapes in Antarctica, the coldest, driest, highest and cleanest continent on Earth, have remained inspirational since the day man first set eyes upon this fifth largest continent. Go ashore at Neko Harbour, one of the few places where you can land on the mainland. The scenery is stunning. Surrounded by mountains and nestled in fjord-like Andvord Bay, that stretches far into the Antarctic Peninsula. Here, visit a Gentoo penguin colony, view elephant & leopard seals and hike to a viewpoint to soak in the stunning scenery
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Antarctic Peninsula
Awake in a magical glacial wonderland. As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many different species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and marine mammals. Here, in the midst of the great white open, you'll find nature at its most sublime. The landscapes here are untouched and awe-inspiring. Today's route will focus on the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas. Paradise Harbor, given its descriptive name from the whalers of history, lies right across from Lemaire Island the well-known Waterboat Point, the former base of daring expeditions, that serves today as the base for the Chilean Antarctic station
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drake Passage & Beagle Channel
Departing Antarctica, spend the next days at sea on the route back to the calm waters of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During your time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board. It's the perfect time to share memories and photos with fellow travellers. Savour the last days, enjoying the crisp Antarctic air and spend time on deck scouting out seabirds, whales, and the elusive albatross
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
"Heading Back to Civilisation"
On your way, sail again through the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. Throughout history, Cape Horn was an area of great strategic importance because of its location and its active trade routes. At dinner tonight, on this last night on board, time to say farewell and thank the friendly staff and crew. It's time to reflect and rejoice in your once-in-a-lifetime experience
Overnight:Â Antarctica Cruise
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Flight to Buenos Aires
Disembark this morning in Ushuaia, and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. On your last night in Argentina, share memories of your fabulous journey and bid goodbye to your Tour Manager and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner
Overnight:Â Buenos Aires
Meals:Â Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Argentina
Make your way to the airport for your departure flight or ask us about extending your stay!
Meals:Â Breakfast
More about Antarctica
More about Argentina
My Travel Experience Review
This special deals put an Antarctica cruise within reach and caps it off with an exciting tour of Buenos Aires. Make sure you read the itinerary to discover the significant differences between Hurtigruten and other Antarctica cruises.
More about this tour
See the brochure
Click here to view, download or print a copy of this cruise and tour package brochure.
The brochure includes details of the inclusions, itinerary and other relevant travel information. Information contained in the brochure is subject to change and at the time of booking you will be provided with an updated copy that includes the current details for your reservation.
Departure Dates
This cruise package departs Buenos Aires on the following dates:
2023 – 10 November, 30 November & 10 December
2024 – 9 January, 04 February, 24 February & 5 March
Dates are subject to availability at time of booking. Price may vary depending on travel dates and when you book. Please contact us for current rates and other cruise options.
Tour start time
It's recommended that you arrive in Buenos Aires by 4:00pm to join the orientation meeting on Day 1.
Important to remember...
The day-by-day itinerary descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, sea conditions, road accessibility, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client's benefit. It is essential that travellers are flexible and open minded in this regard.
Speak to a travel specialist
The My Travel Experience team are travel experts and we're here to help you enjoy the best holiday - from the time you start to plan your trip until the day you return home. We are only a phone call or email away whenever you need us, so please contact us today with any questions.
Email hello@mytravelxp.com. Phone 1300 168 910 (in Australia) or +61 400 226 454 (from overseas or via mobile).
New safety measures, more flexibility and greater peace of mind.
The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority, especially as we adjust to a new world for travellers. My Travel Experience is committed to ensuring your peace of mind with customer-friendly booking practices and enhanced health and safety standards on our trips.
We work closely with tour operators that have received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which enables travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols.
To help you book with confidence, we will assist you if any unexpected situations arise and My Travel Experience also offers clients as much flexibility as possible when making bookings.
How to make a booking:
This travel deal is valid for a limited time and could be withdrawn at any time. Please contact us for current rates.
Advertised price is based on lead-price departure(s) that were correct on 14 December 2022. Rates will be advised for your preferred travel date prior to any payment being required.
All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). The package is subject to confirmation at the time of booking and prices may change without notice. Booking conditions and cancellation fees apply.
Please read My Travel Experience Booking Terms & Conditions prior to making a reservation. By booking any travel service with us, you have agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.
To make a booking please call My Travel Experience on 1300 168 910 or email reservations@mytravelxp.com.
You can also select a trip and request it via this website - please enter your preferred departure date (if known) and the number of people travelling. If you wish to submit an enquiry, please let us know your travel dates plus any other information that will help us provide a quote, such as departure city and travel preferences.
No payment is required to submit an online booking request - your booking is pending confirmation and no place is being held. Your reservation status will be advised when you hear from our travel consultants. Bookings are normally actioned within 24 hours - Monday to Friday.
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