Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires

Home to a proud and diverse community of ‘porteños’, or ‘people of the port’, Buenos Aires is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache. It’s the perfect place to start your Antarctic adventure.

We recommend arriving a few days early to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer or to explore the region on our optional Pre-Program.

After boarding your ship and meeting your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship.

Get ready for the adventures ahead

Over the next two days, you’ll cruise the Argentine Basin and prepare for the adventures ahead in Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands and the frozen continent of Antarctica.

Join your Expedition Team in the onboard Science Center to listen to lectures, participate in Citizen Science projects and more. Whether it’s marine biology, Antarctic survival, oceanography or photography, your Expedition Team offers fascinating insights into the places you’ll see in the days and weeks ahead.

Visit a UNESCO wildlife haven

Puerto Madryn boasts warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to the dramatic Valdés Peninsula. While we’re here, you can explore a stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no less than 180 species of birds living on the peninsula, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Stroll through the tranquil natural beauty of the reserve, enjoy a delicious bite to eat, and browse the local arts and crafts shops.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we cruise toward the Falkland Islands.

The Expedition Team will brief you on the history and ecology of the islands. In the Science Center, look through a microscope to see the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustain so much of the region’s wildlife.

Enjoy all of the ship’s amenities and get tips on how to improve your photos from our professional photographer. You can also join workshops on topics such as wildlife painting and nautical knot tying.

Enjoy birding and hiking on these green islands

The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sand beaches teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. Enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.

Landings, hikes and excursions are – as always – subject to weather conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, where seals can often be found as well, getting as close as possible without disturbing them.

Brush up on your science before this Antarctic adventure

As we begin crossing the Scotia Sea, the Expedition Team will equip you with everything you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise.

Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen as knowledgeable experts talk about topic such as Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. Learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and discover the Citizen Science projects you can join.

There’s plenty of time to relax. Unwind in the hot tub and panoramic sauna, enjoy delicious cuisine and meet fellow travelers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Experience Antarctica in all its majesty

Nothing can quite prepare you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers and icebergs the size of cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder.

Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes to avoid the cunning leopard seals that hunt them. Migrating whales glide beside enormous icebergs as they feed on krill. Bird enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled for some of the 45 species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, including skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns.

In early austral summer, beautiful sunsets and sunrises paint the ice and snow shades of gold, orange and pink – further accentuated by blooming snow algae. This is prime time for watching penguins and fur seals at the height of their breeding season.

Nature is king here and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. During 10 exciting days, we’ll explore several of the many possible landing sites in the South Shetland Islands and on the Antarctic Peninsula, based on when and where conditions are at their best. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do, every day will be thrilling and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

You’ll go on landings and take part in ice-cruising. You may even have the opportunity to kayak among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, giving you deeper insight into the frozen continent.

Land ahead!

As we say goodbye to the frozen continent, MS Fram turns to take you north through the Drake Passage and toward Punta Arenas.

This is the perfect time to go through your pictures and relive your experiences in Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica. Enjoy the onboard comforts. Relax in the hot tubs or the panoramic sauna or unwind in our Explorer Lounge & Bar.

With the Drake Passage behind us, we’ll enter the scenic Beagle Channel, surrounded by mountains that seem to plunge straight into the icy water. Watch for Patagonian wildlife as we sail through this wild and remote area.

The end of an incredible journey

Your expedition cruise to Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you’ll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re not ready to end your adventure just yet, we recommend signing up for one of our optional Post Programs.