Crossing the Antarctic Circle aboard the Ocean Victory

You’ll be met on arrival and escorted to the 5-star Arakur Resort & Spa where sea-view rooms have been reserved for our guests.

This morning’s guided tour reveals the raw, wild beauty of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Traveling all the way to Lapataia Bay, you’ll have a chance to observe indigenous species as you explore the region’s forested mountains and waterways. Then board our state-of-the-art ship and settle in to your outside stateroom. Meet your expedition team and get acquainted with our luxury Polar vessel as you set sail along the Beagle Channel.  Meals B+D

While the Drake Passage is known for its high winds and seas, you’ll voyage confidently aboard the Ocean Victory, our next-generation Polar ship purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. Enhanced by engaging shipboard talks with experts in the wildlife, geology, history and climate of Antarctica, this first day at sea sets the stage for the exciting voyage ahead.  Meals B+L+D

Named for the renowned explorer Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence – where cold Polar waters sink beneath warmer currents. This creates an upwelling of nutrients that sustains a remarkable diversity of marine life, and the anticipation builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Indeed, this is the day that we might catch our first sightings of seals and penguins. Conditions permitting, we also hope to make our first landfall on King George, the largest of the South Shetland Islands and home to abundant wildlife including penguins and seabirds.  Meals B+L+D

Over the next two days, our exciting explorations begin in earnest. A haven for wildlife, the South Shetlands offer a chance to encounter vast penguin rookeries, numerous seabirds and pristine beaches ruled by fur and elephant seals. Our exact itinerary over the coming days will depend on weather and ice conditions. Our exact route and the shore landings we make each day will be determined by the ship’s Captain and Expedition Leader – and communicated to you through regularly scheduled shipboard briefings.  Meals B+L+D

Another thrilling day unfolds as we explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain. Accompanied by our expert naturalists, you’ll set out in our maneuverable Zodiacs to explore the captivating seascapes and to go ashore for unforgettable experiences. Conditions permitting, our planned route and landings include King George Island, home to Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins; Deception Island with its unusual flooded caldera and waters warm enough for a Polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson’s storm petrels.  Meals B+L+D

As the breathtaking white landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula draw near, the presence of wildlife multiplies exponentially with many species of lively penguins, curious seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Our projected route here along the Peninsula will take us through the Gerlache Strait with its towering ice cliffs and pods of magnificent humpback whales. As weather, sea and ice conditions permit, you can continue to anticipate Zodiac excursions to experience Antarctica’s wonders up-close and shore landings that promise engaging wildlife encounters with our expert naturalists.  Meals B+L+D

Another day of exploration by sea and land unfolds today as we continue our southward journey.  Wildlife abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals call Cuverville Island home and orcas cruise the dramatic Lemaire Channel. Our exact route and excursions will determined by our Captain and Expedition Leaders. As always, weather, sea and ice conditions are the determining factors and your comfort and safety are always paramount. When not venturing out in our Zodiacs or going ashore with our terrific naturalists, you can enjoy fine dining with wine at dinner and our ongoing enrichment program ranging from exploration history to Polar geology, climate and wildlife.  Meals B+L+D
 

We venture as far south as possible in quest of the Antarctic Circle. This wild and seldom visited area is rich with possible landings, all subject to weather and ice conditions. Our onboard team will determine if can stop at Pleneau or Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound or Detaille Island within the Antarctic Circle. Should ice conditions allow, we might also visit a research station. Meals B+L+D

Having left the Antarctic Peninsula behind us, today finds the Ocean Victory charting a northward course across the Drake Passage. Our return journey will take us past Cape Horn, a storied maritime landmark that marks the southern tip of the Continent.  Meals B+L+D

As the final day of your voyage unfolds, you can delight in the camaraderie of your fellow travelers, attend our engaging shipboard talks, and enjoy our ship’s amenities and inviting public spaces. As always, there are two distinctive dining venues onboard the Victory, and A+R guests enjoy wine with dinner.  Meals B+L+D
 

Step off the Ocean Victory and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.  Meals B