The Great Austral Loop

Ushuaia, often referred to as the southernmost city in the world, is located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in Argentina. It's a popular gateway for Antarctic cruises and known for its dramatic setting, surrounded by the Martial Mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

The city experiences a subpolar oceanic climate, with cool temperatures year-round and relatively mild winters compared to other regions at similar latitudes. Summers are cool with temperatures rarely exceeding 14°C (57°F), and winters are chilly but not freezing, making it unique compared to the harsh climates of other high-latitude regions.

Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

Departure at 18:00

As you navigate the open waters, take advantage of the abundant amenities and activities available on your cruise. Indulge in a relaxing spa session or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the weather, you might enjoy a dip in the pool or some sunbathing. With no stops that day, you'll have plenty of opportunities to engage in onboard events such as lectures and performances, based on the scheduled activities, or indulge in some retail therapy at the onboard shop.

Photographers from the cruise will also be available in their specialized area for those interested. For those who cherish the ocean, the top deck offers a prime spot to view the undulating waves and, if lucky, spot some marine species.

Grave Cove is a remote and scenic location situated on the Falkland Islands, specifically in West Falkland. This cove is characterized by its rugged natural beauty and an interesting history. It's a place marked by tranquil waters surrounded by green, undulating hills that provide a stark contrast to the often grey, overcast sky typical of the region.

This location is known particularly for its wildlife. The beaches and surrounding areas are a habitat for various bird species, including penguins, which are a major attraction. Magellanic and Gentoo penguins are commonly observed here, making it a favored spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers seeking to capture the unique fauna of the Falklands.

New Island is one of the most remote and striking islands in the Falkland Islands archipelago. Located in the West Falklands, this island is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and as a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, making it a crucial spot for conservation efforts and a paradise for nature lovers.

As you navigate the open waters, take advantage of the abundant amenities and activities available on your cruise. Indulge in a relaxing spa session or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the weather, you might enjoy a dip in the pool or some sunbathing. With no stops on this voyage, you'll have plenty of opportunities to engage in onboard events such as lectures and performances, based on the scheduled activities, or indulge in some retail therapy at the onboard shop.

Photographers from the cruise will also be available in their specialized area for those interested. For those who cherish the ocean, the top deck offers a prime spot to view the undulating waves and, if lucky, spot some marine species.

South Georgia is a remote, rugged island in the southern Atlantic Ocean, celebrated for its majestic landscapes and rich biodiversity. Often described as the Alps in the mid-ocean, this British Overseas Territory features sharp peaks that rise dramatically from the ocean, enveloped in glaciers that carve through its terrain, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

The island's climate is cold and temperate, with weather that can shift rapidly, adding to the wild and untamed character of the landscape. Despite its harsh conditions, South Georgia is a hotspot for wildlife, serving as a breeding ground for a vast number of marine birds, seals, and other marine life. It is particularly famed for its dense colonies of king penguins and elephant seals, which attract researchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Human history on South Georgia is equally compelling, marked by its past as a whaling station during the early 20th century, which has left behind ghostly relics and abandoned whaling equipment that dot the landscape. The island also played a pivotal role in the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's legendary Endurance expedition, with Shackleton's grave located in Grytviken, one of the island’s few human settlements, now mostly occupied by scientists and museum staff.

As you voyage across the ocean, explore a variety of services and activities available on the ship. 

Pamper yourself with a session at the spa or keep fit at the gym. 

Those sea days, devoid of  stops, offer a perfect chance to participate in onboard activities such as lectures and live performances, or perhaps do a bit of shopping at the ship’s boutique.  

The Antarctic Peninsula remains a land of awe and wonder, captivating those who visit with its pristine moments of discovery. As you journey through this frost-laden landscape, immerse yourself in a world painted in hues of blues and whites, where the scenery is breathtakingly austere yet strikingly beautiful. This icy haven is home to a rich array of wildlife; from penguins and humpback whales to seals and giant petrels, each creature thrives in this frigid paradise, along with elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. The specific locations you explore will offer rare opportunities to witness these animals in their natural habitat, sharing in the stark beauty of these formidable environs.

Daily activities, tailored by the ice’s ebb and flow, will be curated by the Captain and Expedition Leader, proposing zodiac excursions or on-foot explorations to unveil the boundless treasures of the Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floes, towering icebergs, volcanic shores, research outposts, captivating bays, and remnants of bygone whaling operations compose the multifaceted visage of Antarctica. Here, amidst the silence and surrealism, you'll trace the paths of pioneering explorers like Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, and Sir Ernest Shackleton, who ventured into these desolate yet mesmerizing terrains in the 19th century, seeking to uncover its secrets.

Travelers crossing the Drake Passage are rewarded with some of the most dramatic oceanic scenes imaginable. The vast, open waters stretch endlessly, horizon to horizon, under the expansive skies. As the ship plows through the waves, seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels glide effortlessly overhead, taking advantage of the strong winds.

The conclusion of a cruise in Ushuaia marks a poignant moment as travelers return from the remote wonders of Antarctica to the charming city known as the "End of the World." Nestled on the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia serves as the primary gateway for Antarctic expeditions and is enveloped by the dramatic scenery of the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel.

Arriving in Ushuaia at the end of a cruise is a transition from the stark, icy landscapes of the Antarctic to the lush, rugged wilderness of Tierra del Fuego. The city itself, with its colorful houses and bustling port, offers a warm welcome with its unique blend of local culture and international influences.

Disembarkation: 8am