Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent

You’ll arrive in Dunedin, where a representative from your ship will greet you. A hotel stay is arranged by the cruise line. Spend the afternoon preparing for your journey — the ship’s team will be available to answer any questions. In the evening, enjoy light refreshments and meet your fellow travelers during a welcome reception and pre-embarkation briefing. Afterwards, the evening in New Zealand’s southernmost city is yours to enjoy. You may wish to dine at one of Dunedin’s excellent restaurants or take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Otago Harbour.

Enjoy breakfast and check out. Please bring your cabin luggage to the hotel reception by 11:00 a.m., either before or at check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for processing, so it will be waiting in your cabin upon arrival. The morning is free for you to explore Dunedin. Your journey begins after embarkation with a delicious dinner and a preview of the adventure ahead.

Get acquainted with your ship, meet your fellow travelers, and join your expedition team for the first time. You might also choose to spend time in the ocean-view sauna, watch seabirds from the deck, or relax in the lounge.

First visited centuries ago by Māori navigators, these islands hold great significance for Ngāi Tahu, the indigenous people of New Zealand’s South Island. Their natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity are now recognized worldwide. Few have had the privilege of visiting these remote shores — soon, they await your discovery.

As Campbell Island fades on the horizon, watch for Campbell, Salvin’s, and White-capped Albatrosses that might follow the ship, as if bidding you farewell on your journey south. Join your expedition team in the lecture room to learn more about the fascinating human history of Macquarie Island and how to identify the unique and charismatic creatures you’ll hope to encounter in the days ahead.

“Penguins were in their thousands on the towering cliffs, and from near and distant rookeries came a continuous din … Seabirds of many kinds warned us of our close approach to their nests.” – Douglas Mawson, 1911. As Mawson and his men sailed toward Antarctica, they witnessed a “wonderful scene.” Macquarie Island (affectionately called “Macca”) rises steeply from the Southern Ocean in a series of emerald peaks — a stunningly wild, elemental landscape teeming with life. Keep your binoculars ready: this subantarctic refuge is home to 3.5 million breeding seabirds, including no fewer than four penguin species! Alongside lively colonies of King, Gentoo, Rockhopper, and the endemic Royal Penguins, you’ll also find three species of fur seals and a large portion of the world’s elephant seal population.

As Macquarie Island disappears from view, look out for Wandering, Grey-headed, Black-browed, and Light-mantled Albatrosses that may follow the ship, bidding you farewell as you sail farther south. Observant travelers may notice a subtle change in the sea’s character as you cross the Antarctic Convergence. Beyond this zone, where northern and southern waters meet, the ocean’s surface temperature drops by about 4°C — marking your entry into Antarctica.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in this legendary, icebound sector of Antarctica. Stepping outside and taking a deep breath of the freshest, purest air on Earth is an experience you’ll treasure forever. Only a few hundred travelers reach the Ross Sea region each year. It is the largest marine protected area on the planet, rich in biodiversity. It’s home to the world’s largest Adélie penguin colony and many of the largest Emperor penguin colonies. The human heritage along the Ross Sea coast is equally remarkable. Since James Clark Ross discovered the region in 1841, countless expeditions have established base camps on ice-free ground, using them as launching points for bold explorations. Many departed hastily, leaving behind artifacts, scientific instruments, and sometimes entire huts. Today, these sites are preserved as open-air museums under the Antarctic Treaty. Experience the true spirit of discovery as your expedition team shapes each day’s activities based on decades of experience and the prevailing weather, ice, and wildlife conditions.

As you reach the midpoint of your voyage, these days at sea offer time and space to reflect on the emotions and special moments so far. You might jot down notes in a journal, reminisce with new friends at the bar, or start editing a collection of breathtaking photos. Over the next week, you’ll settle into the rhythm of life at sea. Your expedition team will offer a daily program of educational activities, entertainment, and citizen science projects. Attend lectures and daily briefings on your progress, weather, and route. Take advantage of the ship’s many communal spaces — relax in the sauna, work out in the gym, or enjoy a cup of tea as you browse the library shelves while the vast ice shelves of West Antarctica glide by. Your journey continues west past the Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas toward the southern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

While exploring the Peninsula, you’ll usually take part in two excursions per day — either landings or Zodiac cruises. Dress warmly and join a Zodiac ride to view spectacular ice cliffs or explore stranded icebergs. Keep an eye out for whales, seals, and penguins frequently seen feeding in these waters. Zodiacs will also bring you ashore to visit penguin colonies, discover historic sites, and explore some of the most iconic locations along the Peninsula.

You’ll leave Antarctica behind and sail toward South America through the legendary Drake Passage. This is your last chance to breathe in the crisp Antarctic air, meet up with new friends, and share memories of your incredible journey.

In the early morning, you’ll sail up the Beagle Channel before quietly arriving at the port of Ushuaia, where disembarkation begins around 8:00 a.m. After disembarkation, transfers will be provided to local hotels for those continuing their travels in the region. Expedition members departing before 12:30 p.m. will be transferred directly to Ushuaia Airport.