Expedition semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica: one of the greatest feats of our time

Charter flight: Buenos Aires – Ushuaia. Departure 6:00 PM

Crossing the Drake Passage.

The South Shetland Islands appear rugged and mysterious – a place full of stories. Your ship glides into the caldera of Deception Island volcano, surrounded by steaming beaches and steep rock faces. Jagged peaks cut into the sky, pink light bathes the ice in magic. A breathtaking moment that will remain deeply etched in your memory. The Antarctic Peninsula surprises with life in the ice. In Paradise Bay and Neko Harbor, you experience glaciers, mountains, and wildlife up close. Lemaire and Neumayer Channels impress with massive ice landscapes and steep rock walls – accompanied by the call of storm petrels.

As the ship pushes further south, the eternal ice becomes rougher. The upcoming crossing of the Antarctic Circle creates tense anticipation – a hint of explorer spirit is in the air. Dense ice fields, mighty icebergs, and dominant glaciers shape the scenery. Here, every decision counts: the experience and flexibility of the captain and crew are now especially crucial. Thanks to the highest ice class, your ship reaches remote regions like Marguerite Bay. There, snow-covered mountains, vast glaciers, and quiet ice landscapes await you. During Zodiac rides and guided hikes, you experience a magical world that only few have ever set foot on.

Your journey follows in the footsteps of legendary explorers – in the spirit of the Golden Age of Antarctic exploration. Instead of a fixed route, you can expect new discoveries, exciting expert lectures, and multimedia knowledge in the Ocean Academy. In the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas, you experience the vastness of the ice and the history of great pioneers. Relaxation is offered by the OCEAN SPA, culinary highlights, and spectacular views from the Observation Lounge. The excitement builds: How will the Ross Sea present itself? If the passage through the pack ice succeeds, rarely reached regions and unforgettable moments await.

Your ship heads for Ross Island, home to whales and emperor penguins. Weather permitting, you visit historic sites such as Cape Royds (Shackleton’s 1908 base camp) and Cape Evans, site of Scott’s “Terra Nova” expedition. McMurdo Station provides insights into modern researcher life (subject to approval). In the shadow of Mount Erebus lies the “Discovery” hut from 1902. Terra Nova Bay, discovered by Scott in 1901, houses an Italian research station. Scott also discovered the Drygalski Ice Tongue (14-24 km wide, 50 km long). Explore this mystical landscape and meet curious penguins. In front of the massive ice wall of the Ross Ice Shelf, you experience the vastness of Victoria Land. At Cape Adare lie the ruins of Borchgrevink’s hut and the largest Adelie penguin colony in Antarctica.

Relaxation at sea

Your journey takes you to pristine island worlds with rich fauna, whose preservation is becoming increasingly important. With permission from the authorities, you experience mystical sights off the Balleny Islands. Steep rocks rise from the sea, and penguin colonies populate the glaciated islands. Together you discover these paradises and develop a special awareness for their protection.

Relaxation at sea.

New Zealand’s subantarctic islands, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, offer untouched landscapes under the highest nature conservation precautions. With permission from the authorities, your expedition ship approaches the coasts. On Campbell Island, king albatrosses breed, the Auckland Islands are home to yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions, while the Snares Islands are home to the rare Snares penguin.

Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island, with 1,000 m high peaks and 245 km of hiking trails, is a paradise for nature lovers. More kiwis than humans live here, and tomtits and kākās can also be found. Besides the bird life, historic Maori sites impress, the peace and solitude of this island make it a unique experience.

Relaxation at sea.

Arrival in Lyttelton (Christchurch)/New Zealand. 6:00 AM.