Arrive in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten track to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. This is a hiker's paradise, with rugged, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, you'll board your ship, and your journey begins as you navigate through the Beagle Channel.

Sailing onward, you will cross the Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest assured aboard Ocean Atlantic, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. In the Drake, excitement builds as Antarctica comes into view, perhaps you will catch your first sight of seals and penguins!

This Antarctic adventure begins in the South Shetland Islands, a rich wildlife area with Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies and giant seabirds. The next days you will explore the Gerlache Strait region, a icy region with numerous glaciated and mountainous islands. The itinerary includes Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay, penguin care on Cuverville Island, and hikes over active glaciers. Historic huts and ship cruises through the Lemaire Channel showcase the region's beauty. As the vessel heads towards South Georgia, you may visit Elephant Island, a mythical grim island where Shackleton's men sheltered for months. The expedition team offers lectures and offers the comfort of the vessels, including wine-tasting, hot tubs, and massages in the Polar Spa.

You will continue your journey into the open sea, just as Ernest Shackleton and his men did more than a hundred years ago. After passing Elephant Island at close distance, you will reach mighty South Georgia after just a few days at sea. South Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences with a wealth of breeding penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals, all seeking shelter in this oasis. You will explore the fjords of the north coast for 2-3 days, making shore landings as often as possible.

A wide variety of animals now call South Georgia home, despite its history as a damaged ecosystem. After Cook arrived, the island—which had been occupied by sealers before—became the biggest whaling destination in the world. Europeans imported reindeer and brown rats, which decimated the island's original flora. But the island is back to its former splendor thanks to massive conservation initiatives. The island is now inhabited by a diverse array of wildlife, including hundreds of thousands of King Penguins and Antarctic fur seals. Pippits, Pintail Ducks, petrels, albatross, shags, fur seal pups, and various types of whales are among the island's varied wildlife. South Georgia is rich in history and culture, and the Expedition Team and Captain will make the most of their time there by exploring penguin colonies, old whaling stations, and Grytviken, a site rich in exploratory tradition.

Leaving the icy peaks of South Georgia behind, we continue onwards towards the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). Days at sea are great for participating in lectures and photo sessions, or reading books in the ship library and watching the storm petrels and albatrosses from the top deck. Or just to relax.

During the morning you'll approach the Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon, your vessel will cast anchor in the sheltered natural harbour of Port Stanley. Using Zodiacs, land in the town centre, and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Stanley. On the following day, there will be plenty of Zodiac landings, weather permitting, at two of the islands' many magnificent wildlife spots.

This adventure concludes with a return to Ushuaia, Argentina. The ship will offer a variety of activities for you to reflect on your experience. Enjoy a carefully prepared beverage in the Nordic Bar with new acquaintances, learn from our Expedition Team in talks in the Shackleton Lounge, or watch the albatross fly westward. Join the Captain and Senior Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party and our onboard photographer's photo and video presentation on your last night onboard to relive your Antarctic journey. Skål! 

On the morning of the final day of your voyage, we will arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime. 

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000