Luxury Weddell Sea Explorer

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, Chile

Touch down in the energetic city of Santiago, where you’ll be met at the airport and taken on a complimentary group transfer to your included hotel. 

After checking in, you'll have plenty of time to explore the Chilean capital’s bustling streets and rich culture. Wander through the historic Lastarria neighbourhood, visit the towering Metropolitan Cathedral and stroll up Santa Lucia Hill for scenic city views across to the Andes. 

A complimentary dinner is held in the evening, where you can meet your fellow passengers. 

Day 2: Embarking on your Antarctic ship 

You have an early start this morning with breakfast at the hotel before taking the group transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Ushuaia. Upon landing in the southerly capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, you’ll be whisked to your waiting ship. 

As you leave port and set sail down the Beagle Channel, soak up the views of Ushuaia’s snow-capped mountains in the distance. 

Days 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage 

As you sail south across the legendary Drake Passage, there’s time to acquaint yourself with your unique vessel. Your expedition guides will brief you on the logistics for your upcoming adventures in the White Continent. They will also deliver captivating lectures on Antarctica’s exploration-rich history and diverse wildlife. 

Take time to experience the exciting views of the open sea from the deck and test out the unusual heated seats. Here, you can join the naturalist guides and spot albatrosses, cape petrels and other majestic seabirds soaring over the Drake Passage. As you approach Antarctica, keep your eyes peeled for your first iceberg.

Days at sea are also the ideal chance to make the most of the facilities on your 5* expedition ship. Whether you're enjoying French cuisine from menus curated by a Michelin-starred chef or pampering yourself in the detox bar, luxury is guaranteed. 

Day 5: Sailing the North Antarctic Peninsula 

Prepare to be awestruck as the ship navigates the northern parts of the Antarctic Peninsula. En route to the Weddell Sea, you'll sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Scandinavian explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, trapped by ice in 1902. 

As you approach the Weddell Sea, the seascape is punctuated by colossal tabular icebergs and drifting ice. Journeying southward, keep an eye out for Antarctic wildlife – from beady-eyed Adelie penguins to slinking leopard seals and the blow of humpback whales arriving to feast on krill. 

Days 6 to 11: Exploring the Weddell Sea 

Sailing the Weddell Sea, a notorious and often impenetrable area due to thick sea ice, is both a challenge and a privilege. With its dramatic forms and kaleidoscope of blue hues, the ever-changing landscape is just spectacular. Your experienced Ice Captains will use the ship’s formidable technology to safely navigate through leads in the ice.

With luck – and the help of your eagle-eyed guides – you might even glimpse the elusive emperor penguins shuffling across the frozen surfaces of the region as they head out to sea. Six entire days here mean you can maximise your opportunities to seek out these photogenic creatures, along with Weddell seals, minke whales and orcas, in a pristine habitat. 

Between excursions, take time to unwind and soak in the unique outdoor Blue Lagoon pool under the Antarctic sky. In the evenings, enjoy the entertainment laid on by the ship’s professional musicians with a glass of wine and soak up the views from the window-filled social areas.

Days 12 & 13: Crossing the Drake Passage 

As you navigate north back towards South America, you'll again cross the convergence zone, where cold southern currents clash with warmer equatorial waters. You may also spot mighty albatrosses and cape petrels dancing in the air currents above the ship.

Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina

After disembarking, a representative will greet you at the port and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Santiago in Chile, where your trip began. From here, you're at leisure to continue your onward journey home. 

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.