Antarctica Expedition
March 2026
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to “The Frozen Continent”, where pristine glaciers, towering icebergs, and extraordinary wildlife await.
Explore this untouched wilderness by ship and on foot, encountering penguin colonies, seals, and whales in their natural habitat.
Experience the raw beauty and profound silence of the world’s southernmost frontier, an adventure that will stay with you forever.
Highlights
Breathtaking icescapes
Marvel at colossal glaciers and icebergs on this incredible Antarctica expedition cruise. Experience nature's majesty as we navigate ever-changing icescapes on our hybrid-powered ship. Your Expedition Team will bring you close to your stunning surroundings on ice-cruising and landing activities.
Antarctic wildlife
It's a busy time for the wildlife of Antarctica between November and March. In October and November, penguins court and nest, while December and January are when penguins hatch. February and March offer peak whale-watching opportunities.
Itinerary
Day 1
The beat of Buenos Aires
Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires
Start your Antarctic adventure with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires.
Home to a proud and diverse community of ‘porteños’, or ‘people of the port,’ this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache.
There are plenty of places to explore, including many ‘parrillas’ serving authentic Argentine steak. This is the renowned hometown of the tango, so maybe you’d like to practice your dance moves.
We recommend arriving a few days early to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer with our optional Pre-Program.
Day 2
Early start in Ushuaia
Setting off from the bottom of the world
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll meet our hybrid electric-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters.
This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia is a contender for the title of the world’s southernmost city.
After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.
Day 3-4
Get ready for Antarctica
Cross the Drake Passage
On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with everything you need to make the most of your polar expedition.
Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen as experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. Learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible and discover the Citizen Science projects you can join.
There’s plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy delicious cuisine, and meet fellow travelers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Day 5-9
Antarctica: another world
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Antarctica will fill you with wonder, surrounded by looming glaciers and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. The stillness that reigns is broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife.
Whales begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. This is also when the first penguin chicks hatch. Seeing those clumsy clumps of feathers running around is always a charming sight. February and March are peak whale watching months, when huge amounts of krill lure whales to the area.
Nature is king here and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured that each day will offer something different and thrilling.
Join the Expedition Team on landings and while ice cruising. You may even have the chance to kayak among the icebergs.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping expand your insight into the frozen continent. Over five magical days, experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Day 10-11
Returning to warmer waters
Heading back north across the Drake Passage
After five incredible days, you’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica. Your head will likely be filled with a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and impressions. The next couple of days will be a chance to reflect on your adventure to the seventh continent.
As your mind tries to conjure up the magical Antarctic scenery, now could be a good time to sift through your photos and videos to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Why not take the chance to unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a few relaxing spa treatments in the wellness area.
Day 12
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.
Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.
Accommodation
Polar Outside Cabins
The Polar Outside cabins on MS Roald Amundsen have A double bed that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, and some have a sofa bed. All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, a minibar (charges apply), European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
Arctic Superior Cabins
Arctic Superior cabins are both comfortable and spacious. These cabins feature a double bed which can be divided into two single beds in some cabins on request at the time of booking. Some also have a sofa bed, and many have a private balcony. All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, a minibar (charges apply), European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. A bathrobe and slippers are also available free of charge.
Expedition Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Roald Amundsen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites. Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and hot tubs. Suites feature a double bed that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, and some have a sofa bed. All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, a single-serve coffee machine, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities as well as a minibar (charges apply), daily turn-down service, and laundry. Complimentary fine dining in our Lindstrøm restaurant is part of the experience, and a takeaway service means you can enjoy all meals exclusively. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.
Packing List
Packing for cold-water expedition cruises
- Warm winter jacket - Wind- and water-resistant trousers - Woollen/fleece-lined jumpers - Woollen underlayers and long thermal underwear and tops - Warm hat or headband that covers your ears - Scarf, buff or fleece tube - Underlayer gloves and top-layer gloves - Waterproof gloves - Warm woolen socks - Shoe ice grips - Note that because of bio-security, Rubber Boots provided onboard are mandatory to use on all hikes offered in Svalbard, Antarctica, and the Northwest Passage.
On board it’s smart to wear ordinary shoes - Bring a memory card with a large capacity – there are sockets in the cabins to recharge photo equipment - The dress code aboard the ship is relaxed and casual and you are not expected to dress formally for meals - Extra shoelaces are also a good idea - Bring a good pair of binoculars - A small waterproof backpack is necessary for carrying essentials - Hiking boots with ankle support for joining expedition team hikes. - Note that because of bio-security, Rubber Boots provided onboard are mandatory to use on all hikes offered in Svalbard, Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. - Please remember to bring your passport and a copy of it - Sun protection - Sunglasses with UV filter lenses - Lip salve with UV protection. Dry, cold wind and sun often cause chapped lips - Money in the correct currency. Remember, our ships also accept several credit cards. - Remember to bring sufficient medication to last through any unforeseen delays - Rubber boots are available upon request, at no extra cost, aboard all expedition ships, except MS Nordstjernen, MS Santa Cruz, and MS Otto Sverdrup. - Adapter for European power outlets if your electronic devices do not have a European (type C) plug.
What's Included
Hotel
Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Flights
Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
Transfers
Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise
Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship
Expedition Cruise
A stay in a cabin of your choice
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)
All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks
Meals and takeout available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX gear
Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that streaming is not supported.
Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).
Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
Full access to the ship’s Science Center
The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
Escorted landings with small expedition boats
Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
Excursions and activities are subject to change
Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Map
FAQ
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$Price Coming Soon + international airfare
Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. An additional charge is applied for single occupancy. A 25% deposit is required to book travel. The balance is due 120 days prior to departure or immediately if booked within that time period. Special rates may be available for groups, depending on time of year and number of people. Questions? Fill out this form.