9 nights: Antarctic Discover

Type of Vessel

Inspired by the Italian signature style of personalized luxury, embrace the sweet life aboard this sleek state-of-the-art yacht. Experience an atmosphere of overall well-being in plush light-filled staterooms and suites with bespoke amenities, inspired gourmet dining options, and refined social spaces featuring lounges, a boutique, and auditorium for enriching presentations. Keep fit with a running track, fitness studio, pool and whirlpools, and visit the L'Occitane Sea Spa & Sauna for relaxing therapies. Carrying up to 198 passengers with a high staff-to-guest ratio, the purpose-built World Traveller quietly sails closer to remote sites, as well as providing a world-class expedition team on all Zodiac landings, all with a commitment to protecting the ecosystem and creating those epic moments.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Ushuaia, Argentina: Your fantastic voyage begins at the gateway to Antarctica in the southernmost city of South America known as The End of the World in Ushuaia, Argentina. Set on the Isla Grande Tierra del Fuego archipelago bounded by snow-capped mountains and straddling the Beagle Channel where Darwin once sailed, experience this rugged picturesque city, its imposing landscapes, Maritime Museum and remarkable seafood. Following embarkation, meet your Captain, expedition team and crew as you delight in a welcome champagne reception as you set sail.

Days 2-3 | At Sea in the Drake Passage: For the next 48 hours, navigate this exhilarating waterway where the cold southern waters mingle with the warmer northern seas on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost site The White Continent. The excitement increases with opportunities to witness curious hourglass dolphins, and humpback, fin, orca and minke whales, as well as welcome sounds of petrels, gulls and skuas, with possible black-browed albatross sightings. Following this incredible journey through the Drake Passage, considered to be a rite of passage to Antarctica, immerse in the sights of soaring rocky snow-covered peaks as your ship arrives in the South Shetland Islands.

Day 4 | South Shetland Islands: A chain of ice-laden islands adjacent to the northern Antarctic Peninsula, discover a wealth of wildlife including penguins, seals and shags, plus breathtaking landscapes, ecosystems and scientific research outposts. Discover Elephant Island, home to elephant seals; the active volcanic caldera of Deception Island, noted for swimming in its volcanically heated waters in Pendulum Cove; and the crescent-shaped Half Moon Island and steep cliffs of ice-free Barriento Island, both inhabited by Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins. These natural wonders offer an abundance of opportunities for hiking, wildlife sightings and exploration. Greenwich Island is another possible Zodiac landing in glacial-rimmed Yankee Harbor and Point Wild. The Captain will plot a course for the ideal landing spots due to everchanging climate conditions and best areas to experience the perfect seascapes, landscapes and wildlife opportunities for a memorable day.

Days 5-7 | Explore Antarctica - Captain's Choice: The White Continent offers intrepid explorers the opportunity to witness extraordinary wildlife, the massiveness of icebergs, the grandeur of glaciers and snow-covered landscapes few have trekked before. Your Captain and expedition team will traverse the Antarctic in search of the best sites and weather conditions for Zodiac landings, kayaking and exploration over each of the next three days. Sites may include the arch-shaped Beak Island, Brown Bluff's rock formations, the glacial face of Cierva Cove, scenic Hidden Bay and beyond. Each destination offers its own untamed fauna and geological wonders for a complete bucket-list experience.

Days 8-9 | At Sea in the Drake Passage: Say farewell to the magnificent 7th continent as you cruise the waters of the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia. Reminisce with your fellow explorers about the enriching life-changing moments of experiencing the southernmost realms on the earth, while keeping watch for lively marine life and the birds that follow the ship. Enjoy the ship's amenities and savor great cuisines, wines and small plates with an Apres Sea celebration before your final dinner, as Antarctica fades from view and returns back to Argentina.

Day 10 | Ushuaia, Argentina: Begin your day with a delicious breakfast spread before disembarkation in Ushuaia this morning. Continue with a post-cruise hotel stay or journey to your next destination.

Food and Dining

Celebrate dining traditions with a variety of global cuisines, including special Portuguese-style fare, and featuring indulgent breakfast and lunch buffets, made-to-order dishes, and ever-changing multi-course dinner menus. Guests may dine in any venue with any persons, including 24-hour room service. Afternoon High Tea is served in the Dome Observation Lounge, savor quick bites at Paula's Pantry and enjoy 24-hour bar service with unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers, with specialty canapes. There is also a champagne welcome reception and signature Apres Sea celebration following exciting shore expeditions.

Onboard Activities/Events

Guests have access to use the marina for water sports directly from the yacht on select voyages and can engage in onboard lectures and demonstrations from curated expedition specialists, wildlife scientists, kayak guides, photographers and more. A pool, whirlpool, sundeck lounge, pool, and whirlpool are also available for guests to use at leisure.

Shore Excursions

Explore beautiful Antarctica peninsula landscapes and wondrous sea waters with sightseeing safaris and shore landings by Zodiac, led by expert field guides. A complimentary Atlas Ocean Voyage parka and vest are included, with the use of knee boots, walking sticks and binoculars as needed.

Staterooms or Cabins

After an exciting day of exploration, retreat to your personal haven for rest and relaxation in luxurious serenity. All suite and stateroom accommodations offer a sumptuous queen size bed with luxurious Portuguese cotton linens, plush terry bathrobe and slippers, spacious wardrobe, walk-in mosaic glass rain shower and body jets, marble spa bath with luxe L'OCCITANE bath amenities, wall-mounted flat screen TV with infotainment system, Nespresso coffee and Kusmi teas, and fully stocked minibar.
One-Bedroom Suites range from 382 to 465 square feet with an oversized private balcony with teak furnishings and floor-to-ceiling sliders, living room with sofa and vanity, walk-in closet and wardrobe, butler service and expanded room service.
Balcony Staterooms offer 270 to 300 square feet including seating areas with a sofa and TV, plus a Juliette balcony with top-drop electric windows in the Horizon and Horizon Deluxe Staterooms or walk-out balcony with teak furnishings in the Veranda and Veranda Deluxe Staterooms.
Oceanview Staterooms provide 183 square feet of sophisticated comfort with panoramic views, spa bath and sitting area.

Spa

SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE is available to guests who wish to take time and relax after an adventurous day of exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula. In addition, there is a fitness studio and running track on board for guests who wish to continue their workout regime while cruising.