fram south georgia and antarctica cruise

The Ultimate Expedition to Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia

  • Overview
    When embarking on one of our most ambitious voyages to Antarctica, it’s best to travel with an open mind and expect the unexpected. The overwhelming power of nature and teeming wildlife, thriving despite the extremes of temperature, will leave you speechless, creating everlasting memories to take home. Come ashore on isolated beaches to encounter incredible wildlife in haunting landscapes, take kayak trips in untouched waters with icebergs floating by, or spend a night in a tent under the stars. Starting in Buenos Aires, you have the opportunity to discover the ”Paris of South America” before embarking on MS Fram in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town. From there, we set a course through the scenic Beagle Channel. We cross open sea before we reach the Falkland Islands, with its seamless horizons, vast open spaces, stunning white sand beaches and wildlife like penguins and albatrosses. Here, we first explore the northwest before we continue to the capital Stanley, with its red buses and English pubs. Stanley is also the natural starting point for several excursions. On board lectures will prepare you for South Georgia, where we sail into the mountainous Drygalski Fjord at the southern end of the island to visit some of South Georgia’s abandoned whaling stations. Then the lecture series will turn its focus on Antarctica, including an introduction to the Antarctic visitor guidelines, as we approach the coldest, driest, windiest and most remote continent on Earth. Antarctica is a peaceful continent where man's primary activity is science. It has evolved through millennia without human interference; here, wild animals remain fearless of man. We will visit several places in Antarctica, depending on the ice and wind condition we might visit Whalers Bay, Half Moon Island and Brown Bluff, a landscape dominated by a towering, rust-coloured bluff of volcanic origin, next to a beach sprinkled with lava “bombs”. Smell, hear and see the rich penguin colonies, watch whales break the surface and always be prepared for the unexpected. Being our smallest vessel in Antarctica, MS Fram qualifies for the largest range of possible landing sites- The Expedition team will grasp opportunities to take you hiking in the Antarctic mountains, kayak among icebergs or set up your tent to follow in the footsteps of the great explorers. Returning, we will once again sail through the Drake Passage, notorious among the early polar explorers, before disembarking in Ushuaia.
    Duration: 23 days
    Passengers: 318 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 0.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Buenos Aires

      Your expedition starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. We offer an optional city tour in the afternoon. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover ”Paris of South America” for yourself.

    • Day 2 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia; Embarkation Day

      The following day you fly to Ushuaia. The flight leaves Buenos Aires in the morning, allowing you a few hours to explore Ushuaia or to join an optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, before embarking MS Fram. In the evening we will sail through the Scenic Beagle Channel.

    • Day 3 - At sea

      We will cross the open sea on our way towards the Falkland Islands. Enjoy our lectures and keep an eye out for wildlife from deck.

    • Day 4/6 - Falkland Islands

      The Falklands Islands are teeming with wonders of wildlife and nature, and offer fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons, vast open spaces and stunning white beaches. Here the sheep graze alongside immense colonies of albatross and rockhopper, king and macaroni penguins, while predatory striated caracaras patrol overhead and upland geese forage at the water’s edge. In the Falklands, penguins waddle close to take a look at us, then continue on their way, giving you some great photo opportunities!

      Stanley, the islands’ capital, makes a wonderful starting point for the various excursions we offer in the area. The town is easy enough to discover on foot, as most shops and services are centred on the port.

    • Day 7/8 - At sea

      We spend two days cruising southward to beautiful South Georgia. En route you can participate in a number of presentations about the area’s wildlife, as well as whaling and polar history. Our Expedition team is well versed in every facet of South Georgia, from its geology and glaciology to the mating rituals of the sooty albatross and the legends of the Norwegian whalers. One of the fascinating stories that will be told is that of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the men of the ill-fated Endurance and their amazing feats of bravery.

    • Day 9/13 - South Georgia

      On this specific expedition, you will get even more time to explore the unique beauty and wildlife of South Georgia. The rich history of exploration and whaling lends a great backdrop to its rugged scenery with glaciers and bustling wildlife. It is known as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, and is a favoured place for wildlife photographers. South Georgia’s unique position inside the Antarctic ecosystem - yet outside the limit of the yearly sea ice - makes it home to tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals and seabirds. We plan to visit Fortuna Bay and some of South Georgia’s abandoned whaling stations.

      During our stay here, you will see elephant seals lounge on the sand, fur seal pups race in and out of the water, albatross soar overhead, and king penguins in the thousands. Another highlight is exploring Gold Harbour. Enjoy the sight of hanging glaciers and cliffs, the lagoons and a large king penguin colony. You will also see a whaling museum, the Norwegian seaman’s church, and the tiny graveyard where we can pay our respects to the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

      South Georgia also offers some good hiking options, and one of our favourites is walking the last part of the route that Shackleton took on his brave journey across the island’s rugged mountains to find help for the 22 men left on the isolated Elephant Island.

    • Day 14 - At Sea

      As we continue towards Antarctica you can learn more about the wonders of the Deep South, focusing on the history, environment and wildlife of Antarctica. We will cruise by the Washington Strait and Coronation Island before setting course towards Elephant Island and Antarctica.

    • Day 15/20 - Antarctica

      Antarctica is different from anything else you will ever experience! Once we have crossed the Antarctic Convergence, you will start feeling the air getting crisper and colder. You will begin to see Antarctic penguins in the water, and don’t forget to be on the lookout for the first iceberg. Among the highlights we might visit during our days in Antarctica is Deception Island, one of the South Shetlands; a distinctive ring-shaped volcanic caldera. This is one of the few places in Antarctica where we can take our backpacks and hike. Being on an active volcano in Antarctica is hardly an everyday experience!

      Other places we might visit are Half Moon Island, considered a jewel of diversity in the polar landscape, Hanna Point with its diversity of wildlife, and the large Adélie colony at Paulet Island. It can be difficult to navigate through the 48-kilometre Antarctic Sound due to ice, but it offers the most impressive manifestations of icebergs that we will see on this expedition. On Brown Bluff, Adélie and chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and cape petrels nest below spectacular cliffs that rise 745 m out of the sea. The stony beach is suitable for shore landings outside of nesting season.

      We might sail through the narrow Errera Channel, to and from Cuverville, and see the icebergs that have become trapped and grounded in the nearby shallows. Danco Island lies peacefully amongst the icebergs in the Errera Channel, just a few hundred yards from the Antarctic mainland, and is a breeding site for Gentoo penguins. Come ashore and explore with us, go kayaking to see the ice up close or take a trip on one of our small boats. Port Lockroy is a British station from the Second World War that was turned into a museum in 1996. It is one of the most popular sites in Antarctica and offers a peek into life on an Antarctic base in the 1950s. Pleneau is situated just south of the Lemaire Channel and is a beautiful landing site, with many stranded icebergs in the bay area.

      When opportunities arise we will launch our kayaks, pitch tents ashore and take you on unforgettable hikes to explore the most beautiful, untouched places on the planet.

    • Day 21/22 - Drake Passage

      On our way back to civilisation, we will continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica. The voyage from the Antarctic Peninsula to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 950 km (600 miles) or 40 hours of sailing time in good weather.

    • Day 23 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires; Disembarkation

      We make landfall in Tierra del Fuego. Your voyage ends in the world’s southernmost town, Ushuaia, and your journey back continues with a flight to lively Buenos Aires. If you want some sun and warmth after spending time in Antarctica we recommend you participate in one of our post-voyage programmes in Buenos Aires.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Shoot to your shutter's content!

    For aspiring photographers, the best time to shoot the Antarctic landscape is definitely October, November and March. At these times the sun is much lower in the sky and thus creates beautiful twilight hues and shadows, which contrast the landscape magnificently.

    Of course, if it is wildlife and Antarctica’s babies you are hoping to shoot, then January and February are the best times. Alternatively, consider an early season South Georgia & Antarctica expedition for the best of wildlife and photo opportunities in Antarctica.

    Wandering Albatross

    Spectacular in flight and on the ground, with the largest wingspan of any bird on the planet; gracefully and effortlessly glides for thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean to their nesting site on South Georgia.

    South Georgia; Wildlife Mecca

    One of the true wildlife experiences on our planet, often the wildlife displays here are referred to as the greatest on Earth. Set amongst awe inspiring scenery and home to King penguins, Wondering albatross and Elephant seals, it’s hard to imagine how early pioneers survived in this harsh landscape.

  • Inclusions

    Transfers, Accommodation & Tour

    Pre-cruise accommotion in Buenos Aires is provided, as well as transfers in Ushuaia with an orientation tour.

    Expedition Gear

    Expedition boots are provided on board, as is a wind/waterproof expedition jacket.

    Charter Flights

    Return flights from your itinerary starting city to Ushuaia are included in your expedition

    Dynamic Cabin Pricing

    Cabin prices on board the Fram are dynamic, that is the cabin pricing fluctuates with changes in bookings and exchange rates. Cabin prices below are not guaranteed and are subject to change and availability at the operators discretion. Please feel free to contact us for the most accurate pricing on this voyage.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Hot beverages
    - Excursion ashore and lectures
    - Expedition jacket
    - Flights where stated in the itinerary
    - Transfers where stated in the itinerary
    - One night hotel stay pre-cruise
    - Accommodation while on board

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Optional excursions and activities
    - Luggage handling
    - International flights
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
    - Baggage / cancellation / interruption and medical travel insurance
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 05 at 3.45.26 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    FRAM

    The ship is purpose-built as an expedition vessel with a higher ice-class, chart drawing tools,ship depth sounding database, extractable forward sounding sonar, iceberg search lights, autonomous tracking system, oversized oil retention system for self-sufficiency, and a full ‘expedition tools-deck’ equivalent to a car-deck that holds 25 vehicles. We believe that as an explorer you need an ‘expedition base-camp’ that is comfortable – something that combines ‘all oceans capabilities’ with safety, flexibility and environmental friendliness. That’s Fram – simply the best expedition ship imaginable. The observation lounge, with comfortable sitting areas at the top of the ship and large panoramic windows, gives you incredible views of nature. A pair of binoculars is installed for spotting wildlife and details of the ever changing landscape. In the restaurant on deck 5, you can enjoy the finest cuisine. The floor has different levels, so no matter where your table is placed; there are views to the outdoors. The restaurant is located in the aft of the ship, on your way there you walk through an exhibition of original artefacts from the historic expeditions of Amundsen and Nansen. At the far end of the restaurant there is a balcony for taking pictures when wildlife show up during a meal. On deck 7 you will find a well-equipped fitness room, with its panoramic ocean view there is no better place to exercise. On top of the ship you can get warm and cosy in the sauna or bathe in one of the outdoor Jacuzzis. Let the warm water surround you while the icebergs float silently past the side of the ship. With 127 cabins on Fram, you have a choice of comfortable cabins and a number of superior suites to choose from. Our suites are named after Norwegian polar heroes, MS Fram travels in the wake of these great explorers. We are very proud of the art commissioned for MS Fram – local artists from the Arctic have contributed to making her a modern masterpiece. The ‘tender pit’ is where we embark, fully dressed in suitable expedition and excursion gear, on our sturdy Polarcirkel boats to take you safely from ship to shore. The original Fram was a ship for broadening the understanding of the world – let the new MS Fram do the same for you.

    Features & Facilities
    • Enhanced expedition vessel
    • Superior accommodation
    • Observation lounge with panoramic windows
    • Restaraunt
    • Gym with panoramic windows
    • Sauna
    • Outdoor Jacuzzies
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 318
    Crew #: 75
    Ice Class: 1B
    Speed: 16
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 113m
    Width: 20
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 11647
    Registry: Norway
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Arctic Superior - Upper Deck Twin

06 Dec 2018 - 28 Dec 2018
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins.
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Expedition Suite

06 Dec 2018 - 28 Dec 2018
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship.
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Expedition Grand Suite

06 Dec 2018 - 28 Dec 2018
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship.
USD$ $POA
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Polar Inside Middle Deck - Quad

06 Dec 2018 - 28 Dec 2018
Our cosy Polar Inside cabins can be found on all decks. All cabins include bathrooms with shower/WC.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Polar Inside Middle Deck - Twin

06 Dec 2018 - 28 Dec 2018
Our cosy Polar Inside cabins can be found on all decks. All cabins include bathrooms with shower/WC.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Polar Outside Upper Deck

06 Dec 2018 - 28 Dec 2018
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated mostly on middle or lower deck and all have bathrooms with shower/WC.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Arctic Superior - Middle Deck Twin

06 Dec 2018 - 28 Dec 2018
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Polar Outside Middle Deck - Twin

06 Dec 2018 - 28 Dec 2018
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated mostly on middle or lower deck and all have bathrooms with shower/WC.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA

Polar Outside Middle Deck - Quad

06 Dec 2018 - 28 Dec 2018
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated mostly on middle or lower deck and all have bathrooms with shower/WC.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA