roald amundsen polar circle antarctica cruise

Antarctica, the Polar Circle and Beyond

  • Overview
    Antarctica is unlike anything you have ever experienced! The landscape is as awe-inspiring and untouched as the day that man first set foot here. On this expedition, we will attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′46.3″ S and explore even further south. This is an adventure that few others can claim! Starting in Punta Arenas, this expedition will introduce you to the natural beauty of Patagonia before crossing of the treacherous Drake Passage to Antarctica and the mighty frozen desert of the south. Crossing the Drake Passage might be a bit rough, but this is true wilderness, where nature rules. The feeling of leaving civilization behind, and going somewhere where few others have gone before you, can be exhilarating and exciting. Awe-inspiring, untouched nature in Antarctica At last, we reach Antarctica. It is the coldest, driest, highest and cleanest continent on Earth. You will be amazed by giant tabular icebergs, drifting and broken off from the brim of the Antarctic mainland. With no permanent human inhabitants, the continent is home to millions of penguins, seals and whales. From the deck, you might see shoals of penguins swimming out to sea to hunt for krill, or the torpedo-like leopard seal patrolling the shorelines. Be sure to keep a sharp eye out for the spouting of humpback whales.
    Duration: 20 days
    Passengers: 500 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Santiago, Chile
    Disembarkation Point: Santiago, Chile
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 0.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Santiago de Chile

      The capital of Chile is exciting and diverse. There is a lot to discover here, from the Andean glaciers at the city borders, tall mountains and skyscrapers to quiet parks, colonial architecture, bohemian quarters and the fast-flowing Mapacho River. Your adventure starts with an overnight hotel stay here.

    • Day 2 - Santiago de Chile/Punta Arenas: Embarkation day

      You fly to Punta Arenas where MS Roald Amundsen is ready for this expedition to Antarctica.

    • Day 3 - Chilean fjords

      Enjoy cruising through the Beagle Channel, with channels, fjords and mountains plunging straight into the icy water. This wild and remote area seems almost undisturbed by humans. The ice has scoured its way between the mountains, leaving isolated islands and hidden bays and creating the unique fjord landscape of Chile.

    • Day 4/5 - Drake Passage

      The infamous Drake Passage is where two oceans meet. As we cross what is known as either the Drake Lake or the Drake Shake (depending on conditions), fascinating presentations will be given about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic. You will also be acquainted with our measures to protect this vulnerable environment.

    • Day 6/14 - Antarctica

      As we cross the Antarctic Convergence, the air becomes crisper and colder. Antarctic penguins begin to appear in the water, and the first icebergs drift by. When opportunities arise, we will launch our kayaks and take you on unforgettable hikes to explore one of the most beautiful, untouched places on the planet – all in true expedition style. Depending on the weather and ice conditions we might visit Deception Island, where you can join the expedition team for a hike on this ring-shaped volcanic caldera. Hiking on an active volcano is a rarity, and being in Antarctica makes it even more special. Half Moon Island is a paradise for photographers with its rich wildlife set against scenic backgrounds and Antarctic highlights. If we visit Antarctic Sound you will see an astonishing number of icebergs - and Adelie penguins. Brown Bluff's birdlife and nature is amazing, and taking an ice cruise with small boats in the Lemaire Channel is considered a can´t miss-experience. Set foot on the Antarctic mainland in Neko Harbour and visit a former British research base in Port Lockroy, see Paradise Harbour and Wilhelmina Bay. We will also try to sail through the spectacular Grandidier channel, towards Crystal Sound - crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33?46.4? S. This is an adventure that few others can claim!

    • Day 15 - At Sea

      After spending some amazing days in Antarctica we will have a recap of everything we have experienced so far. Make sure you spend some time on deck looking for wildlife and join the lectures to learn more about our next destination; the Falkland Islands.

    • Day 16/18 - The Falkland Islands

      Having just been in Antarctica, it might seem a bit surreal to arrive in a town that looks like a miniature England, with red phone boxes, red buses and English pubs. Stanley is the capital on the Falkland Islands. Roam the city streets, the town is easy enough to discover in a day on foot, or join one of the excursions to explore the wilderness and wildlife in the surroundings. The Falklands are teeming with wonders of wildlife and nature. This is an unpolluted environment with fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons, vast open spaces and stunning white sand beaches. As we reach the westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands you will see remote farms that have been family owned for six or seven generations. The sheep graze alongside immense colonies of albatross and rockhopper penguins, while predatory striated caracaras patrol overhead and upland geese forage at the water’s edge. Bird lovers will rejoice if we go ashore on Carcass Island. This is a bird paradise with several ducks, geese, penguins, albatrosses, caracaras and wrens. It is also one of few islands down here with trees. We use our small boats to go ashore for exploring, hiking or take a closer look at all the birds.

    • Day 19 - At Sea

      As we complete the loop of the Magellan Strait, we will have a recap of everything we have experienced on this expedition. Make sure you spend some time on deck looking for wildlife.

    • Day 20 - Punta Arenas/Santiago de Chile

      We arrive back in Punta Arenas in the morning. After the flight back to Santiago de Chile, you can extend your vacation with a post voyage extension to experience the impressive region.

    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

    Falkland Islands

    Boasting rugged scenery and excellent wildlife opportunities, including the Black-browed albatross, Elephant seals and a number of penguin species not found in Antarctica.

    Penguins

    Taking centre stage on your Antarctic Peninsula expedition, are the Brushtail penguin species. These photogenic and intriguing species include, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins. The species are in abundance across Peninsula and are always performing.

    On board voyages in our other details you may come across Rockhopper, Macaroni, Magellanic, King and Emperor penguins.

    Whales

    Whale numbers swell in Antarctica over the southern summer. Arriving in Antarctica from November onwards, whale numbers reach their peak around December and January. Sightings and particularly breachings reach a pinnacle in February and March, when the Krill is closer to the surface. Some 10 species of whales are found in Antarctic water each summer, with the most abundant species being the Humpack.

  • Inclusions

    Pre-cruise hotel in Santiago

    Your pre-cruise night accommodation is provided at a hotel in the capital of Chile, Santiago.

    Return airfares

    Return economy flights from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas including airport transfer.

    Expedition Jacket

    Wind and water resistant jacket

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Zodiac and land excursions with our expert expedition team
    - All meals and accommodation during the voyage

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    839
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    ROALD AMUNDSEN

    Named after two of the greatest heroes in Polar history, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, our new hybrid-powered expedition ships, will combine state of the art technology and premium onboard experience with 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations. The result: The next generation of adventure travel. With the great explorers deeply rooted in our history and heritage, these ships aim to be one step ahead when exploring the world. They will be moving boundaries for the technology, for the industry and for our guests. Currently under construction at Kleven Yard in Norway, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen will debut in 2018 and 2019 – and has been branded as the world’s greenest, safest and most advanced expedition ships. One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck wrapped around the top of the ships’ raked bow. In a vast area behind it, you’ll find the core of the onboard experience: Amundsen Science Center / Nansen Science Center. Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive edutainment area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. The area, featuring large windows, will also be the onboard HQ for Hurtigruten’s hand-picked Exedition Team. In addition to vast in- and outdoor Observation Decks, guests can enjoy the scenery and drinks through the large panoramic windows on the forward-facing Explorer Lounge on deck 10. The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 500
    Crew #: 151
    Ice Class: PC6
    Speed: 13
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2018
    Length: 140m
    Width:
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 20889
    Registry: Norway
    Elec Outlets: 2 Round Prongs
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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.
roald amundsen expedition suite

3. Expedition Suite

17 Feb 2019 - 08 Mar 2019
These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have private outside Jacuzzi. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes an amenity kit, bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. Can accommodate up to four passengers. [IMPORTANT] Please note that on board the Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen each cabin category has multiple sub-categories. These vessels work with a dynamic pricing structure based on yield, which is why are unable to show the cost of the cabin. Enquire now for the cost of this cabin category.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA
roald amundsen polar outside

1. Polar Outside

17 Feb 2019 - 08 Mar 2019
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers. [IMPORTANT] Please note that on board the Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen each cabin category has multiple sub-categories. These vessels work with a dynamic pricing structure based on yield, which is why are unable to show the cost of the cabin. Enquire now for the cost of this cabin category.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA
roald amundsen arctic superior

2. Arctic Superior

17 Feb 2019 - 08 Mar 2019
Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes an amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers. [IMPORTANT] Please note that on board the Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen each cabin category has multiple sub-categories. These vessels work with a dynamic pricing structure based on yield, which is why are unable to show the cost of the cabin. Enquire now for the cost of this cabin category.
USD$ $POA
USD$ $POA