roald amundsen antarctica cruise

Chilean Fjords, Antarctica and Falklands - Great Explorers and Wildlife

  • Overview
    Travel in harmony with the elements of the White Continent. En route, you will experience the wild natural wonders of the Chilean fjords. Once in Antarctica, the sight of mighty glaciers calving into the ocean, flocks of penguins and whales in the icy seas will create indelible memories. On board there is so much to do: Science Center, exciting lectures, and more, all designed to enhance your trip. From the steep mountains and valleys of the Chilean fjords to close encounters with Antarctic wildlife 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. Endless white landscapes, teeming wildlife and fascinating history In Antarctica, we will land at historic sites like a ring- shaped Deception Island, a major harbour for whaling ships until 1905. On Cuverville Island, home to one of the largest known colonies of Chinstrap penguins, and the British station Port Lockroy from World War II; and Wilhelmina Bay, often called “Whale-mina Bay”, because of the large numbers of humpback whales spotted here. Brown Bluff is recognisable by the 750 metre cliffs that dominate the landscape. Our landings offer you the chance to go hiking, take kayaks out on the water, cruise among whales breaching the surface and meet the local penguins. As modern-day explorers, you will encounter an unspoiled wilderness in an environmentally friendly way as you sail aboard our state of the art expedition vessel. A world of contrasts Then we set course for the Falkland Islands. In this British territory, you will find a world of contrasts, from the red buses and English pubs of Stanley to vast open spaces, stunning white sand beaches and rich wildlife. Back on board, you’ll have fun opportunities to learn and share discoveries with family and new friends in the relaxed way MS Roald Amundsen is a ship built and designed to meet the needs of modern explorers – both on and off board. Our Science Center is where you can meet fellow adventurers for scientific fun with our engaging Expedition Team, no matter what age you are. The media room on board shows the highlights of the day, and if you haven’t joined an excursion or landing, you can see films and photos, and share in the adventures here at the end of each day. All scientific content is presented in a lively, fun and easily understood manner: first class edutainment, so to speak.
    Duration: 18 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

      When ranking the most iconic places on Earth, Cape Horn is high on the list. At almost 56 degrees south, it is the southernmost point of South America. Before the Panama Canal, seafarers had to pass this infamous rocky island in order to cross from one side of the Americas to the other. We will do our best to make a landing on Cape Horn – however, this is an area known for high seas and challenging conditions, so the Captain will decide on the safety of the excursion.

      MS Roald Amundsen will use 1 ½ to 2 days to cross the Drake Passage from Cape Horn, depending on the weather conditions. An enormous churn of water is funnelled by western wind drift from the Pacific through the Drake Passage and into the Scotia Sea to the east. The Passage is part of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the most voluminous current in the world. About 95 to 150 million cubic metres of water per second are transported from west to east here. As we cross the Drake, we sail over the undersea West Scotia Ridge and the nearly 6,000- metre deep South Shetland Trench. The weather can be terrible on the passage, but it may also be placid, and it is often called the “Drake Lake”. Usually, it’s somewhere in between.

    • Day 6/12 - Antarctica

      Antarctica is isolated from the rest of the world by ocean currents. 90 per cent of the world´s ice is here, 4.000 metres thick, covering the landmass. In winter, it is further cut off by sea ice forming off the coast - virtually doubling the size of the continent. In summer, it is a breeding ground for millions of penguins, whales and seals that, for the rest of the year, simply spend their time at sea. Most wildlife here are dependent on a cornerstone species: krill. And there is a great deal of it. The krill population in the Southern Ocean represents the largest biomass of one species on Earth – including human beings.

      As outlined in the Antarctic Treaty, this is a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism. No human activity is allowed to alter the perfect natural balance. We are visiting a place that has evolved through millenniums without human interference. Therefore, we adhere to very strict environmental guidelines and rules. We want to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures!

      What is so overwhelming about Antarctica is that its location makes every voyage to the continent an expedition. Even the most sophisticated technology cannot override some of the climatic challenges that are a part of this environment. Therefore, we need to be pragmatic; we change landings, re-route and shift plans as we go along. This also means that we will take advantage of the often-ideal conditions – spend hours ashore, on the water with kayaks, hiking or simply cruising amongst huge pods of whales. Weather, wind and ice conditions have a great influence on our programme and schedule. We will attempt to land several places, including Deception Island, Half Moon Island, Brown Bluff, Cuverville Island and Neko Harbour. All of these places are serene and offer untouched nature, oportunities to observe penguin colonies, seals, glaciers, icebergs in every shape and colour and old whaling stations.

      It´s hard to sum up all the impressions you will gain. As a well-known quote from veteran Antarctic travellers puts it: “If you can describe Antarctica with words, you have probably never been there.”

    • Day 13 - At Sea

      After exploring this superlative-exhausting continent, we set course back for The Falkland Islands. The Falklands consist of two large islands and around 700 smaller ones. Captain John Strong of HMS Welfare made the first recorded landing here in 1690. We will continue our lecture series that focuses on the dramatic history and diverse wildlife of the islands as we keep a watch for wandering albatross.

    • Day 14/16 - 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 17 - 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 18 - 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

    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.

    Pristine Antarctica

    Early season, is one of our favourite times in Antarctica. Its when the Antarctic landscape is at its most pristine, the sea ice is still abundant, the winters snow is still draped ever so delicately over the landscape and the twilight hues create the best photographs.

    Send a postcard home from Port Lockroy

    This British base, established in 1944, on arrival you will receive a warm accolade both by the volunteers of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and the colony of Gentoo penguins that nestles just by the old timber structure. Get small denomination US$ notes to buy a few postcards and send them home with Antarctic stamps from one of the southernmost Post Offices in the world.

  • 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

    - Accommodation on board
    - Zodiac and land excursions with our expert expedition team

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Map coming soon
  • 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

12 Feb 2020 - 29 Feb 2020
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.
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roald amundsen polar outside

1. Polar Outside

12 Feb 2020 - 29 Feb 2020
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
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roald amundsen arctic superior

2. Arctic Superior

12 Feb 2020 - 29 Feb 2020
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