fritdjof nansen christmas antarctica cruise

Antarctica - White Christmas with Penguins

  • Overview
    Celebrate a spectacular Christmas! From Ushuaia, we cross the Drake Passage and sail on to an unforgettable exploration of Antarctica. Meet penguins up close and touch icebergs with your bare hands. On board there is so much to do: visit our Activity Center, attend exciting lectures, and enjoy the season´s festivities while surrounded by snow and ice! Close encounters with Antarctic wildlife - Joining an expedition to Antarctica with MS Fridtjof Nansen is sure to rank among the most exciting things you’ll ever do. Together, we will explore the most remote place on earth, on an adventure that takes you to the unparalleled highlights of Antarctica. Imagine waking up on Christmas day and pulling back the cabin curtains to reveal a pristine vista of mountains, penguins and ice! A living continent of ice - The adventure starts as we sail the famous Drake Passage before arriving in remote Antarctica. The excitement builds as we draw close and encounter the astounding wildlife of the last untouched continent. You will see whales, meet thousands of penguins and encounter some seriously cute seals. And the icebergs constantly drift by in fantastic variety, in all shapes and colours. The horizon seems endless and blue-white, the oceans are teeming with life. Our small craft excursions will take you through the icebergs and each journey will serve as a reminder that you are now a true polar explorer. Back on board, you’ll have opportunities to learn and share discoveries with family and new friends in relaxed atmosphere. MS Fridtjof Nansen is a ship built and designed to meet the needs of modern explorers – both on and off board. Our Science Center is a great place to meet fellow adventurers of all ages for scientific fun with our engaging Expedition team. 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 to share in the adventures 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. Join us on a voyage to the extreme south of planet and create the adventure of a lifetime.
    Duration: 17 days
    Passengers: 500 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: Arrival Day

      This adventure 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

      Fly early in the morning to Ushuaia, where MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits. Once on board, we kick off our journey with a welcome-on-board dinner.

    • Day 3/4 - Drake Passage

      Prepare yourself for Antarctica as we cross the infamous Drake Passage, and trust us - it will overwhelm you! MS Fridtjof Nansen is designed especially to bring polar exploration to all ages and learning levels. There will also be several lectures on the environment around us; films about Antarctica and the Activity Center will be providing the latest technology for preserving your memories. This will be the heart of the expedition community, where we gather for talks, recaps and spontaneous events, mingle and share stories.

    • Day 5/14 - Antarctica

      You are now in one of the most remote areas on earth! There have been spectacular photo opportunities so far, but Antarctica itself is in a whole different category. Come ashore to explore the breath taking Antarctic scenery and to come close to penguins and seals. You will feel like a real explorer from the moment you set foot on the endless expanse of snow and ice. From the deck there will be ample opportunities to sight whales.

      Enjoy close encounters with wildlife and glaciers, old whaling stations and relics. Trust us when we say that every second of this journey has something new to offer. One of the highlights of the South Shetlands is Deception Island. When we sail into the natural harbour of this volcanic island, you will see an abandoned whaling station known as Hektor and a derelict British base.

      We are certain you will enjoy a visit to Half Moon Island, a staggeringly photogenic island blessed with some of the most beautiful Antarctic scenery imaginable, or Yankee Harbour, with its large colony of Gentoo penguins, estimated to be 4,000 breeding pairs. Cuverville Island is home to another of the largest known colonies of Gentoo penguins. Neko Harbour is beautifully located in the innermost part of Andvord Bay.

      Paradise Harbour got its descriptive name from the whalers during the last century. Wilhelmina Bay has stunning scenery and is often called “Whale-mina Bay”, because of the large number of humpback whales spotted here in December. We have planned plenty of activities to make you experience Antarctica in the best way. This might mean that one day you will go shore to see penguins and hear the crackling noise of glaciers.

      Next day, you get to feel the salt and wind as you cruise between the sea ice, looking for leopard seals taking a snooze on the ice. Third day, kayaking or a longer hike or walk. Back on board we also have activities that will satisfy a whole range of interests in the explorer room. The on board photographer will show you the basics of expedition photography.

      Join gatherings where the various members of the expedition team recount the day’s activities, make presentations, and the expedition leader discusses the next day’s plan. These gatherings are great opportunities for sharing and shared memory making and mingling with the expedition community.

    • Day 15/16 - Drake Passage

      After exploring this exhilarating continent, we set course back to civilisation. Spend the day at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Activity Center or just relaxing on deck.

    • Day 17 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires: Disembarkation

      Sadly, every adventure must come to an end. It is time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends when we reach Ushuaia. We transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. If you haven't had enough adventures, you have the possibility to extend your stay and enjoy our optional post expedition programmes.

    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

    Christmas &/or New Year voyage

    What better place to wake up on Christmas morning and check if Santa has found you in Antarctica! Christmas in Antarctica is extra special and many of our voyages are family friendly.

    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.

    Lemaire Channel – get your camera ready!

    In a continent of stunning views, Lemaire Channel has been called the Kodak Gap. Locked between the rocky vertical cliffs of Booth Island and the continent this one kilometer wide passage is one of the most photographed attractions of Antarctica. You will be glad your camera is digital.

  • Inclusions

    Transfers, Accommodation & Tour

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

    Expedition Jacket

    Wind and water resistant jacket

    Return flights from Buenos Aires

    Your voyage includes return flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.31.40 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    FRIDTJOF NANSEN

    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: 24
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 20889
    Registry: Norway
    Elec Outlets: 2 Round Prongs
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
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

13 Dec 2019 - 29 Dec 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

13 Dec 2019 - 29 Dec 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

13 Dec 2019 - 29 Dec 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