Antarctica Southern Hemisphere Adventure (Fridtjof Nansen)

Description

Join this amazing expedition cruise to the highlights of Antarctica, the Falklands and Patagonia. Our Expedition Team will take you for ice-cruising and on landings providing opportunities to see penguins, seals, whales and other wildlife. There may also be chances to kayak among the icebergs and hike on the most remote continent on Earth.

Trip Name

Antarctica Southern Hemisphere Adventure (Fridtjof Nansen)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 140 m Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2020 MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel. Cabins and public areas 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 hot tubs with spectacular views. Science Center The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team. Restaurants MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations. After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights. Everything you need for an expedition cruise Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas. In the footsteps of a great explorer The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Cultural and Cool

This adventure starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover the ´Paris of South America´ for yourself or extend your stay by an optional pre-programme to explore Wild Patagonia.

Day 2 - Day 2 Tierra del Fuego

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

Day 3 - Day 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage

Prepare yourself for Antarctica as we cross the famed Drake Passage. Learn about the fascinating history and environmental science of Antarctica from our Expedition Team in the Science Center. This is a great time to enjoy all the amenities of our advanced hybrid powered expedition ship.

Day 4 - Day 5 - 9 Penguins, Icebergs, Seals and Whales

Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder, with white horizons above oceans full of icebergs and whales. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring will be your first encounter with the huge colonies of penguins.Our Expedition Team will lead ice-cruising and landings at every opportunity to come ashore and explore the impressive Antarctic scenery. From deck, there are great chances to spot whales. Of course, this is true wilderness, so nature is in charge, but our experienced captain will work with the elements to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure.We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula and aim to bring you to the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife on display in this pristine wilderness.Wherever we explore, the sights and sounds and of Antarctica are sure to stay with you for a lifetime!

Day 5 - Day 10-11 Scanning for Wildlife and Joining Lectures

The Expedition Team will continue the lecture programme, covering history and the great explorers, marine biology, wildlife, oceanography and climate change. Spend some time on deck and look out for wildlife as we make out way north to the Falklands. We are usually followed by different sea bird species, such as albatrosses.

Day 6 - Day 12 - 14 Pubs, Penguins and Perfect Wilderness

As we reach the westernmost outposts in the Falklands you will see remote farms that have been family-owned for several generations.We may call on New Island, which boasts white sand beaches and turquoise waters that could easily be mistaken for those on a Caribbean isle.Carcass Island is another possible stop, an avian paradise with ducks, geese, penguins, albatrosses, caracaras and wrens. We hope to go ashore for exploring, hiking or taking a closer look at the wildlife.Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, is inviting and a good size for roaming the streets on foot. Or you can join an optional excursion to explore the wilderness and wildlife in the surrounding area. We will be docked in Stanley throughout the day.Included activity:Stanley self guided walk (1 - 2 h)Take a short self-guided walk to get insight into life in the Falklands. Start at the historic Jubilee Villa gardens where local flora and fauna are found, stroll along Ross Road and visit Christchurch cathedral and the Whalebone Arch before proceeding to the Historic Dockyard Museum. Take the tour as part of a group or on an individual basis.

Day 7 - Day 15 Enjoy Onboard Activities

Days at sea are full of activity. Our Expedition Team leads fascinating talks and lectures in the Science Center and MS Fridtjof Nansen offers a Wellness area as well as a pool and hot tubs.

Day 8 - Day 16 World Heritage Highlights

The Valdez Peninsula is a stunning nature reserve that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated on Argentina's Patagonian coast, this peninsula is home to dramatic natural habitats. Enjoy our wide variety of optional excursions starting in Puerto Madryn that bring you closer to wildlife and let you experience the Gaucho-lifestyle of Patagonia.Included activity:Welsh Tea and Sea Lion Lookout (5 hrs 30)Puerto Madryn was founded by Welsh settlers in the late 19th century so it is fitting to enjoy some Welsh tea even though we are in Argentina. Actually, you find a number of tea houses around town. Puerto Madryn is also a great place to observe sea lions after you've enjoyed your tea.

Day 9 - Day 17-18 Wildlife and Lectures

After exhilarating days in Patagonia, Antarctica and the Falklands, the final days of the voyage are spent sailing north while the temperatures rise. Relax with your fellow explorers on the outer decks, restaurants and lounges, and enjoy the Farewell dinner on the last evening.

Day 10 - Day 19 Fascinating Capital

Montevideo boasts colourful cultural diversity, with a picturesque blend of colonial Spanish, Italian and Art Deco architectural styles. You can visit the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), the vibrant Mercado del Puerto, museums, art galleries, and the stretch of white, sandy beaches surrounding the city after disembarking from MS Fridtjof Nansen.

Day 11 - Please Note

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Experience Antarctica, Patagonia, and the Falklands on one expedition cruise
See amazing wildlife; penguins, seals, whales, albatrosses and more
Enjoy landings and ice-cruising in Antarctica
Wide-ranging Science and activity programme led by our expert Expedition Team