Our journey commences this morning in the southern Chileanport city of Punta Arenas. We gather at a central location andtransfer to the airport for the two-hour flight across the DrakePassage to Antarctica (this flight is included in the price of yourvoyage). Upon arrival at King George Island, we embark ourship via Zodiac. After settling into our cabins and exploring ournew surroundings, we meet our expedition team and fellowpassengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcomerefreshment and set sail. No doubt, everyone will be lookingforward to the adventure ahead.

Having crossed the broad expanse of the Bransfield Straitovernight, we wake to see the towering peaks of the Antarcticcontinent for the very first time. We push southwards, navigatingto our ultimate objective below the Antarctic Circle. There ismuch to see and experience on our way south. We will beopportunistic, making shore landings in locations that providegreat wildlife encounters, or the chance to stretch our legs on ashort or long hike, such as Paradise Harbour or Port Charcot.Petermann Island is home to a substantial Adelie penguinrookery. Researchers are minitoring the penguin population hereand study over many seasons is providing insight into possiblechanges to number and density of both Adelie and Gentoopenguins, with subtle changes being observed. Our onboardexperts will be able to explain some of these theories and whatthey mean for the penguins and possible implications of climatechange in Antarctica.Petermann also provides outstanding views towards MountShackleton and Mount Scott. These towering granite sentinelsmark the southern entrance to the Lemaire Channel which wehope to have navigated earlier in the day. Nearby Pleneau Islandoffers more opportunities for shore landings. Just off shore, inthe shallow waters of the Penola Strait, massive icebergs runaground. Constant wind and wave action sculptthese gargantuan chunks of ice into fantastic shapes, revealingmore shades of blue than you could ever imagine. For many, aZodiac cruise here will be a highlight of the voyage.There are several other locations in the Yalour Island groupwhich allow for Zodiac cruising and potential shore landings. Wehope to visit a working scientific base to learn of the importantclimate-related research, which is ongoing. This science stationis best known for research into the earth's ozone layer.A hike over the snowy saddle of nearby Winter Island allows usto explore the old British Antarctic Survey hut - 'Wordie House'.This is a beautiful location offering amazing views from thesummit of the island.It is somewhere along this stretch of coastline that we plan anight on shore, camping in Antarctica. We have all the right gearand equipment and an expert team to make it happen - all youneed is an adventurous spirit! Camping always depends on theweather and we can never guarantee it on any voyage. If theweather is good and site characteristics suit our requirementswe will always go for it. Camping is included and you candecide to participate when onboard. There is no need to prebookthis activity.

Given optimal ice conditions, we aim to sail south of theAntarctic Circle. A favoured landing site here is Detaille Island,home to an abandoned British science hut. ‘Base W’ wasestablished in the 1950’s and is in a remarkable state ofpreservation. For the history buffs this is a fascinating place,providing a glimpse into the harsh life of early Antarcticscientists and researchers.We are at the mercy of prevailing ice conditions navigating evenfurther south. Years of experience tell us that late February givesus our best chance of reaching Marguerite Bay.We may take the ‘shortcut’, through a narrow channel knownas 'the Gullet' if the passage is ice-free. Otherwise, we couldnavigate around the outside of Adelaide Island - which will takemore time, yet bring us to the same destination.Marguerite Bay is home to several important science bases- Rothera (UK), San Martin (Argentina), Carvajal (Chile) andfeatures rich history. We hope to make a visit to at least one ofthese locations.The area is full of history and the British Graham LandExpedition (BGLE) of the early 1930's - led by intrepid Australianexplorer, John Rymill, established their Southern Base in thisarea. They explored and surveyed large areas of the AntarcticPeninsula by airplane, establishing the Antarctic Peninsula wasindeed connected to the main continental landmass - and notjust a series of off-shore islands as earlier believed.

As we make our way back to South America, the educationalpresentations continue and we enjoy an entertaining andmemorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. Join ourphotography experts in the multimedia room and download andback up your precious images. Or spend time on the outsideobservation decks or the bridge, observing the incrediblepelagic birds soaring on the winds around the ship. Severalalbatross species, as well as giant petrels and other seabirdscan be observed at close quarters.If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding ofCape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendarytales of exploration and early navigation. It’s a fitting place toreflect on a wonderful expedition.Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in earlyevening light, we enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captainof the ship.

In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is timeto say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. Guests willbe transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flightshome. It will be possible to connect to flights through to BuenosAires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoya night in town or perhaps venture further afield to explore thehighlights of Patagonia.

Polar exploration can be unpredictable, which regularly causes variations to our itineraries. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a 'guide only' and may change. The ship's Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a large number of outstanding landing sites and zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavy ice may block out a planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.