Roald Amundsen, 15 Night Iconic Antarctica – The Explorer’s Route ex Buenos Aires, Argentina Return

Feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires and get into the spirit of adventure

An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic voyage. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, the city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.  

There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.  

Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer or explore the region with our optional Pre-Programme. 

Set sail from the capital of Tierra del Fuego

The morning begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia. This port city is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province, and it’s set against the magnificently rugged backdrop of the Andes mountains. Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city, and it’s from here that many adventures to Antarctica set out – including ours.  

You’ll be welcomed aboard your hybrid-powered expedition ship – specially designed for exploring polar waters – and after a briefing from your Expedition Team there will be time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board. Your adventure has truly begun! 

Get into adventure mode and learn about the nature and science of Antarctica

On the two-day crossing over the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your upcoming adventure. 

Visit the onboard Science Centre and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the serious effects of modern-day environmental concerns. You'll discover how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and learn about the onboard Citizen Science projects which help protect the environment and that you can be a part of.  

There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine in the ship’s restaurants, and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

Experience all the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula as we enter expedition mode

Nothing quite prepares you for it. Silence and serenity infuse your soul as we sail through the deep blue waters past looming glaciers and cathedral-sized icebergs. Every moment in Antarctica will fill you with wonder.  

Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them, and majestic, migrating whales glide past pristine icebergs as they feed on shoals of krill. Look skywards and you may spot some of the 45 species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, including skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns. 

Here, nature reigns, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for adventure, and we’ll spend nine action-packed days exploring several of the many possible landing sites. Each day will offer something different and thrilling as we probe uncharted territories. 

Where most journeys to Antarctica end, yours only intensifies, offering unprecedented access to some lesser-explored areas. Remember, this is an expedition voyage! This means we’ll be able to adapt our itinerary depending on the sea and ice conditions, and we’ll endeavour to spend at least one day – or possibly several – in each of the following regions: 

South Shetland Islands: 
Typically, the first glimpse of Antarctica for travellers, the South Shetland Islands boast a dramatic landscape across the 20-island archipelago. These rugged isles are not just strikingly beautiful, they are also teeming with wildlife, offering a vibrant, up-close encounter with nature's resilience and diversity. 

Antarctic Sound: 
A lesser-visited gem in the region, Antarctic Sound serves as a grand gateway to the Weddell Sea and is home to some of the largest tabular icebergs. This striking corridor of ice and water is also a prime habitat for observing the rarer Adélie Penguin and offers a unique snapshot of the grandeur of Antarctica. 

The Weddell Sea: 

Navigable only by the most advanced ice-strengthened ships, the Weddell Sea offers a profound connection to Antarctic exploration history. It was in this region in 1925 that Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance, was crushed by sea ice, setting off his legendary survival journey. Visitors to this harshly beautiful environment gain a vivid sense of Shackleton’s extraordinary feats. Here, you might also see Emperor Penguins migrating to or from the nearby colony at Snow Hill Island. 

Gerlache Strait: 

A centrepiece of Antarctic exploration, the Gerlache Strait, offers sheltered waterways ideal for up-close encounters with some of the continent's most iconic sights. This is the area where that our ship’s namesake, Roald Amundsen, in 1898 sailed aboard the Belgica before he and the crew became the first humans to overwinter in Antarctica. Frequented by humpback whales and resident orca pods, this area mesmerises visitors with 360-degree views of snow-covered alpine landscapes, providing a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for adventure. 

The Penola Strait (South of the Lemaire Channel): 

The Penola Strait, accessed via the breathtaking Lemaire Channel – often hailed as the world's most picturesque channel – offers a spectacular maze of penguin-covered islands set against the massive glacier-clad peaks of the continental shoreline. This remote area, often beyond the range of standard voyages, teems with wildlife and presents boundless exploration opportunities. The abundant sea ice not only enhances the beauty but also increases the chance of observing seals and seeing the unique hunting tactics of orcas. 

Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, enlightening and entertaining with their insights into the wonders of the frozen continent.

Reflect on your adventure

After nine days of exhilaration, taking in the wonders and wildlife of Antarctica, our ship begins to head back north. As we make the return trip across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this time at sea. 

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre to delve into areas of interest in more depth and contribute your observations to Citizen Science projects. Enlist the help of our onboard photographer with the editing of your photos. 

Relax with a treatment in the spa and wellness area or take in the fresh sea air from the on-deck hot tubs. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink. 

Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires

Your expedition cruise ends back where we set out from in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but if you’re still in the mood for some more experiences it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.

Buenos Aires is a city rich in culture, with some amazing architecture and dining options. If you fancy lingering a while longer, why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home. 

In 2019, Hurtigruten added a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.

MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years, cutting emissions by sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrid technology, combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board will reduce fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent. The build of these two ships represents the largest single investment in the history of Hurtigruten.

The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Roald Amundsen will lead the way towards an even more sustainable way of traveling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. The ship will be specially constructed for voyages in polar waters and serve as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.

Discover the World Like Never Before with Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten Expeditions invites you to step beyond ordinary travel and embark on an extraordinary journey to the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations. Whether you’re cruising through the icy realms of Antarctica, navigating the Arctic's pristine landscapes, or exploring the tropical wonders of the Amazon, our expeditions offer an immersive travel experience that combines adventure, luxury, and sustainability.

As pioneers in responsible travel, Hurtigruten is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Our fleet of hybrid-powered ships is designed with sustainability at the forefront, allowing you to explore some of the world’s most fragile environments while knowing your journey is part of a broader commitment to preserving them. With every expedition, you’ll leave with not just memories, but the knowledge that you’re traveling with a company that cares deeply about the planet.

Hurtigruten Expeditions offers a unique, small-ship experience that sets it apart from traditional cruises. With fewer passengers, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and personalized journey. You’ll have access to off-the-beaten-path destinations that larger ships can’t reach, and every aspect of your voyage will be tailored to provide you with maximum comfort and enjoyment, from stylish cabins to world-class dining.

But Hurtigruten Expeditions is not just about luxury—it’s about discovery. Our expert-led teams of naturalists, scientists, and local guides provide in-depth knowledge of the places you visit, enriching your journey with insightful lectures and hands-on exploration. Whether you’re learning about the unique wildlife of the polar regions or uncovering the rich history of the places you visit, each day is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the world.

The experiences you’ll have aboard a Hurtigruten ship are truly one of a kind. From witnessing awe-inspiring wildlife encounters to watching the Northern Lights dance above the Arctic Circle, your voyage will be filled with moments of wonder and excitement. You’ll encounter animals in their natural habitat, from penguins and whales to sea birds and seals, making each expedition a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Designed for the passionate traveler who seeks more than just a vacation, Hurtigruten Expeditions is for those who yearn to explore the world’s wildest corners while enjoying the comfort and luxury they deserve. Our guests are those who are not only looking to escape but to experience the world in its most authentic and transformative form.

Are you ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? With Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s most stunning and remote destinations await. Let us help you make your dream expedition a reality.