Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires 

Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, Buenos Aires is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache. It’s the perfect place to start your Antarctic adventure. 

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

After boarding your ship and meeting your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship. 

Get ready for the adventures ahead 

Over the next two days, you’ll cruise the Argentine Basin and prepare for the many adventures ahead in Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands, and the frozen continent of Antarctica.  

Join your Expedition Team in the onboard Science Center to listen to lectures, participate in Citizen Science projects, and more. Whether it’s marine biology, Antarctic survival, oceanography or photography, your Expedition Team offers fascinating insights into the places you’ll see in the days and weeks ahead. 

 Visit a UNESCO wildlife haven 

Puerto Madryn boasts warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to the dramatic Valdes Peninsula, and while we’re here, you can explore a stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no less than 180 species of birds living on the peninsula, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Stroll through the tranquil natural beauty of the reserve, enjoy a delicious bite to eat and browse the local arts and crafts shops. 

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea 

As we cruise towards the Falkland Islands, enjoy a relaxing day at sea.  

The Expedition Team will brief you about the history and ecology of the islands, and in the Science Center you can look through a microscope and see the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustain so much of the region's wildlife.   

Enjoy all the amenities on the ship and get tips on how to improve your images from our professional photographer, or join workshops on topics such as wildlife painting and nautical knot tying. 

 Enjoy birding and hiking in these green islands 

The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sands teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. Enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.  

Landings, hikes and excursions are, as always, guided by the conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, which are often found sharing space with seals, and getting as close as we can without disturbing them. 

Centre on science before your Antarctic adventure  

As we begin our crossing of the Scotia Sea, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise.  

Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk knowledgeably about topics such as Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.  

There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the hot tub and panoramic sauna, enjoy some delicious cuisine, and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

Experience Antarctica in all its majesty 

Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder.  

Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them. Migrating whales glide among amazing icebergs as they feed on krill. Bird enthusiasts should look out for some of the 45 species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, such as skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns. 

In early austral summer, beautiful sunsets and sunrises will paint the ice and snow in shades of gold, orange and pink, accentuated by snow algae in bloom. This is prime time for watching penguins and fur seals at the height of their breeding season. 

Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. You’ll spend an exciting 10 days busily exploring several of the many possible landing sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula based on when and where conditions are at their best. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling. 

You'll go on landings and ice cruises. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, giving you a deeper insight into the frozen continent.  

Looking for land ahead  

As we say goodbye to the frozen continent, MS Fram turns to take you north over the Drake Passage and towards Punta Arenas. 

This is the perfect time to go through your pictures and relive your experiences in Puerto Madryn, the Falklands and Antarctica. Enjoy the onboard comforts. Relax in the hot tubs or panoramic sauna or unwind in our Explorer Lounge & Bar.  

When the Drake Passage is behind us, we’ll enter the scenic Beagle Channel, surrounded by mountains that seem to plunge straight into the icy water. Watch for Patagonian wildlife as we sail through this wild and remote area. 

The end of an incredible journey 

Your expedition cruise to Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure. 

If you're not ready to end your adventures just yet, why not join one of our optional Post-Programmes.