FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Ocean Victory

Ocean Victory commenced voyages in November 2021 and was established as one of the most modern small ship vessels in the market. This stylish cruise ship is ideally suited for small ship expeditions and is deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctic region voyages. With a total of 93 comfortable staterooms for her guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel is also environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability.

Days 1 – 2 Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 3 At Sea

As you sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will be held, and you won’t want to miss the scientific and environmental experts as they begin their deeply knowledgeable, and always entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the areas you will soon be exploring.

Days 4 – 5 Falkland Islands

First, explore some of the westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands, a remote South Atlantic archipelago renowned for its rugged terrain and cliff-lined coast. Stretch your legs along the farmland and beaches, and have an opportunity to visit Albatross and penguin colonies. Look for Rockhopper, King and Magellanic penguin rookeries.

Next, visit the archipelago’s largest island, Stanley. Stanley is a lively hub of activity nestled in a sheltered harbor. Here, the Falklands Islands Museum has fascinating exhibits devoted to maritime exploration, natural history, and the 1982 Falklands War. Visit Gypsy Cove, part of Cape Pembroke peninsula, a National Nature Preserve. Magellanic penguins, also known as Jackass penguins for the braying sound they make, breed here, nesting in underground burrows. Other native bird species include Black-Crowned Night herons, Long-Tailed meadowlarks, Two-Banded plovers, and Upland and Kelp geese. Nearby Ordinance Point is the final resting place for several World War II guns.

Days 6 – 7 At Sea

Things continue ramping up with plenty of birdlife sightings as you make your way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. See if you can identify the world’s largest bird, the Wandering albatross. From soaring giants like the Southern Giant petrel to the tiny Wilson’s Storm petrel, a range of impressive bird species will be hitching a ride on the updrafts created by ocean swells and waves. Be on the lookout for whale blows and your very first iceberg sighting.

Days 8 – 11 South Georgia

South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and it’s easy to see why as you take in tens of thousands (not a typo!) of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Breathtaking mountain scenery, majestically sculpted icebergs, glaciers in every direction, and a rich historical tapestry are all here to complement the incredible array of wildlife on view as you travel down South Georgia’s leeward coast. Visit the historic Grytviken whaling station, featuring the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.

Days 11 – 12 At Sea

Heading farther south, continue attending the informative presentations and wildlife spotting as the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful.

Days 14 – 17 Antarctic Peninsula

With twice-daily outing as your goal, explore any number of picturesque bays and famed landing sites, manoeuvring through iceberg-rich channels as you travel alongside an array of wildlife. There are opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as you take in the wide range of penguin species, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.

Days 18 – 19 At Sea

Leave this magical place and make your way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. Have one last hurrah and celebrate the conclusion of your expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 20 Ushuaia, Argentina

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, disembark in the morning. Catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.