Compare “Land Ho!” Icebergs and Penguins in Otherworldly Antarctica by Road Scholar

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Ushuaia, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Ushuaia

Hotel check-in from 12:00 Noon.

After completing arrival procedures, meet the Road Scholar Group Leader outside the arrivals hall and transfer to the hotel for check-in. After some time to freshen up and relax, we will gather as a group for Program Orientation. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat “Expedition” program. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. The itinerary may change based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. Routes, port stops, field trips, and excursions could be impacted; the cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding. In addition to lectures, field trips, and activities exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events offered by the cruise line that are separate from Road Scholar. While on board, there will be educational presentations on a variety of topics by members of the ship's resource staff. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, paleontology, geology, and biology. Due to the remote location of the ports, some embarkation and disembarkation will be via Zodiac rafts. Staff will be available for assistance. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

We will walk to a nearby hotel for dinner and order from a select menu with choice of a main course and dessert plus a glass of wine and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Tierra del Fuego National Park Ushuaia

Getting on/off a motorcoach several times during field trip. Walking short distances on a boardwalk and unpaved ground.

After breakfast, we will board a motorcoach for an expert-led field trip to Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego — Tierra del Fuego National Park — approximately 7.5 miles west of Ushuaia. This was Argentina’s first shoreline park. Native forests of lengas, coihues, ñires, canelos, and mossy foliage are home to guanacos, foxes, and muskrats. Short trails follow the southern edges of the park, providing scenic views of the Ensenada and Lapataia Bays, and the famous Beagle Channel. Sea birds are abundant along the coast and include albatross, terns, geese, ducks, and gulls. Also be on the lookout for condors, Magellanic woodpeckers, and Austral conures. A 5-mile trail that leads west from Bahia Ensenada passes through an area of archaeological importance with grass-covered shell mounds left by the Yamaná (a/k/a Yahgan) inhabitants hundreds of years ago.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars. Prepare for check out and embarkation tomorrow.

At the hotel, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet that includes coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant, we will order from a select menu with choice of a main course and dessert plus water or soda.Other beverages available for purchase.

We will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and order from a select menu with choice of a main course and dessert with a bottle of water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Embark Ship Aboard the Ocean Victory

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Boarding the ship.

We will check out of our rooms this morning. Our bags will be stored securely at the hotel until embarkation. After completing our check-out, we will gather in a meeting room at the hotel for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Next, we will transfer to the port and board the Ocean Victory for nine nights. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill before departure.

At leisure. You might like to check out the library that offers a wide range of multilingual books ranging from fiction to travel literature. You can curl up with a book, watch a DVD, and broaden your understanding of the region's history, flora, fauna, climate, scientific contributions, and more.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we will order from a select menu with choice of a main course and dessert plus water or soft drink; other beverages available for purchase.

In the dining room aboard ship, there is open seating for our a la carte dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Road Scholars are invited to sit together as a group on our first night out. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, we will always have three meals a day. Hours of operation will be posted around the ship, as they are subject to change based on the activities planned for each day.

Day 5 At Sea, Drake Passage Drake Passage

At sea for the day and night.

Today, we will begin a two-day voyage through the Mar de Hoces, better known as the Drake Passage. The Ocean Victory is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded, never-ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day at sea, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-Antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels. When we pass this zone, we will have entered the most nutrient-rich waters on earth — the Southern Ocean. The best way to experience wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out.

As we make the passage, we will have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library, and lecture hall where we will meet our guides, ship’s crew, and expedition staff. Everyone is invited to attend lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Topics we may hear about include climate change, marine life and the marine ecosystem, birds/wildlife in general, geology and geography, weather systems, and expedition history. Tea and coffee are available in the lounge.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

In the dining room aboard ship, choose what you like from the lunch buffet.

Aboard ship.

Day 6 At Sea, Drake Passage Drake Passage

At sea for the day and night.

We will continue crossing the Drake Passage. Wandering Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prions, and Cap Petrals are among the species of seabirds that may join us on our journey as we cross into Antarctica.

The onboard educational programming will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.

At leisure. Gym facilities and a sauna are available.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 7 South Shetland Islands South Shetland Islands

Getting in/out of Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.

This is what we've all been waiting for: a chance to explore and step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next six days, we will navigate southwards, making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two outings per day while we navigate through the area, but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions we encounter. All outings will be via Zodiacs, the famous inflatable boats used throughout the world.

We will continue to explore the South Shetland Islands.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 8 South Shetland Islands South Shetland Islands

Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow-covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.

We’ll board the Zodiac boats and explore the South Shetland Islands.

Zodiac boat trip continued.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 9 Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Peninsula

Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.

Today’s Zodiac boat trip will see us exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

Zodiac boat trip continued.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 10 Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Peninsula

Getting on/off Zodiac boats. Walking on uneven, snow covered, and sometimes icy conditions. Landings are all dependent on weather conditions.

Zodiac boat trip along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Zodiac boat trip continued.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 11 At Sea, Drake Passage Drake Passage

At sea for the day and night.

Today we will leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching, whale watching, and some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. Remember, the best way to experience wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions, and Whales.

Our educational program will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 12 At Sea, Drake Passage Drake Passage

At sea for the day and night.

Our educational program will continue as we cross the Drake Passage.

Our educational programming at sea will continue.

At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation after arrival in Ushuaia and departure in the morning.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 13 Arrive Ushuaia, Disembarkation, Program Concludes In Flight

Disembarkation is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. after arrival in Ushuaia. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

After completing disembarkation procedures from the ship, we will transfer to the airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Aboard ship.

Day 14 In Transit From Program In Flight