Compare “Land Ho!” Icebergs and Penguins in Otherworldly Antarctica by Road Scholar vs Christmas in Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula by Poseidon Expeditions

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

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina (hotel night)

Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Day 2: Welcome Aboard!

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the luxury expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

Day 3-4: Across the Drake Passage

After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. We watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.

Day 5-9: Christmas in South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

During the next four days, we explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. We will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We hope to show you the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

Christmas Day falls in the middle of our Antarctic Peninsula adventure. We celebrate the day with special meals and yuletide festivities in the various traditions of our multinational passengers. Santa Claus will make an appearance and you can have your photo taken with him in the snow. We encourage you to dress in festive attire for an evening of holiday music, singing and dancing. You will always remember your Christmas in Antarctica!

Throughout the islands and on the mainland, we find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. At this time, penguin chicks have started to appear in the nests. Also at this time, a high concentration of sea ice provides opportunities for seals and penguins to congregate on ice floes, a situation that attracts killer whales. Minke whales have started to arrive and leopard seals can be spotted patrolling the coast near penguin colonies. Photographers will appreciate the pristine appearance of undisturbed snow across the landscape in this early summer month.

In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With nearly 20 hours of daylight per day, we seize every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

Day 10-11: Back across the Drake Passage

It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!