Fram, 22 Night Life Returns – Springtime Expedition to Antarctica ex Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile

Day 1
The beat of Buenos Aires
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.  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 famed birthplace of the tango. Your Expedition Ship will be awaiting you for embarkation.

Day 2-4
Preparing for adventure
Get into expedition mode Over the next days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip. Members of the Expedition Team will start their lecture series on topics like oceanography, geology, ornithology, and history. Pop into the Science Center for hands-on presentations as well. Grab your binoculars and scan for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities and enjoy the hot tubs, sauna and gym.  

Day 5-7
Wildlife of the Falklands
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 amidst the grassy hills and wildflowers. Enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.  Our 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.

Day 8-9
Adventure lies ahead
Cruising the South Atlantic Sailing from the Falklands, we spend two days cruising towards beautiful South Georgia. You can look forward to seeing an archipelago filled with diverse wildlife.  Meet up with the Expedition Team as they prepare you for what lies ahead. They’ll tell you everything they know about South Georgia, including the area’s wildlife, polar history, geology, glaciology, and stories of Norwegian whalers.  As we get closer, the Expedition Team will talk about the IAATO environmental guidelines and sustainability rules that we follow when visiting to make your visit as safe and as low impact as possible. We leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures. 

Day 10-12
The southern Serengeti
Visit a wildlife watcher’s paradise South Georgia’s abundant wildlife has earned it the nickname ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. Its unique position free from sea ice makes the island a breeding site for large colonies of penguins, other seabirds and seals. In fact, it’s an Important Bird Area, home to albatrosses, petrels, shags, skuas and terns.  Throughout our three days in the area, we’ll land as often as we can to explore the wilderness and wildlife. We’ll also try to reach Grytviken, the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Our expedition route will as always be guided by nature, responding to daily conditions to seek out the best possible experience.While our itineraries are always flexible, they’re even more so during peak breeding seasons when the wildlife is most vulnerable to disturbance. When opportunities allow, we’ll land here and observe the wildlife. When our presence could disturb the animals, we’ll choose another place to visit and as always, these decisions are made by your Expedition Team and are based on lifetimes of combined experience in these destinations. Sometimes we’ll land, sometimes we’ll cruise, it’s all part of the adventure! 

Day 13-14
Towards Antarctica
Time to relax and reflect After visiting the Falklands and South Georgia, take some time while we head towards Antarctica to relax and reflect on your journey so far.  Antarctica is a symbol of global cooperation, dedicated to peace, science and wildlife conservation. Protected by the Antarctic Treaty, it remains free of military conflict, preserving its pristine environment for future generations.  As a hub for scientific research on climate change and ecosystems, it offers unique insights into nature's resilience. Why not join one of our Citizen Science programmes to help collect data for global research projects. 

Day 15-19
Antarctica: Another world
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty  Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins watch erect from the shores. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge. We’ll explore several possible landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.  We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays, where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint. Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels and terns. Through onboard lectures, you'll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future. 

Day 20-22
The passage back
Looking for land ahead Five unforgettable days in Antarctica are over, and your ship now embarks upon our final adventure together: the Drake Passage. Known for its potentially high winds and strong currents, the passage can also be silent and still, inspiring the nicknames ‘The Drake Shake’ and ‘The Drake Lake’ respectively.  But don’t worry, even if we experience rough seas, your ship is perfectly equipped for this leg of the adventure exploring the Southern Ocean. During our crossing, the Expedition Team will recap our experiences, making it possible to keep your head in the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica a little while longer.

Day 23
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Onwards from Punta Arenas Your Antarctica expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you'll catch a flight to Santiago de Chile and then your connecting flight home, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories. However, if you're not ready to end your adventures just yet why not extend your trip and join our optional Post-Programme.

The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.

Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind – to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. The spacious outside decks include access to the very front of the ship – a great place to observe marine wildlife.

After a decade of exploring some of the most spectacular waters on our planet, Hurtigruten’s MS Fram will receive a total makeover – and reemerge as a brand-new expedition ship.

Leading up the 2020 season, MS Fram will be completely upgraded with new suites, new cabins, more environmentally friendly engines and a total makeover of all public areas – including new restaurants and Hurtigruten’s signature, high-tech Science Center.

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.