Highlights

• The impossible beauty of Antarctic ice: tabular bergs, the haunting Lemaire Channel

• Massive wildlife spectacles in South Georgia and the Falklands

• Three distinct regions to experience

• Superlative photos ops and on-board photo assistance

• National Geographic expedition team to illuminate it all

• See a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon—a total solar eclipse.

Ship: National Geographic Explorer

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 108 meters
Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)
Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008
National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.
Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.
Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Overnight Hotel in Buenos Aires (Explorer/Endurance):
Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (Explorer/Endurance). Settle into the Alvear Art Hotel (or similar, Explorer) or Alvear Icon Hotel (or similar, Endurance) before seeing the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and the famous balcony associated with Eva Perón. Or check into the Mandarin Oriental Santiago (or similar) before our guided overview of this vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes. (L)

DAY 2: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship:
Today we fly by private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. This morning's charter flight will bring us over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. If the weather is fine, you'll have a chance to view the spectacular mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise. Then, you'll embark the expedition ship and set sail, (B,L,D)

DAY 3: At Sea:
You'll awake this morning into your journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a unique place in maritime lore. The Drake Passage is unforgettable-a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history—with time to hear talks preparing you for the exciting days ahead.. (B,L,D)

DAY 4-9: Antarctica:
With long hours of daylight, we make the most of our days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We’ll spend these days exploring the “White Continent" via Zodiac, kayak and on foot, and using our arsenal of tools for exploration. (B,L,D)

DAY 10-11: At Sea:
As we voyage, head up to the Bridge to watch for icebergs and observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There’ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, workout in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. (B,L,D)

DAY 12-16: South Georgia Island:
Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions, making stops every day as we leisurely circumnavigate the island. Teeming wildlife and breathtaking scenery greet our ship as our Zodiacs make landfall. We plan to visit Grytviken, part of the extraordinary story of the Endurance and the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, as well as Stromness Bay where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. See huge elephant seals, and, on a single beach, you will visit a vast colony of tens of thousands of king penguins! (B,L,D)

DAY 17-18: At Sea:
Whales beneath, birds above, as you continue on. Our naturalists will prepare us for the exciting days ahead with presentations on the wildlife and history of the Falkland Islands. (B,L,D)

DAY 19-20: Falkland Islands:
The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass, curious fur seals, and Peale's dolphins riding the waves. Stroll the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones, and the Falkland Islands Museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 21: At Sea:
On our final day at sea, enjoy one last chance to view the marine and bird life of these southern waters. Toast our epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 22: Disembark Ushuaia/Fly to Buenos Aires (Explorer):
After breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for our LAN charter flight (guests on Explorer fly Ushuaia to Buenos Aires) IMPORTANT: Please confirm departure and arrival cities with an Expedition Specialist before booking your flights. (Day 22: B,L)

Please Note::
While we will do our best to arrange for viewing the solar eclipse, we cannot guarantee that there will be no cloud cover, that the ship will be in the planned position, or that there will not be another reason beyond our control that prevents viewing. Therefore, we will not be liable or responsible for any loss, damage, cost, or expense of any kind in the event that such viewing is not possible for any reason including but not limited to any act of God, war, fire, collision, directions of underwriters, arrest, order or restraint by any government agency or official acting under color of authority, acts of terrorism, labor disturbances or disputes, civil commotion, weather and sea conditions, breakdowns of or damage to the transport vehicle, requisition of the vehicle by governmental authority, illness, death of a family member or other cause or circumstance beyond our control.

Departures

• Depart: 19th November, 2021 - Return: 9th December, 2021

  

  Category 1 - Price $ 32370.00 AUD

  Main Deck with one or two Portholes #301-308

  

  Category 2 - Price $ 34790.00 AUD

  Main Deck with Window #317-320, 335-336

  

  Category 3 - Price $ 36470.00 AUD

  Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 Triples: Main Deck with WIndow #341, 343

  

  Category 4 - Price $ 38140.00 AUD

  Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228

  

  Category SA (solo) - Price $ 43380.00 AUD

  Solo A Main Deck with Window #309-312, 329-334

  

  Category SB (solo) - Price $ 45500.00 AUD

  Solo B Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #105-106, 203, 208

  

  Category 5 - Price $ 46940.00 AUD

  Upper Deck with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224

  

  Category 6 - Price $ 54000.00 AUD

  Veranda Deck–Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 Triples: #101-102

  

  Category 7 - Price $ 62690.00 AUD

  Upper Deck–Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 All cabins are available as triples.