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Life Returns: Springtime Expedition to Antarctica | HX
  Varies pp

  • Duration: 22 Nights
  • Destinations: Antarctica, Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, South Georgia

October 24, 2025 | MS Fram

From windswept green hills to white-sand beaches, beauty and charm abound in the Falkland Islands. We know that the wildlife around here is plentiful, but South Georgia is in a class of its own – and the beaches are teeming with seals, penguins, and other seabirds. From here we’ll head to beautiful Buenos Aires for one last tango.

At this time of year, the snow is fresh from winter and towering icebergs glisten in newly sculpted grandeur. On land, the penguins court and build nests. Over the next five days, we’ll explore several landing sites where you can experience the frozen continent up close. Your cruise ends in Chile’s Patagonia region.

Call to Book 800-829-5448
Included With Your Trip

Member Benefit: 90 Euro onboard credit per person for all sailing dates

Flights

· Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile

Transfer

· Transfer from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise

Expedition Cruise

· A stay in a cabin of your choice

· Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner

· Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)

· All day coffee, tea and soft drinks

· Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests

· A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home

· A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit

· Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer

· Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported

· Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more

· Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated

· Range of included activities 

Onboard Activities

· In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team

· Full access to the ship’s Science Centre

· Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research 

· Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos 

· Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

· Escorted landing with small expedition boats

· Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities

· Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

· All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions

· Excursions and activities are subject to change

· Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements

· Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)

Additional Information

Day 1: 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: At Sea - Prepare for Adventure

Over the next few days at sea, you’ll learn more about the wonders we’ll encounter on our trip.

Members of the Expedition Team will start their lecture series on topics such as oceanography, geology, ornithology, and history. Pop into the Science Center for hands-on presentations as well.

Grab a pair of binoculars and look for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities and enjoy the hot tubs, panoramic sauna, and gym.

Days 5-7: Falkland Islands

The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sand beaches teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape amid 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 – subject to weather conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, where seals can often be found as well, getting as close as possible without disturbing them.

Days 6-10: Antarctica: Another World

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 from the shores while seabirds soar overhead. Nature is in charge.

During the next five days, you’ll explore several landing sites. There are more than 20 possible sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do, every day will be thrilling and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also have the chance to kayak among icebergs and seals or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint.

Bird enthusiasts should look skyward for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you’ll learn more about this precious ecosystem and how we can all protect it for the future.

Days 8-9: Cruising the South Atlantic

After the Falkland Islands, we will spend two days cruising toward beautiful South Georgia. Look forward to seeing an archipelago filled with diverse wildlife.

The Expedition Team will prepare you for what lies ahead. They will tell you everything they know about South Georgia, including information about the area’s wildlife, polar history, geology, glaciology, and stories of Norwegian whalers.

You’ll also learn how to make your visit as safe and as low impact as possible. You can join our Citizen Science programs to help collect data for global research projects.

Days 10-12: South Georgia - The Serengeti of the Southern Ocean

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 an ideal breeding site for large colonies of penguins, other seabirds, and seals. In fact, it is listed as an Important Bird Area, home to albatrosses, petrels, shags, skuas, and terns.

During three days in the area, we’ll land as often as we can to explore the wilderness and observe the wildlife. We’ll also try to reach Grytviken, the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Nature always calls the shots on our expedition route. Our experiences will vary depending on that day’s conditions as we adapt to find the best possible experience.

Days 13-14: Sailing to Antarctica

After visiting the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, take time to relax and reflect on your journey so far as we head toward Antarctica.

Antarctica is a continent dedicated to peace, science, and wildlife. As we approach, the Expedition Team will talk about the IAATO environmental guidelines and sustainability rules that we follow when visiting. We leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures.

Days 15-19: Antarctica - Another World

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 from the shores. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.

During the next five days, you’ll explore several possible landing sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do, every day will be thrilling and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also have the chance to kayak among icebergs and seals or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint.

Bird enthusiasts should look skyward for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you’ll learn more about this precious habitat and discover how we can all protect it for the future.

Days 20-22: The Drake Passage

Five unforgettable days in Antarctica are over. It’s time for us to embark upon our final adventure together: the Drake Passage. Known for its often strong winds and strong currents, the passage can also be silent and still. Luck will dictate whether you will experience the so-called ‘Drake Shake’ or the ‘Drake Lake’.

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 the crossing, the Expedition Team will recap our experiences, keeping your head in the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica a little while longer.

Day 24: Punta Arenas

Your Antarctica expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. Catch a flight here to Santiago de Chile and then your connecting flight home, taking fantastic memories with you.

If you’re not ready for your adventure to end just yet, we recommend extending your trip and joining our optional Post-Program.

Departure Dates
Start: October 24, 2025
End: November 15, 2025
Price: Varies pp


Price My Trip
Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-HURTEXP

*Please refer to vendor brochure or their website for general information, itineraries and all terms, conditions and responsibility statements. As with all expeditions, nature prevails; weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations; safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times top priorities. Excursions and activities are subject to change. Medical questionnaire is mandatory and passengers must meet all visa entry requirments. Wi-Fi access may be limited in remote areas. Gov’t misc fees/taxes, optional excursions and travel insurance not included. Restrictions and limitations apply. Ask AAA for details. Agency #1780018-521