Price: $11,982 USD per person based on double occupancy
Departure date: March 19, 2026
Return date: April 5, 2026
Booking window: Now - October 31, 2025
Antarctica & Falklands Expedition Cruise (Northbound) - Embark on a late-summer Antarctic expedition, marveling at its stunning wildlife and breathtaking sunsets, before sailing north to the Falkland Islands.
Get close to icebergs, spot whales and penguins, and join the Expedition Team hiking, kayaking, ice-cruising, and perhaps even camping overnight in Antarctica. Explore the remote Falkland Islands and see the rich wildlife there before heading to Puerto Madryn in Patagonia.
The frozen continent
Set sail through icy waters as we journey from Ushuaia to Antarctica. When we arrive in the thrilling and otherworldly Seventh Continent, we’ll enter expedition mode. We’ll monitor the conditions to give us the best adventure possible, and we’ll attempt kayaking, ice-cruising, wildlife watching, hiking, and more.
Lush green landscapes of the Falklands
Explore the rolling green hills and white sands of the picturesque Falklands archipelago. You’ll enjoy a visit to the charming capital, Stanley, and see the penguin, albatross, and seal colonies that populate the shores. We will then continue north to Puerto Madryn, where sandy beaches and a tranquil nature reserve await you.
Inclusions:
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs) while in Antarctica
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographer will help configure your camera settings before landings
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 the restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that streaming is not supported.
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, 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 our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
Landing Activities:
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of rubber boots, trekking poles and other necessary equipment for activities. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
- 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 stay might be needed (not included)
Hotel: Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Flights: Flight in economy class from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Transfers: Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise - Transfer from the airport to the ship in Ushuaia
Itinerary:
Day 1 The Beat of Buenos Aires
Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires. An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or “people of the port,” this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache. There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practice your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.
Day 2 Early Start in Ushuaia
Fly to Ushuaia and start your adventure. Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where we'll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship that is specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city.
Days 3-4 Get Ready for Antarctica
Center on science before your Antarctic adventure. On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise. Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science of what lies beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. Learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and discover the Citizen Science projects you can join.
Days 5-9 Antarctica: Another World
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty. Nothing quite prepares you for the awe of Antarctica. Surrounded by towering glaciers, the continent will fill you with wonder as you spend five magical days exploring its frozen landscape. The Antarctic summer will be coming to an end when we arrive, so you can look forward to seeing the landscape beautifully illuminated by breathtaking sunsets. It’s a great time to see penguins in their final stage of molting, and it’s peak whale-watching season, as large amounts of krill lure cetaceans to the area. You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice cruises. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, giving you deeper insight into the frozen continent.
Days 10-11 The Drake Passage
Discover more about the Falkland Islands. As you savor your Antarctic experiences, prepare for more adventures ahead as we cruise toward the Falkland Islands. Your Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the islands. In the Science Center, you can look through the microscope at the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustain so much of the region's wildlife. Get tips from our professional photographer to improve your images or join workshops on wildlife painting and tying nautical knots. You can also book a spa treatment, visit the gym, and enjoy the locally sourced, regionally inspired dishes in our restaurants.
Days 12-14 Wildlife of the Falklands
Enjoy birding and hiking in these green islands. The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sand beaches teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. You can also enjoy a community walk through 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, which are often found sharing space with seals, and get as close as we can without disturbing them.
Day 15: A Relaxing Day at Sea.
Relax and get ready for Puerto Madryn. Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail toward Puerto Madryn. You’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica and the Falklands. Savor the swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and new knowledge. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in greater depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, mulling over the highlights of a memorable adventure. End the day in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.
Day 16 Puerto Madryn
Visit a UNESCO wildlife haven. Puerto Madryn boasts warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to the dramatic Valdes Peninsula, and while we’re here, you can explore a stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no fewer than 180 species of birds living on the peninsula, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Stroll through the tranquil natural beauty of the reserve, enjoy a delicious bite to eat, and browse the local arts and crafts shops.
Days 17-18 Final Days at Sea
Time at sea to rest and reflect. As we sail the final leg from Puerto Madryn to Buenos Aires, enjoy your final day at sea. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in greater depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, recalling the highlights of a memorable adventure. This is your chance to contribute your findings to the Citizen Science projects! End the evening in the Explorer Lounge with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.
Day 19 Buenos Aires
Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires. As your expedition to Antarctica and the Falklands comes to an end in Buenos Aires, take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced on this incredible journey. Your mind will be swirling with memories of icy landscapes and the resident wildlife, and your camera will contain images you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Consider joining our optional Post-Program before heading home.
