Discovery Series: Antarctica Peninsula by Cruise (Ocean Diamond)

Welcome aboard!

Take some time to get settled in to your cabin, and explore the length of the ship, after which you'll set sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart - the next time you see land will be in the world’s most southern continent!

You'll receive a group transfer to the port for embarkation of your expedition vessel.

Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. Spend these first days getting to know your shipmates.

Your expedition team will provide safety briefings during your days at sea, and offer insights into what excitement lies ahead! Tomorrow, you'll finally see the white continent.

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can finally begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike.You will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day.

With wildlife always at the forefront of the expedition, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for Humpback and Minke Whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard Seal.

The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a Chinstrap Penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between going for a mountain hike, or depending on the time of year, spend time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguin chicks. While cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula you’ll also get the chance to take a Polar Plunge! Cheer on other travelers or strap on a harness yourself to take a dip and swim in the frigid waters of an icy Antarctic bay.

Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor. You can make a bit of noise yourself too. Hear the echo of voices bounce off a giant glacier, glide your kayak across a quiet bay or strap on some cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore further.

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whale.

Today, enjoy a few final presentations by your expedition team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences, and what a miraculous expedition it's been.

Arriving back in Ushuaia this morning, you'll bid farwell to your expedition team and disembark from your ship.

Join your shared transfer to the airport with your fellow cruisemates.