White Continent: Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands Expedition - 2023

This trip is paced easy, but has a moderate rating due to the nature of your activities.

• Your 25-day expedition cruise tour includes 20 nights onboard the 5-star Ocean Explorer; plus Moderate Deluxe Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta stays for 3 nights total. (The 25 days includes the day you depart from home and your overnight flight, plus the day you depart for home.)
• Over the course of 25 days you'll see Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Argentina, and make landfall approximately eleven (or more) times in the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica, based on local conditions. Sightseeing and expeditions are usually offered in 2-3 hour increments, with time to relax every day.
• There are 9 days at sea when you have ample time to relax; attend workshops and lectures presented by your expedition team; do onboard whale- and birdwatching; and enjoy the amenities on board your luxury expedition vessel.
• We often cruise overnight but some scenic sailing will be conducted during daylight hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

You should be in good health to fully enjoy this tour.

• A medical declaration for this journey must be completed appropriately, signed by your physician, and delivered to the ship’s doctor upon embarkation. Download the form here
• This journey does not require walking for great distances, but you will be on your feet for two to three hours at a time
• Some more challenging hikes will also be offered
• Much of your exploration takes place in remote, icy and natural settings where you should be sure-footed
• You should be able to climb in and out of landing boats, and sometimes wade through shallow water (Waterproof boots are available onboard and free of charge)
• City sightseeing takes place in air-conditioned coaches with guides
• You will have the opportunity to explore in Zodiac boats, hike, and kayak
• This cruisetour is not suitable for those who have difficulty walking or require wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Please refer to Vantage's wheelchair and handicapped traveler policy

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION:

• Your ship is your main means of transportation between destinations
• In cities, land transportation is conducted on board deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoaches
• You will make frequent use of our Zodiac landing craft to access remote Antarctic and South Atlantic shores. Boarding these craft from the Ocean Explorer takes place from a stable, water-level platform with handrails. Your expedition team leaders will assist with your embarkation and disembarkation
• Getting out of the Zodiacs on shore may require walking through shallow water; complimentary, waterproof boots are available for loan on board ship. Your expedition team will assist you getting out of the boat and onto the shore
• The itinerary also includes a flight between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, or vise versa depending on itinerary

CLIMATE:

Because it lies in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons in Antarctica are the opposite of seasons in the north. Summer runs from October to February and winter covers the remainder of the year. Antarctic summers average just above freezing, with the more mountainous East Antarctica colder than its western counterpart. Please refer to the climate chart for more details.

• You will receive a complimentary thermal expedition jacket as our gift. Otherwise, there will be some temperature variations between Buenos Aires and Antarctica so pack accordingly and plan on dressing in layers. Bring several pairs of long pants, sweaters, jackets, and warm hats and gloves for those brisk days at sea and island exploration; and some lighter outfits for Buenos Aires
• During your days at sea it can occasionally be windy and rough, and there is a chance of rain
• Cold temperatures notwithstanding, the sun is glaring so sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are musts

Please note: Ocean cruising is not the same experience as river cruising; as such, you may experience fluctuating tides and weather patterns that may involve some rocking of your vessel. Itineraries will include all activities as planned except in extreme cases that can’t be controlled by your shipboard crew.