Antarctic Grandeur: An Expedition from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires - 2022

PACING:

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

• Your 17-day expedition cruisetour includes 12 nights onboard the 5-star m/s Ocean Explorer; plus Moderate Deluxe hotel stays for 3 nights total (2 in the beginning of your trip and one at the end) in Buenos Aires. (The 17 days includes the day you depart from home and your overnight flight, plus the day you depart for home.)
• Over the course of 17 days you'll see Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Argentina, and make landfall approximately eleven (or more) times in Antarctica, based on local conditions. Sightseeing and expeditions are usually offered in 2-3 hour increments, with time to relax every day.
• There are 4 days at sea when you have ample time to relax and enjoy the amenities on board your luxury expedition vessel. Attend workshops and lectures presented by your expedition team; and weather and sea conditions permitting, do onboard whale- and birdwatching.
• 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.

• 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.

Be advised that the m/s Ocean Explorer does not have an elevator. Please let our Reservations Specialist know when reserving if you require the use of an elevator so that they can work with you to select an alternative tour.

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 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 round-trip charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Tierra Del Fuego.

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.

Important: Day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert.