Channel the spirit of explorers of the past, and chase adventure in some of the world’s most remote and unspoiled locations — the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica — on an expedition cruise!

• Feel the rush of adrenaline as you step ashore Antarctica for the first time — unbelievable!
• Venture ashore on naturalist-led expeditions by versatile Zodiac landing crafts
• Cruise the Drake Passage
• Spend quality days in Antarctica, making landfall at various landing sites in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
• Attend lectures on marine biology, wildlife, history, and other educational topics

Plus, cruise aboard the 5-star Ocean Explorer, a vessel built specifically for expedition cruising, with the following features:

• 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• An 8-17 person Expedition Team who will lead zodiac excursions, dry and wet landings, hikes, and onboard lectures in their area of expertise — which range from ornithology to geology
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
• Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
• Sauna
• Two hot tubs
• Fitness center
• Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
• Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology

All activities on this adventure are dependent upon weather and local conditions, and will be coordinated by your Expedition Team leaders. These will entail exploration in Buenos Aires as well as in remote Antarctic and sub-Antarctic locales, on foot and using Zodiac expedition. After an active day, your ship and hotels offer plenty of soothing amenities, such as spa facilities, and much more to help you feel refreshed. Here are some activities you may participate in:

• Travel to remote rookeries, iceberg-laden channels and pristine beaches aboard motorized Zodiac landing craft
• Get a good workout at your ship’s gym and the fitness centers of your hotels
• Hike in the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica

This trip exposes you to the art and culture of Argentina and the South Atlantic islands.

• The tango is more than a dance, it is an expression of passion and joy that crosses boundaries of class, race, ethnicity, and age. For that reason, UNESCO has declared it part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World, and during your Welcome Dinner in Buenos Aires you’ll enjoy a private tango performance
• Argentina is the polo capital of the world, and during your time here, you’ll visit an estancia (ranch) where professional polo players are trained
• Admire the lavish neobaroque, neoclassical, and art nouveau architecture of Buenos Aires
• Learn about the whaling and sealing industries that provided a living for many early settlers in the Falklands and South Georgia Island
• Experience the British customs and old-fashioned charm of the Falkland Islands

Through your excursions and onboard lectures, you’ll learn about the history of Argentina, the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica.

• UNESCO has declared the tango part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World, and during your Welcome Dinner in Buenos Aires you’ll enjoy a private tango performance
• Visit the historic highlights of Buenos Aires, and learn about the reign of Juan and Eva Peron when you see the presidential Casa Rosada
• Discover the British heritage of Port Stanley and learn about the Falkland war of 1982
• Pay your respects at the grave of British explorer Ernest Shackleton, who requested to be buried in Grytviken, South Georgia
• Learn the history of Antarctic exploration during onboard lectures and presentations

Come to the bottom of the world to behold wondrous seascapes, landscapes, and wildlife that most people only ever see on nature shows.

• Discover the shifting shapes and hues of gigantic icebergs
• Marvel at the Falkland Islands, an unpolluted haven teeming with penguins, pelagic birds, and other wildlife
• View as many as seven varieties of penguins, such as gentoo, Adélie, chinstrap, king, rockhopper, Macaroni, and Magellanic
• Spot dolphins, whales, seals, and a variety of other wildlife while cruising the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean
• South Georgia is the home to more than half of the world's southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals

Birders will find their life lists growing as they scan for avian species on board ship as well as during shore excursions. Here’s a glimpse of what to look out for:

• Be on the lookout for black-browed and wandering albatrosses — the bird with the longest wingspan at 11 feet
• Be on the lookout for dozens of pelagic birds such as the southern giant petrel, Falkland Skua, blue-eyed shag (king cormorant), black crowned night heron, pied oystercatcher, snowy sheathbill, kelp gull, fulmars, and more
• View as many as seven varieties of penguins, such as gentoo, Adélie, chinstrap, king, rockhopper, Macaroni, and Magellanic

Grab your GoPro and have your favorite camera ready to capture the southern hemisphere’s stupendous polar scenery, rich marine, and bird life. Antarctica is a unique destination to shoot, and your Expedition Team features an expert photographer who will share top tips in onboard workshops and during your excursions. Here are a few:

• Antarctica is a harsh environment that can kill a camera quickly. A protective cover is highly recommended to stave off rain, snow, and saltwater
• Invest in a waterproof camera if you can, or at least a waterproof bag. Note: Plastic protective bags are not allowed in Antarctica as there is a risk they might blow away
• Use a bean bag, tripod, or other stabilizing device to capture moving targets like birds and other wildlife
• Bring extra batteries — the cold temperatures take their toll on batteries. Bring your charger in your hand luggage, in case your checked bags get lost
• A zoom lens up to 200mm is suggested; a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing landscapes
• A protective filter for lens will keep water and dust away. Polarized filters darken the blue sky and cut reflections from the water
• Bring extra memory cards — just in case!

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.

On this expedition cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Zodiac cruising, polar kayaking opportunities, and photography workshops
• A lively social media night, a wealth of informative onboard lectures, and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, jacuzzis, and a gym