This article outlines my itinerary for my recent expedition in Antarctica. It will also include links to future articles once they are written and published; and the article itself will be republished in the future whenever it is updated after today, Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 8:03 in the evening Eastern Standard Time.
My Itinerary For Antarctica
We arrived in Buenos Aires the day before arriving in Ushuaia and spend the night in Casa Lucia Hotel, which is an optional part of the itinerary at an extra cost — but it allowed us to stay with the rest of the group prior to boarding three buses bound for the airport to take a charter flight that was operated by Aerolineas Argentinas to Ushuaia, which is widely considered to be the southernmost city in the world and is known as “the end of the world”.
Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, the colorful streets and mismatched buildings of Ushuaia cascade from the Andes Mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help accentuate one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world that surround this small city in southern Argentina.
Day One: Departure From Ushuaia
We boarded the vessel in Ushuaia and were given identification cards on lanyards, which doubled as keys to our stateroom. The 91 passengers that were aboard the vessel were divided into four groups: blue, red, yellow, and green. We were part of the blue group.
After we unloaded our belongings in our stateroom — which included our parkas, waterproof bags, and life jackets — we attended a welcome session with champagne.
The vessel sets out to sea in Beagle Channel slightly before its departure time of 6:00 in the evening from the port in Ushuaia. The vessel will be at sea for two days prior to arrival in Antarctica as it navigates through the notorious Drake Channel. Many passengers prepared themselves with various forms of prevention of motion sickness.
Day Two: At Sea
With the exception of sessions which passengers of the vessel are required to attend, days at sea could be spent any way one likes:
- Take the time to simply sit back — or nap — and let the world go by.
- The observation decks of the vessel provide stunning views of the passing ocean.
- Mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip.
- Head to the library, which is stocked full of reference books.
- Get the view of an expert in one or more of the lectures aboard the vessel.
- Perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the professional photographers that are aboard the vessel.
- Have a snack and a beverage between meals.
The expedition leader delivered a briefing that is mandatory by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators to environmental protocols which must be adhered while in Antarctica. All passengers aboard the vessel were required to attend this briefing, which was followed by a briefing pertaining to the use of zodiac boats for access to land.
Passengers had the opportunity to go to the library of the vessel in order to exchange their complimentary parkas if the size that was given did not fit properly.
A fitting of muck boots to wear during the expedition was also scheduled — along with a “bio security” session to ensure that any items that were brought to land did not contain anything that could cause potential harm to the delicate ecosystem. Generally, disposable plastic products, paper products, and lint residue are three examples of items that are not permitted in Antarctica. For example, my camera bag was inspected, emptied, and vacuumed before I placed my equipment back in it.
Day Three: At Sea
Passengers could start their mornings with a refreshing stretch at sea if they sign up for an optional morning yoga session as guided by wellness experts who are members of the spa team in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7. The cost was $20.00 per person, with a maximum of twelve people for the session. We did not sign up for yoga.
Attendance for a safety briefing pertaining to learning about the zodiac operations for the expedition was mandatory in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7 for anyone who wanted to go ashore in Antarctica. The aforementioned identification cards were required for passengers to attend this session.
For the purposes of safety — which is the top priority for members of the entire crew aboard the vessel — a drill was conducted, during which services were suspended while members of the crew practiced their emergency duties. Passengers were not involved and were advised to ignore any warning signals that were heard aboard the vessel during the drill.
Other sessions which occurred in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7 included:
- Snowshoe safety briefing by a mountaineer and registration was mandatory for anyone who wanted to hike in the optional snowshoe program for an additional cost.
- Kayak safety briefing by a kayak master and registration was mandatory for anyone who wanted to participate in the optional kayaking program for an additional cost.
- Cetaceans of the Southern Ocean with a marine biologist to discover the magnificent whales that inhabit the waters surrounding Antarctica; and learn about their lives at sea.
- Meet the Penguins by learning about these amazing marine birds and their fascinating lives at sea.
- Solo Travelers Cocktail, which is designed for solo travelers to meet each other and members of the expedition team for a drink or two before recapitulation, which is also known as recap.
- Recap and briefing with the expedition leader for information about upcoming plans; and learn more about Antarctica with recaps from members of the expedition team.
Because the vessel arrived earlier than expected, we were surprised with our arrival at Barrientos Island — which is one of the South Shetland Islands — during the late afternoon. We were all instructed to go to what was called Base Camp on Deck 3, went aboard zodiacs for disembarkation to go on land, and met with penguins for the first time!
Tutti Frutti game night was originally scheduled in the evening with an expedition guide for a silly and creative game night: “Form a team and compete with your fellow guests for a fun prize!” This was canceled due to the unscheduled stop at Barrientos Island. I do not believe that anyone was disappointed.
Day Four: Meusnier Point, Recess Cove, and Charlotte Bay
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It’s the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery, like the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Mikkelsen Harbour, where among gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills and skuas, Antarctic Weddell seals haul out.
All activities in Antarctica are weather permitting, which means that plans could change at any time. We also needed to be aware of all announcements for additional details and information.
We get the best of both worlds with a short hike and a zodiac cruise to start the day. While one group embarked on a continental landing at Meusnier Point, the other group took in the splendor of Recess Cove by zodiac — and then the groups swapped. Enjoy icy scenery and keep an eye out for birds and marine life.
After lunch, we arrived at Charlotte Bay, which was discovered by Adrien de Gerlache during the 1897-1899 Belgian Antarctic Expedition — and due to its great beauty, the bay was named for the fiancée of his second in command, Georges Lecointe. A great environment for krill means that it a great place for whales; so we needed to keep an eye out for blows from our zodiacs!
Those who went via kayak embarked on a separate expedition not too far from the zodiacs.
Sessions which occurred in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7 that evening included:
- Bar talks to enjoy a casual chat about everything that was seen that day with members of the expedition team for a drink or two before recap.
- Recap and briefing with the expedition leader for information about upcoming plans; and learn more about Antarctica with recaps from members of the expedition team.
- Music as performed by a pianist named Lou for the evening after dinner.
Day Five: Cuverville Island, Paradise Bay, and Polar Plunge
This classic Antarctic peninsula site at Cuverville Island offers a large colony of gentoo penguins and spectacular glacial views. We toured the beautiful location by both land and zodiac on this morning. People who opted for hiking in snowshoes also ventured out onto the continent.
After lunch, we arrived in Paradise Bay. This unique bay is home to Brown Station, which is an Argentine summer research base first built in 1951. The buildings were burnt down in 1984 by the station doctor, who did not wish to spend the winter there. The station was later rebuilt.
The bay features beautiful geology and nesting sites for penguins and several seabirds.
People who opted for kayaking also ventured out in their own group.
Afterwards — prior to dinner — those of us who dared to take on a polar plunge donned our bathing suits and our bathrobes for the plunge of a lifetime! I did partake in this activity of plunging into the icy Southern Ocean.
Sessions which occurred in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7 that evening included:
- Recap and briefing with the expedition leader for information about upcoming plans; and learn more about Antarctica with recaps from members of the expedition team.
- Music as performed by a pianist named Lou for the evening after dinner.
Day Six: Damoy Point and Port Lockroy
This morning marks our arrival at Damoy Point, which was once used as a British summer air strip. Damoy Point now features a historic hut that is maintained as it was during its last use in 1993. We visited this hut — as well as many gentoo penguins which nesting nearby and underneath it.
After lunch, we arrived at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island to pay a visit to the southernmost post office in the world. Port Lockroy also hosts a museum — as well as many gentoo penguins. Additionally, we enjoyed a zodiac cruise to nearby Jougla Point to enjoy icy landscapes and nesting cormorants. People who opted for hiking in snowshoes also ventured out in their own group.
Prior to venturing out onto Goudier Island via zodiacs to visit Bransfield House, the members of the team who keeps Base A running in the summer first boarded the vessel with a presentation for us to learn about their duties at the penguin post office — as well as enjoy their onboard shop setup, whose funds help to support the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust.
Sessions which occurred in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7 that evening included:
- Recap and briefing with the expedition leader for information about upcoming plans; and learn more about Antarctica with recaps from members of the expedition team.
- Music as performed by a pianist named Lou for the evening after dinner.
Day Seven: Fournier Bay and Melchoir Archipelago
We arrived at Fournier Bay — which is located on the northeast coast of Anvers island — for an icy morning of glacial views and chances for additional wildlife encounters from the zodiac boats.
After lunch, our departure from Antarctica starts with the vessel sailing towards Melchoir Bay and cruising through the Melchoir Islands. We bid a bittersweet farewell to Antarctica with a cruise through the Melchoir Archipelago, which is a group of 19 small islands in the middle of Dallmann Bay that is home to many penguins and seabirds, with chances to glimpse other wildlife. Passengers were invited to join members of the expedition team on the outer decks to enjoy the view.
The vessel then set out for the return voyage of two days navigating through the Drake Passage.
Sessions which occurred in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7 that evening included:
- Seals of the Southern Ocean, during which the marine biologist explores via a presentation on how six species thrive in one of the harshest environments on our planet — from diving to incredible depths to surviving for months on sea ice. We learned how to tell these species apart, uncover their remarkable adaptations, and gain insight into the vital role they play in the Antarctic ecosystem.
- Bar talks to enjoy a casual chat about everything that was seen that day with members of the expedition team for a drink or two before recap.
- Recap and briefing with the expedition leader for information about upcoming plans; and learn more about Antarctica with recaps from members of the expedition team.
- Music as performed by a pianist named Lou for the evening after dinner.
Day Eight: At Sea
A wildlife watch — both in the morning and during the afternoon — was scheduled with members of the expedition team on the open decks on Deck 7 to spot what birds or other wildlife that might be found around the vessel.
For the purposes of safety — which is the top priority for members of the entire crew aboard the vessel — a drill was conducted, during which services were suspended while members of the crew practiced their emergency duties. Passengers were not involved and were advised to ignore any warning signals that were heard aboard the vessel during the drill.
Sessions which occurred in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7 that day included:
- Antarctica is the largest ice mass on the planet. We learned about the continental glaciers that form this polar ice cap from their formation to their future from the resident geologist aboard the vessel.
- The assistant expedition leader discussed future cruises to discover that special next destination — as well as to take advantage of onboard savings.
- Bar talks to enjoy a casual chat about everything that was seen that day with members of the expedition team for a drink or two before recap.
- Recap with members of the expedition team.
- A vocal performance featured one of the female guides of the expedition crew.
Day Nine: At Sea and Arrival in Ushuaia
Passengers could start their mornings with a refreshing stretch at sea if they sign up for an optional morning yoga session as guided by wellness experts who are members of the spa team in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7. The cost was $20.00 per person, with a maximum of twelve people for the session. We did not sign up for yoga.
A wildlife watch — both in the morning and during the afternoon — was scheduled with members of the expedition team on the open decks on Deck 7 to spot what birds or other wildlife that might be found around the vessel.
Passengers met members of the bridge team for a tour of the bridge of the vessel on Deck 8 at the elevator landing — as well as learned about the skilled ice navigation they perform to keep everyone aboard the vessel safe in icy Antarctic waters.
The assistant expedition leader was available to chat about any questions pertaining to debarkation from the vessel.
After conquering the Drake Passage for the second time, the vessel navigated through the calm waters of the Beagle Channel for our late afternoon arrival at the pier in Ushuaia. At that time, we were able to go ashore and explore the city on foot prior to dinner.
Sessions which occurred in the Observation Lounge on Deck 7 that day included:
- Marine Mammals: Pressures and Conservation as covered by the resident marine biologist pertaining to the major threats that marine mammals face. She highlights these issues in the context of the Southern Ocean, where climate change is already altering ecosystems. We also explored conservation in the region to protect these special creatures.
- Endurance: Two Years of Survival with an expedition guide, who shares the story of Shackleton’s ship Endurance and the amazing feats of sailing and navigation that saved its crew from the Antarctic ice.
- Final recap with members of the expedition team, along with a presentation of a special video from our expedition. Funds from an auction of unique souvenirs from the voyage to take home benefit the welfare of members of the crew aboard the vessel.
- Music as performed by a pianist named Lou for the evening after dinner.
We stayed aboard the vessel overnight.
Day Ten: Departure From Ushuaia
We debarked from the vessel after breakfast and boarded three buses, which took all of us on a tour of Ushuaia with two stops on the way to Ushuaia – Malvinas Argentinas International Airport for our charter flight to Buenos Aires as operated by Aerolineas Argentinas.
Final Boarding Call
The recounting of details of the experiences and activities are planned to be featured in future articles…
…but I will say that I finally had a dream come true with the experience of a lifetime that I will never forget.
All photographs ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
