Antarctica & South Georgia Island | 19 Days | Viking Octantis Cruise

Arrive and check in to your hotel in Argentina’s dynamic capital, Buenos Aires. A city of contrasts, Buenos Aires blends Latin and European influences, with tree-lined avenues, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Wander through its diverse neighborhoods, known as barrios, each exuding a distinct charm. Stroll the cobblestone streets of historic San Telmo, where Belle Époque buildings and the rhythmic beats of tango create an enchanting atmosphere.

After breakfast, depart for Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Nestled between the Beagle Channel and the Andes, it serves as a launching point for Antarctic explorations. Ushuaia is also the gateway to the legendary Tierra del Fuego, or “Land of Fire,” so named by early Spanish explorers who saw the perpetual fires of the indigenous Yámana people. This remote and largely untouched region is composed of the vast Tierra del Fuego island and numerous Chilean and Argentine islets.

Navigate the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an immense underwater mountain range that surpasses the Rockies, Himalayas, and Andes in length. As you sail, take in the crisp ocean air on a walk around the Promenade Deck or enjoy a workout in the ship’s state-of-the-art fitness center.

West Point Island offers breathtaking coastal panoramas, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the sea. Established as a sheep farm in 1879, the island remains in the care of the Napier family, who welcome visitors to their land. Recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, West Point is home to notable species such as the Falkland steamer duck, black-browed albatross, and both southern rockhopper and Magellanic penguins.

A British Overseas Territory, the Falkland Islands consist of nearly 800 islands. Port Stanley, the capital on East Falkland, exudes British charm with its traditional pubs and a picturesque Victorian-era stone church. The islands, where sheep vastly outnumber people, are renowned for their wildlife, including five species of penguins—from king penguins to the Magellanic species found along more secluded shores.

Sail through waters once charted by legendary explorers, including Captain James Cook, who claimed South Georgia for Britain in 1775. Onboard, savor an array of international cuisines, from casual al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to gourmet selections at The Restaurant.

South Georgia’s wild, untamed landscapes feature rugged mountains, glacial terrain, and striking coastlines. First mapped by Captain Cook in 1775, the island played a key role in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary expeditions. Though uninhabited by humans, South Georgia thrives with wildlife, including vast colonies of king penguins, albatross, and fur and elephant seals.

Trace the fateful journey of Shackleton’s Endurance expedition as you navigate these historic waters. Spend your day unwinding in the Explorers’ Lounge, where panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning ocean views. Enjoy a cocktail with fellow travelers or immerse yourself in a good book.

Antarctica’s frozen wilderness has captivated explorers for centuries. Here, colossal icebergs shimmer in tranquil bays, and towering snow-covered peaks rise from the basalt cliffs of the mainland. This strikingly serene yet dramatic environment is home to seals resting on drifting ice sheets and glaciers that calve into the sea with thunderous roars. Keep an eye out for humpback, fin, and blue whales, which occasionally grace these nutrient-rich waters.

The legendary Drake Passage spans approximately 600 miles between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands. Spend a rejuvenating day at the ship’s Scandinavian-inspired Spa, where you can relax in the sauna, cool off in the Snow Grotto, or soak in the Thermal Pool, ensuring a revitalizing experience at sea.

Cape Horn, often considered the southernmost tip of the continent, rises from Hornos Island as part of the Hermite Islands archipelago. This formidable headland, named after the Dutch city of Hoorn, marks the convergence of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A historic lighthouse, standing sentinel over the dramatic landscape since 1991, has long guided sailors through these treacherous waters.