Auckland, New Zealand

Depart on an overnight flight, crossing the International Dateline, and arrive in Auckland, where you will check into your hotel. (Day 2: L)

Auckland, New Zealand

Air Travel

Cruise Begins

Dunedin, New Zealand

Snares Islands, New Zealand

Today, we fly to Dunedin, known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, where we embark our ship. Settle in to life aboard the ship and spend three incredible days discovering New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands. Located south of the New Zealand mainland in the remote Southern Ocean, these wild and beautiful islands are home to abundant and unique wildlife, with many species of birds, plants, and invertebrates found nowhere else in the world. The entire marine landscape here is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have special permission to explore these strictly regulated islands, which are protected at the highest level of conservation status by the New Zealand government, and considered "bird central" among top ornithologists around the world. Keeping a flexible weather-dependent schedule, we plan to explore several intriguing islands. Two small rocky islands, North East and Broughton, comprise The Snares, the closest sub-Antarctic islands to New Zealand. The islands are covered with heavy tussock grass and wind-beaten forests of tree daisies. The Snares are home to huge numbers of breeding birds: the 99 recorded species include albatross, Antarctic terns, and Snares crested penguins. The Auckland Islands are the largest of New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands, with the richest flora, prolific birdlife, and an interesting human history. Conditions permitting, we cruise in Zodiacs to Enderby Island. If we are fortunate, we may see rare yellow-eyed penguins as they move to and from their nests in the forests beyond the beach. (B,L,D)

Captain's Choice, United States

Enderby Island, New Zealand

Today, we fly to Dunedin, known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, where we embark our ship. Settle in to life aboard the ship and spend three incredible days discovering New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands. Located south of the New Zealand mainland in the remote Southern Ocean, these wild and beautiful islands are home to abundant and unique wildlife, with many species of birds, plants, and invertebrates found nowhere else in the world. The entire marine landscape here is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have special permission to explore these strictly regulated islands, which are protected at the highest level of conservation status by the New Zealand government, and considered "bird central" among top ornithologists around the world. Keeping a flexible weather-dependent schedule, we plan to explore several intriguing islands. Two small rocky islands, North East and Broughton, comprise The Snares, the closest sub-Antarctic islands to New Zealand. The islands are covered with heavy tussock grass and wind-beaten forests of tree daisies. The Snares are home to huge numbers of breeding birds: the 99 recorded species include albatross, Antarctic terns, and Snares crested penguins. The Auckland Islands are the largest of New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands, with the richest flora, prolific birdlife, and an interesting human history. Conditions permitting, we cruise in Zodiacs to Enderby Island. If we are fortunate, we may see rare yellow-eyed penguins as they move to and from their nests in the forests beyond the beach. (B,L,D)

At Sea

As we voyage, head up to the Bridge to watch for icebergs and observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There'll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. (B,L,D)

Macquarie Island, Australia

On these days we plan to visit Macquarie Island, the exposed crest of an undersea ridge where the Indo-Australian and Pacific tectonic plates converge. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a large variety of wildlife, including thousands of seals and millions of penguins. Four species of penguin breed here. The endemic royal penguin has a population estimated at 850,000. Gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins also breed there. And imagine landing on a single beach thronged with 150,000 pairs of king penguins-one of the world's largest colonies! (B,L,D)

Macquarie Island, Australia

At Sea

Whales beneath, birds above, as you continue on. Our naturalists will prepare us for the exciting days ahead with presentations on the wildlife of Antarctica and history of the Golden Age of Exploration. (B,L,D)

At Sea

Ross Sea Region, Antarctica, Antarctica

Navigate some of the most remote regions of the planet, as you explore the Ross Sea, just like Scott, Shackleton, and Ross (the 19th-century explorer for whom this sea is named). Here, we will see the impressive Ross Ice Shelf, the world's largest, and the Transantarctic Mountain Chain. Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf is enormous, covering 182,000 square miles-the size of France-and the edge of the ice shelf towers as high as 200 feet above the water's surface, with the majority of the ice below the waterline. The Ross Ice Shelf plays an important role in stabilizing the Antarctic ice sheet, buttressing the ice that is constantly moving over the land surface. Your journey to this unique part of the Antarctic waters will likely include stops at several small islands at the bottom of the world for opportunities to go ashore and explore via Zodiac and kayak. Onboard expert staff will craft an expedition where you will learn, see, and experience more. We'll spot colonies of Adelie penguins, lazy seals, and majestic whales. (B,L,D)

Ross Sea Region, Antarctica, Antarctica

Crossing the International Date Line

International Dateline - Repeat a calendar date

Antarctica, Antarctica

This part of the planet is big and bold and full of adventure and magnificent scenery. The ship will be in full expedition mode, granting thrilling opportunities to crunch through thick ice and explore places few have seen. Rely on the planet's best ice team as you probe the ice's edge for wildlife, including numerous seabirds and whales. Activities throughout our journey are always weather and ice dependent. Your captain and expedition leader will look for spots to "park" the ship in the pack ice, allowing you the unique thrill of disembarking onto a frozen sea. There will be time, too, to relax in the library, head up to the Bridge to scan for marine life, unwind in the sauna or Yoga Room, and of course, hear presentations from the staff. Along the way, the undersea specialist captures images from the deep, revealing the hardy marine life beneath the ice. Always interesting, it can also be pioneering in this distant part of the world. (B,L,D)

Antarctica, Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

With 24 hours of daylight, we have ample opportunity to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule throughout is flexible so that we can take advantage of the unexpected-watching whales at play off the bow, taking an after-dinner Zodiac cruise, or heading out on an unplanned excursion. While along the Antarctic Peninsula, we anticipate offering opportunities each day to go ashore or kayak among the ice floes, and experience close encounters with wildlife. You may have the thrill of watching our powerful ship crunch through the pack ice, or step ashore to thousands of Adelie and gentoo penguins. You'll learn how climate change affects the penguin populations, and how best to capture images of penguins from a photographer. Back aboard, our undersea specialist may present video from that day's dive or show rare images taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface using our ROV. (B,L,D)

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Drake Passage, Antarctica

On our final day aboard, enjoy one last chance to view the marine life of these southern waters. While crossing the legendary Drake Passage, spot albatross and other seabirds that glide alongside the ship. Gather to toast our epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Ushuaia, Argentina

Cruise Ends

Air Travel

Buenos Aires, Argentina

After breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia and have an overview of the southernmost city in the world. Later, we head to the airport for our private charter flight to Buenos Aires, where we check into the Alvear Icon Hotel (or similar). (B,L)

Buenos Aires, Argentina

This morning, set out on a guided tour of the city's Beaux-Arts palaces and parks. Visit Recoleta-the final resting place of Argentina's iconic first lady, Eva Peron-and enjoy a private visit to El Zanjon de Granados, one of the city's premier museums. Later, we transfer to the airport for overnight flights home. (Day 34: B)

32 Night Epic Antarctica From the Peninsula to the Ross Sea and Beyond Cruise and Land Tour from Auckland

Day by Day Summary and Map