Fridtjof Nansen, 18 Night Antarctica & Falklands Expedition | Northbound ex Buenos Aires, Argentina Return

Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires 

An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure.  

Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.  

There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.  

Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer, or explore the region with our optional Pre-Programme.

Fly to Ushuaia and start your adventure 

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where we'll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for exploring polar waters. 

This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city. 

After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.

Centre on science before your Antarctic adventure 

On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise. 

Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.  

There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty 

Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. as you spend five magical days exploring Antarctica. 

When we arrive, the Antarctic summer is coming to an end, so you can look forward to seeing the landscape beautifully illuminated by breathtaking sunsets. It’s a great time to see penguins in their final stage of moulting and its peak whale-watching season as large amounts of krill lure cetaceans to the area. 

You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice cruises. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights into the frozen continent.

Discover more about the Falkland Islands 

As you savour your Antarctic experiences, prepare for more adventures ahead as we cruise towards the Falkland Islands. Your Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the islands. In the Science Center, you can look through the microscope at the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustains so much of the region's wildlife.  

Get tips from our professional photographer to improve your images or join workshops on wildlife painting and nautical knots. You can also book a spa treatment, visit the gym, and enjoy the locally sourced, regionally inspired dishes in our restaurants.

Enjoy birding and hiking in these green islands 

The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sands teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. You'll also enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.  

Our landings, hikes and excursions are, as always, guided by the conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, which are often found sharing space with seals, and getting as close as we can without disturbing them.

Relax and get ready for Puerto Madryn 

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Puerto Madryn. You’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica and the Falklands that your head will likely be a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and new knowledge.  

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, mulling over the highlights of a memorable adventure.  

End the day in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.

Visit a UNESCO wildlife haven 

Puerto Madryn boasts warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to the dramatic Valdes Peninsula, and while we’re here, you can explore the stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no less than 180 species of birds living on the peninsula, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Stroll through the tranquil natural beauty of the reserve, enjoy a delicious bite to eat and browse the local arts and crafts shops.

Time at sea to rest and reflect 

As we sail the final leg from Puerto Madryn to Buenos Aires, enjoy your final day at sea. 

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, mulling over the highlights of a memorable adventure. And don't forget to contribute your findings to Citizen Science projects. 

End the evening in the Explorer Lounge with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.

Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires 

As your expedition to Antarctica and the Falklands comes to an end in Buenos Aires, take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced on this incredible journey. Your mind will be swirling with memories of icy landscapes and the resident wildlife, and your camera will contain images you’ll treasure for a lifetime. 

Why not join our popular, optional Post-Programme before heading home.

MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.

Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen.

Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel.

The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views.

The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team.
MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration.

Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations.

After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights.

Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science.

MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas.

Discover the World Like Never Before with Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten Expeditions invites you to step beyond ordinary travel and embark on an extraordinary journey to the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations. Whether you’re cruising through the icy realms of Antarctica, navigating the Arctic's pristine landscapes, or exploring the tropical wonders of the Amazon, our expeditions offer an immersive travel experience that combines adventure, luxury, and sustainability.

As pioneers in responsible travel, Hurtigruten is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Our fleet of hybrid-powered ships is designed with sustainability at the forefront, allowing you to explore some of the world’s most fragile environments while knowing your journey is part of a broader commitment to preserving them. With every expedition, you’ll leave with not just memories, but the knowledge that you’re traveling with a company that cares deeply about the planet.

Hurtigruten Expeditions offers a unique, small-ship experience that sets it apart from traditional cruises. With fewer passengers, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and personalized journey. You’ll have access to off-the-beaten-path destinations that larger ships can’t reach, and every aspect of your voyage will be tailored to provide you with maximum comfort and enjoyment, from stylish cabins to world-class dining.

But Hurtigruten Expeditions is not just about luxury—it’s about discovery. Our expert-led teams of naturalists, scientists, and local guides provide in-depth knowledge of the places you visit, enriching your journey with insightful lectures and hands-on exploration. Whether you’re learning about the unique wildlife of the polar regions or uncovering the rich history of the places you visit, each day is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the world.

The experiences you’ll have aboard a Hurtigruten ship are truly one of a kind. From witnessing awe-inspiring wildlife encounters to watching the Northern Lights dance above the Arctic Circle, your voyage will be filled with moments of wonder and excitement. You’ll encounter animals in their natural habitat, from penguins and whales to sea birds and seals, making each expedition a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Designed for the passionate traveler who seeks more than just a vacation, Hurtigruten Expeditions is for those who yearn to explore the world’s wildest corners while enjoying the comfort and luxury they deserve. Our guests are those who are not only looking to escape but to experience the world in its most authentic and transformative form.

Are you ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? With Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s most stunning and remote destinations await. Let us help you make your dream expedition a reality.