Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent

Arrive in Dunedin, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred with your fellowexpeditioners to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Dunedin, we ask you to make your way to yourhotel. This afternoon, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the lobby to collect your luggage tags. Pleaseclearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number. Our team will confirm details regarding yourembarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information on where to dine or purchase last minuteitems.That evening, enjoy light refreshments as you meet your fellow expeditioners at a Welcome Reception and Pre-Embarkation Briefing. Afterwards, enjoy your evening in New Zealand’s southernmost city. You may like to indulge ina meal at one of Dunedin’s fine restaurants, or perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Otago harbour.Assigned accommodation: To be advised

This morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out. Please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearlylabelled with your name and cabin number. By 11.00 am, take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or atcheck-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabinahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.Your morning is at leisure to explore Dunedin.Settle into your cabin, where each detail was designed with your comfort in mind.This luxurious vessel is yours toexplore! As we throw the lines and set sail, join your expedition team on deck before tucking into a delicious dinner,and toast to the voyage ahead.

First visited by Māori navigators centuries ago, these islands are of great significance to Ngāi Tahu, the indigenouspeoples of New Zealand’s South Island. Their natural beauty and astonishing biodiversity have now been recognisedglobally, but few have had the privilege to visit these far-flung shores, which are now yours to explore.

First visited by Māori navigators centuries ago, these islands are of great significance to Ngāi Tahu, the indigenouspeoples of New Zealand’s South Island. Their natural beauty and astonishing biodiversity have now been recognisedglobally, but few have had the privilege to visit these far-flung shores, which are now yours to explore.

First visited by Māori navigators centuries ago, these islands are of great significance to Ngāi Tahu, the indigenouspeoples of New Zealand’s South Island. Their natural beauty and astonishing biodiversity have now been recognisedglobally, but few have had the privilege to visit these far-flung shores, which are now yours to explore.

“Penguins were in thousands on the uprising cliffs, and from rookeries near and far came an incessant din . . .seabirds of many varieties gave warning of our near approach to their nests” Douglas Mawson, 1911.As they sailed towards Antarctica, Mawson and his men encountered ‘an exquisite scene’. Macquarie Island (knownaffectionately as Macca) rises steeply from the Southern Ocean in a series of emerald summits: a beautifully fierce,elemental landscape teeming with life.Keep your binoculars handy because this subantarctic refuge is home to 3.5 million breeding seabirds, including noless than four species of penguin! Alongside boisterous colonies of tuxedoed kings, charming gentoos, robustrockhoppers and endemic royal penguins, you’ll find three types of fur seals and a large proportion of the world’selephant seals. Layer up and head out on deck to experience the sound, sight (and smell!) as you approach one ofthe largest concentrations of life in the Southern Ocean.Remember to keep an eye out for Macca’s kelp forests—these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quitemesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’s surface.In addition to being a globally recognised and protected wildlife refuge, Macquarie Island played an important role inAntarctic history. It was here, in 1911, that five men disembarked Mawson’s Aurora and established a radio relaystation which would transmit the first communication from Antarctica to the outside world.

“Penguins were in thousands on the uprising cliffs, and from rookeries near and far came an incessant din . . .seabirds of many varieties gave warning of our near approach to their nests” Douglas Mawson, 1911.As they sailed towards Antarctica, Mawson and his men encountered ‘an exquisite scene’. Macquarie Island (knownaffectionately as Macca) rises steeply from the Southern Ocean in a series of emerald summits: a beautifully fierce,elemental landscape teeming with life.Keep your binoculars handy because this subantarctic refuge is home to 3.5 million breeding seabirds, including noless than four species of penguin! Alongside boisterous colonies of tuxedoed kings, charming gentoos, robustrockhoppers and endemic royal penguins, you’ll find three types of fur seals and a large proportion of the world’selephant seals. Layer up and head out on deck to experience the sound, sight (and smell!) as you approach one ofthe largest concentrations of life in the Southern Ocean.Remember to keep an eye out for Macca’s kelp forests—these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quitemesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’s surface.In addition to being a globally recognised and protected wildlife refuge, Macquarie Island played an important role inAntarctic history. It was here, in 1911, that five men disembarked Mawson’s Aurora and established a radio relaystation which would transmit the first communication from Antarctica to the outside world.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in this storied, ice-bound sector of Antarctica. Steppingoutside and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience to cherish forever.The Ross Sea region is a globally significant wildlife sanctuary. Its nutrient-rich waters support an astonishing array ofuniquely adapted Antarctic species, including Ross Sea orcas, Antarctic petrels and South Pacific Weddell seals. It isalso home to Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin colony, and many of the largest emperor penguin colonies. Theunique biodiversity of the Ross Sea has been protected within the world’s largest marine protected area since 2016.The human heritage of the Ross Sea coast is equally impressive. Since James Clark Ross discovered the region in1841, countless expeditions have built base camps on scattered ice-free slivers of land, using them as staging postsfor bold forays across the polar plateau. Many of them departed in a hurry, leaving artefacts, scientific equipmentand sometimes entire huts behind. Today these sites are preserved as open-air museums and protected under theAntarctic Treaty System.Embrace the spirit of exploration as your expedition team designs your voyage from day to day, bringing decades ofexperience to selecting the ideal sites based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in this storied, ice-bound sector of Antarctica. Steppingoutside and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience to cherish forever.The Ross Sea region is a globally significant wildlife sanctuary. Its nutrient-rich waters support an astonishing array ofuniquely adapted Antarctic species, including Ross Sea orcas, Antarctic petrels and South Pacific Weddell seals. It isalso home to Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin colony, and many of the largest emperor penguin colonies. Theunique biodiversity of the Ross Sea has been protected within the world’s largest marine protected area since 2016.The human heritage of the Ross Sea coast is equally impressive. Since James Clark Ross discovered the region in1841, countless expeditions have built base camps on scattered ice-free slivers of land, using them as staging postsfor bold forays across the polar plateau. Many of them departed in a hurry, leaving artefacts, scientific equipmentand sometimes entire huts behind. Today these sites are preserved as open-air museums and protected under theAntarctic Treaty System.Embrace the spirit of exploration as your expedition team designs your voyage from day to day, bringing decades ofexperience to selecting the ideal sites based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in this storied, ice-bound sector of Antarctica. Steppingoutside and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience to cherish forever.The Ross Sea region is a globally significant wildlife sanctuary. Its nutrient-rich waters support an astonishing array ofuniquely adapted Antarctic species, including Ross Sea orcas, Antarctic petrels and South Pacific Weddell seals. It isalso home to Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin colony, and many of the largest emperor penguin colonies. Theunique biodiversity of the Ross Sea has been protected within the world’s largest marine protected area since 2016.The human heritage of the Ross Sea coast is equally impressive. Since James Clark Ross discovered the region in1841, countless expeditions have built base camps on scattered ice-free slivers of land, using them as staging postsfor bold forays across the polar plateau. Many of them departed in a hurry, leaving artefacts, scientific equipmentand sometimes entire huts behind. Today these sites are preserved as open-air museums and protected under theAntarctic Treaty System.Embrace the spirit of exploration as your expedition team designs your voyage from day to day, bringing decades ofexperience to selecting the ideal sites based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in this storied, ice-bound sector of Antarctica. Steppingoutside and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience to cherish forever.The Ross Sea region is a globally significant wildlife sanctuary. Its nutrient-rich waters support an astonishing array ofuniquely adapted Antarctic species, including Ross Sea orcas, Antarctic petrels and South Pacific Weddell seals. It isalso home to Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin colony, and many of the largest emperor penguin colonies. Theunique biodiversity of the Ross Sea has been protected within the world’s largest marine protected area since 2016.The human heritage of the Ross Sea coast is equally impressive. Since James Clark Ross discovered the region in1841, countless expeditions have built base camps on scattered ice-free slivers of land, using them as staging postsfor bold forays across the polar plateau. Many of them departed in a hurry, leaving artefacts, scientific equipmentand sometimes entire huts behind. Today these sites are preserved as open-air museums and protected under theAntarctic Treaty System.Embrace the spirit of exploration as your expedition team designs your voyage from day to day, bringing decades ofexperience to selecting the ideal sites based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in this storied, ice-bound sector of Antarctica. Steppingoutside and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience to cherish forever.The Ross Sea region is a globally significant wildlife sanctuary. Its nutrient-rich waters support an astonishing array ofuniquely adapted Antarctic species, including Ross Sea orcas, Antarctic petrels and South Pacific Weddell seals. It isalso home to Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin colony, and many of the largest emperor penguin colonies. Theunique biodiversity of the Ross Sea has been protected within the world’s largest marine protected area since 2016.The human heritage of the Ross Sea coast is equally impressive. Since James Clark Ross discovered the region in1841, countless expeditions have built base camps on scattered ice-free slivers of land, using them as staging postsfor bold forays across the polar plateau. Many of them departed in a hurry, leaving artefacts, scientific equipmentand sometimes entire huts behind. Today these sites are preserved as open-air museums and protected under theAntarctic Treaty System.Embrace the spirit of exploration as your expedition team designs your voyage from day to day, bringing decades ofexperience to selecting the ideal sites based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in this storied, ice-bound sector of Antarctica. Steppingoutside and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience to cherish forever.The Ross Sea region is a globally significant wildlife sanctuary. Its nutrient-rich waters support an astonishing array ofuniquely adapted Antarctic species, including Ross Sea orcas, Antarctic petrels and South Pacific Weddell seals. It isalso home to Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin colony, and many of the largest emperor penguin colonies. Theunique biodiversity of the Ross Sea has been protected within the world’s largest marine protected area since 2016.The human heritage of the Ross Sea coast is equally impressive. Since James Clark Ross discovered the region in1841, countless expeditions have built base camps on scattered ice-free slivers of land, using them as staging postsfor bold forays across the polar plateau. Many of them departed in a hurry, leaving artefacts, scientific equipmentand sometimes entire huts behind. Today these sites are preserved as open-air museums and protected under theAntarctic Treaty System.Embrace the spirit of exploration as your expedition team designs your voyage from day to day, bringing decades ofexperience to selecting the ideal sites based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

While on the Peninsula we generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Rug up and join a Zodiac cruiseto view spectacular ice cliffs or explore grounded icebergs, keeping an eye out for whales, seals and penguins, whichfrequently travel and feed in these waters. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visitpenguin rookeries, discover historic sites and explore some of our favourite spots along the Peninsula.While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines tovantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optionalactivity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will havethe chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straitsseparating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to marvel at sculptural icebergs andphotograph spectacular scenery. This is a great time to enjoy panoramic views from the observation lounge or makeyour way to the bridge (open at the Captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour.Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they break off, calving into the sea. Take a quietmoment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

While on the Peninsula we generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Rug up and join a Zodiac cruiseto view spectacular ice cliffs or explore grounded icebergs, keeping an eye out for whales, seals and penguins, whichfrequently travel and feed in these waters. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visitpenguin rookeries, discover historic sites and explore some of our favourite spots along the Peninsula.While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines tovantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optionalactivity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will havethe chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straitsseparating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to marvel at sculptural icebergs andphotograph spectacular scenery. This is a great time to enjoy panoramic views from the observation lounge or makeyour way to the bridge (open at the Captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour.Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they break off, calving into the sea. Take a quietmoment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

While on the Peninsula we generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Rug up and join a Zodiac cruiseto view spectacular ice cliffs or explore grounded icebergs, keeping an eye out for whales, seals and penguins, whichfrequently travel and feed in these waters. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visitpenguin rookeries, discover historic sites and explore some of our favourite spots along the Peninsula.While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines tovantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optionalactivity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will havethe chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straitsseparating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to marvel at sculptural icebergs andphotograph spectacular scenery. This is a great time to enjoy panoramic views from the observation lounge or makeyour way to the bridge (open at the Captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour.Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they break off, calving into the sea. Take a quietmoment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

While on the Peninsula we generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Rug up and join a Zodiac cruiseto view spectacular ice cliffs or explore grounded icebergs, keeping an eye out for whales, seals and penguins, whichfrequently travel and feed in these waters. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visitpenguin rookeries, discover historic sites and explore some of our favourite spots along the Peninsula.While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines tovantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optionalactivity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will havethe chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straitsseparating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to marvel at sculptural icebergs andphotograph spectacular scenery. This is a great time to enjoy panoramic views from the observation lounge or makeyour way to the bridge (open at the Captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour.Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they break off, calving into the sea. Take a quietmoment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

While on the Peninsula we generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Rug up and join a Zodiac cruiseto view spectacular ice cliffs or explore grounded icebergs, keeping an eye out for whales, seals and penguins, whichfrequently travel and feed in these waters. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visitpenguin rookeries, discover historic sites and explore some of our favourite spots along the Peninsula.While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines tovantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optionalactivity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will havethe chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straitsseparating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to marvel at sculptural icebergs andphotograph spectacular scenery. This is a great time to enjoy panoramic views from the observation lounge or makeyour way to the bridge (open at the Captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour.Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they break off, calving into the sea. Take a quietmoment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where wewill be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continueour onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.Upon disembarkation, for those continuing their travels in the region, transportation to the hotel will be arrangedexclusively for guests who have booked their accommodations through Aurora or for those staying in downtownareas near the port. Expeditioners departing on flights prior to 12:30 pm will be directly transferred to UshuaiaAirport, those with flights after 12:30 pm will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airporttransfer, and the transfer procedures and details will be communicated onboard before disembarkation.Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pmon the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.