Embarking on an Antarctic expedition is a rare privilege, as fewer than 2 million people is estimated to have ever set foot on this remote continent throughout history—this includes explorers, scientists, support staff, and tourists. To put this into perspective, that number represents less than 0.02% of today’s global population of approximately 8 billion, meaning that the vast majority of humanity has never experienced the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica firsthand. When compared to the total estimated number of humans who have ever lived (around 117 billion) this figure shrinks even further to less than 0.001%, making Antarctica one of the least-visited places on Earth.

This journey takes us through the wonders of South America and the icy landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the isolated beauty of the White Continent, this adventure offers a unique blend of culture, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. Join us as we take you through each stage of this planned trip, packed with insights to help you make the most of your own Antarctic adventure.

🎧 Prefer to listen? Press play for the audio version of this guide—then scroll down for all the details, maps, photos, and travel tips!

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👉  For the most accurate and complete information, along with tips and packing essentials, be sure to read the full post.

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Itinerary At a Glance

Day 1-2: Buenos Aires, Argentina – First Impressions and Exploration

• Stroll through the colorful streets of Caminito.
• Enjoy local cuisine and wildlife sightings at Reserva Ecológica.
• Explore iconic landmarks like the Obelisco and Teatro Colón.

Day 3-5: Sea Days to Punta Arenas, Chile – Life on Board

• Attend enriching lectures by naturalists and destination experts.
• Enjoy onboard amenities like the gym and pickleball court.
• Relax and take in the scenic views of the open ocean.

Day 6: Punta Arenas and Magdalena Island – Penguins Galore

• Discover the city’s colonial charm and visit local markets.
• Take a scenic catamaran to Magdalena Island to see Magellanic penguins.
• Navigate the challenging winds while enjoying breathtaking wildlife encounters.

Day 7: Ushuaia, Argentina – Exploring the End of the World

• Walk through Ushuaia’s bustling artisan markets and taste local lamb asado.
• Cruise along the Beagle Channel for up-close views of penguins and sea lions.

Day 8: Crossing the Drake Passage – A Legendary Journey

• Experience the notorious crossing of the Drake Passage.
• Antarctic Peninsula exploration ahead.

Day 9-12: The Antarctic Peninsula – A Dream Realized

• Witness spectacular icebergs and landscapes under rare sunny weather.
• Spot orcas, over a hundred humpback whales, and hundreds of thousands of penguins (if not millions).

Day 13: Falkland Islands – A Penguin Paradise

• Explore vast lands filled with gentoo, Magellanic, rockhopper, and king penguins.
• Brave the bumpy off-road journey for an up-close wildlife experience.

Day 14-15: Sea Days to Montevideo, Uruguay

• Enjoy warmer weather, play pickleball, and take relaxing walks on deck.
• Attend lectures and review over 10,000 photos and videos taken during the trip.

Day 16: Montevideo, Uruguay – A European Feel

• Walk through the charming Old Town and explore Plaza Independencia.
• Savor local cuisine, including chivito sandwiches and mate.
• Return to the ship for the final sail back to Buenos Aires.

Day 17: Buenos Aires and Deboarding Challenges

• Delays at the terminal and a 26-hour journey back home.

📌 Things to Keep in Mind for Future Travelers

💳 Currency & Onboard Payments

Each port of call along this South America and Antarctica cruise uses a different currency — Argentine pesos in Buenos Aires, Chilean pesos in Punta Arenas, Uruguayan pesos in Montevideo, and Falkland Islands pounds in Stanley. That said, credit cards are widely accepted, especially in restaurants, shops, and most tourism-related establishments. We recommend carrying a small amount of local cash in each destination for markets, tipping, and street stalls.

Most likely your Antarctic cruise ship operate on a cashless system. Expenses such as bar tabs, laundry, and souvenirs are typically charged to your cabin and settled at the end of the voyage using a credit card. While some ships accept USD or Euros, it’s advisable to carry a credit card for convenience. 

🌐 Internet & Connectivity

Cruise Wi-Fi is expensive and often slow, so we opted for an international & cruise eSIM instead. Surprisingly, we had reliable cellular signal in all port cities and even parts of the Antarctic Peninsula, allowing us to stay connected at a fraction of the onboard Wi-Fi price. If you’re planning to post updates, work remotely, or simply avoid high cruise data costs, this is a fantastic option. GigSky ended up exceeding our expectations delivering great internet in Antarctica, and allowing roaming when on land with the same eSIM across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and the Falkland Islands as well.

🌊 Crossing the Drake Passage

Sailing across the legendary Drake Passage can be smooth—or extremely rough. Pack motion sickness medication even if you’re not usually prone to it. We were lucky with relatively calm conditions, but waves can reach up to 12 meters (~40 ft). Bonine’s Non-Drowsy Raspberry Chewables (with Meclizine HCI 25mg) are a great travel-sized option that helped us avoid nausea without making us sleepy. Sea bands, ginger chews, or prescription patches are also good to have just in case.

🚫 Drones Not Allowed

Most cruise lines prohibit bringing drones onboard, and drones are banned in Antarctica for recreational use under the Antarctic Treaty and IAATO guidelines. This applies even if you’re just passing through ports like Ushuaia or Punta Arenas — don’t expect to fly your drone at any point on this journey.

⚓ Shore Excursions: Book Early

Unlike most of our trips where we book locally, many excursions on this cruise were fully booked months in advance. Due to limited availability and strict timeframes, we recommend booking early through your cruise line — especially for highlights like Magdalena Island or the Beagle Channel. Some destinations may offer trusted private tours for a better price or more wildlife access (more on that below) — always research in advance.

🩺 Health and Emergencies

Medical staff are available onboard most cruise ships, but care is limited and costly. We highly recommend travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and cruise-specific incidents, especially given the remote nature of Antarctica. Most major insurers have Antarctica cruise add-ons or policies that include this coverage — it’s well worth the peace of mind.

🧳 Packing Essentials for Antarctica Expedition

🧥 Clothing

Packing for Antarctica requires thoughtful preparation — layering, weatherproofing, and keeping warm without overpacking. We’ve curated a full Cold Weather Expedition Gear guide with all our tried-and-tested picks — but here are the core essentials we used and recommend for this particular trip:

• Layered Clothing: Antarctica requires a smart layering system. We relied on thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and insulated outerwear to stay warm and dry.
  • Base Layer – Tops
    For women: Columbia Omni-Heat Long Sleeve Baselayer
    For men: Columbia Omni-Heat Stretch Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Base Layer – Bottoms
    For women: Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Tights
    For men: Columbia Omni-Heat Baselayer Tights
  • Mid-Layer: Add a fleece, sweater, or insulating pullover over your base. We used a lightweight fleece jacket for day excursions and layering at sea.
  • Outer Layer – Parka
    For women: Columbia Juniper Ridge Down Parka
    For men: Columbia Marquam Peak Fusion II Parka
    
    📌 All of this kept us warm and comfortable for long days on deck, wildlife photography, and snowy landings.
    
• Waterproof/windproof Pants – Crucial for those spending long times outside spotting wildlife and admiring landscapes. Make sure they fit over your boots to prevent water from seeping in.
• Expedition Boots — both kept our feet warm and dry during landings
  For women: Columbia Minx Mid III
  For men: Columbia Bugaboot Plus III
• Accessories: Don’t forget a snug beanie, balaclava, neck gaiter, waterproof gloves, and UV-protective sunglasses— the sun reflecting off the snow, ice, and water is intense.
• Motion Sickness Tablets – We recommend Non-Drowsy Bonine Meclizine — a game-changer for the Drake Passage.

💡 Want to go deeper? Check below for photography and skincare.

📸 Photography

Antarctica offers unparalleled photographic opportunities — from whales to curious penguins waddling on icebergs. Whether you’re shooting with a smartphone or a pro setup, here’s how we captured it all:

Camera Equipment

For wildlife, we used the Sony Alpha a6600 mirrorless camera paired with the Sony 200–600mm G OSS lens. This combo delivered stunning detail and exceptional reach — perfect for fast-moving wildlife like penguins, seals, and orcas.

• The a6600’s fast autofocus, incredible eye-tracking, and weather-sealed body made it ideal for shooting in unpredictable polar weather. Its long battery life was also a game-changer for full days out on deck or ports of call without needing a charge.
• The 200–600mm lens let me shoot distant wildlife without disturbing them, even from the cruise.

Smartphone Use

If you’re not bringing a camera, don’t worry — modern smartphones can still produce great results. I recommend enabling RAW photo capture, if your phone has that option, for better edits later. Keep in mind, zoom and cold performance will be more limited.

Battery Management

Cold weather drains batteries fast. We brought 1 fully charged spare and kept it in an inner jacket pocket to stay warm between shots. This helped avoid the dreaded “0% battery” in the middle of an encounter.

🧴 Skincare

The Antarctic environment is harsh on the skin:

• Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and SPF lip balm regularly, even on cloudy days. 
• Moisturizers: Pack a rich moisturizer to combat dryness caused by cold and wind.

Wildlife Encounters in Antarctica: A Photographer’s Frozen Paradise

Antarctica is a land of extremes: fierce winds, towering icebergs, and an ecosystem unlike any other on Earth. Despite its harsh conditions, this frozen wilderness is teeming with life, offering rare encounters with some of the world’s most iconic and resilient species. Whether you’re scanning the horizon for a pod of orcas or watching a penguin colony thrive on an icy shoreline, every moment in Antarctica is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Humpback Whales: Giants of the Southern Ocean

One of the most awe-inspiring sights in Antarctica is the majestic humpback whale, often seen in the icy waters and engaging in the mesmerizing behavior known as bubble-net feeding. Watching these gentle giants work together to trap krill in spiraling bubbles is an unforgettable experience. With probably over a hundred sightings during our journey, Antarctica proved to be a prime feeding ground for these incredible marine mammals.

Photo Tip: Capture their powerful tail flukes as they dive into the deep. Their unique mark patterns allow for identification of individuals!

Orcas: The Apex Predators of the Antarctic

Antarctica is home to at least 50% of the world’s orca population during the summer months, and we were lucky enough to witness these intelligent predators in action. Often seen hunting in coordinated pods, these “wolves of the sea” patrol the icy waters in search of seals and penguins. Their striking black-and-white patterns create an impressive contrast against the endless white landscape.

Fun Fact: Orcas in Antarctica have distinct types, with some specialized in hunting fish while others prefer marine mammals, adapting perfectly to their environment.

Penguins: Antarctica’s True Inhabitants

No Antarctic journey is complete without an encounter with its most beloved residents: penguins. From the comical waddling of chinstrap penguins to the social gatherings of gentoo penguins, these birds steal the show wherever they are found. Watching them dive off icebergs, slide on their bellies, and tend to their fluffy chicks is a highlight of any Antarctic expedition.

During our trip, we observed thousands of penguins, including a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of a leucistic (albino) chinstrap penguin, an incredibly rare occurrence with an estimated 1 in 100,000 (or even less!) chance of spotting.

Photo Tip: Capture their natural behaviors on both land and ice, and be ready to shoot in burst mode to catch them jumping in and out of the water.

Leopard Seals: Antarctica’s Stealthy Hunters

Among the most fearsome predators of the region, the leopard seal is a solitary and stealthy hunter. With its powerful jaws and distinctive spotted coat, it lurks beneath the ice, waiting for unsuspecting penguins. We were fortunate to witness a leopard seal near a penguin, a reminder of the harsh realities of survival in this frozen land.

Fun Fact: Unlike other seals, leopard seals have a uniquely shaped head that gives them a reptilian appearance and makes them efficient hunters.

Albatrosses and other Antarctic Birds: Masters of the Sky

Soaring effortlessly above the waves, albatrosses and petrels accompanied us during our Drake Passage crossing, their impressive wingspans making them a sight to behold. In Antarctica, we also spotted various seabirds, including snow petrels, skuas, and the ever-present seagulls protecting their nests alongside penguin colonies.

Photo Tip: Use a fast shutter speed to capture these birds in flight, and position yourself at the ship’s bow for the best angles.

Elephant and Fur Seals: Coastal Guardians

Lying in the sun on Antarctic beaches, elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals are a common yet fascinating sight. These massive marine mammals can be seen sparring, lounging, or nurturing their pups on the ice-free shores of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Fun Fact: Elephant seals can dive to depths of over 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) in search of squid and fish, holding their breath for up to two hours.

Approximate Trip Cost (January 2025)

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs for a 16-day South America and Antarctica cruise adventure. Note that prices may fluctuate based on the season, booking time, and availability.

🚢 Cruise Fare

• Interior Stateroom: $1,600 per person (double occupancy), booked approximately 9 months in advance.

🏝️ Shore Excursions

As opposed to what we usually do, due to the lack of independent tour options in some destinations, we booked select excursions through Princess Cruises:

• Magdalena Island Penguin Tour (Punta Arenas): ~$200 per person.
• Beagle Channel Navigation (Ushuaia) to spot sea lions, penguins and cormorants: $85 per person.
• Falkland Islands Private Tour (Kidney Cove Tours – [Penguins!!]): ~$300 per person.

🚌 Transportation

• Airport Transfers in Buenos Aires (via Princess Cruises): $35 per person each way (total $70 per person).
• Cabify (a better alternative to Uber in Buenos Aires): Approximately $20 total.

💳 Onboard Expenses

We opted to spend minimally onboard, avoiding drink and Wi-Fi packages to focus on experiences. However, optional onboard purchases can include:

• Drink packages: Starting at $60 per day (not purchased)
• Wi-Fi package: Around $20 per day (not purchased)

🍽️ Meals and Incidentals

• Meals and snacks onboard were included in the cruise fare, as well as basic coffee and tea options, including iced tea and lemonade, and other juices at breakfast.

Estimated Total Cost Per Person

• Cruise Fare: $1,600
• Excursions: $585
• Transfers and Local Transport: $90

Grand Total: Approximately $2,275 per person (excluding flights and personal spending).

This breakdown provides a clear picture of what to expect when budgeting for an Antarctic adventure. Planning ahead and prioritizing experiences over onboard extras can help optimize both cost and enjoyment.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: Buenos Aires, Argentina – First Impressions and Exploration

Buenos Aires, often called the “Paris of South America,” is a city that blends European elegance with Latin American passion. Founded in 1536 by Spanish explorers, it has grown into a cultural powerhouse, famous for its tango music, rich culinary traditions, and stunning architecture that reflects influences from Italy, France, and Spain. With wide boulevards, grand plazas, and a thriving café culture, the city offers countless opportunities to sit and people-watch while enjoying a traditional espresso or a sweet medialuna (Argentine croissant). Beyond coffee, Buenos Aires is also deeply connected to yerba mate, a traditional tea-like beverage that locals sip throughout the day from a hollowed-out gourd using a metal straw called a bombilla. More than just a drink, mate is a social ritual, often shared among friends and family, symbolizing warmth and hospitality. Whether you’re strolling through its lively neighborhoods or indulging in its world-renowned steak, the city promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Morning: Our adventure began with an overnight flight, landing in Buenos Aires at 10 AM. Having visited the city 12 years before, I had a good idea of the key sights we wanted to explore. We arranged transportation with Princess Cruises to handle our luggage and take us directly to the port, where we completed check-in and boarded the Sapphire Princess.

Afternoon: After a quick meal onboard, we left the ship around 3 PM. to explore Caminito, the vibrant, colorful neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere, street tango performances, and Argentine cuisine. We indulged in a choripán (a local chorizo sandwich) paired with a refreshing chopp (cold beer), perfect for the sweltering summer heat. Strolling through the lively streets, we spotted capybaras swimming in the river before heading to Reserva Ecológica, where we enjoyed sightings of lizards, birds, and playful otters.

Evening: After a long day of travel and exploration, we returned to the cruise, enjoyed dinner a great dinner, and prepared for another full day in Buenos Aires.

Day 3-5: Sea Days to Punta Arenas, Chile – Life on Board

The journey south from Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas took three days at sea. While I’m not usually a fan of extended sea days, the Sapphire Princess offered plenty of entertainment, including talks by naturalists and destination experts. The ship’s gym, open decks, and basketball court (convertible into a pickleball court) provided great ways to stay active.

Every day we attended destination and wildlife lectures, and enjoyed various onboard activities to pass the time as the temperatures gradually dropped heading further south.

We will address what it is like sailing on a cruise ship including everything you can do on board in a future post.

Day 6: Punta Arenas and Magdalena Island – Penguins Galore

Punta Arenas, often referred to as the “Gateway to Antarctica,” is the southernmost city on continental Chile and a key historical hub for maritime exploration. Founded in 1848 as a strategic military outpost, it quickly grew into an important port city due to its prime location along the Strait of Magellan, a crucial navigation route before the opening of the Panama Canal. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with European immigration, particularly from Croatia and Spain, which influenced its culture, architecture, and thriving wool trade. Today, Punta Arenas serves as a launchpad for Antarctic expeditions and offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning Patagonian landscapes.

Morning: Arriving earlier than scheduled, we had the opportunity to explore Punta Arenas, a city that serves as the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. With its rich maritime history and strategic location along the Strait of Magellan, the city offers a glimpse into the region’s past and its role in Antarctic exploration. Strolling through the city center, we visited local markets, artisan stalls, and the iconic Magallanes statue in the main square, surrounded by charming colonial-era buildings that reflect the area’s European influence.

Afternoon: While Punta Arenas is compact and easy to explore in a short time, it provides a great introduction to Patagonian culture, offering quaint cafés, bustling markets, and scenic waterfront views. Our highlight, however, was the much-anticipated tour to Magdalena Island, home to at least 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins, making it one of the largest colonies in the world. Accessible only by guided tour, this protected natural reserve offered us an unforgettable wildlife experience. The almost 2-hour catamaran ride to the island was filled with exciting sightings, including sea lions and playful dolphins, adding to the adventure. Once on the island, we were greeted by thousands of penguins and seagulls, many of which were caring for their chicks in their nesting areas. Despite the strong winds, which are common in this region and sometimes severe enough to cause tour cancellations, the experience was truly rewarding. Although the gusts made walking and photography a bit challenging, the opportunity to observe the penguins and seagulls up close in their natural habitat made it all worthwhile.

While the tour crew ensured we maintained a respectful distance from the wildlife, one aspect that stood out was the lack of proper biosecurity measures, such as the decontamination of footwear and gear before stepping onto the island. During our onboard lectures, destination experts emphasized the importance of biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of avian influenza and other pathogens that could harm the fragile ecosystem. However, the tour operator did not provide any cleaning solutions or disinfectant footbaths, which raised concerns about potential risks to the penguin colony. Responsible tourism is critical in such delicate environments, and this oversight serves as a reminder of the importance of holding tour operators accountable for best practices in wildlife conservation. I would urge Princess Cruises to press for more accountability and enforcement of such measures to protect this natural habitat.

Day 7: Ushuaia, Argentina – Exploring the End of the World

Ushuaia, known as El Fin del Mundo (The End of the World), is the southernmost city on Earth and serves as the gateway to the vast wilderness of Tierra del Fuego and Antarctic expeditions. Nestled between the snow-capped Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel, the city boasts a fascinating blend of rugged landscapes, rich indigenous heritage, and a history shaped by early explorers, penal colonies, and thriving maritime trade. Today, Ushuaia attracts adventurers from around the world, offering a mix of outdoor experiences and a bustling tourism scene.

Morning: Once again, our ship arrived earlier than expected, allowing us to explore Ushuaia before our scheduled Beagle Channel tour. As we wandered through the streets, the city was already coming to life with local restaurants preparing cordero asado, a traditional Patagonian lamb dish cooked over an open flame. The aroma of slow-roasted lamb filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The city itself, surrounded by dramatic landscapes of glaciers and rugged peaks, felt vibrant but undeniably touristy. We took the opportunity to browse local artisan markets, showcasing traditional crafts and souvenirs that reflected the region’s heritage.

Afternoon: Our much-anticipated tour of the Beagle Channel, booked through Princess Cruises, took us on a scenic journey through the legendary waters once navigated by Charles Darwin. As we sailed past remote islands, we observed colonies of Magellanic and gentoo penguins waddling along the shores, alongside sea lions basking under the southern sun. While the experience offered stunning views and excellent wildlife encounters, it was different from our visit to Magdalena Island; here, we were not allowed to disembark, and the catamaran simply stopped near the shore, offering us a close-up view from the water. Despite this, the picturesque surroundings of snow-capped mountains and pristine waters made the excursion worthwhile.

Day 8: Crossing the Drake Passage – A Legendary Journey

The Drake Passage, known as one of the most challenging bodies of water in the world, connects the southern tip of South America to Antarctica. This infamous stretch of ocean is notorious for its rough seas, where waves can reach heights of up to 40 feet (12 meters) and strong currents make for a challenging voyage. However, we were fortunate enough to experience relatively mild conditions, with waves reaching about 12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters), making the journey smoother than anticipated. While the ship swayed noticeably, it remained manageable, and we took advantage of the crossing to attend insightful lectures by onboard naturalists and destination experts.

During our passage, the captain announced an unexpected adjustment to our itinerary due to a developing massive storm in the Antarctic Peninsula, specifically near our originally scheduled first stop, Elephant Island. This location is known for their towering tabular icebergs, which, when combined with strong winds, pose significant navigational risks. Antarctica has recorded sustained winds of up to 200 mph (322 km/h), making safety a top priority in this unpredictable region. To avoid the hazardous conditions, our route was slightly altered.

Day 9-12: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula – A Dream Realized

Despite the change in plans, the anticipation only grew as we edged closer to the frozen continent. Icebergs began appearing on the horizon, and giant petrels soared gracefully above the waves, signaling our approach to the White Continent. We spent time on deck as we approached, gazing out at the vast open sea, eagerly awaiting our first glimpse of Antarctica.

Over the next four days, we explored breathtaking Antarctic landscapes under surprisingly good weather conditions and spotted way more wildlife than we had anticipated. We spent entire days outside on deck 7 and deck 8, capturing photos and videos of incredible wildlife, while one of the naturalists on board narrated what we were seeing, helping us spot wildlife we might have otherwise missed.

Given the change in route and the exceptional weather, this journey became a trip of firsts—not just for us but for the ship as well. We visited new locations that had never been part of the cruise’s itinerary before and even traveled as far south as 65 degrees 02.1 minutes, the furthest south a cruise of this size had ever reached, as we were told onboard.

Day 13: Falkland Islands – A Penguin Paradise

The Falkland Islands, or Islas Malvinas, are a remote British Overseas Territory known for their rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history. With a population of just over 3,000 residents as of January 2025, the islands boast a unique blend of British heritage and South Atlantic isolation. The Falklands played a key role in maritime history and are perhaps best known for the 1982 conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom. Today, they are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering some of the best opportunities to observe penguins, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat.

Morning: We departed with our privately booked tour in the morning, around 9-10 AM, eager to explore the island’s vast landscapes and thriving penguin colonies. The tour was arranged with a local farming family that owns extensive land inhabited by wild penguins. The journey to the colony was an adventure in itself, as we traveled across rugged terrain in an old Rover, bouncing along the uneven off-road. While the ride was scenic and provided glimpses of the island’s raw beauty, it was quite bumpy and could be challenging for those with back pain or mobility concerns.

Upon arrival to each scheduled spot within their property, we were rewarded with breathtaking encounters with various penguin species, including gentoo, Magellanic, rockhopper, and king penguins. Observing them in their natural habitat was an incredible experience. The king penguins, in particular, were fascinating to watch, especially with their unique nesting habits.

Afternoon: The increasingly strong winds, which picked up after 1 PM, made photography and video recording challenging, but the opportunity to witness these penguins up close made every moment worthwhile. Despite the harsh conditions, the experience was unforgettable, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these charismatic birds and even providing the opportunity for some great unusual photography. By 4 PM, we returned to the port, reflecting on the adventure-filled day. Although the tour was physically demanding due to the long hours and bumpy ride, it was an experience we wouldn’t trade for anything.

That evening, the ship set sail for Montevideo, Uruguay, marking the final stretch of our unforgettable journey through the southernmost reaches of the world.

Day 14-15: Sea Days to Montevideo, Uruguay

Two days at sea brought us to warmer climates as we sailed toward Montevideo. The rising temperatures allowed us to take advantage of the ship’s outdoor sports deck once again, including playing pickleball and enjoying leisurely walks while soaking in the scenic ocean views. These sea days also provided opportunities to attend insightful destination and wildlife lectures, along with a variety of entertainment options offered onboard. And yes, also eating a bit too much throughout the day…

With the trip nearing its end, we took the chance to begin sorting through the thousands of photos and videos we had captured since leaving Buenos Aires (over 10,000 in total). Reviewing our footage allowed us to relive the incredible moments we had experienced, from spotting penguins on remote islands to capturing the grandeur of Antarctic icebergs.

Day 16: Montevideo, Uruguay – A European Feel

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a city that exudes a unique blend of European sophistication and laid-back coastal charm. Founded in 1724 by the Spanish, the city has played a pivotal role in the region’s colonial history and has been influenced by waves of European immigration, particularly from Spain and Italy. Over the centuries, Montevideo has developed a rich cultural identity, known for its thriving arts scene, world-class beef, and the ever-present tradition of yerba mate, which locals carry with them wherever they go. The city’s well-preserved architecture, featuring grand neoclassical buildings, art deco facades, and colorful colonial homes, reflects its diverse heritage. Montevideo is also known for its Rambla, a scenic coastal promenade stretching over 22 kilometers, offering stunning views of the Río de la Plata.

We arrived in Montevideo early in the morning, eager to explore the city’s highlights. One of the advantages of this port is its convenient location since the ship docks right in the city, it’s easy to explore on foot without the need for additional transportation. Walking through the historic Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), we admired the blend of colonial and modern architecture, strolling past grand plazas, bustling markets, and historic landmarks such as Plaza Independencia, home to the iconic statue of national hero José Artigas. Montevideo’s streets had a familiar feel, reminiscent of Buenos Aires, with charming cafés and parrillas offering the same beloved flavors of Argentine cuisine: steaks, dulce de leche, and of course, mate.

After enjoying a leisurely walk through the city, we took time to explore the local markets, which featured artisan crafts, antiques, and a variety of handmade leather goods. Montevideo is known for its high-quality leather products, a reflection of Uruguay’s long-standing cattle farming tradition.

While the city’s charm was undeniable, we found that four hours were sufficient to explore the key sights and soak in the local atmosphere. Montevideo felt safe and easy to navigate, making it ideal for independent exploration. The city’s relaxed vibe and welcoming locals made for an enjoyable stop, though its similarities to Buenos Aires in terms of culture and architecture were apparent.

By early afternoon, we made our way back to the ship, satisfied with our exploration of Montevideo’s main attractions. As the ship set sail toward Buenos Aires, we reflected on the journey’s final moments, appreciating the unique blend of European and South American influences that make Montevideo a charming and accessible destination.

Day 17: Back to Buenos Aires – Deboarding Challenges

Morning: Returning to Buenos Aires at 7 AM, we encountered significant delays during the deboarding process due to the terminal’s operational inefficiencies. The Buenos Aires cruise terminal, located far from the city and airport, struggled to handle the load of multiple ships arriving on the same day. Shuttle services were required to transport passengers between the ship and the terminal, adding to the logistical challenges. It’s important to note that the delays were caused by the terminal itself – Princess Cruises managed the boarding and deboarding process smoothly on their end.

Afternoon and Evening: After deboarding, we too the arranged bus to the airport and spent the rest of the day at the airport waiting for our late-night flight. The journey back home was a long one — 26 hours from door to door — but despite the long travel time, the experience was absolutely worth it, and we would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

🧐 Final Reflections

This journey offered a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion. From the stunning landscapes of Antarctica to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, every moment was unforgettable. While some destinations like Ushuaia felt overly touristy, places like Magdalena Island and the Falklands provided truly unique experiences.

If you are interested in learning about this particular cruise vessel or company and how it may compare to others, let us know!

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All content—travel itineraries, tips, photography—is drawn from personal experience and provided for informational purposes only. Conditions may change without notice. EpicScenic assumes no liability for external changes or decisions you make based on this information. Travelers should verify all critical details independently.