DAY 1 — U.S./Santiago, Chile
Depart Miami this evening on an overnight flight to Santiago, backed by the soaring Andes Mountains. We've found that Miami is a convenient gateway for most, but other air alternatives are available.
    
DAY 2 — Santiago/Grand Hyatt
This morning we arrive in Santiago, backed by the soaring Andes. Check into the gracious Grand Hyatt Santiago. In the afternoon, have a panoramic overview of the city including a visit to the Pre-Columbian Museum. Return to the Hyatt for dinner. (L,D)
    
DAY 3 — Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship
The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking our expedition ship and setting sail. B,L,D)
    
DAY 4 — At Sea
Whales beneath, birds above, as you settle in to shipboard life. Spend time on deck or the bridge watching the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photo possibilities. (B,L,D)
    
DAY 5-10 — Antarctica
With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We’ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent.” (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Elephant Island
We pass the speck of land that is the legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, Shackleton and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 700 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat. (B,L,D)
    
DAY 12 — At Sea
As we voyage south, watch for icebergs or head to the Bridge for a lesson in navigation. There'll also be time to enjoy a wellness treatment in the spa, work out in the fitness center, catch up on a book or simply relax. Each day our Naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. (B,L,D)
    
DAY 13 — South Orkney Island
Mountainous and rugged, the South Orkneys are never quite free of pack ice and icebergs. Every rock site teems with penguins. Leopard seals can be seen and innumerable birds come here to nest and breed. (B,L,D)
    
DAY 14 — At Sea
Icebergs, remarkable in shape and color, provide an ever-present backdrop for our time at sea. Hear talks from our staff preparing us for our exciting days ahead in South Georgia. (B,L,D)
    
DAY 15-18 — South Georgia
Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs filled with birdlife greet our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. At St. Andrew's Bay, you may come upon 100,000 king penguins. (B,L,D)    

DAY 19-20 — At Sea
These days at sea give us a chance to reflect on all that we have seen iand experienced n South Georgia , and prepare for the exciting days ahead in the Falkland Islands. There'll be time to hear talks from our staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with our licensed therapist, work out in the gym--or simply relax. (B,L,D)
    
DAY 21 — Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
See the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones and the Falkland Islands Museum. (B,L,D)
    
DAY 22 — Falkland Islands
The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals. (B,L,D)
    
DAY 23 — At Sea
Our last day at sea gives us a one more opportunity to watch for marine life, and a chance to reflect on all we have seen and heard, hearing talks from our staff and bringing to summary the colossal scope of this voyage. (B,L,D)
    
DAY 24 — Ushuaia, Argentina/Disembark/Santiago
We disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding our exclusively chartered LAN flight to Santiago, and the subsequent overnight flight to the U.S. (B,L)

DAY 25 — Arrive U.S./Home

National Geographic Explorer

The newest addition to its fleet is the National Geographic Explorer, an ice-class polar expedition vessel that will hold 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. The ship, the Lyngen, built in 1982 and purchased from the Norwegian company Hurtigruten, has been renamed the National Geographic Explorer and redesigned to provide travelers with the most innovative tools for exploring the undersea, the polar regions and key destinations around the globe.

The National Geographic Explorer is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The ship will house technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional ship-enhancement plans include the development of multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.

 

National Geographic Explorer - After March 2010

The newest addition to its fleet is the National Geographic Explorer, an ice-class polar expedition vessel that will hold 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. The ship, the Lyngen, built in 1982 and purchased from the Norwegian company Hurtigruten, has been renamed the National Geographic Explorer and redesigned to provide travelers with the most innovative tools for exploring the undersea, the polar regions and key destinations around the globe.

The National Geographic Explorer is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The ship will house technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional ship-enhancement plans include the development of multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.