DAY 1 – BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Welcome to Buenos Aires, where you’ll have an overnight hotel stay. Perhaps plan to spend some time in the city, known as the ‘Paris of South America’. Resplendent with Belle Epoque buildings, sidewalk cafes and green spaces, there’s the fiery passion of Latin America – a collective love for football, flame-cooked meats (asado) and the tango.
Some of the highlights are La Boca, a colourful, creative mecca with an art walk, and San Telmo, a former aristocratic neighbourhood abandoned during a 19th-century epidemic. Mansions were turned into conventillos (shared housing), boutique hotels, antique shops, and tango clubs, exuding a captivating bohemian vibe.
DAY 2 – BUENOS AIRES to USHUAIA
From Buenos Aires your included transfer flights will take you to Ushuaia, the main island of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht.
Toast the start of your once-in-a-lifetime expedition as you depart South America and cruise through the calm and scenic Beagle Channel, named so for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his five-year discovery journey. Admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains from the comfort of your private verandah or from the Observation Deck with its commanding view of the bow.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 – AT SEA
Today take some time to explore the Discovery Yacht and familiarise yourself with all the areas on board your new ultra-luxury home. Visit the Sky Bar on Deck 10 and step into the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, and relaxing Salt Therapy Lounge.
Join an introductory presentation about your polar expedition by the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre. At night, enjoy world-class productions from musical theatre and cabaret to pop music, dance, and fun interactive game shows.
Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, Discovery excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist polar Discovery Team, with extensive experience in the region will craft your voyage to maximise the 18–20 hours of daylight. They will prepare you for your first landing on the White Continent, providing valuable insights and practical information for your polar expedition.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 & 5 – FALKLAND ISLANDS
Remote and sparsely populated, the Falkland Islands are a wildlife lover’s paradise. The world’s largest population of Gentoo penguins is found here, in addition to King, Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins. Watch as they waddle along, interacting with each other.
You can also find black-browed albatross, plus Cobb’s wren and Falkland’s flightless steamer duck, which are both endemic bird species. Make sure to ask for some wildlife insights from the expert Discovery Team – comprised of up to 20 polar experts this team of geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists is at the heart of your Antarctic Voyage.
While in the Falkland Islands, you’ll visit capital Stanley (subject to weather and operational conditions). Since its colonisation in the 18th century, the ownership of the Falkland Islands has been clouded in controversy between France, Britain, Spain and Argentina. This town offers a unique British outpost feel. Visit local shops, see the Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, or share a pint at an English pub.
Tonight could be the night you meet your new friends at Sushi* @ Koko’s for dinner. Enjoy entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre and unwind with a nightcap at the Scenic Lounge Bar.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 & 7 – AT SEA
Freshly squeezed juice, barista-made coffee or tea delivered to your door by the butler will help start your day. Head to the gym for a workout or the studio for a Pilates class, some guided stretching or aerial yoga. You may wish to book a treatment at the tranquil Senses Spa#. Perhaps an ESPA facial or massage or an alternative therapy including Ayuverdic massage.
In the evening, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice. With Scenic’s signature all-inclusive ultra-luxury philosophy, indulge in top shelf spirits, over 130 whiskeys, a premium wine list and French Champagne.
As you cruise towards South Georgia, enjoy a specialty tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and watch the world float by through Swarovski telescopes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 to 10 – SOUTH GEORGIA
Between the 3000-metre mountain range that forms the spine of South Georgia Island, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline.
Today you’ll land at the deserted whaling village of Stromness (subject to weather and operational conditions) where after a gruelling 36-hour hike through the South Georgia Mountains, Sir Ernest Shackleton was helped by the Norwegian whaling station manager.
Next, you’ll head to Fortuna Bay (subject to weather and operational conditions) which has panoramic views of jagged summit peaks and remarkable Konig Glacier.
Pay your respects to the renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at his final resting place in the settlement of Grytviken. Here, you can also see the remnants of old whaling stations, with some ships left rusting around the bay.
At South Georgia’s southern tip, Cooper Bay (subject to weather and operational conditions), watch for giant petrels and brown skuas as they soar above and playful fur seals in underwater kelp forests. Climb a short but steep hill to find a macaroni penguin colony hidden among tussock grasses.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11 & 12 – AT SEA
After days of exploration, spend time relaxing in your spacious suite. The Discovery Team will help you prepare for your first landing on the White Continent, offering insight and inspiration as well as giving you practical information about your upcoming polar expedition.
Have you visited the bridge yet? Thanks to the Captain’s open bridge policy, guests are welcome any time to learn more about the technical abilities of The World’s First Discovery Yacht and see it in full operation. The bridge is also one of the best viewing areas on the ship.
Today you will enter Antarctic waters, an unpredictable but stunningly beautiful environment that always surprises. Put on your complimentary polar parka and head to the Observation Deck and feel the excitement building up as you search for icebergs.
Watch out for whale blows in the distance and your expert polar Discovery Team will be on hand to provide and answer any insightful information.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner