The adventure starts by taking a two-hour flight from Chilean Patagonia. Board the M/V Hebridean Sky expedition ship on the dark blue sea—it feels like a boutique yacht-like journey as opposed to a cruise ship experience. There is space for just 71 guests, and this smaller number means you will spend more time exploring and less time waiting.
Each of the eight suite types feature a sitting area, private bathroom, two twin beds, and a window to watch the majestic icebergs as you drift by. Some suites also have private balconies for taking in the crisp Antarctic air.
Choose from either a six, eight, or ten-day itinerary and sail along icy fjords as seabirds fly above. Aboard the Hebridean Sky, visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The well-trained expert polar guides lead guests ashore to spot wildlife and talk about the history of this remote place.
The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise itinerary involves crossing the famous Drake Passage named after 16th-century British explorer Sir Francis Drake. Step out onto the deck to catch sight of whales in the chilly waters. Local conditions set the pace for the route taken, and each voyage is unique.
Chat with fellow passengers and have a drink in the glass-enclosed lounge. Dine on daily buffets at breakfast and lunch in the outdoor cafe. Help yourself to coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the expedition. The ship also features a wraparound deck with views of the white expanse of the South Pole.
Disembark the Hebridean Sky and hike on paths once trekked by Antarctica’s early explorers. Kayak through the calm, icy waters to get a unique vantage point as the icebergs tower above. For a different scenic view, hike or snowshoe through the terrain with a mountain guide. Photograph the many penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds that congregate here to feed and mate. The animals here are not afraid of human interaction as they carry about their days in the coldest, driest, and most remote continent on earth.
