Fridtjof Nansen, 15 Night Iconic Antarctica – The Explorer’s Route ex Buenos Aires, Argentina Return

Day 1 – The beat of Buenos Aires
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Feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires and get into the spirit of adventureAn overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic voyage. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, the city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache. There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango. Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer or explore the region with our optional Pre-Programme.

Day 2 – Heading south
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Set sail from the capital of Tierra del FuegoThe morning begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia. This port city is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province, and it’s set against the magnificently rugged backdrop of the Andes mountains. Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city, and it’s from here that many adventures to Antarctica set out – including ours. You’ll be welcomed aboard your hybrid-powered expedition ship – specially designed for exploring polar waters – and after a briefing from your Expedition Team there will be time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board. Your adventure has truly begun!

Day 3-4 – Crossing the Drake Passage
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Get into adventure mode and learn about the nature and science of AntarcticaOn the two-day crossing over the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your upcoming adventure. Visit the onboard Science Centre and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the serious effects of modern-day environmental concerns. You’ll discover how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and learn about the onboard Citizen Science projects which help protect the environment and that you can be a part of. There’s plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine in the ship’s restaurants, and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Day 5-13 – Antarctica: another world
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Experience all the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula as we enter expedition modeNothing quite prepares you for it. Silence and serenity infuse your soul as we sail through the deep blue waters past looming glaciers and cathedral-sized icebergs. Every moment in Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them, and majestic, migrating whales glide past pristine icebergs as they feed on shoals of krill. Look skywards and you may spot some of the many species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, including skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns. Here, nature reigns, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for adventure, and we’ll spend nine action-packed days exploring several of the many possible landing sites. Each day promises something different and soul-stirring. Where most journeys to Antarctica end, yours only intensifies, offering unprecedented access to some lesser-explored areas. Remember, this is an expedition voyage! This means we’ll be able to adapt our itinerary depending on the sea and ice conditions, and we’ll endeavour to spend at least one day – or possibly several – in each of the following regions: South Shetland Islands: Typically, the first glimpse of Antarctica for travellers, the South Shetland Islands boast a dramatic landscape across the 20-island archipelago. These rugged isles are not just strikingly beautiful, they are also teeming with wildlife, offering a vibrant, up-close encounter with nature’s resilience and diversity. Antarctica Sound: A lesser-visited gem in the region, Antarctic Sound serves as a grand gateway to the Weddell Sea and is home to some of the largest tabular icebergs. This striking corridor of ice and water is also a prime habitat for observing the rarer Adélie Penguin and offers a unique snapshot of the grandeur of Antarctica. Gerlache Strait: A centrepiece of Antarctic exploration, the Gerlache Strait, offers sheltered waterways ideal for up-close encounters with some of the continent’s most iconic sights. This is the area where our ship’s namesake, Roald Amundsen, in 1898 sailed aboard the Belgica before he and the crew became the first humans to overwinter in Antarctica. Frequented by humpback whales and other cetaceans, this area mesmerises visitors with 360-degree views of snow-covered alpine landscapes, providing a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for adventure. The Penola Strait (South of the Lemaire Channel): The Penola Strait, accessed via the French Channel offers a spectacular maze of penguin-covered islands set against the massive glacier-clad peaks of the continental shoreline. This remote area, often beyond the range of standard voyages, teems with wildlife and presents boundless exploration opportunities. The abundant sea ice not only enhances the beauty but also increases the chance of observing seals and other wildlife. If ice and sea conditions allow, the Expedition Team may choose the breathtaking Lemaire Channel instead of the Penola Strait. The former is often hailed as the world’s most picturesque channel, for good reason. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, enlightening and entertaining with their insights into the wonders of the frozen continent.

Day 14-15 – Back through the Drake Passage
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Reflect on your adventureToday, our ship begins to head back north after our exhilarating time in Antarctica. As we make the return trip across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this time at sea. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre to delve into areas of interest and contribute your observations to Citizen Science projects. Enlist the help of the Expedition Team to help identify species captured in your photos. Relax with a treatment in the spa and wellness area or take in the fresh sea air from the on-deck hot tubs. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.

Day 16 – Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
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Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos AiresYour expedition cruise ends back where we set out from in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but if you’re still in the mood for some more experiences it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.Buenos Aires is a city rich in culture, with some amazing architecture and dining options. If you fancy lingering a while longer, why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.

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MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.

Featuring Hurtigruten’s revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen.

Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel.

The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views.

The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team.
MS Fridtjof Nansen’s three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration.

Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations.

After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights.

Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science.

MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas.

HX Expeditions is a leading global expedition cruise line offering immersive journeys to the planet’s most remote and extraordinary destinations. From the icy wilderness of Antarctica and the Arctic to the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos and Alaska, HX delivers authentic small-ship experiences designed for curious travelers seeking adventure, discovery, and meaningful connections with nature.

Operating a modern fleet of purpose-built, sustainable vessels, HX puts environmental responsibility at the heart of every expedition. Guests explore fragile ecosystems with expert-led guidance from naturalists, scientists, and local specialists, ensuring journeys are both educational and transformative.

With an emphasis on small groups and personalized service, HX provides access to hidden places unreachable by larger ships, delivering comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether witnessing the Northern Lights or exploring pristine shores, HX Expeditions invites travelers to experience the world’s wildest corners in a responsible and impactful way.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Select the Cabin to view detail.

MA - Expedition Suite

Extra Large Corner Suite with private balcony. Ship’s most spacious cabins with large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

MB - Expedition Suite

Extra Large Corner Suite without balcony. Aft corner suite with sofabed, flexible sleeping arrangements with double bed that can be divided into two single beds, large windows, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. 

MC - Expedition Suite

Aft Corner Suite with private balcony and hot tub. Various sizes, large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. 

MD - Expedition Suite

Large Corner Suite with private balcony, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, espresso maker. Adapted for guests with wheelchair.

ME - Expedition Suite

Suites with private balcony, different sizes, top-high decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

MF - Expedition Suite

Corner cabin with large windows. Flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. Without balcony.

XY - Arctic Superior

Accessible cabin with balcony. High deck, broad balcony, double bed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

XTD - Arctic Superior

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, double bed, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

XT - Arctic Superior

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

TY - Arctic Superior

Large accessible cabins without balcony. Middle decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

RR - Polar Outside

Larger cabins on middle decks. Most 20 square meters, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV. Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking.

RS - Polar Outside

Cabins on lower/middle decks. Double bed, TV.

XTJ - High Deck Cabin with Balcony (Limited View)

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee. With limited view. 18 m2.

TT - Arctic Superior

Large cabins without balcony. Lower/middle decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.