National Geographic, Antarctica,

South Georgia and the Falklands

Summary

Firstly, National Geographic (Nat Geo) has the reputation of being one of the World’s foremost photographic researchers of animals in their natural habitat. Moreover, Nat Geo also investigates, and supplies information on the flora and fauna inhabiting the Earth. Above all, their historic, exceptional photographs have set the standard for capturing images of wild life in top quality imagery. For example,  to capture “that special moment” of an animal doing something remarkable in its natural habitat. Consequently, to join one of their expedition vessels to explore the Antarctic, and the Southern Atlantic islands is a rare opportunity to be with the experts of wild life investigation and photography.

Herewith below, are some of the highlights you will be able to participate in, as well as encounter during one of their Antarctic expeditions.

Most importantly, from the moment you check in to your hotel in either Santiago or Buenos Aires, the team at National Geographic will be looking after you. Considering that National Geographic has set the bar very high when it comes to recording wildlife, it will be no surprise that when you join one of their Antarctica expeditions, that this same objective will be in place. Therefore,  the idea will be to learn, have fun and enjoy new experiences. In conclusion, we cannot think of a better Antarctica expedition partner to work with.

Zodiacs

Passengers will have the option to join many excursions from the National Geographic Explorer, or National Geographic Orion ships in a zodiac or kayak. Consequently, you will be able to then glide, and get up close among the exquisite icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula, for example.

Education & Penguins

Moreover, National Geographic will educate guests. For example, we will trace the riveting story of Shackleton’s fateful expedition on South Georgia. Above all, our team of experts will be with you at all times ane lead you to become immersed in a sea of black and white amid thousands of king penguins.

Outposts

Another key point is that this itinerary will include history. For example, we will visit the pioneer outposts of Port Stanley in the Falklands, and Port Lockroy in Antarctica.

Professional Photographer

Do you like taking pictures of incredible scenery, and animals in their natural habitat? Therefore, we ask what better photo opportunites will you have, other than being on a trip to the Antarctic? For this reason you will receive hands-on instruction from a National Geographic photographer as you frame breaching whales, elephant seals, and numerous penguin species.

Experience Chile National Geographic Antarctica Expedition Cruise Offer

ExperienceChile.Org will also include, in most cases, some attractive extras free of charge should we book one of these expedition cruises for you.

For example, free return flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas, or Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. As well as, or instead of the flights, we will include a hotel night, or two, free of charge or other parts of your overall travel itinerary at no cost. For instance, a free private transfer to Torres del Paine, or to El Calafate (or reverse).

In conclusion, we will create a program that is financially benefitial to you, as long as you book with us.

Also, we will make our offer on top of whatever offer National Geographic may be running too.

However, the final offer will be determined by us and depend on type of cabin, length of trip and which expedition cruise you book with us.

The Introduction

Antarctica is still the “final frontier” with regards to a vast area that has remained relatively untouched by human exploration, thus far. Therefore, by joining one of the National Geographic Antarctica expedition trips, you will be setting out on an epic voyage to the remote lands made famous by Ernest Shackleton. Above all, you will be traveling aboard one of our ice-class expedition ships, National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion. In other words, you will be able to spend six days discovering the icy wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula. Moreover, you will be able to stroll through lively crowds of king penguins in stunning South Georgia, and hike the rocky shores of the Falkland Islands to see nesting albatros’s. Most importantly, experience boundless wildlife and captivating beauty as you venture into some of the planet’s most unspoiled landscapes.

The Itinerary

---

Day 3: Ushuaia, Argentina 

The charter flight will depart from Santiago or Buenos Aires, depending on which ship you will be joining in Ushuaia. Naturally the flight path will be over, or close to The Andes, offering passengers great views of snow-capped mountains. Moreover, closer to Ushuaia there will be great views of Patagonia. For instance, you should be able to see glaciers, lakes, icebergs in lakes, remote fiords and, close to landing, the Beagle Channel.

Shortly after arrival to Ushuaia you will have some free time prior to boarding the ship. Therefore, you will be able to take a catamaran cruise through Patagonia’s scenic Beagle Channel before embarkation. Moreover, in the evening evening, we will set sail for the open sea.

---

On the Open Sea

Day 4: At Sea, Drake Passage

Hopefully, after a good nights sleep you will wake up to views of the famed Drake Passage. Moreover, during your day you can enjoy talks from our onboard naturalists about the wildlife and geology that await us on the Antarctica Peninsula.

---

Day 5-10: Exploring Atarctica

With long daylight hours at this time of year, we make the most of our days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected. For example, veering off course to watch killer whales perform off the bow, or enjoying an after-dinner excursion on the water. Moreover, we anticipate opportunities to hike, explore by Zodiac or kayak, and experience close encounters with wildlife every day. However, our stops will be adapted to the conditions and the ever-changing ice, and may include some of the locations indicated on the map shown here.

Zodiacs

---

Day 11-12: At Sea

During the time at sea you will be able to enjoy the ship’s amenities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. As a result of the navigational route we will also round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the evening we will celebrate our voyage with a farewell dinner on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

---

South Georgia

Day 13-17: South Georgia island

Spend five incredible days exploring stunning South Georgia. In other words, you will be able to leisurely trace the coast, past towering cliffs and beaches peppered with penguins. Above all, our schedule is flexible, and we anticipate opportunities to walk, hike, kayak, or explore by Zodiac every day.

During our stops we will include the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken, which played a part in the extraordinary story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition. Consequently, this is now the explorer’s final resting place; as well as Stromness Bay, where Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached help after a year and a half stranded in Antarctica. Moreover, we will be able to watch the antics of huge elephant seals hauled up on shore, and encounter a vast colony of tens of thousands of king penguins.

Map of National Geographic Expedition Cruise Route

This is the traditional expedition route that both of our ships will take, when approaching the Antarctic.

 

National Geographic Scheduled Departures for Season 2019 – 2020

NOTE: As soon as we have departures for season 2020 – 2021 we will post them here.

 

Date	Price From	Ship
Feb 15-Mar 9, 2020	$25,220 p/person	National Geographic Explorer
Feb 17-Mar 11, 2020	$25,950 p/person	National Geographic Orion
Oct 18-Nov 10, 2020	$28,580 p/person	National Geographic Endurance
Nov 7-30, 2020	$28,580 p/person	National Geographic Endurance

 

What is Included in the Cost?

Prices are per person, based upon double occupancy. However, those marked solo, are based on single occupancy.

Not Included

International Air Fares.

Domestic flights, or National Geographic charter flight to Ushuaia. Nowever, the cost for the charter flight, per person, will be approximately USD1,000 – USD1,300 per person (subject to change). 

What’s Included	What’s Not Included
Transfers upon arrival/departure for guests booked on recommended group flights Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship Meals as indicated in the itinerary Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary	Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Visas Alcoholic beverages Gratuities

Brief Description

The state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an ice-reinforced hull. Therefore, the ship is able to navigate polar ice as well as small harbours in Europe.

The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as a remotely operated vehicle and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. Therefore, our ships can offer all passengers great opportunities to get closer to nature. In addition, the Orion is also equipped with snorkeling and diving gear. Moreover, our “open bridge” policy provides guests the opportunity to meet the captain and officers and learn about navigation too.

Professionals & Experts

A full-time doctor, a video chronicler, an undersea specialist, a National Geographic photographer, and a photography instructor, are part of every expedition team.

The Public Areas

The ship’s public areas include an outdoor café, a lounge and bar, a sun deck, a state-of-the-art lecture theater, a library, a boutique, a mud room with lockers for expedition gear and even a sauna. Above all it also has a fitness room, spa treatment rooms, a hot tub/plunge pool, and a centrally located elevator. Moreover, the restaurant features international cuisine inspired by our ports of call and all meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables.

Restaurant

The restaurant features international cuisine inspired by our ports of call and all meals are served in a single session with unassigned tables. Moreover, exceptional cuisine features tastes of the regions we visit.

The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features a fitness center with life fitness equipment, a spa treatment room, and a sauna.

Accommodation Details:

Main Deck

Category 1
Main Deck with oval windows #316, 318, 319-321

Category 2
Main Deck with large oval window #302-312, 314, 315, 317

Category 1 Solo
Main Deck with oval windows #301, 322, 323

Category 3
Suite with window#401-412, 414-419

Category 4
Deluxe suite with window #511, 515

Category 5
Suite with balcony #501, 503-506, 508

Category 6
Owner’s suite with balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510

Note: *Cabin 509 does not have a balcony

Category 3 Solo
Bridge Deck Suite with window #512

Brief Description

The National Geographic Explorer is the flagship of the Nat Geo fleet. The ship travels from pole to pole each year, spending Nothern Hesmisphere winters in Antarctica and Northern Hemisphere summers in the Arctic. Moreover, as the ship navigates the length of the Atlantic, the ship explores the Baltic Sea, Norway, the Northwest Passage, the Canadian Maritimes, and the wild coast of South America.

Therefore, in our mind, the National Geographic Explorer is arguably the finest expedition vessel on the seas. Most importantly, this is a state-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ship. As a result, the Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 spacious cabins, each with outside views; private bathrooms; and all with sleek, modern furnishings. Single cabins in Category 2 are highlighted in bright blue and include cabins 309-312 and 310-332. Single cabins in Category 3 are highlighted in bright pink and include cabins 105, 106, 203 and 208.

Zodiacs

In order to get close to nature, the ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. Moreover, public areas include a lounge and bar; a library; a spa; a fitness center and even a sauna. Above all, we have a selection of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine using fresh, local ingredients.

Other services include a full-time doctor, a wellness specialist, and an internet cafe.

Accommodation Distribution Details:

Main Deck

Category 1
Main Deck with one or two Portholes #301-308

Category 2
Main Deck with Window #317-320, 335-336

Category 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 Triples: Main Deck with WIndow #341, 343

Category Solo A
Solo A Main Deck with Window #309-312, 329-334

Upper Deck

Category 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228

Category 5
Upper Deck with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224

Category 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 Triples: #101-102

Category 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 All cabins are available as triples.

Category Solo B
Solo B Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #105-106, 203, 208

Category 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228

Category 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 Triples: #101-102

Category Solo B
Solo B Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #105-106, 203, 208