The Americas & Antarctic Explorer | Viking Polaris Expedition Ship

The Americas & Antarctic Explorer

From Ancient Civilizations to Frozen Frontiers

Embark on an extraordinary voyage tracing the rich heritage of Central America’s ancient cultures. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Yucatán Peninsula, then journey south to Chile’s breathtaking fjords. Experience up-close encounters with diverse wildlife using your ship’s state-of-the-art expedition equipment. Take part in meaningful scientific research while marveling at Antarctica’s awe-inspiring icy landscapes, uncovering the wonders of this remote and pristine world.

Day by day

Day 1: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. A beloved leisure destination for Floridians and visitors alike, the Ft. Lauderdale area exudes the carefree attitude of South Florida’s coast. In Miami, a thriving Cuban culture infuses Old Havana and gleaming high-rises overlook Biscayne Bay. On the outlying barrier islands, South Beach is an intoxicating blend of seaside glamour and art deco pastel brilliance. Farther north, the seven-mile-long Ft. Lauderdale Beach provides a more leisurely ambience. Along Las Olas Boulevard, cafés and boutiques invite lingering and endless browsing.

Day 2: Sail the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico has been a witness to much of the history of North and Central America. In 1497, Amerigo Vespucci was purportedly the first European to sail into the gulf’s basin, charting its coast and changing the world map. Renew your body, mind and spirit in the Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico

Day 4-5: Sail the Caribbean Sea

Day 6: Scenic Sailing: Panama Canal

Day 7: Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama

Day 8: Sail the Pacific Ocean

Day 9: Manta, Ecuador

Day 10-11: Sail the Pacific Ocean

Day 12: Lima (Callao), Peru

Day 13-14: Sail the Pacific Ocean

Day 15: Iquique, Chile

Day 16-17: Sail the Pacific Ocean

Day 18: Santiago (Valparaíso), Chile

Day 19: Sail the Pacific Ocean

Day 20: Scenic Sailing: Chilean Fjords

Day 21: Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Day 22: Scenic Sailing: Chilean Fjords

Day 23-24: Explore Chilean Glaciers

Day 25: Scenic Sailing: Chilean Fjords

Day 26: Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 27: Explore Chilean Glaciers

Day 28: Garibaldi Fjord, Chile

Day 29: Scenic Sailing: Cape Horn

Day 30: Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 31: Sail the Drake Passage

Day 32-38: Explore Antarctica

Day 39: Sail the Drake Passage

Day 40: Scenic Sailing: Cape Horn

Day 41: Ushuaia, Argentina

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Highlights

Explore Cozumel’s Mayan ruins and the historic streets of Panama City.

Sail through the legendary Panama Canal and the stunning Chilean fjords.

Visit remote destinations like Puerto Chacabuco and Punta Arenas.

Sail through the legendary Panama Canal and the stunning Chilean fjords.

Explore Cozumel’s Mayan ruins and the historic streets of Panama City.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.