Cruise · HX Expeditions · 22 nights

Life Returns - Springtime Expedition to Antarctica

Enjoy a flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile after the cruise
Relax with included transfers from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport
Experience an authentic expedition with the onboard Science Center and Expedition Team

$26,263 pp twin share

$37,726 pp solo share

22 nights

Enquire

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Life Returns - Springtime Expedition to Antarctica (Montevideo)

Life Returns - Springtime Expedition to Antarctica (Montevideo) – route map

Visit Montevideo

Preparing for adventure

Return to Tromsø

Adventure lies ahead

The southern Serengeti

Towards Antarctica

Antarctica: Another world

The passage back

Arrival in Punta Arenas

MS Fram

Cruise Snapshot

22 Nights

Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Antarctica and the Falkland Islands on this all-inclusive 23-day expedition cruise

Explore the pristine icescape of Antarctica in late spring
Witness the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands and South Georgia
Sail aboard the purpose-built expedition ship MS Fram

Trip Details

Departs: 16 October 2026
Returns: 7 November 2026
Ship: MS Fram
Operator: HX Expeditions

23-day all-inclusive Antarctica expedition cruise from Buenos Aires to Santiago de Chile

The 22-night Antarctica voyage aboard MS Fram sails from Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas, calling at Saunders Island, New Island, Port Stanley, Rightwhale Bay, Salisbury Plain, Grytviken and Puerto Williams, with 4 days at sea.

Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:

Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile
Transfer from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise

See the untouched icescapes of Antarctica in its late spring as the glaciers and icebergs are at their most sparkly and pristine
Visit the beautiful, windswept Falkland Islands and South Georgia at the height of mating seaso
Go ice-cruising in small expedition boats and join landings with your expert Expedition Team

You sail aboard MS Fram. Carrying on the legacy of the original Fram, one of the most famous exploration vessels of all time, MS Fram has been purpose-built to offer guests an authentic, intimate, and pure expedition experience in polar regions. On board: Science Center; Expedition Team; Two restaurants; Two outdoor hot tubs; Sauna; Explorer Lounge and Bar; Observation decks; Indoor and outdoor gym.

$26,263

pp twin share

$37,726

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

16 October 2026

Returns

7 November 2026

Duration

22 nights

From pp twin share

$26,263 pp

From pp solo cabin

$37,726 pp

16 Oct 2026 - 07 Nov 2026
from $26,263 pp twin share / $37,726 pp sole use *

Additional Pricing Information

Polar Outside from $26,263 pp twin share
Arctic Superior from $27,749 pp twin share
Expedition Suite from $30,370 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Life in transit

MS Fram

Details · HX Expeditions

MS Fram

Carrying on the legacy of the original Fram, one of the most famous exploration vessels of all time, MS Fram has been purpose-built to offer guests an authentic, intimate, and pure expedition experience in polar regions.

Guests: 200
Gross tonnage: 11,647
Speed: 13 knots
Length: 114 m
Launched: 2007
Beam: 20.2 m
Deck plans: 7

MS Fram · Deck plans

Deck 8

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
The beat of Buenos Aires
Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires
Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, Buenos Aires 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 famed birthplace of the tango.
Your Expedition Ship will be awaiting you for embarkation.
2
Preparing for adventure
Days 2–4
Get into expedition mode
Over the next days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip.
Members of the Expedition Team will start their lecture series on topics like oceanography, geology, ornithology, and history. Pop into the Science Center for hands-on presentations as well.
Grab your binoculars and scan for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities and enjoy the hot tubs, sauna and gym.
5
Wildlife of the Falklands
Days 5–7
Enjoy birding and hiking in these green islands
The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sands teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape amidst the grassy hills and wildflowers. Enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.
Our landings, hikes and excursions are, as always, guided by the conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, which are often found sharing space with seals, and getting as close as we can without disturbing them.
8
Adventure lies ahead
Days 8–9
Cruising the South Atlantic
Sailing from the Falklands, we spend two days cruising towards beautiful South Georgia. You can look forward to seeing an archipelago filled with diverse wildlife.
Meet up with the Expedition Team as they prepare you for what lies ahead. They’ll tell you everything they know about South Georgia, including the area’s wildlife, polar history, geology, glaciology, and stories of Norwegian whalers.
As we get closer, the Expedition Team will talk about the IAATO environmental guidelines and sustainability rules that we follow when visiting to make your visit as safe and as low impact as possible. We leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures.
10
The southern Serengeti
Days 10–12
Visit a wildlife watcher’s paradise
South Georgia’s abundant wildlife has earned it the nickname ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. Its unique position free from sea ice makes the island a breeding site for large colonies of penguins, other seabirds and seals. In fact, it’s an Important Bird Area, home to albatrosses, petrels, shags, skuas and terns.
Throughout our three days in the area, we’ll land as often as we can to explore the wilderness and wildlife. We’ll also try to reach Grytviken, the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Our expedition route will as always be guided by nature, responding to daily conditions to seek out the best possible experience.
While our itineraries are always flexible, they’re even more so during peak breeding seasons when the wildlife is most vulnerable to disturbance. When opportunities allow, we’ll land here and observe the wildlife. When our presence could disturb the animals, we’ll choose another place to visit and as always, these decisions are made by your Expedition Team and are based on lifetimes of combined experience in these destinations. Sometimes we’ll land, sometimes we’ll cruise, it’s all part of the adventure!
13
Towards Antarctica
Days 13–14
Time to relax and reflect
After visiting the Falklands and South Georgia, take some time while we head towards Antarctica to relax and reflect on your journey so far.
Antarctica is a symbol of global cooperation, dedicated to peace, science and wildlife conservation. Protected by the Antarctic Treaty, it remains free of military conflict, preserving its pristine environment for future generations.
As a hub for scientific research on climate change and ecosystems, it offers unique insights into nature's resilience. Why not join one of our Citizen Science programmes to help collect data for global research projects.
15
Antarctica: Another world
Days 15–19
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins watch erect from the shores. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.
We’ll explore several possible landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays, where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint.
Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels and terns. Through onboard lectures, you'll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future.
20
The passage back
Days 20–22
Looking for land ahead
Five unforgettable days in Antarctica are over, and your ship now embarks upon our final adventure together: the Drake Passage. Known for its potentially high winds and strong currents, the passage can also be silent and still, inspiring the nicknames ‘The Drake Shake’ and ‘The Drake Lake’ respectively.
But don’t worry, even if we experience rough seas, your ship is perfectly equipped for this leg of the adventure exploring the Southern Ocean. During our crossing, the Expedition Team will recap our experiences, making it possible to keep your head in the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica a little while longer.
23
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Onwards from Punta Arenas
Your Antarctica expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you'll catch a flight to Santiago de Chile and then your connecting flight home, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories.
However, if you're not ready to end your adventures just yet why not extend your trip and join our optional Post-Programme.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile.
Transfer from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise.
A stay in a cabin of your choice.
All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests.
A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home.

Not included

International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

MS Fram

On board: Science Center; Expedition Team; Two restaurants; Two outdoor hot tubs; Sauna; Explorer Lounge and Bar; Observation decks; Indoor and outdoor gym; Onboard shop.

Polar Inside

Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

I2 – Inside cabin: no window, double bed, optional twin, 10–13 m².

Polar Outside

Enjoy sea views from our Polar Outside cabins, most of which feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

N2 – Outside cabin: window, double bed, optional twin, 10–13 m².
FJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, optional twin, 17–21 m².
SD – Wheelchair-accessible outside cabin: window, twin beds, one converts to a sofa, 15–16 m².

Arctic Superior

Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable and spacious.

These cabins feature a double bed which can be divided into two single beds in some cabins on request at the time of booking. Some also have a sofa bed, and many have a private balcony.
All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, a minibar (charges apply), European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. A bathrobe and slippers are also available free of charge.

U2 – Outside cabin: window, double bed, optional twin, 10–11 m².
F2 – Outside cabin: window, some with limited view, double bed, 17–18 m².

Expedition Suite

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Fram and reserve one of our Expedition Suites.

Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply).
Suites feature double beds and a seating area, some with a sofa bed. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry.
Complimentary fine dining in our Lindstrøm restaurant is part of the experience, and a takeaway service means you can enjoy dinner exclusively. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.

MG – Grand Suite with balcony: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 20–27 m².
Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, sofa bed, 15–20 m².
Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 15–20 m².

From the operator