10 Night Journey to Antarctica The White Continent Cruise from Ushuaia

The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views as we fly over the vividly rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have lunch aboard a catamaran cruise on the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D) NOTE: Guests traveling aboard National Geographic Orion will fly by private charter today from Santiago, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina to embark the Orion. Please confirm departure and arrival cities prior to booking airfare.

We awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Passage holds a unique place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable -- a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history. (B,L,D)

With nearly 24 hours of daylight, we make the most of our six days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected - perhaps watching a 40-ton whale surface off the bow. We are out daily. One day, you may take a Zodiac foray amid towering bergs under a bright sun, walk along the shoreline amid a huge penguin colony, hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. And the next, you'll have the thrill of watching the ship crunch through the pack ice, or step ashore to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins. You'll learn from our experts how to identify penguins and get photo tips from a National Geographic photographer while watching those same penguins. Back onboard, our Undersea Specialist may present video from that day's dive - rare images taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface using our ROV. Our expert staff will craft an expedition where you will learn more, see more, and experience more. (B,L,D)

As we sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds that cross our bow, and our spotters will keep an eye out for marine life. There'll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven't had time to read. Talks from our staff will reflect on all you have seen and learned. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for our flight to Santiago, and an overnight flight to Miami. (Day 13: B,L)