Atlantic Odyssey

The voyage begins where the world drops off: Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego – nicknamed “The End of the World” – and sail the scenic, mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening., Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Set sail through the Beagle Channel and enjoy the evening on board.

Today you are en route to South Georgia. After passing the Antarctic Convergence, which is a natural boundary formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic waters, you enter the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the bird life changes, too: A variety of albatrosses and petrels show up, along with Cape pigeons and southern fulmars.

Aim to visit some of the world’s top king penguin rookeries. This time of year, have a good chance of seeing these animals nesting on eggs with their chicks close by. The rookeries are overflowing, with waddling rush-hour traffic to and from the beach.

Possible visits include:

Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – Here you can see not only the massive king penguin colony, but also elephant seals and limitless fur seal pups playing in the surf.

Grytviken – You also have the opportunity to check out this abandoned whaling station, where king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they basically do! You might also see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave here.

Cooper Bay – This is a fine place for a Zodiac cruise, and this bay also houses a rookery of macaroni penguins. King penguins, pintails, and giant petrels may also appear here.

Moltke Harbour – Located in Royal Bay, this scenic spot gives you the chance to see the huge king penguin colony that lives here. 

A pleasant tailwind often accompanies the vessel through the westerlies, and on both sides of the Antarctic Convergence, you might see large numbers of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds.

Today the plan is to approach Gough Island for a Zodiac cruise in Quest Bay, if the weather permits. Here you might see northern rockhopper penguins and sub-Antarctic fur seals. In previous years, it has been possible to circumnavigate most of Gough Island’s 33-mile circumference, taking in this area’s splendid scenery and abundant wildlife.

These islands are famed for their bird population, which includes rockhopper penguins, several species of albatross, petrels, skuas, terns and many others. The aim is to visit the settlement on the west side of this archipelago’s main island but the planned four days here may also allow you to land in Seal Bay on the south side or possibly at Sandy Point on the east side of Tristan da Cunha.

Here, possibly encounter wildlife such as Yellow-nosed albatrosses and Sub-Antarctic fur seals and otherwise explore a very rarely visited spot. Aim to land at Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands, with views of seabirds ranging from yellow-nosed albatrosses to brown noddies.

Two days are reserved in case of bad weather, but please remember that nature determines the itinerary here: Since beginning the Atlantic Odyssey cruise in 1998, adverse weather led to the cancellation of 35% of Tristan da Cunha landings. It is not impossible, but it is difficult.

Seabirds and dolphins indigenous to this region often follow the vessel.

After you land at Jamestown on Saint Helena Island, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the area’s local culture, pleasant climate, and endemic bird life. You can pay a visit to Longwood House, where Napoleon died in exile; walk the 699-step Jacob’s Ladder, if you’re feeling ambitious; or snorkel the shallows offshore, seeing multitudes of tropical and subtropical fish. 
 

This morning, disembark after breakfast and begin the journey home.

Please note: You have the option to disembark and fly home from Jamestown if flights are available. In the evening, you'll depart for Ascension Island and Praia, Cape Verde, where you can also disembark.