Your journey begins at the world's edge in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city on Earth, perched at the tip of South America. In the afternoon, you board the ship in this remote town on Tierra del Fuego, known as the "End of the World," and set sail through the stunning, mountain-lined Beagle Channel, which you navigate throughout the evening.

While at sea in the westerlies, the ship is followed by several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels.

The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Islands offer an abundance of easily approachable wildlife, though caution is always advised. These islands are largely unknown gems, the site of the 1982 war between the UK and Argentina. Not only do various species of birds live here, but chances are great to see both Peale's and Commerson's dolphins in the surrounding waters.

During this segment of the voyage, visit the following sites: 

Carcass Island - Despite its name, it is pleasantly rodent-free and bounteous with birdlife. Anything from breeding Magellanic penguins and gentoos to numerous waders and passerine birds (including Cobb's wrens and tussock-birds) live here. 

Saunders Island - On Saunders Island, see the black-browed albatross and its sometimes clumsy landings, along with breeding imperial shags and rockhopper penguins. King penguins, Magellanic penguins, and gentoos are also found here. 
 

Port Stanley, the capital of the Falklands and the center of its culture has some Victorian-era charm: colorful houses, well-tended gardens, and English-style pubs are all to be found here. You can also see several century-old clipper ships nearby, silent witnesses to the hardships of 19th-century sailors. The small but interesting museum is also worth a visit, covering the early days of settlement up to the Falklands War. Approximately 2,100 people live in Port Stanley. Admission to the museum is included. 

En route to South Georgia, you now cross the Antarctic Convergence. The temperature cools considerably within a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the sea's surface due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.

Today, you arrive at the first South Georgia activity site. Please remember that weather conditions in this area can be challenging and largely dictate the program.
 
Over the next several days, you have a chance to visit the following sites:
 
Fortuna Bay – A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to many king penguins and seals. Here, you may also have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton's route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton's Waterfall, and as the terrain is partly swampy, be prepared to cross a few small streams. 
 
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia and three of the world's most extensive breeding beaches for Antarctic fur seals. Millions breed in South Georgia during December and January. Only during the mid-season do they peak in their breeding cycle. There will be some young adult Elephant seals and this season's Weaner, the young Elephant Seals that have been left to fend for themselves. Watch your step and stay cool when walking the beaches during this time.  
 
Grytviken – In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets, and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they do. Here, you might be able to see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton's grave.
 
Depending on the conditions in the afternoon of day 10, you start sailing southwards toward the South Orkney Islands.

There may be sea ice on this route, and at the edge of the ice, some south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds trailing the vessel south. 

Depending on the conditions, you might visit Orcadas Base, an Argentine scientific station on Laurie Island in the South Orkney archipelago. The personnel here will happily show you their facility, where you can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding glaciers. If a visit isn’t possible, you may land in Coronation Island’s Shingle Cove instead.

Enormous icebergs and a fair chance of fin whale sightings ensure there’s never a dull moment on this last sea voyage south. Also, your best chance to spot Antarctic petrels is here. Depending on conditions, aim to begin activities on the afternoon of day 14.

If the ice conditions permit, you now sail into the Weddell Sea. Here, colossal tabular icebergs herald your arrival on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Paulet Island, with its large population of Adelie penguins, is a possible stop. You might also visit Brown Bluff, located in the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound, where you could get the chance to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself.
 
Suppose conditions aren’t favorable for entering the Weddell Sea from the east. The ship will set course for Elephant Island and head into the Bransfield Strait, between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Here, you can attempt to access the Antarctic Sound from the northwest. 
 
The breathtaking scenery continues in the Bransfield Straight and, if conditions allow, further South in the Gerlache Strait. Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.

Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now and you to them.

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually end. It’s time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.