Your voyage begins where the world drops off: Ushuaia, Argentina, said 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 mountainous Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening.

Today, you are en route to South Georgia. After passing the Antarctic Convergence, 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, but 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, you have a good chance of seeing these animals nesting on eggs with their chicks nearby. The rookeries are sometimes overflowing, with penguins traveling to and from the beach.

Possible visits in this region include:

Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour: Here, you can see the massive king penguin colony, elephant seals, and limitless fur seal pups playing in the surf.

Grytviken: You can 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 do! You might also see the South Georgia Museum and 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: This scenic spot in Royal Bay lets you see the vast king penguin colony.

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.

If the weather permits, today, approach Gough Island for a Zodiac cruise in Quest Bay. 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.

The remote islands of Tristan da Cunha are famed for their plentiful bird populations, including rockhopper penguins, several albatross species, petrels, skuas, terns, and many others. Your goal during this stage of your voyage is to visit the small settlement on the west side of the main island, but you might also land at Seal Bay on the south side of Tristan da Cunha or at Sandy Point on the east side.

In these stunning locations, you could encounter such exotic wildlife as yellow-nosed albatrosses and sub-Antarctic fur seals, all while exploring a rarely visited spot. You also intend to land at Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island, which offer great views of beautiful seabirds ranging from yellow-nosed albatrosses to brown noddies.

Two days are reserved at Tristan da Cunha in case of bad weather. Still, please remember that nature determines your itineraries here: Since the beginning of the Atlantic Odyssey cruise in 1998, adverse weather led to the cancellation of 35% of Tristan da Cunha's landings. If you have to divert for safety reasons, the team will find suitable alternatives.

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

After you land at Jamestown on Saint Helena Island, you can have the opportunity to enjoy the area’s local culture, pleasant climate, and endemic bird life. You can visit 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.

Today, aim to sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the sprawling submarine mountain range that runs about 16,000 km (10,000 miles) from the Arctic Ocean toward the southern tip of Africa. Join stargazing on the aft deck, where you can see the many highlights of the equatorial sky. Weather permitting, these celestial wonders can be seen with binoculars or the naked eye.

This dry volcanic island is a significant home for sooty terns (also known as wideawakes), whose colonies sometimes grow to over a million breeding pairs. You may get the chance to hike up to the richly vegetated summit of the island and visit the beach to watch green turtles laying eggs.

Cruise across the equator are Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas flying their northbound spring migration. At this voyage stage, you can hope for good weather as you attempt more stargazing on deck, observing how the polar star becomes visible on the northern horizon.

Disembark in Praia on Santiago Island on Cape Verde Santiago Island at 9:00 hours*. If you’re flying out on the night of April 25/ April 26, there is an additional tour in and around Praia. Here, you can visit the historic Cidade Velha and its massive hillside fortress, built to defend against English raiders. Other sights include the oldest Christian church in the tropics and the enslaved person whipping post in the main square. You can also simply explore the streets of Praia, enjoying the folk music from tavern windows.

*Disembarking passengers will have access to a few hotel rooms where you can collect your luggage and freshen up before traveling to the airport – or back to your hotel if you’re staying longer in Praia.