Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Step aboard the RMS St Helena, settle into your cabin, and meet the expedition team and fellow travelers. As the ship departs, you’ll wave goodbye to civilisation and begin navigating the scenic Beagle Channel, passing through Mackinlay Pass. Enjoy the golden light of sunset as you sail toward the unknown.

The legendary Drake Passage awaits. As you leave the South American continent behind, spend the day adjusting to life at sea. Attend fascinating lectures led by experts on Antarctic wildlife, geology, and exploration. Watch the waves and scan the skies for albatrosses and petrels. Between wildlife sightings, take advantage of the ship’s amenities.

Your second day at sea continues the voyage through the nutrient-rich waters of the Drake, home to migrating whales and incredible birdlife. Enjoy more lectures and get to know your shipmates. By day’s end, excitement builds as the first icebergs come into view and the snow-dusted peaks of the South Shetland Islands rise in the distance, marking your arrival on the White Continent.

The day some have long anticipated has arrived: race day. Weather permitting, you’ll take part in a once-in-a-lifetime 21km, 42km, or 50km marathon on Antarctic terrain. For non-runners, this day is equally special, with opportunities for Zodiac excursions, animal encounters, and more time exploring the surreal and stunning landscape of the region.

With the race behind you, the adventure continues. You’ll start exploring the Antarctic Peninsula with twice-daily Zodiac landings, visiting penguin colonies, remote research stations, and sites of historical significance. Wildlife encounters may include Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, as well as curious seals and breaching whales. Each moment is a discovery.

Continue your journey into Antarctica’s untouched wilderness. Possible visits include the steaming volcanic caldera of Deception Island, the icy expanses of King George Island, or remote reaches of the Weddell Sea. Kayak through still bays, snowshoe across icy terrain, or take a polar plunge if you're brave enough. The landscape is awe-inspiring, the air crisp and pure.

With over 500 landing sites along the peninsula, no two expeditions are ever the same. Today, your crew will guide you through less-visited areas, ensuring your experience is one of true exploration—free from the cruise ship crowds. Navigate through ice-choked channels, marvel at towering glaciers, and feel the profound silence of one of the most remote places on Earth.

Your last full day on the White Continent offers a final chance to land ashore, photograph penguins, spot whales, and reflect on the magnitude of where you are. The team will select sites based on weather and wildlife activity to ensure you end your Antarctic adventure on a high note. That evening, begin your preparations for the journey home.

The St Helena turns north as you begin your return across the Drake Passage. This is a time to unwind, reflect, and share stories with fellow travelers. Enjoy the last of the expert-led lectures, take in views from the deck, and start processing the life-changing experience you’ve just had.

Your final full day on board is a time for celebration. Keep watch for seabirds and marine life as you sail onward. In the evening, join your crew and companions for a celebratory farewell dinner, toasting to unforgettable memories and the incredible feats you've accomplished at the end of the world.

Early in the morning, you’ll arrive back in Ushuaia. Disembark the St Helena and return to civilisation, forever changed by the raw beauty, wildness, and wonder of Antarctica.