On this 22-day South American and Antarctic cruise, you may see whales, penguins, and the Falkland Islands

Avoid the mad dash to the store at the last minute and just keep the Thanksgiving ham in the freezer this year. On the contrary, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the Antarctic winter and spend your time sailing glacier-laden waters in the comfort of your stateroom on board a cruise. 

The Netherlands The "22-Day South America & Antarctica Holiday" offered by the United States guarantees 22 days of experiences and views that even the most seasoned traveler is unlikely to witness in a lifetime. An Antarctic island home to the world's largest known colony of gentoo penguins, a voyage over the Drake Passage, and a stop at the Falkland Islands. 

The story starts in Buenos Aires and ends at Punta del Este, Uruguay, via Montevideo. After there, you'll continue south along Argentina's coastline until you reach the seaside town of Puerto Madryn. Continuing on from a coastal day, the group will reach the isolated Falkland Islands, renowned for their rocky shores and king penguins that call the islands home. 

For four days beginning on Christmas Day, the Oosterdam will sail around the islands and bays of "the White Continent," Antarctica. The ship will sail through Dallmann Bay, the Palmer Archipelago, and Cuverville Island, where the world's largest colony of gentoo penguins is located. Guests onboard will most certainly see additional humans, along with more Gentoo and chinstrap penguins, during the ship's stopover to Paradise Harbor before they leave Antarctica. 

As the ship makes its way back to South America, it will navigate the treacherous Drake Passage and Cape Horn. Continuing down the 150-mile Beagle Channel, the Oosterdam will eventually enter Glacier Alley, a magnificent and dangerous waterway. 

The ship will dock in Punta Arenas, Chile on January 1, 2024, before continuing on to the Amalia or El Brujo Glaciers via the Strait of Magellan. Arrival in Santiago, Chile, marks the final port of call on the 22-day adventure, which includes multiple stops in Chile, a visit to the Chilean Fjords, and more. 

Setting out from Buenos Aires on December 16th, the journey will conclude in Santiago, Chile on January 7th, 2024. Three meals a day are included in the starting price of $1,699 for the entire 22-day program. Free use of the fitness facility, casino, family game room, children's club, and weekly live music are additional benefits. For an extra fee, passengers have the option to visit the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, have a cocktail at one of the ship's bars, or savor a gourmet dinner at the ship's Italian or steakhouse restaurants.