Grand Voyage: Pole To Pole
- 25 Jan ‘25
- 47 nights
- Departing from Fort Lauderdale
- Volendam
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Inside price from$14,419*/pp
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Outside price from$17,859*/pp
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Balcony price fromCall for price
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Suite price from$32,669*/pp
YOUR ITINERARY
Fort Lauderdale - Santo Domingo - Santa Marta - Puerto Limon - Enter Panama Canal at Cristobal - Cruising Panama Canal - Exit Panama Canal - Fuerte Amador, Panama City - Fuerte Amador, Panama City - Crossing the Equator - Manta - Salaverry(Trujillo) - Callao (Lima) - Callao (Lima) - General San Martin - Arica - San Antonio, Chile - Isla Robinson Crusoe - Puerto Montt - Castro - Puerto Chacabuco - Chilean Fjords - Strait of Magellan - Punta Arenas, Chile - Cockburn and Beagle Channels - Beagle Channel - Daylight cruising Glacier Alley - Ushuaia - Cape Horn and Drake Passage - Antarctic Experience - Antarctic Experience - Antarctic Experience - Antarctic Experience - Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas - Puerto Madryn - Montevideo - Buenos Aires
There is an abundance of things to see and do in the F...
There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.
In the oldest city in the New World get ready for...
In the oldest city in the New World get ready for history, hand-rolled puro cigars and island rum. Sample shore excursions: Santo Domingo Historical Walking Tour; The Tomb of Columbus & Three Eyes Lakes.
In the land of the great liberator, S mon Bol var, visit...
In the land of the great liberator, S mon Bol var, visit the plantation where he lived his final days; view a dazzling collection of Tayrona gold pieces; take in the rich aroma of fresh-brewed Colombian coffee. Sample shore excursion: Santa Marta City Tour & Folkloric Show.
Surrounded by nearly half of all the animal species...
Surrounded by nearly half of all the animal species on earth and 8,000 species of plants, marvel as you take the chance to tour tropical flower farms or ride a Mawamba boat through the jungle canals near Puerto Limon. Explore the capital city of San Jose, where museums beckon and markets burst with luscious local tastes—mangoes, bananas, pineapples, papayas.
Located west of Panama City at the Pacific entrance...
Located west of Panama City at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is a gateway to exploring the many faces of this unique Central American country. The impressive engineering of the canal itself is a wonder to behold; a quick trip to the Miraflores Locks’ visitor center with its panoramic observation decks offers the chance to watch behemoth barges thread their way through the legendary manmade waterway. Just minutes from the cruise port, the recently opened Biomuseo is a Frank Gehry–designed natural-history museum dedicated to Panama’s ecological marvels. And Fuerte Amador sits within easy taxi distance of Panama City, the bustling, multicultural capital metropolis where visitors can wander a conquistador-era UNESCO World Heritage Site, sip coffee in street cafés and peruse modern malls. For a rural escape, it only takes an hour or two by car to trade the city for the tropical rain forests of Soberanía National Park, where an aerial tram carries passengers through treetops, or to meet Emberá tribespeople in their traditional village along the Chagres River.
Located west of Panama City at the Pacific entrance to the Pan...
Located west of Panama City at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is a gateway to exploring the many faces of this unique Central American country. The impressive engineering of the canal itself is a wonder to behold; a quick trip to the Miraflores Locks’ visitor center with its panoramic observation decks offers the chance to watch behemoth barges thread their way through the legendary manmade waterway. Just minutes from the cruise port, the recently opened Biomuseo is a Frank Gehry–designed natural-history museum dedicated to Panama’s ecological marvels. And Fuerte Amador sits within easy taxi distance of Panama City, the bustling, multicultural capital metropolis where visitors can wander a conquistador-era UNESCO World Heritage Site, sip coffee in street cafés and peruse modern malls. For a rural escape, it only takes an hour or two by car to trade the city for the tropical rain forests of Soberanía National Park, where an aerial tram carries passengers through treetops, or to meet Emberá tribespeople in their traditional village along the Chagres River.
Just outside this tranquil coast town lie the villages ...
Just outside this tranquil coast town lie the villages where the famous Panama hats are woven. Farther afield: colonial Quito, so perfectly preserved the entire Old Town has been designated a World Heritage Site. Sample shore excursions: A Day in Quito; Manta & Montecristi.
To the north is the “Lordiest City” of Trujillo, fo...
To the north is the “Lordiest City” of Trujillo, founded in 1535 and still rich in ornate colonial detail. At its edge, far older and long abandoned by the Chimu Indians, sits the eerie adobe metropolis of Chan Chan. Sample shore excursions: Trujillo and the Temples; Ch n Ch n Citadel/Dragon Huaca/Totora Caballitos.
Peru’s bone-dry capital (only Cairo is drier a...
Peru’s bone-dry capital (only Cairo is drier as far as national capitals go), Lima is a booming energetic metropolis built on ancient foundations millennia in the making. At first she is no looker, but scratch that parched surface below the high-rise offices and dust-settled dwellings and Lima’s charms begin to shine: Strikingly preserved pre-Columbian ruins sit defiantly among modern skyscrapers, a cultural potpourri of world-class museums, sun-toasted beaches beautifully illuminated by nightly sunsets and one of the most exciting and dynamic culinary landscapes in the world.
Lima is a tale of two cities. Colonial charms abound in the city’s historic center, where impressive plazas—including the cinematic 16th-century Plaza de Armas, the handiwork of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro—are overseen by Baroque and neoclassical cathedrals, palaces, monasteries and remnants of ancient city walls. But a different Lima emerges in the cliff-hugging seaside barrios of Miraflores and Barranco. Miraflores, Lima’s modern face, is a bustling enclave of chic restaurants, bars and nightlife, and Barranco is a bohemian resort commune flush with grand casonas converted into atmospheric hotels and eateries. One of the city’s allures is navigating between the old and the new.
But the Peruvian capital is at its most extraordinary at mealtimes, where the signature dishes of its world-famous cuisine—ceviche, lomo saltado pisco (beef stir-fried with tomatoes, peppers, onions and fried potatoes), aji de gallina (a pepper-laced chicken stew), causa (avocado and shrimp layered between mashed potato)—are the culinary stuff of legend, further wowing when chased by Peru’s extraordinary national cocktail, the highly addictive pisco sour. ¡Salud!
Peru’s bone-dry capital (only Cairo is drie...
Peru’s bone-dry capital (only Cairo is drier as far as national capitals go), Lima is a booming energetic metropolis built on ancient foundations millennia in the making. At first she is no looker, but scratch that parched surface below the high-rise offices and dust-settled dwellings and Lima’s charms begin to shine: Strikingly preserved pre-Columbian ruins sit defiantly among modern skyscrapers, a cultural potpourri of world-class museums, sun-toasted beaches beautifully illuminated by nightly sunsets and one of the most exciting and dynamic culinary landscapes in the world.
Lima is a tale of two cities. Colonial charms abound in the city’s historic center, where impressive plazas—including the cinematic 16th-century Plaza de Armas, the handiwork of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro—are overseen by Baroque and neoclassical cathedrals, palaces, monasteries and remnants of ancient city walls. But a different Lima emerges in the cliff-hugging seaside barrios of Miraflores and Barranco. Miraflores, Lima’s modern face, is a bustling enclave of chic restaurants, bars and nightlife, and Barranco is a bohemian resort commune flush with grand casonas converted into atmospheric hotels and eateries. One of the city’s allures is navigating between the old and the new.
But the Peruvian capital is at its most extraordinary at mealtimes, where the signature dishes of its world-famous cuisine—ceviche, lomo saltado pisco (beef stir-fried with tomatoes, peppers, onions and fried potatoes), aji de gallina (a pepper-laced chicken stew), causa (avocado and shrimp layered between mashed potato)—are the culinary stuff of legend, further wowing when chased by Peru’s extraordinary national cocktail, the highly addictive pisco sour. ¡Salud!
General San Martin was named for José de San Martí...
General San Martin was named for José de San Martín who, nearly 200 years ago, liberated Peru from Spanish rule. This thriving harbor is your gateway to the Nazca Lines geoglyphs, the ancient spires of Macchu Picchu, and the port of Pisco. Visit the Paracas National Reserve, a refuge for seals, penguins, flamingos and more. Sample shore excursions: Ballestas Island Wildlife Sanctuary Cruise; The Route of Pisco; Tambo Colorado & Paracas Museum.
Chile’s northernmost city, Arica, is characterist...
Chile’s northernmost city, Arica, is characteristically arid for the region, which is home to the world’s driest desert, the Atacama. The climate and terrain may not seem hospitable for long-term living, but for a visitor just passing through, they’re critical: These were the conditions that created the attractions that bring travelers here. Those attractions include a fascinating archaeological museum that claims to have the world’s oldest mummies, and a village that dates to the pre-Hispanic era and retains some of its mystical allure. There’s also a cathedral featuring a door that came straight from Eiffel’s Parisian workshop (yes, that Eiffel) and a local wine called Pintatani made from grapes that grow in an unusually fertile part of Arica. Fresh seafood straight from the Pacific Coast is the highlight of most menus in Arica, and it plays a starring role in displays at the local markets as well, where picture taking and people-watching are two ideal ways to while away a morning or afternoon.
This large, modern port serves Chile’s capital, Santiago,...
This large, modern port serves Chile’s capital, Santiago, a city with Spanish colonial charm and a vivacious spirit. Encircled by the Andes and the Coastal Range, Santiago is centered around the Plaza de Armas, with several of the city’s landmarks: the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral the Palacio de la Real Audencia from 1808, the City Hall and the National Museum of History. North of San Antonio lie the picturesque old port and university town of Valparaíso and the colorful seaside resort of Viña del Mar. In between the coast and the capital are valleys filled with some of Chile’s most famous wineries, all inviting you to come and taste.
Originally named Juan Fernández Island, it was here that ...
Originally named Juan Fernández Island, it was here that the sailor Alexander Selkirk was marooned in 1704 and lived in solitude for over four years inspiring Daniel Defoe to write the classic novel, Robinson Crusoe. To reflect the literary lore associated with the island, the Chilean government named the location Robinson Crusoe Island in 1966. Today the island is a World Biosphere Reserve and home to the Magellanic Penguin and Juan Fernández Firecrown, an endangered red hummingbird.
Gateway to the scenic Lake District, a series of fragrant e...
Gateway to the scenic Lake District, a series of fragrant eucalyptus and pine forests, icy lakes, Bavarian hamlets and luminous snowcapped volcanoes. Sample shore excursions: Alerce Mountain Lodge & Lake of Reflections; Petrohué Rapids & Frutillar.
Here in the heart of the Chilean archipelago, discover stunning ...
Here in the heart of the Chilean archipelago, discover stunning scenery: dense rain forests, bright-blue lakes and snow-covered mountain peaks. Sample shore excursions: Sights of Patagonia; Lake Elizalde Adventure.
If Punta Arenas exudes an “edge of the world” ...
If Punta Arenas exudes an “edge of the world” air, it’s not without reason. This windblown city near Chile’s southernmost tip sits on the Strait of Magellan, which itself is positioned squarely between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The city has played—and continues to play—an important role in geographic, political and economic affairs in South America’s so-called Southern Cone, which is formed by Chile and neighboring Argentina. Too many travelers rush through Punta Arenas, treating it as a pit stop on their way to the stunningly beautiful landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park and other attractions in Patagonia, but there’s plenty in this city and its environs to experience, too. From penguin spotting on Isla Magdalena and kayaking the Strait of Magellan to visiting area farms and then indulging in surf-and-turf specialties (here meaning fresh seafood and asado, or Chilean barbecue) at local restaurants, Punta Arenas is worth a stopover all its own.
Dramatic, fantastical, otherworldly—this is the end of...
Dramatic, fantastical, otherworldly—this is the end of the world, for real. Positioned at the southernmost tip of Argentina, this memorable port town is cradled between the pristine—and towering—Martial Mountains and accessed by the picturesque Beagle Channel (which was named for Darwin’s famed vessel). Ushuaia is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego region, which is best described as a spectacular collection of superlative natural wonders. It’s a veritable kaleidoscope of glittering glaciers, snowcapped mountains, dense forests, sparkling lakes and windswept plains spread across an archipelago of rugged islands.
The town itself is a maze of streets lined with low-slung buildings that all seem to meet at its heart, the port. Founded in 1884, the far-flung spot welcomed missionaries, gold prospectors and naval officers before becoming known primarily as a penal colony. After its closure under the infamous Argentine leader Juan Perón, the large jail was reconfigured to house one of the city’s most popular museums. Other current in-town attractions include a maritime museum and a museum dedicated to the region’s natural history, as well as restaurants preparing the marquee offering—local king crab.
It may be the most notorious ocean passage in the wo...
It may be the most notorious ocean passage in the world, and for centuries it evoked dread in the hearts of sailors. But those who survived a trip around Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific slosh violently into each other, had bragging rights for life. Along this passage, the Tierra del Fuego, or “land of fire,” where Chile and Argentina converge at the bottom of the world, got its name from early sailors who saw the fires of the people who lived here burning on shore. For some 8,000 years, until as recently as the end of the 19th century, this was the home of the Yaghan and other indigenous groups.
Magellan and Drake left their mark and names here, as did Darwin, who sailed through here on the HMS Beagle. The great clipper ships of ’49er lore later fought their way through fierce waves carrying gold between California and the East Coast in that era before the Panama Canal. Just as Richard Henry Dana, Jr., described in his masterful Two Years Before the Mast, published in 1840, a journey today around the Cape at the very bottom of the Tierra is shaped by capricious weather, as powerful winds and shallow waters can produce waves that reach as high as 30 meters (100 feet).
The world’s southernmost capital, Stanley is locat...
The world’s southernmost capital, Stanley is located in the Falklands archipelago, which consists of two main islands, East and West Falkland, along with smaller islands nearby. Stanley is proud of its British heritage, evidenced everywhere from its red telephone boxes to its pubs. The Falklands were first claimed by the English in 1765; over the centuries the Crown has had to abandon, reclaim and defend these far-flung islands from invading nations—including an Argentine foray in 1982. During the early years of their colonization, the Falklands were used as a base for ships hunting sperm whales for oil, followed by those hunting seals for fur. Today in this remote British territory, fishing and tourism are what drive the economy.
Situated in rugged Argentine Patagonia, Puerto Madryn was ...
Situated in rugged Argentine Patagonia, Puerto Madryn was founded by Welsh immigrants in 1865. Enjoy a famous Welsh “tea” in the village of Gaiman; journey back in time 300 million years at the Paleontology Museum of Egidio Feruglio in Trelew; and see colonies of sea elephants, sea lions and seals in their natural habitat at Punta Norte. Sample shore excursions: Punta Tombo Penguin Adventure; Peninsula Valdes Natural Reserve; Puerto Madryn Private Touring.
Friendly and genteel, Montevideo honors colonial customs: long ...
Friendly and genteel, Montevideo honors colonial customs: long lunches, siestas, high tea. Nearby: Colonia del Sacramento, the oldest city in Uruguay (ca. 1680) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sample shore excursions: Colonia del Sacramento; A Gaucho’s Life.
In the early 20th century, Buenos Aires, Argentina...
In the early 20th century, Buenos Aires, Argentina, gained immense wealth when it began shipping its pampas-raised beef around the world. It quickly entered the club of great world cities, and a slew of attractions and architectural jewels soon arose. Since that time, the capital has experienced huge swings in economic and political fortune. But Buenos Aires continues to fascinate and entertain sightseeing visitors, both for its chaotic energy and for its sheer urban beauty. Thankfully, the Belle Époque grandeur and enormous tracts of greenery remain. Any list of things to do in Buenos Aires would begin with its many walkable neighborhoods; Palermo especially stands out, thanks to creative residents who have pushed the restaurant scene well beyond beef.
Porteños—as the locals are called—may be of Spanish, Italian, Jewish or Middle Eastern descent; that mix of cultures is reflected in the city’s dialect, foods and pastimes. Looking beyond the city’s sights, Buenos Aires is known as the birthplace of tango, and while the music and dance never quite went away, today tango is making a resurgence. Fans come here from around the world to take part in or watch the milongas (dance events). Argentines are world leaders in polo as well, and as the sport captures the interest of more and more travelers, hunky players like Nacho are gaining global celebrity.
YOUR SHIP - The Volendam
Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Salon & Spa. Or dine in one of our selection of fine restaurants.
Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Salon & Spa. Or dine in one of our selection of fine restaurants.
Crow’s Nest
Dance Floor
Explorers Lounge
Frans Hals Show Lounge
Neptune Lounge
Photo Gallery
Theatre
Art Gallery
Atrium
Boutique
Culinary Arts Center
Future Cruise Sales
Laundry Service
Photo Gallery
Reception
Shopping Gallery
Shore Excursion Office
Beauty Salon
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Lido Pool
Massage
Sauna
Spa
Thermal Suite
Whirlpool
Canaletto Restaurant
Explorations Cafe
Lido Bar
Lido Casual Restaurant
Piano Bar
Pinnacle Grill
Queens Room
Rotterdam Dining Room
Terrace Grill
The Verandah
Card Room
Club HAL
Indoor Pool
Library
Outdoor Pool
The Loft
The Loft and The Oasis
Aerobics
Basketball
Gym
Tennis Court
Description
Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Salon & Spa. Or dine in one of our selection of fine restaurants.
Entertainment
Crow’s Nest
Dance Floor
Explorers Lounge
Frans Hals Show Lounge
Neptune Lounge
Photo Gallery
Theatre
Other
Art Gallery
Atrium
Boutique
Culinary Arts Center
Future Cruise Sales
Laundry Service
Photo Gallery
Reception
Shopping Gallery
Shore Excursion Office
Relaxation
Beauty Salon
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Lido Pool
Massage
Sauna
Spa
Thermal Suite
Whirlpool
Food and Drink
Canaletto Restaurant
Explorations Cafe
Lido Bar
Lido Casual Restaurant
Piano Bar
Pinnacle Grill
Queens Room
Rotterdam Dining Room
Terrace Grill
The Verandah
Recreational
Card Room
Club HAL
Indoor Pool
Library
Outdoor Pool
The Loft
The Loft and The Oasis
Fitness
Aerobics
Basketball
Gym
Tennis Court