The British overseas territory has more than just a turbulent history; discover its impressive birdlife the moment your Zodiac lands. With more than 60 different species, including rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins and albatrosses, the Falkland Islands are a paradise for ornithologists. During natural history walks along the coast, your experts will provide fascinating information about the head-high tussock grass and the Victorian houses in Stanley.

In this unique wildlife paradise, the Zodiacs are used several times a day to let you experience very special sightings. For example, standing with the experts in front of a gigantic colony of king penguins. The island is home to hundreds of thousands of animals inhabiting the steep slopes and coasts – such as Salisbury Plain or the Gold Harbour beach where fur seals and elephant seals will not be disturbed by your visit. At the former Grytviken whaling station, the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton recalls the adventures of times gone by.

SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS
For scientists, the Antarctic is an enormous natural laboratory – and that includes this largely glaciated island group. You will also gain an insight into the everyday lives of polar researchers when, weather permitting, you will be taken in the Zodiacs to visit the Argentinian Orcadas Station (subject to authorisation). Enjoy the pure fascination of the drifting tabular icebergs which, with a bit of luck, you will see off Signy Island, for example. The bizarre blocks that have broken off the shelf ice and their huge archways shimmer a mystical shade of blue in the cool polar light. And you will pass close by on board the ship – simply breathtaking.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Enjoy unforgettable moments with a tour in Paradise Bay. Snow-capped summits surround the bay, where icebergs drift and glaciers tower hundreds of metres above. The gigantic glacier cliffs, such as those of Neko Harbor, provide a unique backdrop. Gentoo penguins stretch as far as the eye can see, for example on Cuverville Island. One of the most impressive shipping passages in the world is the Lemaire Channel: mountains up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high line the strait of water. Where other ships have to turn back, the new expedition class forges ahead to adventures, such as in the middle of the flooded caldera of Deception Island.

ANTARCTIC SOUND AND WEDDELL SEA
When cruising in the Antarctic Sound, the deck becomes your front-row seat for unique natural spectacles, for example when the water is suddenly parted by the fluke of a majestic whale. The Weddell Sea is home to breathtaking ice formations, some of which are as tall as a house and covered by Adelie penguins, and dense pack ice. How far can your expedition ship go? For example, in 1903, the Nordenskjöld expedition was forced to wait ten months to be rescued on the volcanic Paulet Island. Today, the island is home to countless penguins and, like Devil Island, makes for a very lively spectacle.