Land on the Antarctic continent itself at Neko Harbour — one of the few places ships can put passengers ashore on mainland Antarctica. Wade into a colony of gentoo penguins against a backdrop of calving glaciers. A true bucket-list milestone: standing on the seventh continent.
What to expect
Rigid inflatable Zodiacs ferry you from the ship to the black-pebble beach at Neko Harbour, where gentoo penguins waddle past your boots with total indifference. A naturalist expedition leader guides you uphill for panoramic views of the amphitheatre-shaped glacier and Andvord Bay. Calving ice — thunderous, dramatic — is common here; it is one of the most reliably active glacial fronts on the Peninsula. Allow 2–3 hours ashore; conditions and wildlife determine the exact itinerary.
Good to know
Wear waterproof, insulated boots (Seabourn lends Muck Boots) and full wind-proof layers. Groups rotate to protect the environment, so sign up for your time slot at the Expedition Desk on embarkation day. All-aboard times are called by expedition leaders, not a fixed clock.