Dear Academy Family and Friends,

We are thrilled to invite you to join us on an extraordinary journey to Antarctica, sailing among icy blue glaciers and proudly setting foot on the most remote of the seven continents.

The adventure begins in Buenos Aires, the passion-filled capital of Argentina, often called “The Paris of South America” for its grand architecture, European influence, and vibrant cultural heartbeat. We’ll spend several nights at the elegant Alvear Palace Hotel, nestled in the fashionable La Recoleta neighborhood and just five minutes from the bustling financial district. If you have been to Buenos Aires before, we promise this trip will reveal places and experiences that you haven’t seen or had before - unique food, hidden treasures, nightlife like a local, and some special events will make this a trip like no other!

The bucket list item of our journey is a 10-night expedition cruise aboard the Seabourn Pursuit. Designed specifically for polar exploration, this remarkable ship blends cutting-edge capability with refined comfort. With ample public spaces to lounge, gather, and linger with both old and new Academy friends, Seabourn Pursuit is an ideal setting for fellowship and shared discovery.

Onboard, you’ll find every opportunity to relax and renew from The Spa at Seabourn to a fully equipped fitness center with sweeping ocean views. Guest lecturers and expert naturalists will enrich our days with insights into Antarctica’s wildlife, history, and fragile ecosystem, and will accompany us ashore during excursions.

Wildlife is a true highlight of this journey. The surrounding islands and waters are home to penguins, seals, whales, and countless seabirds. Many sightings can be enjoyed right from the ship, while Zodiac excursions allow us to venture  for unforgettable encounters and opportunities to observe nature up close!  Much like the Galápagos, Antarctica’s animals are naturally curious and beautifully at ease with humans, allowing us to witness their behavior in its purest form.

For an even deeper perspective, Seabourn Pursuit is equipped with custom-built submarines, offering a rare chance to explore the underwater world of ancient glaciers and polar seas from a completely new vantage point.  For those who like to power themselves, Seabourn has a number of guided kayak trips through the beautiful, and sometimes ice-packed, Antarctic waters. 

As we cross the legendary Drake Passage, we’ll enjoy full days at sea, perfect for rest, reflection, and savoring all the ship has to offer. Daily excursions are always optional, and no two days in Antarctica are ever the same. While nature always has the final say, we hope you’ll be as fortunate as we have been to experience clear skies, captivating wildlife, and adventure at every turn.

To conclude our journey, we invite you to join us in Mendoza, Argentina, one of the world’s great wine regions and the birthplace of Malbec. We will savor luxurious boutique accommodations with exceptional cuisine and wines while we explore the region while meandering through vineyards, horseback riding, or hiking in the Andes Mountains that serve as a backdrop for Mendoza.

Antarctica represents the pinnacle of exploration and discovery, the last great wilderness on Earth. We hope you’ll join us for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and return home with memories, friendships, and stories that will last forever.

Warmest regards,

Craig & Maureen