A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance — welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier — a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness, and her expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. Sail the Drake Passage past the South Shetland Islands, then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prepare yourself for an adventure like no other — more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise.
Travel Style
Marine
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
12 nts aboard the Expedition. 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis. Arrival and departure transfers. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16. Expedition parka.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Spend seven full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, Go farther south than most have ever gone, Spend time on deck searching for whales and watching soaring albatross, Get up close and personal with a variety of penguin species, Discover the intricacies of the Antarctic region through our on-board lecture program
How large will the group be?
Max 134 aboard the Expedition.
What meals are included in this trip?
13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 12 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
Itinerary
Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel. Opt to visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park today before boarding the ship.
Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with an 1000 km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the Expedition's wake. The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.
As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff.
Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with an 1000 km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the Expedition's wake. The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.
As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff.
Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions.
The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions.
The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic Circle
With a close eye on weather conditions, continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.
Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic Circle
With a close eye on weather conditions, continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.
Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage
Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.
Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage
Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.
Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage
Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.
Drake Passage
Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales!
Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Begin your journey to your home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.
Ushuaia
Disembark the Expedition after breakfast.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
