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This 13-day expedition introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Part of the reward of arriving in Antarctica is the challenge of negotiating the Drake Passage – and the MS Expedition will bring you there safely. Encounter leopard seals lazing on ice floes and immense rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. The Expedition’s expert guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insight that really bring the nature and history of the region to life, creating the adventure of a lifetime.
Highlights
• Spend six full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Conquer the notorious Drake Passage
• Learn from polar experts about the wonders of the Antarctic region
• Come face-to-face with amazing polar wildlife
• Marvel at immense icebergs
• Spend time on deck spotting whales and watching soaring albatross
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Day 1 Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city. Arrival transfer is included. There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the MS Expedition.
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Day 2 Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town or the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the MS Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel. Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On your first day onboard, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for your trip.
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Days 3–4 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with a 800km (497 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. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the Expedition's wake. The M/S 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.
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Days 5–10 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the worlds most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Our goal is to get ashore twice per day to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters. Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station and gain a new perspective on this part of world. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
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Days 11–12 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings. 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!
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Day 13 Ushuaia
Disembark the Expedition after breakfast. In the morning upon completion you will disembarkation in Ushuaia. Passengers will receive a complimentary transfer to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored. For those on morning flights, a transfer will bring them directly to Ushuaia airport (USH). The rest of the passengers will be transferred to the luggage storage point and given time to explore the city. These passengers should then return to retrieve their luggage and board a second transfer to Ushuaia airport in the afternoon, depending on their flight times. Please note that the transfer times are subject to change according to flight schedules.
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Please Note:
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.
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11 November, 2025 to 23 November, 2025
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
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01 December, 2025 to 13 December, 2025
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
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11 November, 2026 to 23 November, 2026
Located on the Main Deck
Approximately 13.5 sq. m (145 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower and 1 upper berth and a porthole
Ensuite bathroom with hairdryer
Located on the Lower deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the main deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the main deck, midships (Deck 2)
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and 2 windows
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain's Deck or Upper Deck
Approximately 12 sq. m (132 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 13 sq. m (144 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 20 sq. m (215 sq. ft.)
Include a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), a couch and sitting area, and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Bridge Deck at the stern
Approximately 19 sq. m (208 sq. ft.)
Includes a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), large sitting area with couch
Panoramic window facing either aft or port or starboard (depending on the cabin)
Ensuite bathroom
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01 December, 2026 to 13 December, 2026
Located on the Main Deck
Approximately 13.5 sq. m (145 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower and 1 upper berth and a porthole
Ensuite bathroom with hairdryer
Located on the Lower deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the main deck
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and one porthole
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the main deck, midships (Deck 2)
Approximately 11 sq. m (115 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and 2 windows
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain's Deck or Upper Deck
Approximately 12 sq. m (132 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 13 sq. m (144 sq. ft.)
Includes 2 lower berths and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Captain’s Deck
Approximately 20 sq. m (215 sq. ft.)
Include a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), a couch and sitting area, and a large view window
Ensuite bathroom
Located on the Bridge Deck at the stern
Approximately 19 sq. m (208 sq. ft.)
Includes a double bed (comprised of 2 twin berths), large sitting area with couch
Panoramic window facing either aft or port or starboard (depending on the cabin)
Ensuite bathroom
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Expedition
Expedition
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 105 metres
Passenger Capacity: 128
Built/Refurbished: 1976/2017
Launching for the 2025/2026 season, this newly refurbished expedition vessel offers a stylish yet rugged upgrade for polar exploration. With brand new engines, refreshed communal spaces, and modernised cabins complete with ensuite bathrooms, it blends performance, comfort, and an intimate atmosphere for just 128 guests. Designed to keep things cosy and capable, the ship’s small size means guests can disembark more frequently (weather permitting), ensuring more time ashore, closer wildlife encounters, and memorable moments that larger ships simply cannot provide.
On board, 70 well-appointed cabins feature lower beds, private facilities, and views of the ever-changing landscapes through windows or portholes. Facilities include a dining room, observation deck, theatre-style lounge for presentations, jacuzzis, gym, and a 24-hour tea and coffee station. Guests can also enjoy optional adventures such as kayaking among ice floes or camping overnight on the Antarctic ice. Whether navigating polar waters or tracing the rugged coastlines of the Scottish Isles, this ship offers a perfect balance of adventure and comfort in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
Camping
Follow in the footsteps of bold explorers and experience this land’s awe-inspiring splendours first hand. Our Antarctica camping experience includes time to enjoy the beauty of Antarctica near your campsite with ample photography options. Experience the sounds of heaving ice, the fresh scent of the sea, the stars at night—nothing gets you closer to the humbling forces of nature than spending a night ashore!
Kayaking
Weather permitting, you will head out in kayaks during the days where zodiac landings are also available. Kayaking as part of a group lead by experienced and skilled leaders, is an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment!
Optional tours and excursions are available, please contact us for more details.
