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Our Classic Antarctic adventure cruises on board the USHUAIA offer the ultimate introduction to the White Continent. Embarking and disembarking in the port of Ushuaia , they include many of the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. You will often make two landings a day via our fleet of zodiac craft. Visiting Antarctica, truly the last pristine region of the world, in the southern summer is a rare and unique experience, surrounded by spectacular scenery and ice-filled channels. The constantly changing weather, scenery and colors provide marvelous opportunities for photographers and will leave you awestruck and sometimes overwhelmed. Our itineraries are expertly planned to take best advantage of the amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery during each time of the Antarctic season. Your Expedition Leader and his team takes you to remote places only visited by few people before. Amazingly busy penguin colonies, spectacular variety of seabirds, abundance of seals and magnificent whales await you, all set in a breathtaking scenery of imposing mountain ranges, ice-filled channels, tabular and beautifully shaped icebergs and glaciers. Please note: some departures are longer and will offer an extra day in the area of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Highlights
• Cruise to Antarctica by small ship
• Witness the biodiversity of the region
• Wildlife such as penguins, seals, seabirds, whales
• Open bridge policy on ship allows a great viewing area as well as learning about navigation
• Attend the onboard education programme to learn more about the region from experts
• Visit vast penguin rookeries
• Learn the human history of the area with landings and time to explore
• Land on the continent and experience the pristine environment
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Day 1: Depart from Ushuaia
Embark the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
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Day 2 & 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail across the passage, Antarpply Expeditions' lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. The USHUAIA's open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well. The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3.
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Day 4 to 7: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and Southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is breathtaking. King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await you at Livingston Island. The Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history will provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range. We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways (depending on the ice conditions): the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, the latter are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. We plan to make at least two landings per day and possible landing sites may include: Paradise Bay is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and we attempt a landing on the continent proper. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins. Further exploration may take you to the Melchior Island group, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins.
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Day 8 & 9: At Sea crossing the Drake Passage, northbound
We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.
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Day 10: Arrival in Ushuaia
We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast. Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success.
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Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
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16 January, 2026 to 25 January, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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25 January, 2026 to 03 February, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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25 February, 2026 to 06 March, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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07 March, 2026 to 16 March, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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17 March, 2026 to 26 March, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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26 March, 2026 to 04 April, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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03 November, 2026 to 12 November, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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12 November, 2026 to 21 November, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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21 November, 2026 to 30 November, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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01 December, 2026 to 10 December, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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10 December, 2026 to 19 December, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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19 December, 2026 to 28 December, 2026
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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28 December, 2026 to 06 January, 2027
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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28 February, 2027 to 09 March, 2027
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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09 March, 2027 to 18 March, 2027
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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18 March, 2027 to 27 March, 2027
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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27 March, 2027 to 05 April, 2027
2 Triple outside cabins with windows on deck E, private facilities, three
lower berths.
12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on deck E, semi-private facilities,
two berths (upper/lower).
11 Twin outside cabins with portholes or windows on deck E, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 640 has one double bed.
6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities,
two lower berths;
9 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private
facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 has one double and one single bed.
4 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck G, private facilities, two
lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two
double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suites 204 and 207
feature three lower single beds.
2 Single cabins with portholes (view obstructed by lifeboat) on the upper
deck G, private facilities.
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Ushuaia
Ushuaia
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 84.73 metres
Passenger Capacity: 90
Built: 1970
The Ushuaia is a refurbished expedition vessel designed for immersive polar cruising, accommodating up to 90 passengers in 46 cabins and suites. Built in 1970 and ice-strengthened to Ice Class C, the ship combines proven capability with practical comfort for remote-region exploration. Multiple public spaces include a dining room, bar, lounge areas and a multimedia room, supporting briefings, social time and downtime between landings. A fleet of eight zodiacs enables efficient shore operations and wildlife encounters.
Cabin options range from shared-bath standard twins to spacious suites, all designed with function and rest in mind after active expedition days. Most cabins offer ocean views, private bathrooms, desks and essential amenities, with layouts suited to solo travellers, couples, families or small groups. With a maximum speed of 14 knots, a stable hull and an experienced crew, The Ushuaia prioritises access, safety and operational reliability over luxury excess, making it a focused platform for genuine expedition travel.
