New Year’s Antarctic Circle Crossing Expedition Cruise

Overview
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Ships
Optional Extras

This is the ultimate explorer’s journey to the Southernmost part of the world. We chart a course along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of being among the very few to cross the Antarctic Circle. Along the way, we‘ll likely encounter some of Antarctica’s most engaging full-time residents – Humpback and Orca whales, seals, and, of course, a variety of those always-entertaining penguins. The farther south we go, the more dramatic sea ice we are likely to encounter, along with incredible wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we’ll join the small band of Antarctic explorers who can claim they have made it this far south. Celebration ensues!

Highlights

• Cross the Antarctic Circle and explore the Antarctic Peninsula with twice-daily landings

• Zodiac cruising among icebergs, penguin colonies, whales, and seals

• Visit historic sites and remote locations including the South Shetland Islands and Deception Island

Day 1: Arrive and Explore in Ushuaia

After a friendly welcome at the airport, we'll transfer you to one of our partnered premium hotel resorts nestled in the breathtaking Patagonian nature, where you can take some time to unwind or go explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2: All Aboard!

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Days 3–4: Drake Passage

Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.
Days 5–9: A Toast to the Antarctic Circle!

Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife sightings, including penguins, whales, and fur seals, become more frequent, as do dramatic sculptural icebergs. With an extra day to explore, possibilities abound. We’ll look to visit historic sites like the huts at Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and continue our twice-daily outings until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, hoping to enter the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel by New Year’s Eve. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S, an achievement that will put you in rare company. We’ll raise a glass of bubbly to celebrate the achievement, before heading onward toward any number of historic and rarely visited British Survey bases, after which we turn back north.
Day 10: South Shetland Islands

This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. And despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.
Days 11–12: Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 13: Ushuaia Disembarkation

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.