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Spend an extra day uncovering the secrets of this southernmost region of the world. We chart a course through the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of being among the few to cross the Antarctic Circle. 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 that can claim they have made it this far south. Celebration ensues!
Highlights
• Crossing the Antarctic Circle – A rare and unforgettable achievement marked by 20 hours of daylight.
• Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula – Immersive encounters with penguins, seals, and whales amid breathtaking ice formations.
• Zodiac & Kayak Adventures in the South Shetland Islands – Up-close exploration of glaciers, wildlife, and volcanic landscapes.
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Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can't be accommodated at the Arakur, you'll unwind at another of Ushuaia's top luxury hotels.)Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
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Day 2: Embarkation
All Aboard Seaventure!
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! -
Day 3-4: Drake Passage
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. -
Day 5: South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins; and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as well. So, we’ll settle into our Zodiacs and kayaks, and spend most of our day exploring. Whether on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world. -
Day 6-9: Antarctic Circle
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 ice sculptures. Should Antarctica’s unpredictable weather and ice permit, you will be among the lucky few to cross the Antarctic Circle, where the sun remains in the sky for 20 hours a day. Following a tradition first established by sailors crossing the equator, we’ll celebrate the occasion by… (Sorry, you just have to be there), before heading onward toward any number of historic and rarely visited British Survey bases, after which we turn back north. -
Day 10-12: Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula
Heading north into warmer climes, we’ll see less sea ice and more open channels, offering access to islands where we can anticipate any number of wildlife sightings, which could include a variety of seal species, as well as penguin rookeries where the locals will be taking advantage of the rocky shore to build their nesting sites. You can anticipate more whale sightings, as well, as Humpbacks feast on the plentiful krill in these warmer waters. As always, we will seek out opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites along the way, as we leave no opportunity unseized-upon in our quest to explore the very best of this magical place. -
Day 13-14: Drake Passage
Drake Passage
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the 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 15: Disembarkation
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.
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27 January, 2027 to 10 February, 2027
Discovery Suite
Book nowLocated on Deck 5, Discovery Suites are 39m2 including a 1.5m2 French balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.Worsley Suite
Book nowLocated on Deck 7, Worsley Suites are 57m2 including a 8m2 furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.Navigator Suite
Book nowLocated on Deck 7, Navigator Suites are 37m2 including an 8m2 furnished balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.Superior Balcony Stateroom
Book nowDeck 5 Superior Balcony Staterooms are 19m2 -20m2 including a 1.5m2 French balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.Deck 3 Superior Staterooms are 18m2 and feature a picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.Deck 4 Superior Staterooms are 18m2 and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.Deck 4 Superior Single Staterooms are 16m2 -18m2 and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.Located on Deck 7, Heritage Suites are 67m2 including a 15m2 furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub. -
19 February, 2027 to 05 March, 2027
Worsley Suite
Book nowLocated on Deck 7, Worsley Suites are 57m2 including a 8m2 furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.Deck 3 Superior Staterooms are 18m2 and feature a picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.Deck 4 Superior Staterooms are 18m2 and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.Deck 5 Superior Balcony Staterooms are 19m2 -20m2 including a 1.5m2 French balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.Located on Deck 5, Discovery Suites are 39m2 including a 1.5m2 French balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.Located on Deck 7, Navigator Suites are 37m2 including an 8m2 furnished balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.Located on Deck 7, Heritage Suites are 67m2 including a 15m2 furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.Deck 4 Superior Single Staterooms are 16m2 -18m2 and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower. -
01 March, 2028 to 15 March, 2028
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views
Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobe
USB sockets
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views
Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobe
USB sockets
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views
Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobe
USB sockets
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views
Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobe
USB sockets
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views
Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobe
USB sockets
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views
Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobe
USB sockets
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views
Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobe
USB sockets
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views
Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobe
USB sockets
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views
Fridge
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Toiletries
Hair dryer
Bathrobe
USB sockets
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Heritage Discoverer
Heritage Discoverer
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 108 metres
Passenger Capacity: 130
Built / Refurbished: 1989 / 2023 / 2026
Heritage Discoverer is a purpose-built expedition ship designed to navigate some of the world’s most remote and challenging regions, from Antarctica and the Northwest Passage to tropical islands and remote atolls. With a 1A ice-class rating and a history of exploration, she combines serious expedition capability with refined comfort. Following extensive renovations in 2018 and 2023, the ship offers a fresh and contemporary onboard experience while retaining the strength and functionality required for polar and remote cruising.
Accommodating up to 130 guests, Heritage Discoverer features 70 ocean-view accommodations, including spacious suites with private balconies, as well as a range of inviting public spaces designed for relaxation, learning, and scenic viewing. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining across two restaurants, unwind in the Observation Lounge, Bar and Lounge, or Wellness Centre, and take advantage of amenities including a gym, sauna, massage room, and outdoor Jacuzzis. Supported by a 15-member Expedition Team and 14 Zodiacs, the ship delivers an immersive and comfortable expedition experience with personalised service throughout.
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Ocean Albatros
Ocean Albatros
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Passenger Capacity: 169 (95 cabins)
Length: 104.4 m
Built: 2022
Ocean Albatros is built for serious Polar travel, pairing long-honed expedition capability with a modern, stabilised design. Its X-BOW structure delivers a markedly smoother ride and enables confident movement through deeper ice, giving passengers access to remote regions that traditional vessels cannot approach. Spacious staterooms with wide views, extensive observation areas, near-water hydraulic platforms and a fast, heated mudroom support uninterrupted exploration. The atmosphere on board remains streamlined and functional, with amenities such as Jacuzzis, sauna, spa, gym, library and a generous lounge layout arranged to maximise comfort without distracting from the environment outside.
Efficiency and sustainability are embedded into the ship’s operations. Dual diesel–electric engines reduce emissions significantly while maintaining reliable range and power, enabling the vessel to operate with a carbon footprint roughly half that of older expedition ships. Most cabins include private balconies, communal areas are deliberately generous, and dining spans both a full restaurant and a bistro. Expedition logistics - zodiacs, science activities, photographic support and medical readiness - are built into the core offering, ensuring a consistent, competent experience from the Arctic to Antarctica.
Camping $526 NZD
An Uninhabited Continent Opens Its Doors for One Incredible Night What’s camping in Antarctica like? Long after most passengers are tucked away in their cabins, chances are you’ll still be lying awake, cozy in your sleeping bag, captivated by the ethereal sounds of gently lapping waves, creaking glaciers and perhaps the blow of a whale passing in the night. The air seems even more pure than in the daytime, the scale of your surroundings even more humbling, and by morning you’ll find yourself wondering how you could possibly describe this once-in-a-lifetime experience to friends back on board.
Kayaking $1,596 NZD
Seeing Antarctica From a Penguins Point of View To experience Antarctica up close and personal, there’s really no better seat than the one in your kayak, just inches above the water, navigating among icebergs and glacial ice dating back 30,000 years. Gliding through an otherworldly landscape with a small team, led by our expert guides and occasionally joined by a family of playful penguins or seals, this is about as intimate and magical as it gets.
Photography
Award-Winning Coaches for Every Skill Level and Camera Whatever your level of experience, and whatever camera you happen to carry, our award-winning photography coaches will help you bring home images that capture the unparalleled natural beauty and sheer magic of your Antarctica adventure. On every voyage, a dedicated photography coach will be at your disposal with invaluable tips and advice on how to capture the natural beauty of this unique landscape and all that inhabit it – in the unique light and weather conditions that can make Antarctica both special and challenging to photography lovers of all skill sets.
Citizen Science
Citizen Science on Every Voyage Having a Citizen Science program on every voyage is an effort we pioneered, as the very first Antarctic operator to officially collaborate with The Polar Citizen Science Collective. We continue to team up with them on several projects, giving our passengers the chance to play a meaningful role in recording and better understanding the Antarctic ecosystem and the impact of climate change. This is particularly helpful in the Antarctic, where we support long-term academic observation teams that would find it nearly impossible to be as ever-present on their own. The projects offered may vary slightly by voyage and scientific need. Everyone is welcome to participate. If interested, please see the onboard daily bulletin and join the scheduled Citizen Science Introduction Meeting at the start of your voyage. There is no additional cost.
