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This is our most extensive, most richly varied, most epic journey. As if that weren’t enough reason to celebrate, it takes place over New Year’s Eve! Join us as we immerse ourselves in the rich history of the Falklands, step onto the rugged terrain and cliff-lined coast of South Georgia, and feast our eyes on beaches covered in fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins, in one of the most jaw-dropping nature scenes you will ever witness. We’ll have ample time to explore the fascinating history of the area, dating back to the grandiose times of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ of the late 1800s and early 1900s, before heading to the Antarctic Peninsula, to be greeted by glorious icebergs and glaciers, an array of penguin species, and likely whale encounters. On New Year’s Eve, a toast to our great fortune in sharing such an unforgettable moment in this magnificent place will be another highlight. The final act awaits as we attempt to reach 66°33’S and cross the Antarctic Circle, where we’ll raise a glass to our great fortune and this magnificent continent, before heading home, knowing we’ve truly done it all.
Highlights
• Full tri-region sweep: Falklands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula, including four species of penguin colonies, albatross nesting cliffs, historic sites, and immense mixed-species wildlife concentrations.
• Multi-day immersion in South Georgia’s peak season, with tens of thousands of king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals, sculpted glaciers, and Shackleton’s legacy at Grytviken.
• Rare extension to the Antarctic Circle via the Lemaire Channel, aligning with New Year’s Eve for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration framed by icebergs, whales, and 360-degree polar landscapes.
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Day 1: Arrive and explore in 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: 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!
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Day 3: Southern Ocean
As we sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held, and you won’t want to miss our scientific and environmental experts as they begin their deeply knowledgeable, and always entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the areas we will soon be exploring.
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Days 4–5: The Falklands
Welcome to a wildlife lover’s dream. As you approach this ruggedly beautiful archipelago, keep the camera ready to capture the abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery of this fascinating part of the world. Here, you’ll find the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of breeding penguin. Bird lovers, stay on the lookout for kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, blackcrowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. East and West Falklands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinarily diverse landscapes, and rich history of the southern islands. Weather permitting, we’ll explore Saunders Island, the second-largest island in the Falklands, and The Neck, a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliff faces, where the mighty black-browed albatross build their nesting colonies.
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Days 6–7: Southern Ocean
Things continue ramping up with plenty of birdlife sightings as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. See if you can identify the world’s largest bird, the Wandering albatross. From soaring giants like the Southern Giant petrel to the tiny Wilson’s Storm petrel, a range of impressive bird species will be hitching a ride on the updrafts created by ocean swells and waves. And be on the lookout for whale blows and our very first iceberg sighting.
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Days 8–10: South Georgia
South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and it’s easy to see why as you take in tens of thousands (not a typo!) of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Breathtaking mountain scenery, majestically sculpted icebergs, glaciers in every direction, and a rich historical tapestry are all here to complement the incredible array of wildlife on view as we travel down South Georgia’s leeward coast. We’ll also visit the historic Grytviken whaling station, featuring the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.
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Days 11–12: Scotia Sea
Heading farther south, we’ll continue our informative presentations and wildlife spotting as the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful.
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Days 13–17: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
With twice-daily outing as our goal, we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through iceberg-rich channels as we travel alongside an array of wildlife. There are opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we take in the wide range of penguin species, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. Four days give us plenty of time to explore, discover, and be forever changed by the power of the last wild place on earth.
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Days 18–19: Antarctic Circle
Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to cherish, as not all expeditions venture this far south. We’ll take our time gliding through the famed Lemaire channel, accompanied by icebergs of every dazzling shape and size, with the anticipation of reaching latitude 66°33’S. Along the way, you’ll marvel at one of our planets most spectacular 360 landscapes, ushering you towards to the legendary Antarctic Circle. Together we’ll quietly marvel the sheer rawness of the surroundings and revel in the moment. A toast and celebration awaits should the Circle welcome us. While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle will leave you breathless, and with one of life’s greatest memories.
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Day 20: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Test your newfound penguin expertise and sharpen your wildlife-spotting skills as you identify fur, leopard, and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and shore landings will continue, offering ample opportunities to encounter the peninsula’s diverse wildlife and capture stunning photographs of your adventure
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Days 21–22: 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.
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Day 23: 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.
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Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
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22 December, 2026 to 13 January, 2027
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
-
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 24/7 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 $728 NZD
Discover Kayaking $645 NZD
Snowshoeing $277 NZD
Immersive Kayaking $2,202 NZD
Immersive Photography $1,833 NZD
