The ultimate experience
Antarctic Polar Circle
M/V Ocean Victory - M/V Ocean Albatros

We set off for the White Continent, aiming to reach the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South, a goal that has eluded many of the talented and ambitious explorers of yesteryear. This voyage has no fixed itinerary beyond the goal of reaching the Circle; however, we always seek to visit places that showcase the best of Antarctica. Wildlife sightings and weather conditions will determine the exact sites we visit as we move at nature's pace. Dense ice prevents many ordinary vessels from reaching this far south, but with an ice classification of PC6/1A, the M/V Ocean Victory and M/V Ocean Albatros can access restricted areas.

In search of the Antarctic Polar Circle

12 days - 11 nights

Are you looking for excitement? A true expedition experience? Join this unique adventure where WE HAVE NO SET ITINERARY, and the rhythms of the sea, the ice, and the wildlife will carry us on. Join us aboard our purpose-built ice-enabled expedition vessels, the M/V Ocean Victory and the M/V Ocean Albatros, to experience up close the majesty and wonder of Earth's final frontier. Our vessels allow us to get close to nature, with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft, a team of expert expedition guides, and the Antarctic Peninsula as our spectacular destination.

In search of the Antarctic Polar Circle

Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina's southernmost city, we cross the mighty Drake Passage heading south. The unique X-Bow design of our expedition vessels offers exceptional stability at sea, giving you a smoother ride in some of the most challenging waters on the planet, while the vessels' speed allows us to maximize our time in Antarctica to deliver an exceptional exploration experience. Continuing south from the South Shetland Islands, we'll venture into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the famous Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and jagged peaks soar above the icy waters.

Icebergs, glaciers, mountains, and rugged snowfields characterize this wildly beautiful alien landscape. Our expert Captain and Expedition Leader will strive to maximize your opportunities to explore the White Continent. While wind, sea, and ice conditions will determine the exact locations we visit, we will make Zodiac landings so passengers can touch down and explore penguin colonies, research stations, and historic sites, with the goal of sailing by Zodiac through picturesque areas teeming with giant icebergs, whales, and seals.

Land landings and Zodiac safaris will occupy our days, while our expert onboard Expedition Team will offer a selection of specially designed lectures to enrich your unparalleled expedition experience. From the mainland on the peninsula, we depart south, aiming to reach the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South, a goal that has eluded many of the talented and ambitious explorers of yesteryear. Watch as the sun circles your vessel, never setting at this extreme latitude.

This voyage has no fixed itinerary beyond the goal of reaching the Circle; However, we always seek to visit places that showcase the very best of Antarctica. Wildlife sightings and weather conditions will determine the exact sites we visit as we move to nature's rhythm. Perhaps a well-known penguin colony will draw us west, and whale and seal sightings will keep us coming back! Wherever nature takes us, stunning scenery is guaranteed! With an extra day to explore compared to our classic Antarctica voyages, you'll have even more time to experience the White Continent. Dense ice pack prevents many ordinary vessels from reaching this far south, but with an ice classification of PC6/1A, the M/V Ocean Victory and M/V Ocean Albatros can access areas restricted to most ships. With an average occupancy of 175 passengers on board, our cruises offer a unique experience for the bravest among us.

12 days - 11 nights

Day 1 - Ushuaia: Embarkation

In the afternoon, we embark from the port of Ushuaia to begin our adventure to Antarctica. We will complete a mandatory safety drill before setting sail. Our Antarctic expedition begins by sailing through the calm waters of the iconic Beagle Channel, named after the ship used by the famous Charles Darwin. This rugged strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina and is the starting point for many expeditions that have traveled to Antarctica. As we head toward Drake Passage, we are accompanied by whales and dolphins heading south.

Days 2 to 3 - Crossing the Drake Passage, arriving at the South Shetland Islands

Sailing to Antarctica, we will cross the Drake Passage, the body of water that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Pacific Ocean. The Drake Passage is famous for its strong westerly winds, known as the "Roaring Fifties," where weather conditions are highly changeable. This is a challenging voyage; our expedition vessels are prepared to navigate these latitudes, specifically built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and manned by highly qualified crews for this Antarctic challenge. Experienced sailors consider the Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, a special challenge. These two days are ideal to prepare for our arrival on the White Continent. Our expedition team will provide us with the necessary information and guide us through future exploration plans, such as how to observe wildlife and how to bioprotect clothing and equipment, which is a fundamental process for maintaining the fragile ecology of Antarctica. There will also be talks on exploration, wildlife, geology, and glaciology of Antarctica.

On the third day, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence. The mercury plummets as we sail south into Antarctic waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic waters with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific oceans. As the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most biologically productive waters in the world, where we may observe petrels, albatrosses, and possibly penguins, seals, and whales in abundance. Weather permitting, we may land in the South Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago north of the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of our second day in Drake Passage, marking the beginning of our exploration of the Last Continent.

Days 4 to 9- Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Polar Circle

Without a fixed Antarctica itinerary, this voyage offers adventurous travelers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be: flowing with the wind, sea, and ice, and taking advantage of the best opportunities Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs during the first half of the brief Antarctic summer, when the sea ice is at its peak, giving us ample opportunities to explore the frigid wilderness of the last continent. Our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the expedition leader and captain; however, our goal will be to visit diverse locations that showcase the very best of this astonishingly beautiful region.

Marvel at massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise through Paradise Bay. Connect with penguins tenderly guarding their precious eggs and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch icefalls tumble into the crystal-blue ocean during a hike among the active glaciers at Neko Harbour. Experience Antarctica of yesteryear in historic huts like Damoy Point, painstakingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari through Wilhelmina Bay. Marvel at the stunning scenery on a cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs silently pass by the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, fascinating history, and stunning natural beauty abound.

At this time of year, expect to see penguins carefully caring for their furry chicks while their mates frantically forage at sea. As the snow melts, opportunities for land-based hiking increase. Antarctic fur seals are beginning to arrive at their summer feeding grounds, and humpback whale numbers are increasing as more of these gentle giants reach the end of their long migration. With luck, we may even catch a glimpse of their calves. There is no fixed itinerary on this trip, allowing our onboard staff to maximize the experience for everyone. While our suggestions above are only possible routes and landings, we can be confident that this will be the ultimate Antarctic experience.

Days 10 to 11 - At Sea: Crossing the Drake Passage northward

Finally, we will depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea heading north, crossing back through the infamous Drake Passage to the welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our voyage, various onboard activities will allow our guests to reflect on their journey. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar with new friends, enjoy the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during talks in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply watch the albatrosses fly by as we journey north. During your final evening on board, join the Captain and officers for a farewell cocktail reception, followed by a photo and video presentation by our onboard photographer—the perfect opportunity to relive your Antarctic adventure.

Day 12 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia

On the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the pier in Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass, and a bustling city may seem strange after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it's time to bid a fond farewell to the crew and the Albatross expedition team and descend the gangway back to dry land with the memories of an unforgettable journey.

Map of Route

 In search of the Antarctic Polar Circle

Services

Services included
  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
  • Accommodation night the day before departure.
  • Half-day city tour in Ushuaia before boarding (lunch not included)
  • Luggage transfer from the Ushuaia hotel to the ship
  • Transfer from the pier to the city center or to the airport, when you disembark.
  • Onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
  • All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
  • Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
  • Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
  • Free access to our onboard doctor for consultations relating to sea-sickness. A standard fee of US $60.00 (reclaimable through your travel insurance provider) applies for medical consultations not related to sea-sickness
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
Services not included
  • International or domestic flights to or within South America, unless specified
  • Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination charges
  • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges

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