STYLE: Small Ship Luxury Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACQEUS
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina
SHIP: Ultramarine
Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle
Cabin on board ship
Undertake an incredible journey to the sights of dramatic ice formations, magnificent icebergs and crackling ice. The Southern Expedition is a true Antarctic expedition that will take you across the legendary Antarctic Circle. From the South Shetland Islands to the Antarctic Peninsula you will encounter curious penguins, resting leopard seals and sightings of humpback whales.
*Offers are correct at the time of publishing and are available for sale on selected cabins and departure dates until 04 July 2023 or sold out. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services. Please enquire for Single and Triple Cabin promotions. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment bonus. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.
As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.
Your days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh air and views on the outer decks.
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment, while sea kayaking, paddle excursions, or camping are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south — 66°33´S. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, you and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of sparkling wine!
Make a toast and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Adelie penguins and some of the most awe-inspiring ice formations you’ll see anywhere on the planet.
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
The newest ship of this expedition fleet; Ultramarine; takes guests to the most isolated and breathtaking wildernesses on the planet. The ship has been purpose-built to meet the specific demands of the polar regions and is well appointed to let guests explore The Arctic and Antarctica safely and comfortably. It offers a robust portfolio of adventure activities. The mix of sustainability features create innovative operations to offer ultra-immersive polar experiences to guests on board . Experience the Antarctic in comfort as you sail aboard Ultramarine. The Expedition Ship can accommodate a maximum of 199 passengers and offers the most spacious suites in its category . The cabins are all elegantly designed and feature oversized windows with sleeping views, flatscreen TV’s and DVD players and spa - inspired bathrooms. Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features a best-in-class 70-day operational range and an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
Ice Class:
Length: 128m (420ft)
Breadth: 21.5m (70.5ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:199
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreFall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers.
Learn MoreHiking excursions are among the most popular options in Antarctica as many itineraries are short and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Guided hikes lead you to amazing vantage points and allow even closer interaction with local wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your camera!
Learn MoreStand-up Paddle boarding, commonly known as SUP originated in Hawaii and is now available as an optional activity in Antarctica. What a way to explore!
Learn MoreUltra SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 70,000 AUD 50,792Available Enquire Now
| |
Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 62,700 AUD 45,536Available Enquire Now
| |
Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 51,100 AUD 37,184Available Enquire Now
| |
Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 47,300 AUD 34,448Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 45,900 AUD 33,440Available Enquire Now
| |
Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 39,400 AUD 28,760Available Enquire Now
| |
Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 35,800 AUD 26,168Available Enquire Now
| |
Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 49,500 AUD 44,690Available Enquire Now
| |
Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 30,600 AUD 27,680Available Enquire Now
|
Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 70,150 AUD 52,896Available Enquire Now
| |
Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 63,650 AUD 47,923Available Enquire Now
| |
Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 26 % off AUD 51,550 AUD 38,667Available Enquire Now
| |
Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 26 % off AUD 47,950 AUD 35,913Available Enquire Now
| |
Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 26 % off AUD 46,550 AUD 34,842Available Enquire Now
| |
Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 26 % off AUD 39,350 AUD 29,334Available Enquire Now
| |
Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 27 % off AUD 35,850 AUD 26,656Available Enquire Now
| |
Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 13 % off AUD 50,150 AUD 43,975Available Enquire Now
| |
Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 14 % off AUD 30,850 AUD 26,605Available Enquire Now
|
Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 67,250 AUD 50,677Available Enquire Now
| |
Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 60,850 AUD 45,781Available Enquire Now
| |
Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 26 % off AUD 49,350 AUD 36,984Available Enquire Now
| |
Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 26 % off AUD 45,850 AUD 34,306Available Enquire Now
| |
Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 26 % off AUD 44,350 AUD 33,159Available Enquire Now
| |
Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 27 % off AUD 37,950 AUD 28,263Available Enquire Now
| |
Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 27 % off AUD 34,350 AUD 25,509Available Enquire Now
| |
Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 13 % off AUD 47,250 AUD 41,365Available Enquire Now
| |
Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 29,350 AUD 25,255Available Enquire Now
|
Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 30 % off AUD 65,150 AUD 46,270Available Enquire Now
| |
Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 30 % off AUD 58,650 AUD 41,590Available Enquire Now
| |
Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 30 % off AUD 47,950 AUD 33,886Available Enquire Now
| |
Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 30 % off AUD 44,350 AUD 31,294Available Enquire Now
| |
Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 31 % off AUD 42,950 AUD 30,286Available Enquire Now
| |
Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 31 % off AUD 36,550 AUD 25,678Available Enquire Now
| |
Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 31 % off AUD 33,650 AUD 23,590Available Enquire Now
| |
Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 13 % off AUD 46,550 AUD 40,735Available Enquire Now
| |
Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 28,650 AUD 24,625Available Enquire Now
|
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals on board
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition team
Expedition parka (yours to keep)
Loan of expedition boots for duration of voyage
One 10 to 15 minute helicopter flight-seeing excursion (weather permitting)
EXCLUSIONS
International airfare
Mandatory flight package - This is an additional $1,400 AUD / $995 USD per person
Any activities not mentioned as included
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Excludues Mandatory flight package - This is an additional $1,400 AUD / $995 USD per person *subject to avaialbility
Departure dates, seasonality, availability & currency fluctuation