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Giants of the Southern Ocean: Whale Voyage | Ocean Victory

* Save 10% discount valid on cabin category C or higher for 2024/25 season on selected departures.    
* Discount per person valid for sale until 31 AUG 23, Not combinable with any other promotion.     
Offers apply to new bookings only. Cabins are subject to availability and currency fluctuations. Further conditions apply

9 Days
From USD 6,590

STYLE: Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACABGSO

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina

SHIP: Ocean Victory

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula

DestinationDeparture Date

18/03/2024, 24/03/2025

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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OVERVIEW

Experience a classic 9-day voyage to the Great White Continent where we should encounter plenty of the friendly giants of the ocean. Once we hit mid to late March, we end the season with a truly unique experience. These shorter days with magical sunsets allow us to explore Antarctica more or less by ourselves, as the peace settles in. We expect plentiful company in the form of humpback whales as their numbers peak in this part of the season. This classic Antarctic voyage is highlighted by your incredible vessel, The Ocean Victory. Launching in November 2021, the Ocean Victory is the latest in polar expedition vessels creating an entirely new expedition experience. Within 9 days you will experience incredible wildlife, stunning mountain vistas and gigantic icebergs, all complimented with an incredible degree of unique wildlife. 

 

UPGRADE to a Premium Deck Category C Cabin (Deck 6) - Book a Category C Cabin on an Antarctica voyage & pay an extra Upgrade Fee to enjoy the benefits of the Premium Category C Cabin on Deck 6. Along with the benefits of a higher deck cabin with an enclosed balcony, you will also be eligible for priority boarding & suite amenities (like daily replenished mini-bar, welcome fruit basket & sparkling wine). Subject to availability & upgrade must be booked at time of booking. Please contact us for more details and full Terms and Conditions.
 

*Not combinable with any other promotion. Offers apply to new bookings only. Cabins are subject to availability and currency fluctuations. Further conditions apply, please contact us for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.
*prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change based on availability, currency exchange and other factors. Please contact us for live availability and prices. 

ITINERARY

Arrival in Ushuaia & Embarkation

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. We suggest you arrive the night before in case of delays, and explore the quaint city or local countryside. You can take a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires.

The expedition begins in the afternoon when we embark and navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. Onboard the Ocean Victory, our home for the coming days.

At Sea: Crossing the Drake - Days 2 & 3

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well known for its abundance of birds.

With the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Victory will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessel, we might be able to do a first landing or activity in the South Shetland Islands on the afternoon of day 3, weather permitting.

South Shetland Islands

Over the day, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. We will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.
Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels.

The itinerary and activities depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

Antarctic Peninsula - Days 5 & 6

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, wildlife abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula, with especially Antarctic fur seals, gentoo penguins and humpback whales being active in these wonderful waters.

We aim to take our time at these outings, allowing us to deploy kayaks and arrange wonderful hikes in the pristine nature. The late season solitude creates unique memories as the sun sets and as we leave these isolated areas that most probably won’t welcome any visitors until next spring.

The projected landings include: Wilhelmina bay with plenty of humpback whales; Neko harbour with its gentoo penguins and seals; Brown station and Paradise harbour with wonderful views and on our way back north, a wonderful walk at Hannah Point awaits us.

Visitors to these far southern reaches in mid to late March/beginning of April will experience large amounts of whales, wonderful sunsets, crisp fresh air, dustings of snow and other telltale signs of the seasonal change. Some penguin colonies will be near deserted whilst others will be very busy. Many say that this is the time to visit the real Antarctic, and have it all for yourselves.

At Sea: Crossing the Drake - Days 7 & 8

We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.

During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.

Back in Ushuaia & Disembark

This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
Ocean Victory

Ocean Victory

The latest in Albatros Expeditions fleet, the new luxury Ocean Victory is one of the most modern ships operating in the Antarctic region. With a total of 93 cabins, most with ocean views to provide an incredible visual experience when sailing through some of the most pristine environments in the world. The Ocean Victory is built with unique technologies and sturdy construction; the 'X-bow' provides high stability in rough weather conditions and some of the smoothest movement on high waves. 

Similar to other vessels in its class, the Ocean Victory was built in mind with a strong focus on sustainability, in an attempt to preserve the unique environments through which it sails. A low-energy vessel, the Victory has 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed as well as minimise fuel consumption. Holding just 189 passengers this vessel proposes an intricate focus is a unique blend of comfort and sustainability. 

Ice Class: Length: 104m / 341ft
Breadth: 18m / 59ftMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 16 Knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
146-200

View Ship Details

Accommodation

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.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Departing Ending Duration From Price
18 Mar 2024 26 Mar 2024 9 USD 6,590
Cabin Type From Price
CAT G - Single Porthole USD 10,390
CAT F - Triple Porthole USD 6,590
CAT E - French Balcony Stateroom USD 8,690
CAT D - Albatros Stateroom Porthole USD 8,090
CAT C - Balcony Stateroom USD 9,490
CAT B - Balcony Suite USD 10,390
CAT A - Balcony Junior Suite USD 14,590
CAT PS – Premium Suite USD 16,490
24 Mar 2025 01 Apr 2025 9 USD 0
Cabin Type From Price
CAT G - Single Cabin SOLD OUT
CAT F - Triple Porthole SOLD OUT
CAT E - French Balcony Stateroom SOLD OUT
CAT D - Porthole Stateroom SOLD OUT
CAT C - Balcony Stateroom SAVE UP TO 10%SOLD OUT
CAT B - Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10%SOLD OUT
Cat A - Junior Balcony Suite SAVE UP TO 10%SOLD OUT
CAT PS - Polar Premium Suite SAVE UP TO 10%SOLD OUT

Important Information

  • INCLUSIONS

    9-day cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
    All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
    Expedition parka
    Rubber boot on loan
    Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
    English-speaking expedition team
    Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
    Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
    Taxes
    Guiding and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
    Special photo workshop
    Welcome and farewell cocktails
    Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!

    EXCLUSIONS

    Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
    Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
    Meals not on board the ship
    Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
    Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
    Personal expenses
    Transfers to/from the ship
    Airfares
    Travel Insurance
    Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request, contact us for more details. 

  • Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions 

  • Departure date, seasonality and availability