Antarctic Peninsula & Crossing the Circle

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From the ‘mainland’ of the Peninsula, we set off southwards, aiming for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South –  a goal which has eluded many of the talented and driven explorers of yesteryear. Watch as the sun circles your vessel, never quite setting at this extreme latitude. This voyage has no set itinerary beyond the aim to reach the Circle – however, we always aim to visit locations which showcase the best of Antarctica; wildlife sightings and weather conditions will decide the exact sites we visit as we move with the rhythms of nature; perhaps a well known penguin colony will draw us west, and whale and seal sightings will draw us back again! Wherever the whims of Mother Nature take us, jaw-dropping scenery and landscapes are guaranteed! With an extra day to explore compared to our Classic Antarctic voyages, you will have even more time to experience the White Continent.

Map/Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker’s paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.

After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin’s ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.

Day 2-3At Sea

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage – the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and you will complete the crossing twice!

Our days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our arrival in Antarctica – your Expedition Leader will brief you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica’s delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more! 

We will cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of our voyage – watch the mercury plummet as we sail southwards into Antarctic waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels, albatrosses and potentially penguins, seals and whales in abundance. Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall in the South Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of our second day in the Drake Passage, marking the start of our exploration on the Last Continent. 

Day 4-9The Antarctic Peninsula

With no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be – flowing with the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best opportunities Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs in the first half of the brief Antarctic summer, when sea ice is at its maximum – this offers us ample opportunities to explore in the icy wilderness of the last continent. Our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain – however we will aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region. 

Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs drift silently past the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.

This time of year, expect to see penguins carefully tending their fluffy chicks, while their partners frantically hunt for food at sea. As the snow melts, opportunities for hiking onshore increase. Antarctic fur seals start to arrive in their summer feeding grounds, and humpback whale numbers increase as more of these gentle giants arrive at the end of their long migration. With luck, we may even see the young of these gentle giants. 

There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be the ultimate Antarctic experience.

Day 10 -11At Sea

We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards. 

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer – the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål! 

Day 12Disembarkation - Ushuaia

On the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime. 

 

  • Some Departures may include an extra day on this itinerary

Inclusions/Exclusions

INCLUSIONS

  • 12-day/11-night cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
  • Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
  • Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boots loan scheme
  • Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
  • English-speaking Expedition Team
  • Full board on the ship – breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
  • Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
  • Taxes and landing fees
  • Special photo workshops
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
  • Digital visual journal link distributed after the 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 16 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
  • Anything not mentioned under ‘Inclusions’

Adventure Activities

Kayaking Experience US$ 345 pp 

Snowshoeing Experience US$225 pp (Subject to Snow conditions Nov – Dec)

Camping Experience US$ 395 pp (Subject to conditions, selected voyages Oct – Dec)

Photography Program US$ 495

Gallery

Dates & Prices

All prices are subject to availability, quoted per person and expressed in USD. Use our advanced filters to tailor your search by month, year, trip length and/or budget. Find the perfect adventure for you and discover beautiful and exciting destinations!

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Antarctic Peninsula & Crossing the Circle

Start : 28 Nov, 2024  End : 9 Dec, 2024
Departure : Ushuaia   Arrival : Ushuaia
12 Days
TRIPLE CABIN CAT F
$10,195  
TWIN PORTHOLE CAT D
$13,295  
FRENCH BALCONY CAT E
$14,495  
BALCONY STATE CAT C
$15,695  
SINGLE PORTHOLE CAT G
$17,295  
BALCONY SUITE CAT B
$17,295  
JUNIOR SUITE CAT A
$24,395  
POLAR PREMIUM SUITE
$27,695  

Antarctic Peninsula & Crossing the Circle

Start : 15 Dec, 2024  End : 26 Dec, 2024
Departure : Ushuaia   Arrival : Ushuaia
12 Days
From $10,995
$6,597
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
TRIPLE STATEROOM F
$10,995 $6,597
TWIN PORTHOLE D
$14,395 $8,637
FRENCH BALCONY E
$15,695 $9,417
BALCONY STATEROOM C
$16,895 $10,137
SINGLE PORTHOLE G
$18,595 $11,157
BALCONY SUITE B
$18,695 $11,217
JUNIOR SUITE A
$26,195 $15,717

Antarctic Peninsula & Crossing the Circle

Start : 19 Feb, 2025  End : 3 Mar, 2025
Departure : Ushuaia   Arrival : Ushuaia
13 Days
From $11,595
$8,117
Show Prices
Ask Us a Question
TRIPLE STATERROOM F
$11,595 $8,117
TWIN PORTHOLE D
$15,295 $10,707
FRENCH BALCONY E
$16,495 $11,547
BALCONY STATEROOM C
$17,795 $12,457
SINGLE PORTHOLE G
$19,595 $13,717
BALCONY SUITE B
$19,595 $13,717
JUNIOR SUITE A
$27,695 $19,387

Antarctic Peninsula & Crossing the Circle

Start : 5 Dec, 2025  End : 16 Dec, 2025
Departure : Ushuaia   Arrival : Ushuaia
12 Days
TRIPLE CABIN CAT F
$11,295  
TWIN PORTHOLE CAT D
$13,195  
FRENCH BALCONY CAT E
$13,895  
BALCONY STATE CAT C
$14,295  
SINGLE PORTHOLE CAT G
$16,595  
BALCONY SUITE CAT B
$16,595  
JUNIOR SUITE CAT A
$24,095  
POLAR PREMIUM SUITE
$27,095  

Antarctic Peninsula & Crossing the Circle

Start : 28 Feb, 2026  End : 11 Mar, 2026
Departure : Ushuaia   Arrival : Ushuaia
12 Days
TRIPLE STATEROOM F
$10,995  
TWIN PORTHOLE D
$12,795  
FRENCH BALCONY E
$13,495  
BALCONY STATEROOM C
$13,895  
SINGLE PORTHOLE G
$16,095  
BALCONY SUITE B
$18,195  
JUNIOR SUITE A
$23,295  

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