Visit Antarctica as as it first awakens from its deep winter sleep, placing the first human footsteps onto this pristine, untouched landscape. Serving witness to colonies of penguins as they waddle onto land to begin nesting and laying their eggs. Seeing mammoth icebergs just beginning their springtime drift through water so clear you can spot wildlife frolicking below the surface. All this, with little chance of spotting another ship in the water. These are some of the rare and special memories you’ll gather when exploring Antarctica as it first awakens from its deep winter sleep.
No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Arakur Resort & Spa or spend time discovering the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.
Explore the sights of Ushuaia such as the museums and Argentinean leather markets or continue relaxing at the hotel. Attend the optional evening briefing for the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers.
Spend your morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner.
Join our Polar Experts as they teach you about everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history; participate in our renowned Citizen Science program; or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching exciting glimpses of wildlife. Grab your binoculars to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.
The volcanic South Shetland Islands offer amazing abundance and beauty, the perfect place to spend a memorable Christmas Day! We’ll hop into our inflatable Zodiac boats and spend as much time as possible exploring. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature’s glory.
Here we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as we travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.
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 New Year’s Eve at the bottom of the earth and conclude our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together
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.
Included on this voyage
Two pre-voyage hotel nights with breakfast in Ushuaia
Shipboard accommodations
All meals on board
All soft drinks on board
Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
All scheduled landings and excursions
Our Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
Expedition jacket to keep
A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
500 MB WiFi for personal devices
All port fees
All landing fees
Digital Voyage Log
Post Departure:
Group transfer from ship
Not included on this voyage