Expedition to Antarctica in November and January

In the afternoon, we board the vessel and meet our expedition team and lecturers. Once we’ve settled into our cabins, we set sail along the famed Beagle Channel and the scenic McKinley Passage.

This channel is named after the great explorer Sir Francis Drake, who navigated these waters in 1578.

As we cross the Antarctic Convergence—a biological barrier where cold polar currents dive beneath warmer northern seas—we witness powerful upwellings of nutrients that sustain the region’s rich biodiversity.

We also traverse the northern boundary of many Antarctic seabirds’ habitat.

When we make our way through the passage, our lecturers join us on deck to help identify the incredible variety of marine birds, including albatrosses that follow our vessel.

With our ship’s “open bridge” policy, we can accompany the officers on the bridge, learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

We will also attend a series of engaging lectures.

The first sights of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first discovered in February 1819 by Captain William Smith of the Williams. When conditions in the Drake Passage are favorable, our lecturers and naturalists will take you to land where you will meet penguins and seals on the third day.

The South Shetland Islands are a true haven for wildlife. Vast penguin nesting grounds and beaches where Antarctic and southern walruses reign supreme make every day spent on this amazing group of islands unforgettable. Swimming through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is breathtaking.

The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island is home to the breeding grounds of djentoo penguins and great-billed penguins, kelp gull terns, Antarctic terns, southern giant petrels and is also home to scientific bases in different countries. Look out for beaked and djentoo penguins, as well as walruses on Livingston Island.

The Antarctic Peninsula is steeped in history, infusing our voyage with the same sense of discovery that fueled the earliest explorers. We will have ample opportunity to immerse ourselves in its breathtaking scenery—pristine snowfields, towering glaciers, rugged mountains, and winding waterways—and to observe its remarkable wildlife. Beyond penguins and seabirds, we are likely to encounter elephant seals, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as barracudas, orcas, and humpback whales.

We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways (depending on ice conditions): the Gerlach Strait, the Neumayer Channel and the Lehmer Channel, the latter narrow passages between towering rock faces and stunning glaciers. We aim to conduct no fewer than two landings each day, with prospective sites that could include:

Paradise Bay is perhaps the most appropriate name for a place on Earth, and we are planning a continental landing here. After sailing through the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Channel, we hope to visit the bustling colonies of Adelie penguins (more than 100,000 breeding pairs here) and blue-eyed petrels on Paulet Island. Back in 1903, the Nordenskiöld expedition erected a stone survival shelter at this very spot. Today its ruins are occupied by nesting penguins.

Further exploration may take us to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Pleño Island and other islands if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island to visit the southernmost colony of Gentoo penguins.

We leave Antarctica and head north through the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we look for seabirds and whales, as well as give our latest lectures. Take the opportunity to relax and reflect on the exciting adventures of the past days on your way back to Ushuaia.

Return to Ushuaia

We arrive at the port of Ushuaia early in the morning and disembark from the USHUAIA after breakfast.

The following information is intended to answer your questions about the ship and life on board.

Ads

All announcements are made through our onboard Public Announcement (PA) system. The captain announces interesting events and natural attractions. In the event of an emergency from the bridge, we will make sure you are notified!

Bridge

We will be offering limited bridge visits during the 2024-25 season.

Cabins

Your maid will clean your cabin in the morning.

Bed linen change - your bed linen will be changed once per trip. If you would like it to be changed more often, please inform our hotel manager. Towel Change - To limit the use of laundry detergent in the interests of the environment, we only change towels upon request. Leave the towels on the floor if you want them changed. If you hang up the towel, we know you are going to use it again. Toilets - Marine toilets are very effective, but also very sensitive. Please take care of them and do not throw anything other than small amounts of toilet paper into them. Throw paper tissues, etc. into the trash. Water supply - Tap water is potable. Fresh water is produced by evaporation and condensation of seawater. There is usually no reason to conserve water on board, but we encourage careful use of water.

Telephone

The INMARSAT system has been installed, allowing you to communicate with the ship by telephone from anywhere in the world. To contact the ship from home, you will receive a list of numbers before departure. It will be possible to make calls from two public telephones from the ship. The cost of the card to access these telephones will be communicated on board. For more information on country zones and rates per minute, please contact your onboard hotel manager.

Email and Internet access

Internet cards can be purchased for Internet access. Please note that Wi-Fi will be available exclusively in the Lounge/Bar area and passengers can only access the Internet using their own devices.

Nature conservation

Remember that many of the places you visit during your trip are unique. We are very proud of our impeccable reputation for conservation and respect for all the ecosystems we visit. Help us maintain this reputation. Our lecturers and staff will be with you during the disembarks and will provide you with recommendations and specific information about the region. We ask that you return all trash to the ship where it will be properly disposed of. For cruises to Antarctica you will receive our Antarctic recommendations along with your documents.

Recommendations for Covid-19

We have developed Covid-19 procedures to ensure the health and safety of our guests and crew. 

Testing for Covid-19 There is no mandatory preventive testing on board.

Currency

The currency on board is the US dollar. Cash payment is accepted in US dollars or euros. Credit card payments with a minimum amount of $100 can be made through PayPal

Daily program

Each evening the daily program will be presented by your expedition leader. The program includes information about the next day's plans, events, drop-off times, meal times and lecturers.

Please remember that the expeditionary nature of this trip may result in changes to the daily program due to sea conditions, weather, ice and local conditions. Additionally, your captain and expedition crew may deviate from the program to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, such as animal sightings, favorable sea conditions, or other local events. Any changes to the daily program will be announced through the public announcement system. Thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.

Diet wishes

If you inform us in advance, our chief chef will be happy to accommodate various dietary wishes. Please note that you must notify us at least three weeks before your departure. Please also indicate this request in your booking. We regret that kosher meals are not available.

Dining room

The dining area on the main F deck comfortably accommodates all guests in one sitting. Meals are served without assigned seats, and guests can sit anywhere.

Clothes on board

Informal clothing (expedition style) is accepted for travel. Clothing must be comfortable and versatile, as described in the detailed packing list included with your pre-application documents. It is possible to rent special Expedition clothing - the cost is 500 USD/person per cruise. 

Clothes on the shore

When disembarking, it is recommended to wear comfortable, informal clothing in the spirit of the expedition. The most important factor when choosing appropriate clothing on the beach will be your route and mode of travel. Please refer to the detailed packing list included with your pre-order documentation.

Electrical appliances and sockets

Electric current on board is 110 V/60 Hz, and the cabins are equipped with universal sockets suitable for several types of world standard plugs. However, we recommend that you bring the necessary adapters and converters with you, as there are only limited quantities available on board. Some public areas use 220V/240V outlets and are clearly marked. However they do have Argentinean plugs. These plugs have two flat “V” blades and a grounding pin. Without grounding, two-prong plugs with two flat “V” shaped prongs or plugs with two thin round prongs will also work.

Emergencies

In case of emergency, please call the bridge (telephone #108). When the ship is in port, speak to the keeper on board.

Expeditionary personnel

Your journey will be guided by an expedition leader combined with assistants, zodiac drivers and a team of lecturers. Our staff are specially selected and trained to ensure a fulfilling and safe journey.

Gift shop

The gift shop on Main Deck F offers women's and men's clothing, merchandise, gifts and souvenirs. Please see the daily program for store hours.

Tips

Regular gratuities for ship staff are paid as a general contribution at the end of the voyage and distributed among the crew. You will receive detailed recommendations on board. How much you tip is a very personal decision and how much you want to leave is entirely up to you. As a general guideline, we suggest a minimum of $15 per person per day. US dollar cash is very welcome, unfortunately credit cards cannot be accepted.

Hairdryers

All cabins have hairdryers for your comfort.

Heating

The ship is fully air-conditioned. Each cabin has individual temperature controls. Please contact our staff if you would like to change these settings to your comfort level.

Changing route

The safety of passengers and the ship is the highest priority. Therefore, in case of local conditions and unforeseen circumstances, the route may be changed. Please rest assured that the crew will do their best to offer you the best alternatives.

Language

English and Spanish are the languages spoken by all officers and crew (although some crew may only speak Spanish). Lectures are given in English and Spanish.

Laundry and cloakroom service

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide laundry and dry cleaning services on board.

Lecturers

Our team of lecturers will be with you throughout your journey. They will give lectures and conduct landings, and are always available to answer your questions and provide necessary information throughout the day. We selected these lecturers because of their professional achievements and reputation. 

Lectures and films

Lectures and films are offered in the hall/lecture room with state-of-the-art multimedia equipment on the main F deck. Passengers are invited to participate in all ship activities, including stimulating and informative lectures.

Library

The ship's library on the main F deck contains a good selection of international catalogues, books and magazines, with an emphasis on specific literature needed for your voyage. There are also a variety of games at your disposal, including playing cards and board games.

Life vest

You are provided with a lightweight, inflatable life jacket that automatically inflates when you pull the lever. These life jackets must be worn during all zodiac outings. Please take care of your life jacket. It will be collected at the end of the cruise. There is also a large "Emergency" lifejacket in your cabin, which is designed for use in the event of a ship emergency and for lifeboat training.

Finds and lost things

Lost and found items can be dropped off and collected on board. Please contact the hotel manager.

Masks

In general, the use of face masks is not mandatory on our ship. However, we strongly recommend purchasing your own supply of FFP2, N95 or surgical masks for your own safety.

Meals on board

On board you will be offered the following dining options:

Continental and American breakfast buffet

Buffet lunch or served lunch

Afternoon tea

Dinner

Meal times may vary depending on landings. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day.

Medicin

Each journey is accompanied by a qualified doctor who provides both emergency and routine medical care. The ship's medical clinic is located on Deck E. Opening hours are listed in your daily program. In case of emergency, please call the bridge (telephone #108).

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please remain in your cabin and call the bridge (telephone #108). There will be no charge for consultations.