days
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Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. After settling into your hotel, explore the town before meeting your fellow travelers. The next day, board the Seaventure and set sail across the Southern Ocean toward Antarctica. En route, visit the Falkland Islands, home to lively penguin colonies and the historic town of Stanley. Continue to South Georgia, a wildlife paradise filled with millions of penguins, seals, and seabirds, and visit Grytviken, where Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried. Sailing through the Scotia Sea, approach the icy majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore its stunning bays, glaciers, and channels, visit research stations, and encounter penguins, whales, and seals in their pristine habitat. As the voyage concludes, cross the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia, cherishing the unforgettable memories of your expedition to the farthest reaches of the planet.
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can’t be accommodated at the Arakur, you’ll unwind at another of Ushuaia’s top luxury hotels.)
Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
As we sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held, and you won’t want to miss our scientific and environmental experts as they begin their deeply knowledgeable, and always entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the areas we will soon be exploring.
We’ll be exploring some of the westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands/Malvinas, a remote South Atlantic archipelago renowned for its rugged terrain and cliff-lined coast. As we stretch our legs along the farmland and beaches, we’ll have an opportunity to visit Albatross and penguin colonies. Look for Rockhopper, King and Magellanic penguin rookeries.
The archipelago’s largest island, Stanley, is a lively hub of activity nestled in a sheltered harbor. Here, the Falklands Islands Museum has fascinating exhibits devoted to maritime exploration, natural history, and the 1982 Falklands War. We’ll likely visit Gypsy Cove, part of Cape Pembroke peninsula, a National Nature Preserve. Magellanic penguins, also known as Jackass penguins for the braying sound they make, breed here, nesting in underground burrows. Other native bird species include Black-Crowned Night herons, Long-Tailed meadowlarks, Two-Banded plovers, and Upland and Kelp geese. Nearby Ordinance Point is the final resting place for several World War II guns.
Things continue ramping up with plenty of birdlife sightings as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. See if you can identify the world’s largest bird, the Wandering albatross. From soaring giants like the Southern Giant petrel to the tiny Wilson’s Storm petrel, a range of impressive bird species will be hitching a ride on the updrafts created by ocean swells and waves. And be on the lookout for whale blows and our very first iceberg sighting.
South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and it’s easy to see why as you take in tens of millions (not a typo!) of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Breathtaking mountain scenery, majestically sculpted icebergs, glaciers in every direction, and a rich historical tapestry are all here to complement the incredible array of wildlife on view as we travel down South Georgia’s leeward coast. We’ll also visit the historic Grytviken whaling station, featuring the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.
Heading farther south, we’ll continue our informative presentations and wildlife spotting as the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful.
Here we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through iceberg-rich channels as we travel alongside an array of wildlife. There are opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we take in the wide range of penguin species, 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 the conclusion of 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.
Prior to Embarkation
On Board
Post Disembarkation
An initial deposit (20% of trip cost pp) is required within 7 days of your reservation to confirm the booking.
A non-refundable 20% deposit is required to confirm space on paid adventure options such as camping and kayaking.
Final payment for all voyages is due in full 120 days prior to departure. For bookings within 120 days of departure, full payment is required at time of booking.
All cancellations must be received in writing. Reservations cancelled 181 days or more prior to departure are subject to a $1250 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations 180 days to 121 days prior to departure are full loss of deposit. Reservations cancelled 120 days or less prior to departure are subject to full fare forfeiture.
Rates per person
Located on deck 3, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and two round porthole in each cabin. All staterooms feature:
2
14 sqm - 150 sqft
Porthole
Located on deck 3, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and a large window. All staterooms feature:
2
14 sqm - 150 sqft
Large window
Located on deck 4, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and a large window. All staterooms feature:
2
18sqm - 192 sqft
Large Window
Dedicated for solo travellers, these cabins are located on deck 4. They offer a sitting area and a large window. All staterooms feature:
2
16 sqm - 172 sqft
Large Window
Located on deck 5, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and a juliet balcony. All staterooms feature:
2
19 sqm - 204 sqft
Juliet balcony (french balcony)
Located on deck 5, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a two-room living configuration (bedroom + living room with couch). These suites feature two juliet balconies, a closet, and also:
2
39 sqm - 419 sqft
Two juliet balconies (french balconies)
Located on deck 7, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and a private walkout balcony. All staterooms feature:
2
37 sqm - 398 sqft
Private balcony
Located on deck 7, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a two-room living configuration (bedroom + living room with couch). These suites feature a private walkout balcony, a closet, and also:
2
57 sqm - 613 sqft
Private Balcony
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Discoverer is the Owner's Suite. Located on deck 7, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a two-room living configuration (bedroom + living room with couch). These suites feature a private walkout balcony, a closet, and also:
2
67 sqm - 721 sqft
Private balcony
Located on deck 3, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and two round porthole in each cabin. All staterooms feature:
2
14 sqm - 150 sqft
Porthole
Located on deck 3, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and a large window. All staterooms feature:
2
14 sqm - 150 sqft
Large window
Located on deck 4, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and a large window. All staterooms feature:
2
18sqm - 192 sqft
Large Window
Dedicated for solo travellers, these cabins are located on deck 4. They offer a sitting area and a large window. All staterooms feature:
2
16 sqm - 172 sqft
Large Window
Located on deck 5, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and a juliet balcony. All staterooms feature:
2
19 sqm - 204 sqft
Juliet balcony (french balcony)
Located on deck 5, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a two-room living configuration (bedroom + living room with couch). These suites feature two juliet balconies, a closet, and also:
2
39 sqm - 419 sqft
Two juliet balconies (french balconies)
Located on deck 7, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a sitting area and a private walkout balcony. All staterooms feature:
2
37 sqm - 398 sqft
Private balcony
Located on deck 7, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a two-room living configuration (bedroom + living room with couch). These suites feature a private walkout balcony, a closet, and also:
2
57 sqm - 613 sqft
Private Balcony
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Discoverer is the Owner's Suite. Located on deck 7, these cabins feature two twin beds or one king sized bed. They offer a two-room living configuration (bedroom + living room with couch). These suites feature a private walkout balcony, a closet, and also:
2
67 sqm - 721 sqft
Private balcony
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This program is designed for those guests who just want a taste of the Polar kayaking experience. Each participant kayaks once per voyage in a group of 14 with a dedicated guide team and safety Zodiac. Total number of available kayaking spots on each departure will vary by itinerary length and weather, but we aim to get groups on the water at every opportunity.
*Advanced booking is recommended. Additional outings can be purchased on board, space permitting.
$350 per person per outing
Snowshoeing is an activity that allows you to hike across soft, powdery snow up gentle slopes to reach to unique vantage points without the hassle of sinking into deep snow. Snowshoeing is as basic as hiking and you do not need to have previous experience.
U$ 150 per person, per outing
This program is designed for those more experienced guests who want to kayak as much as possible during their voyage. Immersive Kayaking is limited to 10 participants, with a dedicated kayak guide and safety Zodiac. Immersive paddlers will have the opportunity to kayak during most excursions and landings, weather and conditions permitting.
$1195 per person
For experienced photographers, our immersive program will pair you with a small group and an award-winning photography instructor. Daily outings under the watchful eye of your instructor will ensure that you make the most of every photographic outing, while honing your skills, guided by a seasoned professional. On board workshops and reviews will cover every aspect of shot selection, artistic refinement, and processing your images.
$995 per person
Our professional photography coaches are here to help you make the most of every photo opportunity, whether you’re a fully equipped landscape photographer or someone armed only with a cellphone camera and an unlimited love of nature and beautiful imagery.
From basic instruction, to the best way to shoot from a moving Zodiac, to the complexities of handling the very tricky relationship between snow, ice, and Antarctica’s ever-shifting light, our coaches have mastered every kind of situation this environment and its inhabitants can place in your lens’ path. They’ll show you how to make the most of every opportunity.
Presentations and briefings will help you better understand your camera, learn a few tricks of the trade, and better master the day’s unpredictable weather and environment. Your coach is with you in the field — sometimes accompanying you in a Zodiac, with you on a shore landing, or sitting at the table next to you at dinner, ready and willing to answer any question, or pass along an inside tip earned through years of experience in Antarctic waters.
The photography coach is also our trip’s documentary photographer, capturing the expedition’s many highlights, which are shared at an event at the end of your voyage, and given to each passenger as a valued keepsake.
Having a Citizen Science program on every voyage is an effort we pioneered, as the very first Antarctic operator to officially collaborate with The Polar Citizen Science Collective. We continue to team up with them on several projects, giving our passengers the chance to play a meaningful role in recording and better understanding the Antarctic ecosystem and the impact of climate change. This is particularly helpful in the Antarctic, where we support long-term academic observation teams that would find it nearly impossible to be as ever-present on their own.
The projects offered may vary slightly by voyage and scientific need. Everyone is welcome to participate. If interested, please see the onboard daily bulletin and join the scheduled Citizen Science Introduction Meeting at the start of your voyage. There is no additional cost.
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Built for the polar regions and refined for the people who explore them, the Discoverer carries just 140 guests, intimate enough for personalized service and flexible shore landings, yet capable enough to push into remote coastlines that larger vessels can’t reach. Every stateroom faces outward, many with private balconies or Juliet balconies, while the wrap-around outer deck on Deck 6 puts you as close to the ice, wildlife, and open horizons as a ship will allow. Back on board, the Discoverer features outdoor jacuzzis, a panoramic observation lounge, and a wellness suite with gym, sauna, and steam room, offering a level of comfort that feels distinctly boutique, but with an expedition soul at its core.
The Discoverer remains a true expedition vessel at heart. An ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising, and expansive outer decks – including a wrap-around outer deck on Deck 6, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography – make the ship perfectly suited for exploring remote polar environments. This expedition capability allows guests to spend more time experiencing the landscapes and wildlife of the polar regions and less time simply observing from afar.
All Voyages Include:
Certified Emergency MD and onboard Medical Clinic
World-class international cuisine in the ship’s restaurant
Expert expedition lecture program
Fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising
Complimentary in-cabin refreshments (soft drinks, juice & sparkling water)
Voyage photographer
Dedicated passenger service manager
Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
All Staterooms Feature:
Exterior views — balcony, Juliet balcony, picture window, or porthole
Mini bar and refrigerator
Flat-screen TV with Interactive Media Library
Direct dial telephone & Wi-Fi
Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
Individually controlled air conditioning
Luxury bath amenities and hair dryer
Bathrobes and slippers
110/220V AC power outlets
Ship Facilities:
Wellness Center — sauna, steam room & treatment room
Fitness Center with ocean views
Outdoor Jacuzzis on Deck 6
Observation Lounge with panoramic windows
Lecture Theater
Restaurant, Bar & Outdoor Grill
Boutique & Library
Expedition Office & Mudroom
Elevator serving all passenger decks
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In Antarctica, postal opportunities are very limited, and can typically only be offered in the Falkland Islands and at Grytviken in South Georgia. You can always send postcards once we disembark in Ushuaia, however!
While you may find the batteries or flash cards you need in stock in our Gift Shop, we strongly recommend that you bring extra supplies of everything, (including an extra charger) as availability of these items is very limited, and cannot be guaranteed.
During Antarctic voyages, it is highly unlikely that you will have cellular service once we leave Argentina. There is a telephone in your cabin, and Reception can arrange outside calls for a moderate charge; however, there may be times when phone service is limited or unavailable due to limited connection in Antarctica.
All cabins across all vessels across our fleet have abundant electrical outlets. These are mostly European 220V sockets, although Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory also feature universal sockets that can accept most global plugs. Remember to bring adaptors, should your devices require a different voltage or socket. See the information pages for our individual vessels for further information.
Please do not bring any small appliances such as hairdryers, irons, coffee makers, curling tongs, or steam pots. These items can present a fire risk and damage the ship’s electrical system and are therefore strictly forbidden on board. There is a small hairdryer provided in your cabin.
Yes! Our ship features a Starlink wireless network accessible from your personal computer or smartphone from virtually anywhere on board. There are also public computers available in the ship Library which may be used for email and Internet (but not for uploading photos.) 500 free MB of data is included in the cost of your voyage. Additional data packages can be purchased from the hotel manager on board. Please note, due to weather and location, there may be times when Internet service is very slow or disrupted.
We can accommodate most dietary requests, such as low salt, gluten-free, and low cholesterol, and we include Vegetarian, Meat, and Fish options on all of our menus. Please enter any dietary limitations, from preferences to severe food allergies, when completing your medical information form. Please note that we are unable to offer Kosher meals. Should you have further information as to how we can best accommodate your needs, please speak to our friendly onboard Hotel Directors.
Yes! All vessels in our fleet offer a Fitness Center with cardio equipment, resistance machines, and free weights available for all guests to use at their leisure. Seaventure and Ocean Albatros also feature saunas, while Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory also have two hot tubs aboard each, as well as a Spa offering a range of relaxing treatments.
Yes. A complete laundry service is available on board all of our vessels; please note, however, our vessels do not have dry cleaning facilities. There is no self-service laundry facility on board the ship and no irons for passenger use – our Laundry Team will be happy to press garments if required.
There is absolutely no smoking permitted anywhere inside the ship (including the balcony areas), on Zodiacs, or on landings – this includes e-cigarettes and vapes. International maritime law dictates that smoking on commercial vessels is permitted only in the designated smoking area; this location will be clearly identified during the Safety Briefing at the beginning of your voyage. Repeated non-compliance with our smoking policy will result in a $1000 penalty being added to your shipboard account. The Expedition Leader and Captain also reserve the right to disallow participation in off-ship activities for repeated non-compliance.
All cabin categories across our fleet have outside views with portholes or windows (including balcony windows). Only Suites designated as “Porthole Suites” have portholes – please see deck plans and cabin categories across our fleet for further details. We cannot guarantee the number of portholes or windows in your cabin, as this varies between our vessels. Windows and portholes do not open (excluding cabin balcony doors). Please note also that porthole covers may be closed during heavy weather.
Not cold at all (unless you would like it to be)! All vessels across our fleet are climate-controlled for your comfort, and all cabins feature individual temperature controls.
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