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Sailing from Ushuaia, the voyage crosses the Drake Passage toward the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula. Guests explore iconic sites like Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island, and Port Lockroy, encountering penguins, seals, and abundant whales. The itinerary includes a rare attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle, with visits to Vernadsky Station, Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island. Spectacular waterways such as the Lemaire, Neumayer, and Gerlache Channels provide stunning glacier and iceberg views. Wildlife-rich Deception Island and Half Moon Island mark the return north before crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia.
FEBRUARY 14: Depart from Ushuaia
Embark the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
FEBRUARY 15 & 16: At Sea – Crossing the Drake Passage
Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region.
The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail across the passage, Antarpply Expeditions’ lecturers will be out with you on deck to help with the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake.
The USHUAIA´s open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well.
The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3.
FEBRUARY 17 to 22: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and endeavor to cross the Polar Circle
Exquisite beauty and pristine landscapes are waiting for you on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Myriads of icebergs with different shades and shapes are floating free in the waterways around the continent. The Antarctic Peninsula´s remarkable history will also provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery and a wide variety of wildlife. Apart from Adélie, Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins and other seabirds you are likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater, fur and leopard seals as well as Minke whales and orcas at close range. At this time of year it is also very likely to encounter big cetaceans, such as humpback, Fin and Sei whales in the area.
We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways the area has to offer, such as: the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Neumayer Channel and the extremely narrow Lemaire Channel. Possible landing sites may include: Paradise Bay, which is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world with its impressive glacial fronts and mountains, Cuverville Island, home of the biggest Gentoo Penguin colony in the Peninsula surrounded by glaciers and castellated icebergs, and the British Museum and Post office Port Lockroy.
As further exploration will lead us far South of the Lemaire Channel in quest of the Polar Circle, we might also visit the Ukrainian Station Vernadsky, the former British base Faraday, where the ozone hole was first spotted, the rugged Yalour Islands and south of the Polar Circle Detaille Island.
On our way North we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands. The volcanic island group is a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries and seals hauling out on the shorelines make every day spent here unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing, so is visiting the crescent-shaped island Half Moon, home to Chinstrap Penguins in breathtaking surroundings.
FEBRUARY 23 & 24: At Sea – Crossing the Drake Passage, northbound
We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.
FEBRUARY 25: Arrival in Ushuaia
We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.
Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success.
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A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the appropriate cabin rate is required to confirm the reservation of the Expedition Cruise. The final payment (70%) is due 90 days prior to the departure. Payments can be made via bank transfer (preferred method of payment) or by credit card. All payments are to be made in the agreed currency indicated in the invoice.
CABIN DETAILS
These Standard Plus triple cabins on Deck E featuring a window, private facilities and three lower berths.
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
3
Porthole
Located on deck 3 (E), these porthole cabins offer one bunkbed.
Two cabins share one bathroom accessible from both cabins (shower and wc). Each cabin is also equipped with its own washbasin.
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Porthole
These twin portholes are located on Deck 3, with a round porthole in each cabin. These cabins can be configured to offer two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. Ensuite
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Porthole
These cabins two twin beds and a desk, or the possibility of a double-sized bed. Located on deck 5. The room features a larger window than the porthole. Ensuite
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Window
These cabins offer two twin beds and a desk, or the possibility of a double-sized bed, and a window larger than the porthole. Ensuite
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Window
These Premier single cabins on upper Deck G featuring a porthole (view obstructed by lifeboat), private facilities and one single bed.
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
Porthole
The largest of the cabins, the suites offer space to relax with large windows to watch the Antarctic landscape pass you by!
Equipped with one double bed, a sofa and a desk. Located on deck 5.
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Window
These Standard Plus triple cabins on Deck E featuring a window, private facilities and three lower berths.
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
3
Porthole
Located on deck 3 (E), these porthole cabins offer one bunkbed.
Two cabins share one bathroom accessible from both cabins (shower and wc). Each cabin is also equipped with its own washbasin.
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Porthole
These twin portholes are located on Deck 3, with a round porthole in each cabin. These cabins can be configured to offer two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. Ensuite
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Porthole
These cabins two twin beds and a desk, or the possibility of a double-sized bed. Located on deck 5. The room features a larger window than the porthole. Ensuite
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Window
These cabins offer two twin beds and a desk, or the possibility of a double-sized bed, and a window larger than the porthole. Ensuite
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Window
These Premier single cabins on upper Deck G featuring a porthole (view obstructed by lifeboat), private facilities and one single bed.
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
Porthole
The largest of the cabins, the suites offer space to relax with large windows to watch the Antarctic landscape pass you by!
Equipped with one double bed, a sofa and a desk. Located on deck 5.
Please note: All stateroom images of the USHUAIA are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
Window
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Reserved for only the bravest of explorers who wish to jump into the ice-cold waters of Antarctica!
Free for all guests!
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The USHUAIA has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 90 passengers in 46 comfortable cabins and suites.
Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the ice-strengthened polar vessel USHUAIA is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy. The full complement of inflatable landing craft ensures superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities on the otherwise inaccessible coastline.
All announcements are made via our Public Announcement (PA) system on board. The bridge announces interesting events and wildlife attractions. Should there be an emergency call from the bridge we will make sure that you receive it!
Your stewardess will make your cabin in the morning.
Telephone
The USHUAIA is equipped with the INMARSAT system, which allows direct communication with the ship by telephone from any location in the world. For communications with the USHUAIA from home you will receive a list of numbers prior to your departure. Communications from the ship will be available from two public telephones. The rate per card to access these phones will be advised on board. Please contact the Hotel Manager on board for further details on the country zones and the rates per minute.
Email and Internet access
Internet cards can be purchased for 500MB to have internet access. Kindly note that Wi-Fi will be available in the Lounge/Bar area exclusively and passengers can access the internet from their own devices only.
Please keep in mind that many of the places you are visiting on the voyages are unique. We at Antarpply Expeditions are very proud of our outstanding reputation for conservation and respect for all the ecosystems we visit. Please assist us in maintaining this reputation. Our lecturers and staff will accompany you on shore excursions and provide you with guidance and specific information for the region. We kindly ask you to bring back any kind of garbage to the ship where it will be correctly disposed of. For cruises to Antarctica you will receive our Antarctic Guidelines with your travel documents.
The currency on board the USHUAIA is US Dollar.
Cash payments are accepted in US Dollars or Euros. Credit card payments for a minimun charge of US$100 can be processed via PayPal (see Payment below).
Each evening during the Recap the daily program for the next day will be presented by your Expedition Leader. Included in the program is information about the next day’s activities, events, landing times, meal times, and lecturers.
Please remember that the expeditionary nature of this voyage may result in changes to the daily program due to sea, weather, ice and local conditions. Also, your Captain and Expedition Team may deviate from the program to take advantage of unexpected opportunities such as wildlife sightings, advantageous sea conditions, or other local events. Any changes to the daily program will be announced over the PA system. We thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.
With advance notice, our Executive Chef will happily accommodate a variety of special dietary requests. Please note that it is imperative to inform Antarpply Expeditions three weeks prior to your departure at the latest. Kindly also state this request on your Booking Form. We regret that Kosher meals are not available.
The Dining Room on the Main Deck F comfortably accommodates all guests at a single seating. There is an open seating for all meals and guest tables are unassigned.
Casual attire (expedition style) is the accepted apparel for the voyage. Clothing should be comfortable and versatile as described in the detailed packing list enclosed with your preliminary documentation.
Comfortable, casual clothing in expedition spirit is the rule for attire worn on shore excursions.
The most important factor in determining appropriate clothing for your time ashore will be your route and mode of travel. Please refer to the detailed packing list enclosed with your preliminary documentation.
Electric current on board is 110 V/ 60 Hz and cabins are fitted with multi-type sockets suitable for several international plugs. However, we recommend to bring necessary converters and any special adapters with you as only a limited number can be borrowed on board.
Some outlets in public areas are 220v-240v and are clearly marked. However, they are fitted with Argentine outlets. This plug has two flat pins in V-shape and also has a grounding pin. The ungrounded version of this plug with only two flat V-shaped pins or a plug with two thin round pins also work.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
Yes!!! Once we arrive in Antarctica it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” for more details on each outing.
The price shown is the “all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, and additional activities.
Not necessarily, no! Our trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.
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Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.
With over 15 years of combined experience, our team of Polar Expedition Guides is dedicated to providing unforgettable polar journeys.
