days
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Departing from Ushuaia, the voyage crosses the Drake Passage en route to the South Shetland Islands, with wildlife sightings and seabird lectures en route. The expedition explores King George, Livingston, and Deception Islands, home to penguins, seals, and scientific stations. The Antarctic Peninsula offers dramatic landscapes, with possible visits to Paradise Bay, Paulet Island, and the Lemaire Channel. Daily landings provide encounters with whales, seals, and historic sites like the Nordenskjöld hut. The journey ends with a return crossing of the Drake Passage and disembarkation in Ushuaia.
FEBRUARY 25: 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 26 & 27: 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 in 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 28 to MARCH 04: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and Southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is breathtaking.
King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await you at Livingston Island.
The Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history will 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, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range.
We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways (depending on the ice conditions): the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, the latter are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. We plan to make at least two landings per day and possible landing sites may include:
Paradise Bay is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and we attempt a landing on the continent proper. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins.
Further exploration may take you to the Melchior Island group, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins.
MARCH 05 & 06: 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.
MARCH 07: 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.
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS
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 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
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
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 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
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
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.
