Antarctic Peninsula : The Classic Voyage

an immersive Antarctic expedition

Antarctic Peninsula : The Classic Voyage is a 12-day itinerary with ten nights aboard ship, departing from and returning to Ushuaia in southern Argentina. The voyage explores the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, with an additional day allowing flexibility to explore further depending on weather, ice and wildlife conditions.

The itinerary crosses the Drake Passage in both directions, with two days at sea each way. This provides opportunities to learn about Antarctica from the expedition team and spot seabirds and marine wildlife before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula.

Once in Antarctica, the journey is expeditionary in nature, with opportunities to explore by Zodiac, make shore landings and encounter penguins, seals and whales. Optional activities include kayaking and snowshoeing, while camping may be available on selected departures.

Depending on your departure date, you could be travelling aboard one of these three vessels :

MV Discoverer carries up to 140 guests, offering a relatively small-ship experience with a more boutique feel. The vessel has been refurbished, with panoramic observation areas, outdoor jacuzzis, a sauna, spa and gym.

Ocean Albatros carries up to 175 guests and is a modern expedition vessel. Its X-BOW hull is intended to improve stability in rough seas, while onboard facilities include panoramic observation decks, jacuzzis, a sauna, spa and gym. Most cabins have private balconies.

Ocean Victory carries up to 175 guests and is a modern sister ship to Ocean Albatros, also designed for polar exploration. It features an X-BOW hull, multiple observation decks, jacuzzis, a sauna, spa and gym. With most cabins offering private balconies.

The day-by-day itinerary below outlines the journey from arrival in Ushuaia to exploring Antarctica and returning to port :

Day 1 : Arrive in and explore Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport, we’ll transfer
you to one of our partnered premium hotel resorts
(Arakur Ushuaia Resort) nestled in the breathtaking
Patagonian nature, where you can take some time
to unwind or go explore the southernmost city in
the world, Ushuaia. Our evening briefing is your
opportunity to ask questions and meet fellow explorers.

Day 2 : All aboard!
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, or visit
a museum or the Argentinean leather markets in
Ushuaia, before or just relaxing at the hotel until 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!

Days 3-4 : Drake Passage
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast
knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife
to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen

Science program or sit back and take in this fabled
journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife.
Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many
seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic
Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably
cooler temperatures.

Days 5-6 : South Shetland Islands
Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland
Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you
can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers,
and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins,
and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with
Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as
well. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend most of
our day exploring, taking unforgettable photographs,
and planting our footsteps on the endlessly diverse
landscape. With an extra day in the itinerary, a visit to the
black sand beaches and rusted ruins of Deception Island
is always at the top of our list.

Days 7-9 : Immersive Antarctica
Welcome to Antarctica in all its awe-inspiring glory.
For the next few days, we’ll explore any number of
picturesque bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering
through majestic channels, where glorious icebergs
and an array of beguiling wildlife share the highly active
waters. Prepare to be amazed as we spot numerous
species of penguins, seals, and whales, both along
the rugged coastline as well as in the sea. A night
of camping under the stars is also an unforgettable
highlight for those who sign up. There are great
opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases
and historic landing sites, and we plan to take full
advantage of all the continent offers.

Days 10-11 : Drake Passage
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, passenger
photo contest, and a final celebratory meal together.
Congratulations, explorers!

Day 12 : Ushuaia disembarkation
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.

a relatively pleasant expedition ship