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South Atlantic Semi-Circumnavigation

Ushuaia-Cape Town - Example 22 Day Cruise aboard SH Vega
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This 22-day South Atlantic Semi-Circumnavigation expedition cruise aboard SH Vega departs from Ushuaia, Argentina, and sails south to the icy wilderness of the South Shetland Islands. Along the way, see spectacular glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales. The cruise then continues to Antarctica, to explore the continent's unique landscape and wildlife. Visit South Georgia, home to the world's largest macaroni penguin population. From South Georgia, sail to Gough Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then to the volcanic islands of Tristan da Cunha. The cruise concludes in Cape Town, South Africa. The cruise is led by experienced expedition leaders who will help travelers make the most of their time in these amazing destinations.
Highlights
  • Explore the icy wilderness of the South Shetland Islands
  • Discover the unique landscape and wildlife of Antarctica
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gough Island, known for its natural beauty
  • Sail to the volcanic islands of Tristan da Cunha, a remote and captivating destination
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires, relax, and spend the overnight time preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

In the morning, join the group and transfer to the airport. Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and hop on the group transfer to the port. Afterward, embark on SH Vega for your Polar adventure.

Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range in Argentina's Patagonia region, Ushuaia’s colorful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. Often described as 'the End of the World', the city carries a good reputation - the moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help.

Day 3-4: At Sea

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym, or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.

Day 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs, and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

Day 8-9: At Sea

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind, and do whatever you fancy. So whether going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Day 10-12: South Georgia

Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) rests in peace.

Day 13-16: At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to the library stocked with reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the onboard lectures or perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Day 17: Tristan da Cunha

Seabirds outnumber humans in this remote British outpost in the middle of the southern Atlantic. Millions of species like the rare yellow-nosed albatross, skuas, terns, and petrels, including the endangered Tristan albatross, inhabit the bluffs. Northern rockhopper penguins breed on the beaches, while upwellings attract whales and dolphins. Fur seals are also hauled out on the island, teeming with avian life.

Included Excursion
Zodiac cruise with Swan Hellenic expedition team: Enjoy a Zodiac cruise and try to spot the marine life Northern Rockhopper Penguins, Tristan Albatross, and Sea Lions

Day 18-21: At Sea

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Day 22: Cape Town | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city between mountains and the ocean, with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping, and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to the distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Nearby Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture.

​On this day, make your farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Head on to the airport via the group transfer provided and then catch the flight to Buenos Aires.

Ship/Hotel

SH Vega

SH Vega
SH Vega Club Lounge
SH Vega Club Lounge

Buenos Aires - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony
Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
SH Vega SuitePremium suitePremium Suite
Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Vega Suite PremiumSH Vega Suite PremiumPremium suitePremium Suite
Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Included
  • 21 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners
  • 21 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Self-service laundry 
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
  • 24-hour room service
  • Regional flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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