Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the gateway to your Antarctic expedition! Upon arrival, the team will warmly welcome you at the airport and arrange your transfer to a well-appointed hotel included in your itinerary.  

Take the rest of the day to explore this dynamic port city and adventure hub at your own pace. Immerse yourself in local history and wildlife at the fascinating Museo del Fin del Mundo, or venture into nature with activities suited to all interests and fitness levels—hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park or cruise the Beagle Channel for incredible wildlife encounters. In the evening, indulge in Patagonian lamb and fresh Fuegian seafood at one of Ushuaia’s excellent restaurants.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning exploring Ushuaia at your own pace. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, where you can take in stunning views of the snowcapped Martial Range—the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Browse local shops for unique souvenirs or pick up any last-minute essentials, such as cold-weather gear. Receive your own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. When it’s time for lunch, the cafés, parrillas, and gelato shops along Avenida San Martín offer plenty of delicious options to satisfy any craving.  

In the afternoon, transfer to the pier, where a warm welcome awaits aboard the luxurious expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and explore your new home for the adventure ahead. As you set sail, the excitement begins with informative briefings and introductions from your expert expedition team. After the first of many exceptional dinners on board, step onto the open decks to soak in the breathtaking scenery and golden evening light as you navigate through the Beagle Channel.

After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, turn south to begin your crossing of the Drake Passage. Watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. You also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by your lecture staff prepare you for your arrival in Antarctica. You hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of your second day at sea. 

Within the next days, continue your in-depth exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here, you can also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be your first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. Explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. You plan to pass through the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

Throughout the islands and on the mainland, you can find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. At this time, penguin eggs are starting to hatch, causing parents to rush to the sea and back to gather krill for their hungry chicks. Predatory skuas are quick to capitalize on this new food source. As sea ice continues to recede, humpback whales arrive in great numbers and begin non-stop feeding. Killer whales are also on the hunt for seals and minke whales. Groups of crabeater seals occupy the last of the ice floes while Weddell seals haul out on land. Solitary leopard seals can be spotted patrolling the coast near penguin colonies.

In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Your knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. With long daylight hours and the summer’s warmest temperatures, camping is also a great way to make the most of your time on the White Continent.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Your precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Your experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With over 21 hours of daylight per day, you seize every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

New Year's Day falls during your Antarctic Peninsula adventure. Celebrate it with special meals and holiday festivities in the various traditions of your multinational passengers. Dress in elegant attire for an evening of music, dancing and champagne. New Year’s Eve in Antarctica will be a night to remember!

It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are your constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as you enter the calm Beagle Channel, enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

After yet another delicious breakfast on board, bid a fond farewell in Ushuaia. Transfer to the airport or to the city center is provided if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!