Welcome to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to your Antarctic adventure! Upon arrival at the airport, the friendly staff will warmly welcome you and escort you to a comfortable, high-quality hotel, already included in your itinerary. The rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant port city and hub of adventure at your leisure.  

For a glimpse into local history and wildlife, consider visiting the fascinating Museo del Fin del Mundo. If you have extra time, you can choose from various outdoor activities tailored to different interests and fitness levels, such as hiking through the stunning landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park or spotting wildlife in the scenic Beagle Channel. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of Ushuaia’s many restaurants, where you can savor specialties like Patagonian lamb and fresh Fuegian seafood.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, spend your morning soaking in the charm of Ushuaia. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, where you can take in stunning views of the snowcapped Martial Range and the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Use this time to shop for unique souvenirs or any last-minute essentials, such as cold-weather gear—though rest assured, soon receive your parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow once aboard the ship. For lunch, the lively Avenida San Martín offers a variety of cafés, parrillas, and gelato shops to satisfy your appetite.  

In the afternoon, transfer to the pier, where a warm welcome awaits you aboard the luxurious expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and take some time to explore the ship, your comfortable home for the journey ahead. Once underway, the adventure begins with engaging briefings and introductions from your expedition team. Following the first of many exceptional dinners on board, step out onto the open deck to soak in the breathtaking scenery and the golden evening light as you sail through the iconic Beagle Channel.

After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, you turn south to begin your crossing of the Drake Passage. You 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 the 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 few days, explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of Antarctica's most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice, reflecting 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 many 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 Antarctic Peninsula's supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals, and bustling penguin colonies. The team hopes to show you 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 chicks have started to appear in the nests. Also, at this time, a high concentration of sea ice provides opportunities for seals and penguins to congregate on ice floes, a situation that attracts killer whales. Minke whales have started to arrive, and leopard seals can be spotted patrolling the coast near penguin colonies. Photographers will appreciate the pristine appearance of undisturbed snow across the landscape this early summer.

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. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.

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 nearly 20 hours of daylight daily, you seize every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

Your Antarctic adventures will be even more memorable as Christmas Day falls during your days of exploration! Celebrate it with special meals and festivities that honor the diverse traditions of multinational passengers. Santa Claus will appear, and you can have the opportunity to take your photo with him in the snow. The team encourages you to dress in festive attire for an evening of holiday music, singing, and dancing. This will be a Christmas in Antarctica you can never forget!

It is time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are your constant companions, and whale encounters in these wild waters are always possible. 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. If you wish to spend more time here, a group transfer to the airport or the city center is provided. As you reflect on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!