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Antarctica Classic in Depth – 13 Day Cruise From Ushuaia

Antarctica Classic in Depth – 13 Day Cruise From Ushuaia

From NZD $17,799

Description

This 13-day expedition introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Part of the reward of arriving in Antarctica is the challenge of negotiating the Drake Passage – and the MS Expedition will bring you there safely. Encounter leopard seals lazing on ice floes and immense rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. The Expedition’s expert guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insight that really bring the nature and history of the region to life, creating the adventure of a lifetime.

Trip Name
Antarctica Classic in Depth - 13 Day Cruise From Ushuaia
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 102 metres (331 feet) Passenger Capacity: 128 Built/Refurbished: 1976/2017 With just 128 passengers and a 10:1 guest-to-expert ratio, Polar cruising with G is designed for real exploration rather than passive sightseeing. Small ship size allows for daily landings when conditions permit, getting guests off the ship and into polar landscapes more often than larger vessels can manage. Expert-led excursions are a core part of the experience, with historians, biologists, geologists, and wildlife specialists providing context and depth to every landing, glacier, and wildlife encounter. The expedition experience focuses on substance, value, and community. Zodiac excursions, expert talks, gear use, and warm, informal hospitality are included, prioritising time on land over luxury extras. The newly refurbished Expedition ship, launching for the 2025/2026 season, blends proven polar capability with upgraded cabins, ensuite bathrooms, refreshed common areas, and modernised engines. A relaxed, small-group atmosphere fosters strong connections between guests, crew, and experts, creating a shared sense of purpose and one of the most memorable aspects of the journey.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city. Arrival transfer is included. There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the MS Expedition.
Day 2 - Day 2 Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town or the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the MS Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel. Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On your first day onboard, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for your trip.
Day 3 - Days 3–4 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with a 800km (497 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the Expedition's wake. The M/S Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Day 4 - Days 5–10 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the worlds most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Our goal is to get ashore twice per day to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters. Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station and gain a new perspective on this part of world. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
Day 5 - Days 11–12 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings. Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales!
Day 6 - Day 13 Ushuaia
Disembark the Expedition after breakfast. In the morning upon completion you will disembarkation in Ushuaia. Passengers will receive a complimentary transfer to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored. For those on morning flights, a transfer will bring them directly to Ushuaia airport (USH). The rest of the passengers will be transferred to the luggage storage point and given time to explore the city. These passengers should then return to retrieve their luggage and board a second transfer to Ushuaia airport in the afternoon, depending on their flight times. Please note that the transfer times are subject to change according to flight schedules.
Day 7 - Please Note:
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-11-202623-11-2026NZD $17,799Triple
11-11-202623-11-2026NZD $20,499Lower Deck Twin
11-11-202623-11-2026NZD $21,599Main Deck Twin Porthole
11-11-202623-11-2026NZD $22,299Main Deck Twin Window
11-11-202623-11-2026NZD $24,199Superior
11-11-202623-11-2026NZD $25,799Deluxe
11-11-202623-11-2026NZD $26,699Suite
11-11-202623-11-2026NZD $27,499Owners Suite
01-12-202613-12-2026NZD $23,799Main Deck Twin Porthole
01-12-202613-12-2026NZD $24,899Main Deck Twin Window
01-12-202613-12-2026NZD $26,399Superior
01-12-202613-12-2026NZD $28,099Deluxe
01-12-202613-12-2026NZD $29,599Suite
01-12-202613-12-2026NZD $30,499Owners Suite
01-12-202613-12-2026NZD $19,299Triple
01-12-202613-12-2026NZD $22,699Lower Deck Twin

Inclusions

    • Spend six full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
    • Conquer the notorious Drake Passage
    • Learn from polar experts about the wonders of the Antarctic region
    • Come face-to-face with amazing polar wildlife
    • Marvel at immense icebergs
    • Spend time on deck spotting whales and watching soaring albatross

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