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Peregrine Travel Centre

Quest for the Antarctic Circle – 14 Day Expedition from Ushuaia

Quest for the Antarctic Circle – 14 Day Expedition from Ushuaia

From NZD $21,599

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Description

A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance – welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier – a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness, and her expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. Sail the Drake Passage past the South Shetland Islands, then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prepare yourself for an adventure like no other – more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise.

Trip Name
Quest for the Antarctic Circle - 14 Day Expedition from Ushuaia
Days
14
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 the first day onboard, the Expedition Leader will give an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for the 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. Enjoy 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 5–6 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
Day 5 - Days 7–8 Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic Circle
With a close eye on weather conditions, set off southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach. 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
Day 6 - Days 9–11 Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage
Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.
Day 7 - Day 12 Drake Passage
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 8 - Day 13 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Begin your journey to your home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.
Day 9 - Day 14 Ushuaia
Disembark the G Expedition after breakfast.
Day 10 - 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
21-12-202603-01-2027NZD $24,699Triple
21-12-202603-01-2027NZD $26,699Lower Deck Twin
21-12-202603-01-2027NZD $28,399Main Deck Twin Porthole
21-12-202603-01-2027NZD $29,299Main Deck Twin Window
21-12-202603-01-2027NZD $31,299Superior
21-12-202603-01-2027NZD $33,299Deluxe
21-12-202603-01-2027NZD $34,199Suite
21-12-202603-01-2027NZD $35,199Owners Suite
08-02-202721-02-2027NZD $25,799Main Deck Twin Porthole
08-02-202721-02-2027NZD $26,899Main Deck Twin Window
08-02-202721-02-2027NZD $28,999Superior
08-02-202721-02-2027NZD $30,899Deluxe
08-02-202721-02-2027NZD $31,599Suite
08-02-202721-02-2027NZD $32,499Owners Suite
08-02-202721-02-2027NZD $22,099Triple
08-02-202721-02-2027NZD $24,299Lower Deck Twin
20-02-202705-03-2027NZD $21,599Triple
20-02-202705-03-2027NZD $23,899Lower Deck Twin
20-02-202705-03-2027NZD $25,099Main Deck Twin Porthole
20-02-202705-03-2027NZD $25,999Main Deck Twin Window
20-02-202705-03-2027NZD $28,199Superior
20-02-202705-03-2027NZD $29,899Deluxe
20-02-202705-03-2027NZD $30,499Suite
20-02-202705-03-2027NZD $31,399Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • Spend seven full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
    • Go farther south than most have ever gone
    • Spend time on deck searching for whales and watching soaring albatross
    • Get up close and personal with a variety of penguin species
    • Discover the intricacies of the Antarctic region through our on board lecture program

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