The Ushuaia is one of only a few ships operating voyages to Antarctica with fewer than 90 guests. A classic expedition ship in the true sense of the word. The small number of passengers allows for maximum time ashore, superb wildlife viewing opportunities and a very personal experience. Expedition ship Ushuaia often has very attractive prices and single travellers have the possibility to book a spot in a shared triple or twin cabin.
Originally built for the United States agency NOAA, the ice-strengthened expedition ship Ushuaia is well-appointed for voyages to Antarctica. Its’ compact and strong design makes for stable and very fuel efficient sailing. The crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation and a team of international expedition guides will share their knowledge about this unique region during presentations in the lounge. The chefs prepare excellent cuisine including many local specialties and the bar is well-stocked with carefully selected wines and spirits. (waterproofexp)
The cabins on board Ushuaia have been recently refurbished with fresh new interiors. All cabins are equipped with individual temperature controls, a desk & chair, and you will also find a hairdryer. Laundry or dry cleaning services are not available.
Suites
The Suites are the most spacious cabins on board Ushuaia. They are located on the upper deck. The suites have a double bed or twin beds, a private bathroom, a separate sitting area, a fridge and two windows.
Superior Twin
Superior Twin cabins are located on the upper deck. These spacious cabins have a private bathroom, twin beds and one or two windows.
Premier Twin
The Premier Twin cabins are centrally located on the upper deck. They have twin beds, a private bathroom and a window.
Classic Antarctica
A Classic Antarctica Expedition Cruise is the perfect way to see all the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula. Guided by an experienced polar expedition team, each day of your journey is tailored to the weather, ice conditions, and wildlife activity, ensuring the best possible Antarctic experience.
Prepare to witness some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth: towering glaciers, immense blue‑white icebergs, snow‑capped mountain ranges, and pristine coastlines alive with wildlife.
AN UNFORGETTABLE ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION
Your expedition ship follows the spectacular coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, navigating through icy channels in search of safe and beautiful landing sites. Zodiacs bring you ashore for close‑up encounters with nature and provide ocean‑level cruises.
Step ashore on remote, ice‑covered beaches and experience Antarctica in its purest form. Guided landings and zodiac excursions provide intimate wildlife viewing, expert interpretation, and unforgettable moments amid this pristine polar environment.
Even though the environment is cold and harsh, Antarctica will certainly impress you with its abundance of wildlife. Opening your curtains in the morning to see seals swimming by, having a whale leap out of the water right next to your zodiac, or being overwhelmed by the sounds and smells of a bustling penguin colony. The scenes you encounter in Antarctica will create everlasting memories.
Sample Itinerary
This itinerary is an example, we cannot guarantee any specific sightings or landings. Every expedition is different, and plans have to be changed often when you are dealing with weather and wildlife in remote locations like Antarctica. This is what makes an Antarctica expedition cruise so authentic. A flexible mindset is key, your expedition team will always work to deliver the best possible Antarctic experience.
DAY 1: DEPARTURE FROM USHUAIA
Your Expedition Cruise to Antarctica starts from Ushuaia, the southern-most town of Argentina. We advise you to arrive one day before departure, just in case your flight might be delayed.
Take some time to explore Ushuaia and it’s surroundings, and maybe head down to the port to spot your expedition ship. Boarding the ship will commence late in the afternoon. And while sailing down the beautiful Beagle Channel, you will have time to get settled in your room, attend the safety briefings and enjoy your first dinner on board. Your expedition to Antarctica has officially begun!
DAYS: 2-3 CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Once the ship exits the Beagle Channel, you find yourself on the open ocean for a 2-day crossing of the Drake Passage. Even though you will be at sea with no land in sight for two days, you don’t have to worry about it being boring. It’s always worth having a look out on deck, whales or dolphins sometimes make an appearance and you will often see albatrosses and storm petrels flying alongside the ship. The guides will commence their lecture program about the Antarctic wildlife, geology, history and geography.
Nearing the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, excitement grows with everyone on the lookout for the first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence. You are likely to find yourself surrounded by oddly-shaped icebergs and you might see some colossal ‘tabular’ icebergs that have separated from the continent’s ice shelf. Also, the chances of seeing whales increase the closer you get to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Depending on the weather and exact route of your voyage, you might approach Antarctica near the South Shetland Islands, where you might have your first landing. The ship will then likely enter Bransfield Strait either at the eastern end of King George Island or the western extremity of Livingston Island. From here on, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is yours to explore.
DAYS: 4-7 EXPLORING THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Once the ship reaches the calmer waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, the aim is to offer 1-2 outings daily. Between zodiac cruises and shore landings, guests can enjoy informative lectures on Antarctic nature, history, and wildlife, all while enjoying the warm comfort of the ship. Every voyage is unique, and specific landing sites cannot be guaranteed due to weather and ice conditions.
You might visit islands as well as landing sites on the Antarctic continent itself. Each landing is unique and we never know what we will encounter until we step ashore. Ice free patches of land are often a place to find penguin rookeries, and it’s not uncommon to encounter elephant seals on the beaches. Leopard seals, the apex predator in the region, may be spotted near penguin colonies, hunting for their next meal. If the conditions are right, you may also land on the Antarctic continent itself, a rare and unforgettable experience.
Zodiac cruises take you deeper into fjords and protected bays for wildlife watching, an exciting experience like a safari on water. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, and minke whales, as well as crabeater seals, leopard seals, and other wildlife. The cliffs provide nesting spots for seabirds like blue-eyed shags, terns, and gulls.
The ship may also navigate into stunning ice-filled channels, surrounded by towering peaks and spectacular glaciers. Spending time on deck is highly recommended for the best opportunities to spot whales and photograph the epic landscapes. Though landings and excursions are weather-dependent, each day in Antarctica promises new adventures and the chance to witness the continent’s pristine beauty up close.
DAYS: 8-10 CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE & RETURN TO USHUAIA
Every great adventure eventually comes to an end. While crossing the Drake Passage, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds guiding you home. An Expedition Cruise to Antarctica will create life lasting memories and new friendships. By the time you have to disembark in Ushuaia you’ll have countless photos and stories to share with friends and relatives.
Disembarkation usually takes place after breakfast. We recommend scheduling your flights home no earlier than the afternoon or evening.
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