_1548756892_1576854180.jpg "A mysterious continent of ice")
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Experiences you'll have
You will travel to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica on a comfortable ship "Sea Spirit". During daily boat trips on "Zodiacs", you will go ashore and explore the most beautiful and amazing places of this remote region.
Do you want to celebrate the New Year on the way to the southernmost continent? Choose our cruises to Antarctica, starting on December 27, 2020 and December 29, 2021.
The famous Russian traveler Fyodor Konyukhov will be a headliner of the New Year cruise to Antarctica in 2021. We advise you not to delay the booking if you want to join it.
Highlights of the cruise:
Antarctic experts will join you in this expedition. You will also be able to communicate with the captain — the captain's bridge of "Sea Spirit" expedition ship is open to passengers.
The cost of the cruise depends on the date of the trip and the selected cabin type. Until October 31, 2020 discounts of up to 15% are available for cruises in 2021 and 2022. Look for details in the Accommodation section.
Itinerary
The starting point of the expedition is Ushuaia, where you should travel by your own. Here is the general plan of the expedition, the itinerary may vary depending on the weather and ice conditions.
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
You will arrive to Ushuaia — the world’s southernmost city. It is located on the coast of the Beagle Strait, just 900 km from Antarctica peninsula.
Upon your arrival at the airport you will be transferred to Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa Hotel. Here you can relax in the Spa and swim in the outdoor pool, which overlooks the city and the bay.
Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia
In the afternoon you will be transferred to the pier. Here, you will embark the "Sea Spirit" expedition ship.
The scenery as you sail through the Beagle Channel on your first evening is wonderful and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.
Day 3-4 Across the Drake Passage
During the passage through the Drake Strait, you will be able to meet the members of the expedition and explore the ship. We usually arrive to Antarctica in the middle of the fourth day.
Expedition leaders region will lecture you and show presentations. And on the open decks you can already watch the albatrosses and, if you are lucky, whales.
Day 5-9 The Antarctic Peninsula
Upon reaching Antarctic Peninsula we take advantage of long daylight hours to exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and excursions via Zodiac. If the weather is good, you will make two landings a day. Each of them lasts for 2-3 hours. In addition to landings, you will approach by boat to glaciers and icebergs. Watch sea leopards and seals, resting on the ice floes and, if you are lucky, see whales.
In the Bay of Neko you can often see and hear how huge ice blocks break off from the shelf Antarctica glaciers, so icebergs are born. In the Pleno Gulf you will approach closely to the huge icebergs. On the boats you will pass through a maze of icebergs, see arches, windows and caves formed directly in the ice blocks. Learn why icebergs come in different shades of blue.
In Paradise Bay you will climb to the top of the hill, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, glaciers and icebergs.
You will meet with penguins almost everywhere at the islands. According to the rules, they can not be approached at a distance of less than 5 meters. However, curious penguins often follow the guests of Antarctica, trying to look into yout bag left on the shore.
The most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet are waiting for you in the Lemaire Strait, also known as “Kodak Gap”.The Strait is so photogenic that, not less than 600 km of film used to be spent here by photographs every year.
In the Gerlache Strait whales will swim near your boat, and on the ice you will see sea leopards.
What about a polar swimming? Due to volcanic activity on Deception island, the water on the coast is heated and then mixed with cold areas of water. We do not promise that it will be warm, but it will definitely be fun!
Day 10-11 Back across the Drake Passage
After amazing time in Antarctica we will cross back north through the bountiful waters of the Drake Passage.
Presentations and workshops by the expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. This is also the time for our End of Voyage ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.
Day 12 Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast you will say farewell in the city of Ushuaia. There is a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here.
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Accommodation during the trip
You will travel on the expedition ship of ice class "Sea Spirit". Being small and maneuverable, it allows you to explore the most remote regions in the most comfortable conditions. Theer are a restaurant, bar, open bistro, club lounge, library, presentation room, fitness center, reception on board. The captain's bridge is also open to the public.
Unlike large cruise liners, during the expedition on the "Sea Spirit" you will not feel like you are in a big city with a lot of strangers. This vessel accommodates only 114 passengers, which allows for a personalized approach and excellent service. In addition, the fewer passengers on the ship, the more rich and varied the program will be.
The cost depends on the on a date of a cruise and type of cabin:
Rates for February 15-26, 2020:
Rates for November 29, 2020 — December 9, 2020 (cruise for 11 days):
Rates for December 18-28, 2020 (cruise for 11 days):
New Year cruise on December, 27, 2020 — January, 7, 2021:
Rates for February, 17-28, 2021:
Rates for November, 10-20, 2021, December 20-30, 2021 (cruise for 11 days). Until October 31, 2020 discounts of up to 15% are available:
New Year cruise on December 29, 2021 — January, 9, 2022. Until October 31, 2020 discounts of up to 15% are available:
Rates for February, 8-19, 2022, February, 18 — March, 1, 2022. Until October 31, 2020 discounts of up to 15% are available:
Types of cabins:
Triple cabin
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, this stateroom has two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Standard cabin
Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, these cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Classic Suite
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Superior Suite
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
Premium Suite
Averaging 30 square metres, this cabin has two single or one double bed, wardrobe/closet, bathroom, safe, fridge, satellite telephone, TV, individual climate control and a balcony separated from the living area by a sliding glass door.
Owner's Suite
The cabin area is 43 square metres. It has a separate sleeping area: double bed and convertible sofa; living room area; wardrobe/closet, bathroom with Jacuzzi, safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone, HD plasma TV, Bose stereo system, individual climate control, as well as a terrace on the deck separated from the living area by sliding glass door.
Common questions
There are no specific physical requirements for travel in polar regions. However, the purchased expedition cruise is a cruise to the remote region of the world on a ship which, at times, may be in rough seas. Please also note that there is no specialized medical assistance available in these regions. Passengers with certain medical/health issues may not be appropriate for this type of expedition and are advised to exercise appropriate caution. Our medical information form lists a number of these conditions.
Children aged from 6 to 11 years old can participate in the cruise. The cost of the cruise for children of such age will be 3000 USD per person (accommodation in a double cabin on an additional place).
All voyages are conducted in English and German. For groups of passengers speaking other languages, Operator recruits multi-lingual staff members, who assist the passengers during briefings and lectures. Staff varies from voyage to voyage; please check when booking.
Passengers are not permitted to bring or have onboard any pets or animals, firearms, flammable or hazardous items, controlled or prohibited substances or drugs, contraband or items prohibited by any country or port to be visited.
1. Antarctica camping:
The cost: 285 USD per person
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to expand your experience on the White Continent, then Antarctica Camping may be the perfect choice for you. This optional activity is your unique opportunity to meet Antarctica on its own terms by spending a night out on the snow and ice!
2. Kayaking:
The cost: 795 USD per person
The protected and picturesque waters of the Antarctic Peninsula offer the best sea kayaking opportunities in Antarctica. You will have the opportunity to paddle through tranquil waters filled with glittering icebergs and proposing penguins while surrounded by magnificent glaciers and mountains.
All these additional options require an advance booking.
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
shipboard accommodation (10 nights)
1 pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia (with breakfast)
group transfer from the airport to the hotel on a day prior to departure, group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation and group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation
all meals on board throughout the voyage, tea and coffee station 24 hours daily, Welcome and Farewell cocktails
all scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)
leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader and Expedition Team
pre-departure materials, digital Voyage Log
branded parka, rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
all port fees
medical insurance including evacuation and repatriation (minimum coverage not less than 150 000 USD)
personal expenses onboard: bar, laundry and communication (telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service)
tips to stewards and other service personnel on the ship (optional)
sea kayaking (+795 USD pp, requires an advance booking)
camping (+285 USD pp, 1 night, requires an advance booking)
visa and passport fees (if applicable)
shipboard accommodation (10 nights)
1 pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia (with breakfast)
group transfer from the airport to the hotel on a day prior to departure, group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation and group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation
all meals on board throughout the voyage, tea and coffee station 24 hours daily, Welcome and Farewell cocktails
all scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)
leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader and Expedition Team
pre-departure materials, digital Voyage Log
branded parka, rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
all port fees
medical insurance including evacuation and repatriation (minimum coverage not less than 150 000 USD)
personal expenses onboard: bar, laundry and communication (telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service)
tips to stewards and other service personnel on the ship (optional)
sea kayaking (+795 USD pp, requires an advance booking)
camping (+285 USD pp, 1 night, requires an advance booking)
visa and passport fees (if applicable)
Testimonials
A mysterious continent of ice
I have been dreaming about traveling to Antarctica for more than 10 years. It was necessary for many conditions to come together: an inter-work break comes in the winter (summer in the Shouthern Hemisphere), someone would be able to look after my old parents,availability on board on the expedition. Everything coincided in February 2019, - and the dream came true !!! The impression of the expedition is fantastic. Everything was for 5 stars - absolutely everything: hotels in Argentina, service on board of Sea Spirit vessel, team qualifications (and this is the main condition!), - zoologists, historians, iceberg specialists, - all of the highest qualifications and the highest level of friendliness! This is the most unforgettable journey of my life, and I have already visited more than hundred countries. The next tour is probably to the Moon. Better to the Mars, maybe ... If you arn't ready being going to Antarctica yet, then we're coming to you right now! ;)