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Antarctica Cruises aboard the "Ushuaia" Ship

Antarctica Cruises aboard the "Ushuaia" Ship

A charming and intimate cruise ship built for Antarctica's most unique regions

A polar cruise on board the Ushuaia

23 Reviews

Classic

What we love about the Ushuaia

All Guests Ashore Together: With just 90 passengers, everyone lands at once—more time on land, more flexibility, no waiting.

Authentic Expedition Feel: A former NOAA research vessel with an open bridge policy that invites you into the heart of the action.

Big Views, Small Ship: Expansive decks offer unbeatable wildlife and landscape viewing without the crowds.

Polartours
Ushuaia 2025 Deck
Polartours

Originally built for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the MV Ushuaia has been transformed into a well-appointed expedition ship, offering authentic Antarctic experiences without unnecessary frills. Accommodating up to 90 passengers, its smaller size allows for more intimate and flexible landings, ensuring that all guests can disembark simultaneously for shore excursions.

The ship features ample deck space, an open-bridge policy, and a welcoming atmosphere that fosters camaraderie among travelers.

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Amenities on board the Ushuaia

rubber boots

Rubber Boots

boat

Open Bridge Policy

theater

Lecture Theater

zodiac fleet

Zodiac Fleet

lounge

Observation Lounge

gift

Gift Shop

doctor's suitcase

Medical Services

library

Library

Food & Drinks on board the Ushuaia

Meals aboard the MV Ushuaia are designed to be satisfying and communal. Breakfasts typically feature a continental and American buffet, lunches are either plated or buffet-style, and dinners are plated three-course meals.

The onboard chefs prepare excellent cuisine, including local specialties, and the bar is well-stocked with carefully selected wines and spirits. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice, ensuring that all guests are well-fed and comfortable throughout their journey.

Ushuaia's take on sustainable traveling

The MV Ushuaia follows the rules of the Antarctic Treaty System and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), with a focus on safeguarding the wildlife and ecosystems of Antarctica.

Through lectures and guided trips, passengers are educated and encouraged to care about conservation. The ship also takes steps to reduce waste, such as using a desalination system to decrease the need for plastic bottles, and promoting the reuse of towels to save water and detergent.

Cabin Categories on board the Ushuaia

Standard Twin Ushuaia
Standard Twin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Premier Twin Ushuaia
Premier Twin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

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Standard Plus Twin Ushuaia
Standard Plus Twin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Superior Cabin Ushusia
Superior Twin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Image without description
Suites

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

3

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Premier Single Ushuaia
Premier Single

Type:

Single

Max. occupancy:

1

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Standard Plus Triple - Ushuaia
Standard Plus Triple

Type:

Triple

Max. occupancy:

3

More about this cabin

More info about the Ushuaia

Category
Classic
Type
Small Ship
Length
84.73
Crew members
40
Year built
1970
Gross tonnage
2,923 tons
Cruising speed
12 knots
Beam
15.41 m
Draft
5.48 m
Class
Ice Class 1C
Capacity
90

Reviews of Ushuaia

client

Klotilda J

Ushuaia Antarctica Cruises

Classic

Classic Antarctica - Trip First of all special thanks to Celia from PolarTours, she provided an A+++ support during the booking process and before the cruise. If I will book another polar trip, I will definitely come back to Celia again. I had a very good onboard experience. The food on the ship were very delicious. They asked about certain food wishes and allergies. The butler, maid, restaurant & bar staffs - everyone was very professional, helpful & friendly. All the time they were making sure the comfort & convenience of all guests. All of the landings and zodiac cruises were smooth and safe. The ship needs to invest in a better inter-ship audio/video system and in better lectures.

Paul H

Ushuaia Antarctica Cruises

Classic

Incredible experience, MV Ushuaia is probably the best ship out there as it only has 90 passengers, as 100 people is the max aloud on land at any time, all other ships have to stay in place all day, as half go on land in the morning and half go on land in the afternoon, MV Ushuaia all go on land in the morning, then the ship moves to another destination and then all go on land again in the afternoon. Staff on board are also amazing, a personal touch you wouldn't get on the bigger ships

client

Mateusz K

Ushuaia Antarctica Cruises

Classic

April 2025

The most amazing experience of my life! These 10 days on board of Ushuaia I will never forget. Everything was great, amazing staff, great food, and Antarctica itself.. stunning! We've had continental landings, Antarctic plunge, even Drake's Passage that gave us bit rough time - feels so good to conquer and own it all! Paradise for photographers too - a lot of wildlife that come so close! Don't think twice, it's sooooo worth it!

Kristi W

Ushuaia Antarctica Cruises

Classic

April 2025

Outstanding experience from the start of the booking process (thank you Bruna), to the end of the trip. The expedition was excellent and the crew were fantastic - very experienced, clearly took pride in their work, ensuring everyone was safe and having a good time. The boat and facilities were also very good. I really enjoyed all of the landings, the hikes, wildlife (so many penguins and whales) and zodiac tours but a highlight was the iceberg alley and navigating the Lemaire Channel and Deception Island. The only negative was that due to it being the last trip of the season, the bar ran out of some drinks quite early on in the trip. However the good thing about the end of season was we were the last boat back to Ushuaia and it was a relaxed disembarkment. We were also very lucky with the weather and none of the planned route and landings were changed due to this. I would highly recommend this tour, great value for money and as it was a smaller boat, we got to go to places other larger vessels could not.

Tim Duffy

Ushuaia Antarctica Cruises

Classic

Antarctica was great, the team on the boat were excellent, helpful and resourceful. All very accommodating setting up and throughout the journey. (copied from Swoop Antarctica)

Barbara- California

Ushuaia Antarctica Cruises

Classic

We were so pleasantly surprised by this cruise. None of us knew what to expect...but we were blown away! We had a triple cabin and it did not have bunk beds which made us soooooo happy. We also had a private bathroom and space so we were really pleased with the room. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)

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