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An Antarctica Cruise on board the G Expedition with Polartours

Antarctica Classic in Depth

Experience the magical South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the G Expedition

Length

13 Days

Ship category

Classic

Ship type

Mid-Sized Ship

Capacity

134 Passengers

Antarctica Classic in Depth

6 Reviews

Trip highlights

Conquer the infamous Drake Passage

Come face to face with wildlife

6 full days on the Antarctica Peninsula

Awe at immense icebergs

The Polartours experience

Experience the chill of a polar plunge

Learn from Polar experts

Your trip is 100% carbon offset

G Expedition Parka as a souvenir

Like the "Antarctica Classic" tour, this 13-day expedition introduces you to the wonders of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but adds on two additional days of exploration. Safely sail through the Drake Passage. Giggle and admire at leopard seals lazing on ice floes. Observe huge rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. The G Expedition’s expert guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insight that really bring life to the nature and history of Antarctica. This is truly the adventure of a lifetime.

CO2

We compensate all 3.07 tons of CO2 that this trip will cause.

Your ship: G Expedition

South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands

Welcome aboard the G Expedition, an intimate and comfortable setting for an extraordinary adventure cruise to the ends of the earth. Described by many as a home away from home, the G Expedition combines outstanding accommodations, expert guides, hard to resist comfort food, and a relaxed and fun atmosphere making your trip to the polar regions an unforgettable experience. The 134 maximum passenger cruise ship is built to get you closer to some of our planet’s most amazing and remote places: The Arctic and Antarctic. Make your next cruise a trip you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

With … Read more about G Expedition

Cabins

Category 3 - Twin Cabin

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Triple Share Cabin

Type:

Triple

Max. occupancy:

3

More about this cabin

Quad Share Cabin

Type:

Quadrupel

Max. occupancy:

4

More about this cabin

Suite Cabin

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Category 2 - Twin Cabin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Category 4 - Twin Cabin

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Map

Itinerary

Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.

Camping in Antarctica

1 Day

Camping in Antarctica

Please note that depending on the ship, length of your cruise, and the itinerary, this price may vary. Inquire with your Polar Specialist. Take your expedition voyage to the next level with a once-in-a-lifetime overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! This is one of the very best ways to experience Antarctica, hopefully under a sky full of stars. Camping is available on many early-season Antarctic voyages. Your ship operator will provide your gear. All you are left to do is enjoy. This is one of the most popular activities, and we recommend you book early. IMPORTANT: This activity is dependent on weather conditions and logistics.

Price on request

Sea-Kayaking-What-To-Wear-In-Antarctica

1 Day

Sea Kayaking

Embark on an exhilarating sea kayaking adventure in some of the world's most magnificent and biodiverse wilderness areas, including Antarctica and the Arctic. Take in the breathtaking scenery as you navigate through ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. In Antarctica, spend unforgettable moments with penguins, seals and whales, and keep an eye out for the occasional encounter with leopard seals or killer whales. In the Arctic, paddle through bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around huge icebergs. Led by experienced guides, you will join a small group of like-minded adventurers to explore the picturesque coastlines of these wild and remote destinations. Paddling offers an intimate and unique way to experience the beauty of these regions and make the most of your time there. Important: This activity is subject to weather conditions and logistics.

Price on request

Day 1
The end of the world. The beginning of everything.
Arrival to Ushuaia
morning in Ushuaia
morning in Ushuaia

Arrival at Ushuaia

Ushuaia is often called the "Gateway to Antarctica". Thanks to its position on the shores of the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia's harbor is equally popular with luxury cruise vessels and huge, rugged ice breakers. A vital port for the resupply of many of the Antarctic research bases, Ushuaia is also a beautiful city that really does feel like it's at the edge of the world.

From the rugged peaks that soar high about the town to the aptly named "Train and the End of the World" steam railway; from fascinating museums and cultural centers to boat trips along the Beagle Channel to get up close and personal with penguins and seals, Ushuaia is a remarkable destination in its own right, as well as a wonderful place to start or finish your Antarctic cruise.

Arrival to Ushuaia
morning in Ushuaia
morning in Ushuaia

Beagle Channel

Embark in Ushuaia

Morning in Ushuaia

Ushuaia is often called the "Gateway to Antarctica". Thanks to its position on the shores of the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia's harbor is equally popular with luxury cruise vessels and huge, rugged ice breakers. A vital port for the resupply of many of the Antarctic research bases, Ushuaia is also a beautiful city that really does feel like it's at the edge of the world.

From the rugged peaks that soar high about the town to the aptly named "Train and the End of the World" steam railway; from fascinating museums and cultural centers to boat trips along the Beagle Channel to get up close and personal with penguins and seals, Ushuaia is a remarkable destination in its own right, as well as a wonderful place to start or finish your Antarctic cruise.

Crossing the Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage
Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is the name given to the infamous stretch of open ocean between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

It usually takes 2 or 3 days to cross the Drake Passage, and this is a great time to learn from your expert Antarctic naturalist guides. Through a series of fascinating talks and lectures, you'll begin to learn more about the remarkable wildlife and awe-inspiring geology of the Antarctic continent.

Your guides are always on hand to help you identify the sea bird species that always follow the ships, as well as spotting whales and other cetaceans that can be seen en route to the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands.

South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands

Northeast beach Ardley Island

Penguin Island

Telefon Bay

Hannah Point

Point Wild

Turret Point

Barrientos Island

Whalers Bay

Baily Head on Deception Island

Sometimes overlooked as a destination by people keen to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are a must-see destination in their own right.

Often the first and last landfall on an Antarctic cruise, many people are taken aback by the stunning beauty of these islands. What better way to make contact with the Antarctic than by making your first beach landing here surrounded by gentoo penguins?

Apart from some of the most southerly species of penguin, the South Shetlands are home to a huge range of Antarctic wildlife, and they make a superb introduction to the wildlife of the whole region, including key species like elephant seals, humpback whales, and more.

With active volcanoes, the relics and remains of its history as a centre for whaling, and some of the most beautiful Antarctic mountain scenery, the South Shetland Islands are a fitting first destination for any Antarctic cruise.

South Georgia
Antarctica 21 Hebridean Sky
Antarctica Classic

Neko Harbour

Port Charcot, Booth Island

Damoy Point

Danco Island, Errera Channel

Yalour Islands

Jougla Point

Portal Point

Orne Harbour

Wordie House, Winter Island

Petermann Island

The North-West portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is the most frequently visited and is home to many of the most popular landing sites for expedition cruises.

Being the most northerly part of the whole continent, the Peninsula enjoys the mildest Antarctic condition, with temperatures in winter averaging a balmy -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F)! In the summer, things warm up to an average of just above freezing. Large areas of this part of the peninsula are therefore ice-free, and important breeding and feeding grounds for many iconic Antarctic species.

It's here that many of the historic Antarctic expeditions began, and where early military and scientific bases were first established, some of which you will be able to visit if conditions allow. These remarkable artefacts have been left as time capsules, their contents showing remarkable levels of preservation thanks to the dry and cold climate.

Antarctic Peninsula
Oceanwide Expeditions Antarctica Basecamp
Oceanwide Expeditions Antarctica Basecamp

Detaille Island

Stonington Island

Horseshoe Island

For the hardiest of adventurers only, this is the "deep south"!

The South West side of the Antarctic Peninsula is only accessible to a select few cruises, and only then subject to the conditions. Frequently impassable due to ice build-up, if you are lucky to visit you will enjoy remarkable frozen vistas and invigorating Zodiac cruises bringing you up close and personal with the wonderful ice landscapes.

If conditions are right, you may be lucky enough to cross the Antarctic Circle - and be able to describe yourself as a true Antarctic explorer.

Crossing the Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage
Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is the name given to the infamous stretch of open ocean between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

It usually takes 2 or 3 days to cross the Drake Passage, and this is a great time to learn from your expert Antarctic naturalist guides. Through a series of fascinating talks and lectures, you'll begin to learn more about the remarkable wildlife and awe-inspiring geology of the Antarctic continent.

Your guides are always on hand to help you identify the sea bird species that always follow the ships, as well as spotting whales and other cetaceans that can be seen en route to the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands.

Arrival to Ushuaia
morning in Ushuaia
morning in Ushuaia

Ushuaia is often called the "Gateway to Antarctica". Thanks to its position on the shores of the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia's harbor is equally popular with luxury cruise vessels and huge, rugged ice breakers. A vital port for the resupply of many of the Antarctic research bases, Ushuaia is also a beautiful city that really does feel like it's at the edge of the world.

From the rugged peaks that soar high about the town to the aptly named "Train and the End of the World" steam railway; from fascinating museums and cultural centers to boat trips along the Beagle Channel to get up close and personal with penguins and seals, Ushuaia is a remarkable destination in its own right, as well as a wonderful place to start or finish your Antarctic cruise.

Dates & Prices

From

Until

Info

Status

Price

11

Nov

2023

23

Nov

2023

Available

From

USD 10,271

USD 10,371

11

Nov

2023

23

Nov

2023

Available

From

USD 10,271

USD 10,371

1

Dec

2023

13

Dec

2023

Available

From

USD 8,577

USD 8,677

1

Dec

2023

13

Dec

2023

Available

From

USD 8,577

USD 8,677

11

Nov

2024

23

Nov

2024

Available

From

USD 8,366

USD 8,466

11

Nov

2024

23

Nov

2024

Available

From

USD 8,366

USD 8,466

1

Dec

2024

13

Dec

2024

Available

From

USD 8,789

USD 8,889

1

Dec

2024

13

Dec

2024

Available

From

USD 8,789

USD 8,889

Preferred date unavailable? Contact us

Info

Single Cabin Supplement

When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you.

What's included

11 nights aboard the G Expedition

1 night in a hotel in Ushuaia (on a twin share basis)

Arrival and departure transfers

Zodiac excursions with your expert expedition team

Lectures and educational programs

Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16. Expedition parka.

What's not included

Alcoholic beverages

International Flights

Local Flights

Gratuities

Some Optional Activities

Reviews

onyx007

G Expedition Antarctica and Arctic Cruises

Classic

G Expedition belongs to "G Adventures" which is a small group tour company with tours all over the world. Therefore if you are a single traveller you could choose to share a room instead of paying a single supplement. The crew is amazing and guest satisfaction is bigger than holding to a certain itinerary. I travelled with the tour called "Spirit of Shackelton" from Ushuaia to Falkland Islands (2 days), South Georgia (4 days) and Antartic Peninsula (5 days). Beforehand only this number was clear, but not where we will make landfall. And the crew made really the best afford to make the most landings as possible and we even made detours on the ship to follow a blow of a whale. Shore Excursions are all included and made with Zodiacs boats, so one should be able to enter such a boat. It's a mixture of landings and Zodiac boat cruises. (Bring at least waterproof trousers and a protection for your camera). We were provided (included in the price, to take home with you) with a water bottle, which could be filled the whole day at a water station and with a thick jacket. Also tea and coffee were available through the whole day for free. During sea days the crew gave lectures about nature, wildlife and history of the places we were visiting. And in the evening we had life music, movies and other entertainment in the Polar Bear Bar and in the Lounge. The food was amazing for such a small ship and only alcoholic beverages and fizzy drinks had to by bought, but still water was provided free to each meal. (Feedback from CruiseCritic)

jsadiving

G Expedition Antarctica and Arctic Cruises

Classic

This was the most enjoyable cruise I've ever done. Ship is spacious, cabin was bigger than many mainstream cruise ships. The staff and food is excellent. There's room for everyone to be seated at meal times so go when you want. No lineups to eat, or disembark, no line ups for anything. Staff lectures are outstanding. Here's the best part, there's no art sales, casinos, jewelry shops, staff taking unwanted photos. There is one dinning room with no upcharges to dine here or there. There's a small store that sells necessities, it's open 1 hour after lunch and dinner. They give you a nice reusable water bottle, it's in your room when you arrive, there's potable water dispensers throughout the ship. they have an open bridge policy, go up whenever you want, fascinating experience, especially when navigating tight channels. I enjoyed it so much I booked the Scotland/Norway with them in 2021. Simply the best. (Copied from Cruisecritic)

davidjez

G Expedition Antarctica and Arctic Cruises

Classic

I've traveled throughout the world but Antarctica tops the list of places I've been. My tour was with G Adventures and specifically the Antarctica Classic In-depth. I couldn't be more happy with the experience. First off, the crew were incredible. Our expedition leader was in fact featured on Blue Planet (Whale Sharks) and set the tone for the expedition. But all of the crew were fantastic and they gave talks on history, wildlife, climate and were also our zodiac leaders. I signed up for the Kayaking option which I highly recommend. There's limited spots but if you have kayaking experience it really does offer a perspective that's unique. You don't have to kayak during each operation, so a couple time I went on land as well, but you can't beat being a foot away from the water, touching icebergs, seeing penguins swim past. The organization of the daily activities was top notch. There's a daily briefing posted each morning and a recap in the lounge every evening before dinner. They kept us up to date on everything that was happening, both from a weather perspective and also some key points around the area we're travelling. I also appreciated their concern with the environment and impact on the wildlife and ensuring our footprint was as minimal as possible. It's a balance to want to see such a beautiful place but also understanding that you being there can potentially have a detrimental effect. So they're sensitivity around this was appreciated in addition to their contribution around Planeterra. The size of the ship was just right. Only 120 passengers which meant it never felt crowded, operations to land were quick and efficient, and the captain regularly opened the bridge so you could sit and enjoy things from that perspective, with binoculars provided for bird or iceberg watching. This would not be possible on the larger ships. As for the food, incredible. The cooks got a standing ovation at the end of the trip. I'm not even sure how they managed so many amazing and varied meals over the 12 days. Anyway, I think you can guess I had a great time. I highly recommend this tour company and what they stand for. (Copied from Cruisecritic)

FAQ

We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!

Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.

Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.

Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.

Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.

Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.

*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.

An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.

Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.

Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.

Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:

  • Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
  • Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
  • Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
  • Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
  • Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
  • Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.

In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.

If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.

Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.

Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Life Onboard & Seasickness

There is no doubt the Arctic and Antarctic are some of the world's most remote destinations. In order to visit with complete piece of mind, your safety MUST be taken into consideration.

A Polar expedition is one of the most singular travel experiences you could ever have. Its isolated location comes with a unique set of health-and-safety-related requirements. It is mandatory to be reasonably fit and in possession of a comprehensive travel insurance policy that’ll cover medical and evacuation expenses. We know Polar expedition cruises can be quite expensive, which is why we also strongly recommend Trip Cancellation Coverage in addition to your medical policy.

All Polar tour operators insist you purchase Travel Insurance covering emergency Medical evacuation and repatriation. This is mandatory for all Polar trips! An emergency evacuation from an Antarctic cruise expedition can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without this coverage, tour operators will refuse your boarding. While the chances of you using this are very slim to none, it is better be safe than sorry.

What should you look for when choosing travel insurance for Arctic/Antarctica expeditions?

A good, reliable insurance company should offer comprehensive Antarctica-specific insurance with a minimum 1 million USD evacuation coverage and medical fees.

Most tour operators in the Arctic require cover of $200,000 for evacuation or repatriation.

If you are an EU resident, please inquire about insurance packages from our partner by clicking here.

Global oil prices are extremely unpredictable. With that in mind, ship operators who operate in the polar regions are at liberty to implement a fuel surcharge as they see fit. In addition to the fuel pricing changes, all vessels visiting Antarctica are required to use much higher-grade and expensive fuel under the terms of the Antarctic Treaty.

While the charge itself will depend on the ship and duration of the cruise, it is possible that a surchage will be added to your final invoice. If this is the case, you will receive a formal e-mail from your travel specialist with an explanation and your new cruise total added to your final invoice.

We appreciate your understanding and are grateful for your trust and business.

Antarctica Classic in Depth

5.0

(6)

Classic

From

USD 8,366

/ person



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