
Classic Antarctica
Embark on an adventure and discover incredible wildlife sightings aboard the Ushuaia Antarctica Cruises
From: USD 6,700
A 11-day expedition cruise
8 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Witness iconic Arctic wildlife
Cross the infamous Drake Passage
Step a foot on the 7th continent
Discover Ushuaia, the worlds Southernmost town
Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience
Experience the beauty of the White Continent
MS Ushuaia is built for Antarctica
Learn from Polar experts
Your trip is 100% carbon offset
Experience a polar experience few people get in their lifetime as we set foot on the 7th continent! Discover polar wildlife as we set sail on the comfortable and spacious Ushuaia to venture south to the South Shetlands Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Observe ice formations, whales and playful seals swimming alongside the ship, polar birds flying overhead and walk among the continent's penguins. Make the most of your cruise experience with a wide range of activities available on your Zodiac.
Your ship: Ushuaia
Welcome aboard the Ushuaia, a charming expedition cruise ship built for an unforgettable adventure in the Antarctic. This intimate cruise ship comfortably accommodates 90 passengers. Originally made for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the Ushuaia is a class 1C polar vessel, constructed with expedition in mind. This cruise ship offers plenty of deck space and a unique open bridge policy, where the Ushuaia officers encourage each passenger to observe the navigational operations of the ship. During your Ushuaia Antarctic cruise, a specialist team of … Read more about Ushuaia
Amenities
Lecture Theater
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Lounge
Gift Shop
Medical Services
Library
Open Bridge Policy



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Day 1 • Your incredible Antarctic adventure starts 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. You can have a walk in the city to explore fascinating museums like "the end of the world" musem and other cultural centers. It is the perfect place to start boat trips along the Beagle Channel to get up close and personal with penguins and seals. Ushuaia is definitely a remarkable destination in its own right, as well as a wonderful place to start any kind of cruise and trip through Patagonia.
Day 2-3 • Cross the infamous 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.
Day 4-5 • Explore the South Sthetland Islands



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.
Day 6-8 • Set foot on the Antarctic Continent



The North-West portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is the most frequently visited by expedition cruises and is home to many of the most popular landing sites. The Gerlache Strait is renowned for the stunning scenery with the snow covered mountains, as if covered in icing sugar, with numerous glaciers tumbling down to the sea.
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 ice-free in the early season, being 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.
Day 9-10 • Spend the last 2 days crossing the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia



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.
Day 11 • Your unforgettable Antarctic cruise comes to an end in Ushuaia



Disembarkation is scheduled for the early morning. You will disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast where you can continue to whatever journey may lay ahead.
Reviews
Tim Duffy
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
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)
Linda- Illinois
I loved that the Ushuaia was small and intimate. The staff was great and it had a good vibe to it- definitely the right ship for us. I would recommend this ship to those who truly want an expedition, truly wanting to experience Antarctica. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)
Ken- Florida
Everything about the trip to the Peninsula aboard the MV Ushuaia was wonderful. The ship, crew, staff, and especially the expedition leaders were great. They really took care of us all and ensured that we all had the journey of a lifetime. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)
Jennifer- UK
Every single member of staff enriched my stay and it far exceeded my expectations. I can't speak highly enough of the whole trip.