Explorers Cruise: Antarctica and Weddel Sea
Experience the incredible wildlife, mountain scenery and gigantic icebergs aboard the Ocean Victory Antarctica Cruises
From: USD 9,690
Explorers Cruise: Antarctica and Weddel Sea
11 Days
5 Reviews
A 11-day expedition cruise
5 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Antarctic Sound
South Shetland Islands
Penguin rookeries
Wildlife in Weddell Sea
Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience
Go deeper into the wilderness
Special Photo Workshop
Your trip is 100% carbon offset
Expert guides answer all questions
Departing from Ushuaia in Argentina, you'll cross the mighty Drake Passage on our way to the South Shetland Islands, where we plan to make our first Zodiac landing and begin your exploration. The expert guides will make landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating sights that allow you to enjoy impressive views. Sailing eastward, you will explore the Antarctic Sound with its mighty icebergs and journey to the Weddell Sea in search for wildlife. On the way back, you'll follow in Ernest Shackleton footsteps as you navigate close to Elephant Island. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days!
We compensate all 3.07 tons of CO2 that this trip will cause.
Your ship: Ocean Victory
We’re delighted to welcome you to the new premium infinity vessel, Ocean Victory, whose maiden Antarctic cruise will begin in November 2021. This makes her one of the most modern small ship Antarctic exploration vessels.
Built to be a robust and capable polar explorer, she’s also designed with a touch of class. Her 93 comfortable guest cabins all feature ocean views and almost all of them feature a private ocean balcony.
Other standout features of Ocean Victory include several restaurants, a dedicated wellness area, a Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and … Read more about Ocean Victory
Amenities
Fitness Center
Bar
Mudroom
Lecture Theater
Observation Deck
Pool
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Lounge
Spa
Gift Shop
Library
Food & Drinks
Beagle Restaurant Dinner always starts with delicious hot soups, cold cuts, and crisp, fresh salads. Several choices of entrees are offered each evening, to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements; always including a meat choice, fish choice, and vegetarian choice. After dinner, freshly prepared desserts, including ship-made ice cream or cakes are a great way to end a meal and satisfy any sweet tooth. A selection of wines and beers is available to perfectly complement your visit to our restaurant. Our bar is fully equipped with a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and more, to quench your thirst and reward the explorer in you.
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Adventure Options
Adventure Options during your cruise
Day 1 • The end of the world. The beginning of everything!
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.
Day 2-3 • Cross the infamous Drake Passage on your way to the South Shetland Islands
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 • Antarctica & the South Shetland 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 • Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea & Elephant Island
A spectacular destination, the Antarctic Sound is the gateway to the Weddell Sea and is always home to many beautiful icebergs.
This 30-mile stretch of water cutting through the base of the Antarctic Peninsula offers remarkable vistas as you sail past Joinville Island.
Only visited by expedition cruises since 2005, the Sound is often nicknamed "iceberg alley" and can sometimes be blocked to cruises in years where the surrounding ice shelves calve in large numbers.
With towering, imposing icebergs and stunning glaciated mountains, the Antarctic Sound is a photographer's delight and offers some of the most breathtaking sights in the Peninsula.
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
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.
Reviews
Scott
So many once in a life-time moments. I loved the wildlife encounters. Tens of thousands of penguins on the beach. Interactions of penguins and fur seal pups. Amazing to watch a leopard seal hunt and catch a penguin. Who knew that icebergs could be so amazing and fascinating. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)
Sue
It is a very comfortable well appointed ship and thankfully very stable. I did have a problem with my cabin when after two days there was a loud, metallic banging noise which seemd to be from above and outside the porthole. I asked to be moved when it didnt get fixed and I went up from deck 3 to 4 and a very nice cabin with a window. Lucky me! The food was very good too. My only complaint was the lack of hot plates & often the 'hot' food was cold too, for breakfast/lunch up in the deck 8 restaurant. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)
Gordon
Well Antarctica was impressive with all its splendor.. it’s vastness, whiteness. And for a few of the coves we were able to get in. But South Georgia.. was the highlight with so much wildlife and the history. The museum in Grytviken and the church were also very interesting. All the penguins - thousands of them at a time was very overwhelming at times. And Malvinas was good to as we learned more about its history. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)
