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Midnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell Sea

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Christmas & New Year)

Ushuaia Roundtrip - Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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This 14-day Antarctic expedition offers an in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula. Extended time in the region allows you to go beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and venture South of the Antarctic Circle, home to fantastic ice formations and wildlife. Enjoy time communing with penguins and visits to less-frequented landing sites.
Incredible mountains and wildlife at the end of the world.A whale comes up to say helloPenguins overlooking the bayUshuaiaMidnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell Sea
Highlights
  • Experience the White Continent & encounter an incredible variety of wildlife
  • Cross the spectacular Antarctic Circle
  • Take in the Sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
  • Enjoy regular Zodiac excursions and onshore landings
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where your representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world, and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).

The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, perhaps making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets or relaxing in a café. Visit the excellent museums along the main street, Avenida San Martin, or wander the streets and take in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you time to wander the streets of this quaint port town or discover Tierra del Fuego National Park. Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation in the late afternoon. You will be welcomed onboard the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. This evening set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America and is rich in wildlife. Keep a lookout for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels, and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.

Day 3-4: At Sea – Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
As your ship leaves the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for potentially rough seas as we enter the legendary Drake Passage. This infamous and unpredictable channel of water separates the southernmost tip of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was named after the English explorer, Sir Frances Drake. As you head southwards, there is time to get to know your shipmates and get an insight into the excitement ahead with presentations from the Expedition Team on everything Antarctic - from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife. You will notice a drop in temperature as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. At the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar waters flowing north meet the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. This mixing pushes nutrient-rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales, and other species. Look out through the panoramic observation windows or brave the elements outside on the deck as you keep your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, icebergs, and maybe even breaching whales.

Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in your wake, continue south towards Antarctica, maybe making landfall by early evening on Day 4, if conditions are favorable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement and is often embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.

Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands | Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
For the next four days, explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing icebergs, ice-strewn waters, and abundance of wildlife. The scenery, wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthrall and you will soon realize why this region has captivated the attention of explorers and travelers for centuries. Your days on the Antarctic Peninsula will form the core of your adventure. Every day will be different as you cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites. The unpredictable weather and ice condition mean that the itinerary will be flexible, but will make the most of wildlife sightings. Your aim is to explore penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas and, as well as visiting sites of historic, scientific interest and climbing to vantage points for panoramic views. There is always something new or unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing, and photography with an expert, which means that your expedition will be a unique and personal experience and unlike any other. Enjoy the antics of thousands of curious penguins as you sit on a pebbled beach, scout for whales and seals as you cruise by Zodiac, visit a research base, listen out for the mighty crack of a calving glacier and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters!

​As you cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture program continues and, sightseeing is at its most spectacular of the ship’s outer decks. Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour’s newly-designed health and fitness features, with facilities that include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool, and gym plus yoga sessions.

Day 9-10: Antarctic Circle

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
If weather conditions are favorable, continue to push south, past vast icebergs, in the hope of reaching latitude 66°33’ S to cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. This is a point that only a few intrepid travelers have reached, an impressive achievement and one worthy of a celebration! Toast yourselves and toast the first explorers who ventured this far south. The area is home to Weddell seals and beautifully sculptured ice formations and you may see humpback whales and minke whales that feed on the krill-rich waters.

Day 11: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Heading north once more, continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, keeping a close watch for wildlife and scanning the waters for whale activity. Make the most of the onboard facilities, and enjoy your final Zodiac excursions and shore landings.

Day 12-13: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula behind, head back across the Drake Passage. This is another great opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and maybe whales with the help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about your Antarctic experiences. By the evening you can hope to be back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful night's sleep on board.

Day 14: Disembark Ushuaia

  • 1 Breakfast
You are scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or maybe spend a few days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore further, maybe hiking in Tierra del Fuego National park.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Endeavour

Ocean Endeavour in Antarctic waters
Polaris Restaurant at Ocean Endeavour
Sample buffet spread of Polaris Restaurant at Ocean Endeavour

Ushuaia - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$12,438
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Ocean Endeavour - Category 1 - Single Interior
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Single Interior - Cat. 1
122 sq.ft (11 sq. m) Interior location Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobe Single bed Flatscreen TV Located on Deck 5
Ocean Endeavour - Category 2 - Interior
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Triple Interior - Cat. 2
Approximately 220 to 230 sq. ft. (20 to 21.5 sq. m) Three lower berths One or two private bathrooms with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV Interior location Located on Deck 4
Ocean Endeavour - Category 3 - Interior
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Interior Twin - Cat. 3
Approximately 120 sq.ft (11 sq. m) Two lower berths Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Interior location Flatscreen TV Located on Deck 4
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 4 - Twin Porthole
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Twin Porthole - Cat. 4
Approximately 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) Two lower berths Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV One porthole* or window (unobstructed views) *Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution Located on Deck 4 or Deck 5
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 4A - Single Porthole
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Single Porthole - Cat. 4A
Approximately 76 sq. ft. (7 sq. m) Two lower berths Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes One porthole* (unobstructed views) *Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution Flatscreen TV Located on Deck 4
Category 5 - Twin Window
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Twin Window - Cat. 5
Approximately 141 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) One or two windows (partially or fully obstructed views) Two lower berths or one double bed Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 7 and Deck 8
Ocean Endeavour - Category 5A - Single WindowOcean Endeavour - Category 5A - Single Window
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Single Window - Cat. 5A
Approximately 155 to 174 sq. ft. (14 to 16 sq. m) Two windows (partially obstructed views) Double bed Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 8
Ocean Endeavour - Category 8 - Comfort Twin
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Comfort Twin - Cat. 6
Approximately 228 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) Two single berths Separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed *Two portholes (unobstructed views) *Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution Private bathroom (some cabins have 2 bathrooms) with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 4
Ocean Endeavour - Category 7 - Select Twin
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Select Twin - Cat. 7
Approximately 214 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) Two single berths Separate living area with a pull-out sofa bed Two windows (unobstructed views) Private bathroom (some cabins have two bathrooms) with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 5
Ocean Endeavour - Category 8 - Superior Twin
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Superior - Cat. 8
Deck 5 - Approximately. 225 sq. ft. (21 sq. m), two lower berths, a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed, two large windows | Deck 7 - Approximately 165 to 200 sq. ft. (15 to 19 sq. m), one double bed, a sofa, two large windows Two single berths or one double bed Two windows (unobstructed or partially obstructed views) Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 5 or Deck 7
Ocean Endeavour - Category 9 - Junior Suite
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Junior Suite - Cat. 9
Deck 5 are at least 325 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), and at least 243 sq. ft. (22.5 sq. m) on Deck 7 Bow or port-facing picture windows (unobstructed views) Double bed Separate sitting area with sofa Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Private bathroom with shower (3 cabins), bathtub (1 cabin), hair dryer and bathrobes Located on Deck 5 or Deck 7
Ocean Endeavour - Category 10 - Owner's Suite
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Owner's Suite - Cat. 10
Approximately 305 sq. ft. (28 sq. m) Four forward-facing windows (unobstructed) Double Bed Separate sitting area with sofa Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Private bathroom with bathtub, hair dryer and bathrobes Located on Deck 7

Notes

RATES
Rates correct at date above but are subject to change & subject to availability at time of booking.

SINGLES POLICY
Single Cabins (Solo Use) are available in CAT 1, CAT 4A & CAT 5A. Willing to share (same-sex) available at no extra charge in CAT 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8, subject to availability. Single Supplement to create a Solo Use cabin is available in CAT 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 (only) at a surcharge of 1.7 x applicable Twin-share rate, subject to availability.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • For those traveling internationally with Intrepid: emergency evacuation and medical insurance are mandatory, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See here for more details

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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