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Touring the icy water of Antarctica on an expedition cruise

Antarctica & the Weddell Sea

Roundtrip Buenos Aires - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Scenic Eclipse II
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Embark on this exclusive 15-day adventure to Antarctica and the Weddell Sea, where travelers get up close and personal with the world's most extraordinary continent. Hop aboard the Scenic Eclipse II and cruise through the ice-packed Weddell Sea, where the clear waters, almost like distilled water, reveal tons of wildlife. Whales breach the surface, and elegant snow petrels glide above. When landfall is made, witness charming Adélie penguins and some laid-back seal colonies. Moreover, a glimpse of the elusive Emperor penguin is possible on an optional helicopter trip to Snow Hill Island.
A Weddell seal watches the ship cruise byUshuaiaScenic Eclipse II out to seaThousands!Glacier up ahead, the scale is really hard to read.Midnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell SeaMany penguins and ice formations in the background.Touring the icy water of Antarctica on an expedition cruise
Highlights
  • Explore land and witness Adélie penguins and laid-back seal colonies
  • Optional helicopter trip to Snow Hill Island to see the Emperor penguin
  • Cruise through the ice-packed Weddell Sea
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: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Latin passion and European romance define the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, a dynamic city known for its wide-ranging architectural styles, contemporary and historic arts, and culinary gifts. Arrive at your hotel for your one-night stay. 

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia | Embarkation

Your journey into wonder begins as you fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, known as the southernmost city in the world, where the crew will warmly greet you as you board Scenic Eclipse. Settle into your handsomely appointed suite and acquaint yourself with the luxurious facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Toast the start of your voyage at the welcome cocktail reception hosted by the Captain who will introduce your expert Discovery Leaders and their team. Set sail and cruise through the Beagle Channel and admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains of Tierra del Fuego from the comfort of your private verandah. 

Day 3: At Sea

Relax and enjoy the amazing facilities of your floating resort as you cruise toward the Antarctic Peninsula. An entertaining presentation by the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre will build up the excitement for what’s to come or choose to relax in your suite and watch the live streaming on your TV. 

Day 4: South Shetland Islands

As you reach the calmer waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, be greeted by the snow-capped mountains of the South Shetland Islands. Populated with large rookeries of gentoo and chinstrap penguins, this is the site where Ernest Shackleton and his crew survived the harsh winter of 1916. 

Discovery
Explore Elephant Island with our Discovery Team on Zodiacs, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.

Day 5-9: Discovering the Weddell Sea

The Weddell Sea is as mesmerizing as it is extreme. Wind your way through dense ice floes and magnificent tabular icebergs, enjoying the eerie stillness and grandeur. Stand on your balcony, listening for the haunting cry of the Weddell seal welcoming you to their kingdom. Known as one of the toughest mammals on the planet, they live further south than any other mammal year round. Watch out for other wildlife such as crabeater seals, Adélie penguins, numerous species of whales, and the chance of seeing an Emperor Penguin with an optional helicopter excursion to Snow Hill Island to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. This expedition has been meticulously planned to search and observe the breeding colony of Weddell Sea Emperor Penguins.
Over the next five days, the experienced team on board Scenic Eclipse will navigate through the ice, showing you this unique and inspiring region.  

Discovery
Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak and stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below. 

^Subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Day 10-12: Antarctic Peninsula

Welcome to Antarctica! Seeing the 7th continent for the first time is unlike anything you would have experienced before. Feel the fresh, crisp air on your face and hear the snow crunch under your boot when you first set foot on land. Each new encounter will fill you will awe. Witness wildlife in their natural habitat, with no fear of humans. Antarctica is truly land of peace.

Your expert Captain and crew will navigate some of the most beautiful waterways, which may include traversing the stunning 11-kilometre-long Lemaire Channel where steep cliffs hem in the iceberg-filled passage just 700 metres wide at its narrowest point. There may be the chance to visit a working scientific base and discuss life in these harsh conditions with the staff. Enjoy the chance to visit areas alive with wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales. You can also explore the remnants of a derelict whaling station and a vacant British base or climb to the rim of a volcanic crater.

Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, a host of choices are open and dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Discovery Team Leaders, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of 18–20 hours of daylight. 

Discovery
Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak and stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below. 

Day 13-14: At Sea

Delight your palate with the extensive range of dining options on board, or have a butler serve you your meal in-suite. Farewell your adventure in the icy lands and sail heading north to the continent of South America. Share memories of your experiences with new-found friends.  

Day 15: Disembarkation in Ushuaia | Fly to Buenos Aires

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends this morning as you farewell the crew. Disembark after breakfast to fly to Buenos Aires, taking away memories of a truly unforgettable experience. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 08:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. It is not guaranteed the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Eclipse II

Buenos Aires - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
D Verandah
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Deck 5, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
DA Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Deck 5, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
DB Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Deck 5, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
DD Grand Deluxe Verandah
409-430 sqft. Choose a Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite, located on Deck 5, which provides additional room to relax. Amenities include a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
C Verandah
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Deck 6, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
CA Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Deck 6, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
CD Grand Deluxe Verandah
409-430 sqft. Choose a Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite, located on Deck 6, which provides additional room to relax. Amenities include a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
GP Grand Panorama
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Decks 5, 6, 7 or 8, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
B Verandah
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Decks 5, 6, 7 or 8, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
BA Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Decks 6, 7 or 8 provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
BD Grand Deluxe Verandah
409-430 sqft. Choose a Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite, which provides additional room to relax. Amenities include a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
A Verandah
344-366 sqft. Verandah Suites, located on Decks 5, 6, 7 or 8, provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
AA Deluxe Verandah
344-366 sqft. Deluxe Verandah Suites located on Decks 6, 7 or 8 provide a spacious and comfortable introduction to ocean cruising with the finest appointments and amenities including a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
AD Grand Deluxe Verandah
409-430 sqft. Choose a Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite, which provides additional room to relax. Amenities include a luxury king-size bed, separate lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, butler service.
S Spa
495-538 sqft. Located on the higher decks, luxurious Spa Suites include a luxurious king-sized bed, spa bath, steam shower, butler service, and additional features and services that will
P Panorama
1,184sqft. Located at the front of the yacht on Deck 8 these opulent suites feature spacious curved terraces, a king-sized bed, full bath with steam shower and additional features and services.
SA Spa
495-538 sqft. Located on the higher decks, luxurious Spa Suites include a luxurious king-sized bed, spa bath, steam shower, butler service, and additional features and services
SB Spa
495-538 sqft. Located on the higher decks, luxurious Spa Suites include a luxurious king-sized bed, spa bath, steam shower, butler service, and additional features and services
OP Owner's Penthouse
2,099sqft. The oversized Owner’s Penthouse Suites are the ultimate indulgence. Located on Deck 9 and elegantly appointed with spacious curved terraces featuring a private Jacuzzi and the best views onboard, you will never want to leave.

Notes

All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Porterage
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Complimentary beverages
  • Engaging lectures and education program with on board experts
  • Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac
  • Full kayak program and stand-up paddle boarding
  • Complimentary expedition parka and water bottle, plus use of special polar boots
  • Up to 20-member specialist Polar Discovery Team
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
  • Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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