Classic Antarctica

Board your expedition vessel in the afternoon and meet the crew and fellow travelers. Once you've settled into your cabin, the ship begins its journey through the scenic Beagle Channel. Enjoy your first evening at sea as the southern tip of South America fades into the distance.

Begin your Antarctic journey by crossing the Drake Passage, the open-ocean gateway to the White Continent and the meeting point of nutrient-rich waters that support diverse marine life.

During the crossing, join expert-led sessions on Antarctic history, wildlife, and geology. Spend time on deck or at the bridge scanning for albatrosses, petrels, and passing whales. Adventure briefings and navigation workshops will prepare you for activities like kayaking and snowshoeing.

By Day 3, your approach to the South Shetland Islands is marked by the first sightings of drifting icebergs and snow-covered peaks.

The core of the journey unfolds as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with each day offering a blend of landings, zodiac cruises, and optional adventure activities.

Note: On select departures, RMS St Helena offers an optional day sail aboard the Icebird Yacht at an additional cost.

Highlights Include:
Kayaking Among Icebergs: Paddle through tranquil waters, drifting past seals resting on ice floes and penguins diving in for a swim.
Snowshoeing Adventures: Strap on snowshoes to explore pristine trails and reach panoramic viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of glaciers and peaks. Penguin Colonies: Visit expansive rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins, watching their amusing behaviors as they care for their chicks or brave the frigid waters.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals lounging on ice or hunting in the water, with Minke and humpback whales often seen feeding nearby.

With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. Your expert team crafts each expedition based on conditions, weather, and opportunities for the most remarkable encounters. As passenger vessel traffic has increased in recent years, competition for landing sites has intensified—but the deep knowledge of this pristine region ensures you’ll embark on true exploratory journeys, venturing beyond the crowds.
 
Guided by an experienced crew, you’ll navigate breathtaking ice-choked channels, witness towering glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife in one of the most remote places on Earth. This is not just a cruise—it’s a genuine expedition where spontaneity and discovery define every day.

Join for an adventure where the unknown awaits, and every landing is a moment of exploration.

As the expedition heads back north, there’s an opportunity for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice conditions permitting, explore destinations like Brown Bluff, where towering cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and abundant wildlife.

Relive your adventures as you cross the Drake Passage, keeping an eye out for seabirds and whales along the way. Take part in final lectures or workshops, and enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow travelers as you reflect on the unforgettable journey.

Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembark with cherished memories of an epic Antarctic expedition and new stories to tell.

Please note: The above itinerary is a general guideline. The precise route and activities will be adjusted to optimize wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience. A daily program will be provided onboard. Flexibility is essential for a successful expedition.