Classic Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands – MV Ushuaia, Dec. 2024

Classic Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands – MV Ushuaia, Dec. 2024

Trip Summary

Dates: Dec 10, 2024 – Dec 20, 2024
Duration: 14 Days
Ship: Ushuaia
Starting at $6,370.00View Prices

About the Antarctica Classic (11 days) Itinerary

Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more! * Itineraries on our website are intended only as a guide and you should […]

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$6,370 - Standard Triple Plus
$6,820 - Standard Twin Semi-Private
$8,670 - Standard Plus Twin-Private
$10,310 - Premier Twin Private
$12,360 - Premier Single Private
$10,920 - Superior Twin Private
$11,480 - Suites

About the Antarctica Classic (11 days) Itinerary

  • Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
  • Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
  • Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!
* Itineraries on our website are intended only as a guide and you should consult our team for detailed itineraries on specific voyages.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Embarkation

Arriving at the ship in the afternoon, you will be greeted by Expedition Team and ships’ officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.


Days 2-3: Drake Passage

Among the wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south are the Albatrosses, Prions, and Petrels that frequently follow the ship. The Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the Whales and Dolphins that may also be seen in the area. The team will begin presentations with informative and entertaining lectures on the wildlife, history, and geology of Antarctica. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will also be held.


Days 4-8: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

Arrival to the White Continent, the land of extremes! The most common first reaction to the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The route will stress the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas. Guided hikes with the Expedition Team will have you trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adélie penguins are found here, along with Fur, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard Seals. Curious whales, such as Minkes and Humpbacks, are often attracted to Zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.

The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. A visit may be possible to an active scientific base such as Ukraine’s Vernadsky as well as an historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.


Days 9-10: Drake Passage

The lecture series and wildlife spotting will continue on the return trip to Ushuaia and while the team will reflect on beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future.


Day 11: Disembarkation

Morning disembarkation allows you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.


Welcome Aboard the Ushuaia


Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration), the ice-strengthened vessel Ushuaia is designed for polar travel and Antarctica expeditions. This small cruise ship was refurbished in 2014 to accommodate a maximum of 88 passengers in 44 comfortable cabins and suites. Ushuaia is very well laid out and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy. The full complement of inflatable landing craft ensures superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities on the otherwise inaccessible coastline. All cabins include a desk and ample storage space. Public areas feature a large dining room (one sitting), an observation lounge and bar, a conference room with modern multimedia equipment, a well-stocked library, a changing room and a small infirmary.

Technical Specs

  • Passenger Capacity: 88 (maximum)
  • Crew & Staff: 38
  • Length: 84.7 meters
  • Breadth: 5.48 meters
  • Gross tonnage: 2,923
  • Cruising Speed: 12 knots
  • Max Speed: 14 knots
  • Zodiacs: 7
  • Electrical outlets: 110 v
  • Ice Class: 1C
  • Shipyard: Toledo, Ohio

Cabins & Amenities

All cabins include a desk and ample storage space. Public areas feature a large dining room (one sitting), an observation lounge and bar, a conference room with modern multimedia equipment, a well-stocked library, a changing room and a small infirmary.

  • Four Decks
  • Dining Room (one open seating)
  • Observation Lounge / Lecture Room, Bar & Library
  • Panorama Deck
  • Gift Shop
  • Infirmary
  • Changing Room
  • Zodiacs

Notes

  • Dates do NOT include one day prior to departure
  • All expedition rates are per person in US dollars, based on shared occupancy.
  • Standard twins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the share price.
  • Family special for both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons: a child (under 16 years) accompanied by two adults travels free of charge in a triple Superior cabin or a triple Suite.

Book now for early bird discounts on the 2024-25 season

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