Spirit of Antarctica
Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the coveted white continent. Sail across the famed Drake Passage, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea. With a chance to Zodiac cruise through pack ice, set foot on the continent, choose from a range of adventure options and even perhaps camp under pastel polar skies (select departures), this is the quintessential Antarctic voyage for adventure-lovers.
Highlights
• Hone your ice and wildlife photography skills
• Search for orcas and minke whales in the icy bays
• Observe busy penguin colonies building their nests, and perhaps catch a glimpse of penguin chicks as they
hatch
• Take the polar plunge and join an exclusive club!
Day 1 | Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina |
Day 2 | Embark the Sylvia Earle in Ushuaia |
Day 3 | Drake Passage crossing |
Day 4 | Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands |
Days 5 to 9 | Antarctic Peninsula |
Days 10 & 11 | Drake Passage crossing |
Day 12 | Disembark Ushuaia |
Tour Dates
Day 1 — Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative and transferred the hotel (preferred flights only).
Day 2 — Ushuaia and Embarkation
Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego is located at the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains giving you a unique landscape in Argentina, which is the combination of mountains, sea, glaciers and forests.
On this half day introductory tour, you will visit “La Mision” neighborhood, the old Government House, and the upper area of the city, which offers beautiful panoramic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. During the excursion you will see the antique houses that belonged to the first families settled in Ushuaia. The excursion ends with a visit to the Old Prison Museum before transferring to the pier for embarkation.
As the ship pulls away from port, we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
Day 3 — Drake Passage Crossing
As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team starts our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.
Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following in our wake. They rise and fall skillfully, using air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
Day 4 — Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands
Nearing the tip of the South Shetland Islands on day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on the bridge watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Days 5 to 9 — Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Join Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favorite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the opportunity to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales traveling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendor. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea, and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Days 10 & 11 — Drake Passage Crossing
Today, our landings come to an end as we enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life.
As we approach the tip of South America, our captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Day 12 — Disembark Ushuaia
During the early morning, we sail along the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia. Farewell your expedition team and fellow travelers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to either downtown Ushuaia or to the airport is included in the cost of the voyage.
* Itinerary may be subject to change
Per Person USD Rates Antarctica 2021-22 |
Aurora Stateroom Triple
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Aurora Stateroom Twin
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Aurora Superior Stateroom
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Balcony Stateroom C
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Balcony Stateroom B
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Balcony Stateroom A
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Superior Balcony Stateroom
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Junior Suite
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Captain's Suite
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Kayak, Snorkeling, Snowshoe Ushuaia - Falklands Antarctica - Ushuaia | $22,595Full | $25,095Full | $26,195 | $26,795Full | $27,495 | $28,195 | $33,995 | $41,095 | $48,195 |
Camp, Kayak, Snowshoe Ushuaia - Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $16,995 | $18,795 | $19,895 | $20,495$18,446 | $20,895$18,806 | $21,495$19,346 | $26,095 | $31,395 | $36,695 |
Camp, Kayak, Snowshoe Ushuaia - Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $12,295 | $13,595Full | $14,395 | $14,795$13,316 | $15,195$13,676 | $15,595$14,036 | $18,895 | $22,695 | $26,495 |
Kayak, Snorkeling, Snowshoe Ushuaia - Falklands Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $28,695 | $31,795 | $33,695 | $34,695$31,226 | $35,395$31,856 | $36,395$32,756 | $44,195 | $53,395 | $62,395Full |
Kayak, Snorkeling, Snowshoe Ushuaia - Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $13,395 | $14,795 | $15,695Full | $16,095$14,486 | $16,495$14,846 | $16,895$15,206 | $20,495 | $24,695 | $28,795 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Ushuaia - Antarctica ✈ Punta Arenas Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $12,495 | $13,595 | $14,395 | $14,695$13,226 | $14,995$13,496 | $15,395$13,856 | $18,295 | $21,695 | $25,095 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Punta Arenas ✈ Antarctica ✈ Punta Arenas | $14,495 | $15,895 | $16,795 | $17,295 | $17,595 | $17,995 | $21,595 | $25,795 | $29,895 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Punta Arenas ✈ Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $14,495 | $15,895 | $16,795 | $17,295$15,566 | $17,595$15,836 | $17,995$16,196 | $21,595 | $25,795 | $29,895 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Ushuaia - Antarctica ✈ Punta Arenas Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $13,595 | $14,895 | $15,795 | $16,195 | $16,495$14,846 | $16,895$15,206 | $20,095 | $23,895 | $27,695 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Punta Arenas ✈ Antarctica ✈ Punta Arenas Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $14,895 | $16,195 | $16,995 | $17,395 | $17,695$15,926 | $18,095$16,286 | $21,395 | $25,295 | $29,095 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Punta Arenas ✈ Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $10,895 | $11,895 | $12,595 | $12,895 | $13,095$11,786 | $13,395 | $15,995 | $18,995 | $21,995 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Ushuaia - Falklands Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $22,795 | $25,295Full | $26,795 | $27,595 | $28,095$25,286 | $28,895$26,006 | $35,095 | $42,295 | $49,495Full |
International Airfare Not Included. Rates are per person, based on twin-share. Single occupancy cabin pricing surcharges arw an additional 50%. Twin share, with no supplement, is available in Aurora Stateroom and Balcony Stateroom categories.
Flights included for Fly/Cruise itineraries.
Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience.
Optional Activities: Kayaking $1,260 (trips < 20-days) $1,470 (trips > 20-days). Photography Free. Snowshoeing $320 (trips < 20-days) $370 (trips > 20-days). Snorkeling $640 (trips < 20-days) $740 (trips > 20-days). Camping $150. South Georgia Alpine Crossing by foot $2,220 (Nov 4th 2021).
A $15 per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or increase/decrease the amount) when you settle your account. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members.
Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance Required. All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
Captain's Suite * 480 Sq Ft / 44.5 m² including balcony Deck 4 The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. Twin or king bed • Private en-suite • Full size window • Desk area • Closet space • Private balcony • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • Separate lounge area • 42" flat-screen TV |
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Junior Suite * 450-470 Sq Ft / 42-43.5 m² including balcony Deck 7 The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony. Twin or king bed • Private en-suite • Full size window • Desk area • Closet space • Private balcony • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • 42" flat-screen TV • Separate lounge area |
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Superior Balcony Stateroom 300-405 Sq Ft / 28-37.7 m² including balcony Decks 4 and 6 With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. The Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Twin or double bed • Private en-suite • Full size window • Desk area • Closet space • Private balcony • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • 42" flat-screen TV |
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Balcony Stateroom-A, Balcony Stateroom-B, Balcony Stateroom-C 225-270 Sq Ft / 21-24.8 m² including balcony Decks 4 & 6 Our 23 Balcony Stateroom–A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions which provide easy access between decks via the internal stairs or elevator. Our 17 Balcony Stateroom–B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. Our 11 Balcony Stateroom–C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities, and comfortable for up to 2 people. Twin or double bed • Private En-suite • Floor to ceiling window • Desk area • Closet space • Private balcony • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • 42" flat-screen TV |
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Superior Stateroom 215-240 Sq Ft / 20-22.3 m² Deck 7 With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. The Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Twin or double bed (Three twin beds in Triple) • Private En-suite • Porthole window • Desk area • Closet space • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • 42" flat-screen TV |
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Aurora Stateroom — Twin & Triple (on select voyages) 170-245 Sq Ft / 16.1-22.8 m² Deck 3 There are two Aurora Stateroom Twin / Triple cabins each featuring portholes and private en-suites. They're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action. Twin or double bed (Three twin beds in Triple) • Private En-suite • Porthole window • Desk area • Closet space • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • 42" flat-screen TV |
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Suite benefits include: • One free pair of binoculars per suite • 1-hour spa treatment (per person) • Free stocked mini bar (Balcony & Junior stocked once, Captain’s replenished as needed) • Gratuities/tips for crew included to the value of $15 per person per day • 1 free bottle of champagne per suite |