Crossing the Circle
14 Days / 12 Nights On Board
Ushuaia to Ushuaia
A Quest To Go Where Few Have Gone Before
The ultimate explorer’s journey. We chart a course through the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of being among the few to cross the Antarctic Circle. The farther south we go, the more dramatic sea ice we are likely to encounter, along with incredible wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we’ll join the small band of Antarctic explorers that can claim they have made it this far south. Celebration ensues!
Activities: Camping, Kayaking, Photography, Citizen Science
Expedition Dates
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
- Day 2: Embarkation
- Day 3-4: Drake Passage
- Day 5: South Shetland Islands
- Day 6-8: Antarctic Circle
- Day 9-11: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 12-13: Drake Passage
- Day 14: Disembarkation
Day 1: Arrive and Explore in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport, we'll transfer you to one of our partnered premium hotel resorts nestled in the breathtaking Patagonian nature, where you can take some time to unwind or go explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.
Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2: All Aboard!
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Days 3–4: Drake Passage
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.
Day 5: South Shetland Islands
Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as well. So, we’ll settle into our Zodiacs and kayaks and spend most of our day exploring. Whether on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.
Days 6–8: Antarctic Circle
Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife sightings, including penguins, whales, and fur seals, become more frequent, as do dramatic ice sculptures. Should Antarctica’s unpredictable weather and ice permit, you will be among the lucky few to cross the Antarctic Circle, where the sun remains in the sky for 20 hours a day. Following a tradition first established by sailors crossing the equator, we’ll celebrate the occasion by… (Sorry, you just have to be there), before heading onward toward any number of historic and rarely visited British Survey bases, after which we turn back north.
Days 9–11: Antarctic Peninsula
Heading north into warmer climes, we’ll see less sea ice and more open channels, offering access to islands where we can anticipate any number of wildlife sightings, which could include a variety of seal species, as well as penguin rookeries where the locals will be taking advantage of the rocky shore to build their nesting sites. You can anticipate more whale sightings, as well, as Humpbacks feast on the plentiful krill in these warmer waters. As always, we will seek out opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites along the way, as we leave no opportunity unseized-upon in our quest to explore the very best of this magical place.
Days 12–13: Drake Passage
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 14: Ushuaia Disembarkation
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Visiting a Penguin Colony
Activities
Sign up at time of booking - 20% non-refundable deposit required.
Sign up on board. Available to all guests on all voyages.
Important Details
Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4). A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.
Traveling With a Group?
Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.
Rates vary by cabin.
A Boutique Vessel, with an Expedition Soul
Refined to deliver a superior level of personalized service and contemporary luxury, yet agile enough to access remote coastlines and wildlife encounters that larger vessels cannot reach, Discoverer was built for the challenges and opportunities that only the polar regions can offer. Carrying just 140 guests, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and capability. And with an 1A rating and full Polar Code compliance, this ship will take you places lesser ships simply can't go. Discoverer features outside-facing staterooms across all categories (many with balconies or Juliet balconies), a wrap-around outer deck on Deck 6 perfect for wildlife viewing and photography, and al fresco dining at the Outdoor Grill when conditions allow.
All Voyages Include:
- Certified Medical Clinic with onboard medical staff
- World-class international cuisine in the ship's restaurant
- Expedition lecture program with expert team presentations
- Fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising
- Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
- Complimentary in-cabin refreshments (soft drinks, juice, and sparkling water)
Ship Facilities:
- Elevator serving passenger decks
- Fitness Center with modern equipment and ocean views
- Wellness Center with sauna, steam room, and treatment room
- Observation Lounge with panoramic windows
- Lecture Theater
- Boutique and Library
- Outdoor Jacuzzis
- Expedition Office and Mudroom
All Staterooms Feature:
- Exterior views (balcony, Juliet balcony, picture window, or porthole depending on category)
- Sitting area with writing desk
- Mini bar and refrigerator
- Flat-screen TV with Interactive Media Library
- Direct dial telephone
- Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Luxury bath amenities and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- 110/220V AC power outlets
