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
Voyage Dates
Ship | Arrive | Board | Disembark |
---|---|---|---|
MS Seaventure | Feb 4, 2026 | Feb 5, 2026 | Feb 17, 2026 |
Ocean Albatros | Dec 22, 2026 | Dec 23, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 |
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
Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can't be accommodated at the Arakur, you'll unwind at another of Ushuaia's top luxury hotels.)
Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Ship | Starting From | |
---|---|---|
Feb 4, 2026 Early Booking Discount Book Now! | Seaventure | $15,555 |
Dec 22, 2026 Early Booking Discount Book Now! | Ocean Albatros | $16,135 $15,330 |
Activities
Sign up at time of booking - 20% non-refundable deposit required. Please see Rates & Dates for pricing.
*Camping is not available on all departures.
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.
Two Purpose-Built Ships. One Purpose.
Our two ships, MS Seaventure and Ocean Albatros, might appear to be quite different. And there are, indeed, obvious physical differences. But more importantly for us (and we hope for you) are the things they have in common, starting with a strong emphasis on delivering a deeper, more unforgettable Antarctic engagement. Both ships boast the highest ice rating for any passenger ship, delivering a smoother, more comfortable voyage, even through the notorious Drake Passage, while enabling greater access to Antarctica’s more elusive corners – and secrets. Both ships provide a range of onboard pampering experiences; but perhaps more importantly, they are both designed to facilitate a remarkably seamless transition from onboard casual luxury, to off-ship exploration and discovery. And finally, both place the highest premium on sustainable practices and leaving a minimal carbon footprint in their wake.
All Voyages Include
- One Hotel Night
- Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
- World Class Cuisine and Live Entertainment
- Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
- Beer and wine included with dinner
- Professional Photography Coach
- Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
- Expedition jacket on loan; custom down jacket to keep
Ship Facilities
Seaventure
- Two Elevators serving all passenger decks
- Fitness Center and Sauna
- Citizen Science Laboratory
- 360 viewing deck
Albatros:
- Two Jacuzzis with panoramic views
- Fitness center, spa
- Fine cuisine in two restaurants
- Multiple observation decks