Crossing the Circle - Antarctic Cruise

You can leave your worries behind about potential missed connections or flight delays when you land in the southernmost city in the world. Instead, savor an additional day to relax and indulge in the luxurious accommodations of Ushuaia’s premier hotel, the Arakur Resort & Spa. Whether you choose to unwind in the infinity pool, venture into the hiking trails encircling the resort, or explore the charms of the southernmost city on the globe, you're in for a treat.

Embark on an adventure through the attractions of Ushuaia, from its museums to the bustling Argentinean leather markets. Alternatively, you can opt to extend your relaxation at the hotel. Join us for the evening briefing at the Arakur, where you can engage with fellow travelers and seek answers to any inquiries you may have.

Enjoy your morning discovering Ushuaia's charms or luxuriate in relaxation at the resort until the mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Upon arrival, the Expedition Team and ship crew will warmly greet you and assist with settling in. Following this, we'll conduct a safety briefing and orientation, culminating in a delightful Captain's welcome dinner. The journey to Antarctica begins!

Join the team of Polar Experts as they share their deep knowledge of Antarctica, covering everything from its fascinating wildlife to its storied past. Take part in the groundbreaking Citizen Science project, or unwind and savor this iconic journey while catching sight of rarely observed wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to spot the many seabirds that flock alongside the vessel as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into the frigid waters of Antarctica.

Through centuries of volcanic activity, the South Shetland Islands have forged a geological landscape that stands apart. Here, you'll witness a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, and a diverse array of wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. It's not unusual to find yourself sharing the shoreline with Elephant and Fur seals, while whales are frequently sighted in the surrounding waters. Thus, we'll embark on the Zodiacs and kayaks, dedicating much of the day to exploration. Whether on land or sea, in a Zodiac or kayak, brace yourself for an immersive introduction to this extraordinary corner of the globe.

As we journey southward across the Bransfield Strait, the awe-inspiring silhouette of the Antarctic Peninsula gradually comes into view. Encounters with wildlife, including penguins, whales, and fur seals, become increasingly frequent, accompanied by the sight of magnificent ice formations. If Antarctica's ever-changing weather and ice conditions allow, you may have the privilege of crossing the Antarctic Circle, where the sun shines for up to 20 hours a day. In a tradition reminiscent of sailors crossing the equator, we'll mark this momentous occasion with a celebration that's best experienced firsthand. Afterwards, we'll continue the expedition, visiting historic and seldom-explored British Survey bases before retracing the route northward.

As we journey northward, we'll thoroughly explore the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula, venturing into numerous breathtaking bays and renowned harbors. Navigating through striking channels, we'll traverse the wildlife-abundant waters, encountering a diverse array of vibrant penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the surrounding sea. The itinerary includes visits to several active scientific bases and historic landing sites, ensuring that we maximize the exploration of this enchanting destination.

Departing from this enchanting locale, we embark on the journey northward, crossing once more through the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. Before bidding farewell to the expedition, we gather for a final celebration, marked by a special slideshow and a concluding meal shared together.

As the morning arrives, we step off the ship with wide smiles on the tired yet fulfilled faces. You have the option to either catch a flight to Buenos Aires or remain in Ushuaia to explore further sights and embark on additional adventures.