Antarctica Cruise: Crossing the Circle

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Antarctica: massive, majestic, mysterious. Only the brave dare to journey to this continent isolated from the rest of the world by imposingly icy waters. If you have a sense of adventure, a thirst for the unknown, and a passion for nature, this 15-day Antarctica cruise into the strikingly beautiful Antarctic Circle is for you.

Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, you’ll cruise across the famous Drake Passage toward the Antarctic Peninsula. In this relatively unexplored and unknown tip of the world—where harsh conditions prevent any permanent human settlement—several animal species thrive. Either on a land excursion or from the comfort of your modern cruise ship, you’re likely to spot large colonies of penguins, seal, and sea lions, or maybe one of the several types of whales that also call this stunningly severe, yet beautiful, region home. 

Day 1 : Arrival to Ushuaia
Day 2 : Tierra del Fuego Tour & Cruise Launch
Day 3 - 5: Cruise the Drake Passage & Visit to South Shetland Island
Day 6 - 8: Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 9 - 11: Cross the Antarctic Circle & Explore Antarctica
Day 12 - 14: Antarctica picture, Argentina travel, Argentina For Less
Day 15 : Disembark in Ushuaia

Contact our team of professionals with any questions you may have to write us at travel@argentinaforless.com

Day 1 : Arrival to Ushuaia

• Welcome to the bottom of the world! Ushuaia in Argentina is the southernmost city in the world, but tomorrow you’ll head even further south on this once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.
• One of our representatives will meet you at the airport and take you to your confirmed Ushuaia hotel. You can relax at your hotel or, depending on your arrival time, explore the town on your own

Day 2 : Tierra del Fuego Tour & Cruise Launch

• Today you’ll explore the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park on a professionally guided Ushuaia tour. The park is a mix of forests, glaciers, and mountains, providing an interesting contrast to the watery wonders you’ll see later in the day.
• After the tour you’ll be treated to a traditional Argentine barbeque, locally called an asado. Fill up on the tasty meats for which Argentina is so famous.
• In the afternoon you’ll be taken to the cruise ship to begin your Antarctica cruise. After an introduction to the crew and settling in your comfortable cabin, you’ll head out to sea, sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Day 3 - 5: Cruise the Drake Passage & Visit to South Shetland Island

• Your cruise to Antarctica starts with a journey across the famous Drake Passage. This strip of water separates Patagonia from Antarctica and is named after the infamous 16^th century English pirate Sir Francis Drake.
• Onboard naturalists will share their expertise of the area’s geography, history, and wildlife with you as you cruise further away from Argentina. On day 4 you will likely catch your first glimpse of the South Shetland Islands, 75 miles from the main Antarctic continent.  
• All cruises have flexible itinerates to account for unexpected weather conditions, but upon arrival to the South Shetland Islands you will likely be able to debark and enjoy several unique off-board excursions. Options include exploring the beaches populated by penguins, fur seals, and elephant seals for an up-close look at wildlife; visiting a research center (the only type of human civilization in this frigid region); and enjoying the unexpected warmth of Pendulum Cove, one the calmest harbors in the region and a novelty due to its geothermal waters.

Day 6 - 8: Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula

• For the next 2 days, you’ll cruise along the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’re likely to see varied marine wildlife including penguins (Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie), seals (Weddell, crabeater, and leopard), and whales (killer, humpback, and Minke).
• Once again, cruises itinerates are flexible, but you may visit Paradise Bay and the Neko Harbor. You could also cruise through the Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, narrow passages walled by towering rock faces and imposing glaciers. This is one of the most gorgeous areas in the entire world.
• You will have multiple opportunities to disembark and explore the region on foot, though where and when depends on weather conditions. Cruise staff will announce excursions as there are decided.
• Remember that each night you’ll be able to relax in your cabin, cuddle up with a book in the library, or mingle with your fellow guests in common areas. Often ship staff will host movies or other activities.

Day 9 - 11: Cross the Antarctic Circle & Explore Antarctica

• By now you’ll have crossed latitude line 61°S into the Antarctic Circle, an imposing and isolated region that is the true bottom of the world. The entire ship will celebrate this crossing with a champagne toast.
• You’ll continue to have various opportunities to disembark and enjoy exciting on-shore Antarctica expeditions.
• Keep an eye out for tabular icebergs, the most common type of iceberg in this region, characterized by their plateau-like shape. The largest iceberg ever recorded was an Antarctic tabular iceberg— larger than Belgium. Also try to spot iceberg graveyards, which are areas in secluded bays where small icebergs have run aground.

Day 12 - 14: Antarctica picture, Argentina travel, Argentina For Less

• After almost two weeks at sea you’ll start heading north, back to Argentina and civilization.
• Be sure to spend some time up on deck to observe the impressive colors of the evening Antarctic sky, which can paint the landscape in incredible shades of rose and orange. Even during the day you may be surprised by the colors of this remote region. The green moss vibrates beside the rusty red lichens growing on rocks. Icebergs run the gamut from turquoise to purple in different light. The ocean appears inky one minute and as clear as glass the next. Opportunities for photography are extraordinary; be sure to bring a camera.

Day 15 : Disembark in Ushuaia

• Enjoy a final breakfast onboard and then watch as you approach South America, leaving the winterland wonders of Antarctica behind.
• One of our representatives will take you to the airport for your return trip. Alternatively, get your land legs back while exploring other Argentina travel destinations during an extended Argentina vacation. 

Prices vary depending on date of travel and selected cruise ship. Contact your travel advisor for more information.

Antarctica Cruise Ships | Ushuaia Hotels

Top Pick Antarctica Cruise Ships

Ocean Nova

Built to face the rough and icy waters of the Antarctic, the stylish Scandinavian-designed Ocean Nova boasts 38 comfortable cabins equipped with all modern amenities to make your cruise to the Antarctica as enjoyable as possible. It’s ice-stengthened hull allows the Ocean Nova to sail and park in some of the most remote and unattainable locations, providing ample opportunities for on shore explorations. The boat features a spacious dining area, glass-enclosed observation and presentation lounges ideal to admire the breathtaking landscapes from aboard, an exercise room and fully-stocked library.

Ocean Nova Cruise Photos »

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Clipper Adventurer

The elegant Clipper Adventurer is an adventure ship which has been operating in Antarctica since 1975, and underwent massive renovations in 1998. One of the most comfortable cruise ships sailing the Antarctic continent, this 101 meter-long boat feature 61 well appointed cabins all boastings outside views and modern amenities. Among the amazing facilities aboard are a presentation room, 2 lounge bars, a library, gift shop, exercise room and massage therapist. With twin, triple, superior, deluxe and suite cabins, the Clipper Adventurer is able to accommodate the needs and preferences of all travelers.

Clipper Adventurer Cruise Photos »

See all Antarctica Cruise Ships

Top Pick Ushuaia Hotels

Hotel Los Cauquenes 5 *

Reinamora s/n, Barrio Bahía Cauquén, Ushuaia

Located right on the shore of the Beagle Channel, only a few miles outside Ushuaia, the Los Cauquenes Hotel is a gem of luxury. You will only find five star services at this full resort and spa. The 54 rooms boast front-row views of the Beagle Channel or the Andes, and are fully equipped with TVs, telephones, safe-deposit boxes, and mini-bars. Babysitting, storage for ski equipment, complementary PCs with internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services are available. Guests will also find a health club, fitness center, drug store and gift store in this all-in-one resort. To top it off, this hotel also has a fabulous restaurant serving up international and local specialties with an impressive wine list to match.

Los Cauquenes Hotel Photos »

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Hotel Los Yamanas 4*

Los Nires 3038, Ushuaia

Located on the coast of the Beagle Channel about 2 miles from Ushuaia, Hotel Las Yamanas is steeped in the history of the Yamanas people, the ancestors of the region. All rooms are decorated in a rustic style, with elegant wrought iron bed frames, gorgeous bedspreads and absolutely breathtaking views of the channel and the snow-capped Andes. Rooms are equipped with sommiers beds, color satellite TV, internet, mini-bar, telephone, safe-deposit box, and heating. Other services include 24 hour laundry service, a reading room, a fitness center including hydro-massage and water Shiatsu, steam baths, a sauna, massage, and exercise equipment. You can also take advantage of the bi-weekly Argentine barbeques, and stroll along the footpaths comprising the extensive grounds. The restaurant serves excellent wine, Fueguino lamb, fresh salmon, and many more exquisite dishes.

Los Yamanas Hotel Photos »

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Hotel Macondo House 3*

Gobernador Paz 1410, Ushuaia

An intimate bed and breakfast, Hotel Macondo House, is located in a beautiful spot just a short walk from the center of Ushuaia. The interior is elegantly decorated with natural, earthy tones, and offers stunning views of the Ushuaia bay and mountains. The living room is complete with a cozy fireplace, and the hotel’s seven rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated with fresh white linen and wooden flooring. Guests will without doubt enjoy the home-made Argentine breakfast, served by the friendly staff.

Hotel Macondo House Photos »

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Antarctica Cruise Ships | Ushuaia Hotels

• 1 night in a Ushuaia hotel based on US standards and 14 nights on an Antarctic cruise ship
• All meal aboard cruise ship (includes one glass of house wine with on-board dinners)
• Breakfast & lunch (barbeque) on Day 2
• All transfers & entrance fees
• Educational programs on board
• All tours stated in the itinerary with expert English-speaking guides