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Antarctica Springs to Life (Ocean Victory)
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Witness Antarctica’s spectacular reawakening from winter
Join this 10-day expedition that takes you across the infamous Drake Passage and through the South Shetland Islands on the Antarctic Peninsula. Watch as penguins meet their mates, build nests and tend to their eggs, set against a backdrop of glaciers at their most imposing after the winter. Watch seabirds soaring and whales breaching, learn about these unique ecosystems from an expert Expedition Team, and contribute to Citizen Science projects focused on understanding local wildlife and ecology. Venture out on Zodiac cruises and take excursions to active scientific research bases. Then, toast to your adventure over dinner with the captain on board and mingle with like-minded adventurers.
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Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
End: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Duration
- 10 days
- Group size
- 1 to 180
- Minimum age
- 8 years old
- Style
- Comfort
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Polar, Wildlife
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
From
CAD $12,640
Where you’ll stay
Ocean Victory
Expedition • 184 passengers
Purpose-built for polar exploration, the Ocean Victory takes you across icy oceans like never before. This next-generation ship features a signature X-Bow design, adding stability and safety during the voyage, while onboard comforts provide a high-end experience. Its superior Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 capabilities allow for deeper exploration across the remote polar regions. Throughout the expedition, enjoy the amenities of a wellness centre, complete with a spa and gym, two Jacuzzis with panoramic views, plus a selection of cabins, most offering private balconies.
Ocean Victory
Expedition • 184 passengers
Purpose-built for polar exploration, the Ocean Victory takes you across icy oceans like never before. This next-generation ship features a signature X-Bow design, adding stability and safety during the voyage, while onboard comforts provide a high-end experience. Its superior Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 capabilities allow for deeper exploration across the remote polar regions. Throughout the expedition, enjoy the amenities of a wellness centre, complete with a spa and gym, two Jacuzzis with panoramic views, plus a selection of cabins, most offering private balconies.
Why you'll love this trip
- Witness the wildlife and epic landscapes of Antarctica in just 10 days – cross the iconic Drake Passage and visit the South Shetland Islands where ruins of historic scientific research bases and expedition huts still stand.
- Watch as the unspoiled White Continent wakes from its long winter nap. See whales, seals and seabirds like petrels and albatross, as they bring glacial landscapes to life.
- See penguins choosing mates, building nests and tending to their eggs – creating memories that will last a lifetime.
- Feel the vastness and emptiness of Antarctica – with fewer ships in the water so early in the season, you’ll feel like you’re one of the last people on earth, on the edge of the world!
- Behold the spectacular colours of an Antarctic sunset from your ship, the Ocean Victory. Have your camera ready for the best shots of landscapes, sunsets and wildlife – there’s a fun photography competition with your fellow travellers at the end of the trip.
Itinerary
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica! When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for the night. Spend some time unwinding at the hotel, then have a welcome meeting this evening to meet your fellow adventurers. If you arrive early, why not get out and about in Ushuaia – maybe snack on some local Argentinian specialties or track down the perfect keepsake.
Accommodation
- Comfortable Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
This morning, you might like to visit a local museum like the Maritime Museum, do some souvenir shopping in town or simply relax at the hotel before you board your ship – the Ocean Victory. When you’re on board, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be by your side for your whole voyage, then you’ll have a safety and orientation briefing. Tonight, join your fellow travellers and the captain for a welcome dinner on board. And so your adventure begins!
Accommodation
- Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
These two days will see you crossing the famed Drake Passage. This sea crossing connects the southernmost point of South America with the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. As you sail, you’ll learn about the history, ecology and wildlife surrounding you from your knowledgeable Expedition Team. Take part in onboard activities including the Citizen Science program, where you’ll contribute to research into Antarctica’s ecosystems and wildlife, including how the region is being impacted by climate change. Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters. Keep your binoculars at the ready – albatross, petrels and prions are common sights here.
Accommodation
- Expedition Ship (2 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
Today is all about immersing yourself in the striking landscapes of the South Shetland Islands. The distinctive geology of these islands has been shaped by volcanic activity over time. You’ll spend today on a Zodiac cruise, exploring the landscapes of mountains and glaciers teeming with wildlife that make up this archipelago. After the long winter, the wildlife here is now back in full force. Encounter chinstrap and gentoo penguins, whales and elephant and fur seals. You might even stop at Deception Island for a walk along the black sand. This island, formed by the crater of an active volcano, is peppered with the ruins of a Norwegian whaling station and scientific bases from the 1960s.
Accommodation
- Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Witness Antarctica as it reawakens after the winter. Over these two days, you’ll watch multiple species of penguins come ashore, gather, build nests and tend to their eggs. See seals, seabirds, whales and more as the White Continent starts to buzz with activity once again. You might also head out on excursions to visit scientific research bases and historic landing sites. In the evenings, witness the unforgettable spectacle of an Antarctic sunset.
Accommodation
- Expedition Ship (2 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
Begin your journey back north, crossing the Drake Passage once again. Celebrate your polar adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team during a slideshow of memories from the trip, a photography contest with the other travellers and one last meal together. Toast to your incredible journey on the 7th continent!
Accommodation
- Expedition Ship (2 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
This morning, it’s time to disembark the ship as your Antarctic expedition comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
- Breakfast
Special information
If you’re flying out today, please book your flight to depart Ushuaia after midday, in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.
Inclusions and activities
Meals
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
Transport
Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
Accommodation
Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (8 nights)
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Why choose us
We’ve led travellers around the world to share in the real, rare and remarkable, since 1989.
Over 35 years of adventure
We’re adventure travel experts with decades of experience and proud to run trips in over 100 countries.
Small groups
We keep our group sizes small and our experiences big, so you can get more out of your travels.
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Before you book you should know
- The Ocean Victory is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas. We have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.
- Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it can also get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll loan you waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm and will provide you with an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for a packing list.
- Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the areas and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Elevators may be closed in rough seas, requiring the use of stairs for meals, presentations and activities.
- The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in an area as remote as the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands – the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations, which are just as interesting and beautiful!
- We may be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty of onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the gym will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.
Your voyage is on board the Ocean Victory ship.
SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
This voyage is operated by our Polar partner Polar Latitudes. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the voyage cost per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 120 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Polar Latitudes.
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your sales agent can assist with availability and pricing.
• Discover Kayaking - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent and then pay for the activity once onboard the ship.
• Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent and then pay for the activity once onboard the ship.
• Immersive Kayaking - Designed for experienced paddlers, Immersive Kayaking is a full-voyage program that maximizes your time on the water. Pre-book and prepay via your booking agent. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at time of booking and final payment due 120 days prior to your voyage departure.
• Photography program - Designed for travellers who want to capture the essence of their journey through the lens. Guided by an experienced photography expert, you’ll receive tips and hands-on guidance to refine your skills. Pre-book and prepay via your booking agent. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at time of booking and final payment due 120 days prior to your voyage departure.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (8 nights)
The Ocean Victory is a modern Ship, built for the Polar Regions. The sister ship of Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory boasts the same strikingly unconventional profile as its sibling. It’s a look that reflects decades of Polar learning and design refinement, resulting in a vessel ideally suited for the challenges and opportunities of this unique part of the world. From its uber-stable X-Bow to its heated mudroom and four exterior doors that will get you out and exploring quickly and safely, this is the ship Antarctica – and every would-be explorer – have been waiting for.
The futuristic X-Bow design of the Ocean Victory is more than just eye-catching. It’s also designed for total comfort and safety in even the roughest seas. And its superior Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 mean it can push through deeper ice and deliver access to ever more remote and elusive areas. Onboard, spacious rooms, everywhere visibility, and seamless access to zodiacs (and the adventures to follow) all join forces to ensure a one-of-a-kind experience that will exceed your highest expectations.
The Ocean Victory is designed to keep Antarctica and the Arctic in full view, no matter where you are on the ship. Every stateroom provides a generous view, and most include private balconies. A variety of observation decks are accessible from multiple indoor locations. Two hydraulic platforms can be lowered to offer unprecedented near-water-level views (and rare photographic opportunities). Even the two outdoor Jacuzzis provide 360 views of the mesmerizing landscape that surrounds you.
Your Joining Point Hotel in Ushuaia
Your allocated hotel will be advised in your Final Travel Documentation
Ushuaia
ARGENTINA
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