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Celebrate the new year with the journey of a lifetime

This epic 21-day adventure takes you across the depths of the Drake Passage to the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Celebrate Christmas and the new year on the Great White Continent, retracing the path forged by Ernest Shackleton. Explore areas known for their plentiful wildlife with an expert expedition team, seeking out penguin rookeries, scouting for seals along the coast and (if the weather behaves) heading out by Zodiac in search of minke whales, orcas and more. Travel on a vessel with comfortable living quarters and wellness services and enjoy a comprehensive lecture program during your journey.

Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina, Falkland Islands, South Georgia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Polar, Wildlife
Code
GQMCG
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 200

Why you'll love this trip

  • Celebrate the festive season and start the new year in Antarctica – there’s nothing like toasting with a glass of champagne and views of icebergs and white mountains!

  • Travel during the height of Antarctic summer when the days get longer, the skies are most likely to be clear and wildflowers begin to bloom.

  • This expedition hits three major Antarctic hotspots – the Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands – maximising chances of spotting wildlife and exploring diverse polar landscapes.

  • We carbon-offset all our trips, serve only sustainable seafood, avoid single-use plastics and more to help preserve Antarctica (and the world) for future generations.

  • Among our experienced crew are experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history, and they’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey in a comprehensive lecture program.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Although our ice-strengthened ships are big and sturdy, the Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings, so please be prepared with medications to combat this – we’d hate for you to miss a single minute of this journey. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.

  • Of course, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing, but it can get surprisingly warm – when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It’s best to dress in layers when you journey outside and we’ll provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to bring.

  • Depending on the weather, you’ll be zipping around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. Enduring the elements is one thing, having no photos to show for it is another. Sturdy sea legs are needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.

  • 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 for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. 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 others (which are just as interesting). We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.

Map of Christmas & New Year in Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands including Antarctica, Argentina, Falkland Islands (malvinas) and South Georgia
Kayaking in the Antarctic
Falklands landscape
Falklands Reindeer calf
Your Antarctic ship - The Ocean Endeavour
Enjoy your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula on the Ocean Endeavour
Falklands birds

Boats

Ocean Endeavour 2021/22 boat on a tour

Ocean Endeavour 2021/22

The Ocean Endeavour is a far cry from the expedition vessels of old and, just quietly, we're tipping it’s the place be in the 2021 Antarctic season.

Boat type
Expedition
Passengers
200
Learn more

Itinerary
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Welcome to the port city of Ushuaia for the start of your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel and settle in before meeting your fellow travellers. If you’re arriving earlier there are plenty of activities to choose from. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or perhaps take a walk around town, visiting the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. The Museo Maritimo (Maritime Museum), housed in an old prison, will give you a sense of the city’s history, or enjoy a delectable combination of Argentinean wine and steak at a local restaurant.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on exactly where and when the meeting will take place.

An airport transfer is included in your voyage fare if you are flying in today. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent to organise this.

You will have some time this morning to shop for any last-minute items and take a final look around town before departing in the afternoon. This afternoon, take an included transfer from your hotel to the port and board the Ocean Endeavour. Meet your expert crew and take a tour of the amenities and services available on the ship. In the evening, set off through the Beagle Channel and towards the legendary Drake Passage. Join your shipmates and meet the polar crew this evening for drinks and a Captain’s Welcome.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The next few days are spent at sea, crossing the infamous Drake Passage. Get to know your team of polar experts as they share in-depth knowledge into the Great White Continent and its wildlife, history and geology so you can gain a greater understanding and be prepared for exploration off board. Depending on weather conditions, take some time on deck to spot Antarctic wildlife such as whales, dolphins or perhaps albatross and other seabirds such as prions and petrels. The polar crew is familiar with the wildlife that inhabit these parts and are there to help point out any approaching marine life.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Set your eyes on the incredible terrain of the world’s most southern land. Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula! Spend the next few days exploring on Zodiac boat rides and onshore excursions across a number of potential landing sites. No two days on any expedition are the same, and landing sites are subject to change depending on the elements and potential wildlife-spotting opportunities, but our expert expedition crew will make sure each day is memorable. If you’re interested in kayaking or any other optional extras, please see the Special Information field below. While on the vessel you can enjoy nature presentations and documentary screenings or you can make the most of the wellness spa, heated pool and sauna, library and gym.

You’ll celebrate Christmas day during your time on the Antarctic Peninsula, which makes for a white Christmas in the truest sense!
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (5)
  • Lunch (5)
  • Dinner (5)

Continue following Shackleton’s route across the ocean to South Georgia. Life on board the Ocean Endeavour is a very different experience to that of the explorers at the start of the 20th century. Perhaps take this time to study in the library, take a yoga class or simply watch the ocean go by.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Over the next few days, explore the island of South Georgia, once the homestead of whalers and isolated explorers but now a protected area with dedicated Antarctic research teams. Over the next few days, you’ll explore a variety of landing sites and areas around South Georgia. While exact excursions can’t be guaranteed due to weather and other conditions, potential visits include the largest king penguin rookery on South Georgia, the old whaling settlement of Grytviken and Drygalski Fjord.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)
Special Information
Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites.

Leave South Georgia and chart a course for the Falkland Islands. From the deck, scan the horizon for seabirds and other wildlife. Prepare for the Falklands by attending the onboard presentation highlighting the dramatic history and wildlife encounters that await.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

The two main islands (East Falkland and West Falkland) have much to offer and provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinary scenery and history of the southern islands. The Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of penguin breed on the islands (gentoo, king, macaroni, magellanic and rockhopper). Potential landing sites on the Falkland Islands include the capital of Port Stanley – located on East Falkland Island, penguin breeding grounds and West Point Island.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
Special Information
Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites.

Cruise towards Ushuaia with time to reflect on the spectacular scenery and the multitude of wildlife you've encountered during the voyage, as well as on the endeavours of legendary explorers like Shackleton.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast and enjoy an airport transfer included in your ticket price.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent to organise this.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners

Transport

Expedition Cruise Ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (19 nights)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Christmas & New Year in Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month
You have the flexibility to change your travel plans up to 21 days before your scheduled departure, and you can pick new travel dates or an entirely different trip, with no change fees. Learn more

Important notes

BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 95 days before departure.

If a booking is cancelled 95 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.

If a booking is cancelled between 95 days and departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.

Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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