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Christmas Season in Antarctica (Ocean Victory)
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Experience a Christmas like no other on an Antarctic adventure
Spend the festive season venturing through glacial landscapes on this 11-day trip to the Antarctic Peninsula. Starting in the southernmost city in the world, you’ll board the Ocean Victory and traverse the famed Drake Passage, then hop into Zodiac boats and cruise around the South Shetland Islands. Celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by penguins, seals, whales and rare seabirds with a group of like-minded adventurers and a knowledgeable Expedition Team by your side. Contribute to vital research of the region’s ecosystems and learn how they’re being impacted by climate change by helping to collect data through the Citizen Science program. Make this holiday season one that's filled with expeditions, epic photo ops and rare wildlife encounters.
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Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
End: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Duration
- 11 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
GBP £8,900
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
- Celebrate the Christmas season in Antarctica and spend Christmas Day venturing into the wilderness of the Great White Continent.
- Venture out on Zodiac cruises through waterways flanked by glaciers – visit historic landing sites and active scientific research bases on excursions led by an expert Expedition Team.
- Journey through the Weddell Sea and cross the famed Drake Passage aboard your ship – the Ocean Victory.
- Watch penguins and seals go about their daily lives, see whales breaching on the horizon and gaze up at rare seabirds soaring overhead when you encounter the diverse wildlife of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
- Contribute to the Citizen Science program – help collect data and play a part in vital research into Antarctic ecosystems and how they’re impacted by climate change. Deepen your knowledge of Antarctica’s history and ecology through a program of educational talks.
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. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting to meet the other travellers who will be joining you on your adventure. If you arrive in Ushuaia with some time to spare, why not explore the city’s main street, where you can browse souvenir shops for keepsakes or find a spot to sample some of the local cuisine.
Accommodation
- Comfortable Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Spend this morning either relaxing at the hotel or exploring more of Ushuaia. You might like to visit the Maritime Museum or browse the artisanal markets. This afternoon, it’s time to board your ship – the Ocean Victory. When you’ve boarded, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be joining you for your trip. Settle into your cabin, then have a safety and orientation meeting before joining your group and the captain for a welcome dinner on board. Raise a glass as you set off for a Christmas adventure that’ll be one for the books!
Accommodation
- Expedition ship (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Over these two days at sea, you’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage – the body of water separating the southernmost point of South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Kick off your program of onboard activities with educational talks about the region’s history, geology and ecology, led by the Expedition Team. You can also take part in the Citizen Science program, where you can contribute to the recording and understanding of polar ecosystems and how they’re being impacted by climate change. Keep your eyes on the horizon for your first iceberg sighting and have your binoculars at the ready for plenty of seabird-watching – albatross, petrels and prions are all common sights as you cross this passage.
Accommodation
- Expedition ship (2 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
Gear up for three days of exploration in the unspoiled wilderness of Antarctica. Visit active scientific bases and historic landing sites on Zodiac cruises. See chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, fur, leopard and Weddell seals, humpback whales and seabirds. Create holiday memories to be cherished as you spend Christmas Day venturing through mountainous landscapes filled with towering glaciers and icebergs.
Accommodation
- Expedition ship (3 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (3)
- Lunch (3)
- Dinner (3)
Today, witness the diversity of wildlife in the South Shetland Islands. This archipelago forms the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, and each island has something different to offer. Whether you’re walking along the black sands of Deception Island (formed by the caldera of an active volcano!), or the calmer waters of Yankee Harbour (with the huge colony of 4000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins), today will be filled with adventure. Hop back into the Zodiacs and maybe even do some optional exploring by kayak! Watch seals lying on the shoreline and have your camera at the ready for whale sightings, immersing yourself in the vast wilderness of Antarctica.
Accommodation
- Expedition ship (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Begin your journey back to Ushuaia as you cross the Drake Passage once again. Reflect on a trip well-travelled as you join your fellow travellers for a slideshow of memories from the trip and a photography contest. Share a final celebratory meal together and toast to the memories you’ve made.
Accommodation
- Expedition ship (2 nights)
Meals
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
Your adventure comes to an end this morning as you disembark your ship in Ushuaia. 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
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
Accommodation
Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)
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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 a waterproof jacket and waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. 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.
• Camping - One-off excursion available on selected 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 (9 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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