Voyage Overview
A quick early season trip for those short on time.
Explore Antarctica in all its pristine and wildlife-rich glory, as the continent awakens from its long winter slumber. This voyage offers the perfect introduction to Antarctica for those whose time may be limited, but whose spirit of exploration is boundless. Prepare yourself for a trip into a lively environment populated by penguins courting mates, building nests and tending to their eggs; the passing of newly adrift icebergs; and colorful sunsets that most photographers only dream of. This is the time of year when your chance of spotting another ship in the water is at its lowest.
Trip Details
Duration: 10 Days
Ship: Ocean Victory, Premium Ship, 194 Guests
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
End: Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights:
- 3 planned days in Antarctica
- Sailing on a brand new X-bow design ship giving you a smoother ride across the Drake
- Explore a pristine, untouched continent just opening up its winter slumber
- Witness busy adult penguins choosing mates and building rock nests
- Enjoy spectacular, colorful sunsets, more common this time of year
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2: Embarkation
Days 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 5: South Shetland Islands
Days 6-7: Antarctica
Days 8-9: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 10: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Tour Dates
- October 2026 to March 2027
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Nov 13 – Nov 22, 2026 (10 days) | Limited | view pricing chart |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can’t be accommodated at the Arakur, you’ll unwind at another of Ushuaia’s top luxury hotels.) An optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2:Embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. The Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and the Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Days 3-4: Drake Passage
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.
Day 5: South Shetland Islands
Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a rugged display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife returning to their busy daily activity after the long winter break. Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins will be a common sight, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as well. So, we’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend most of our day exploring, perhaps stopping for a walk along the black sands of Deception Island. Whether on land or sea, in a Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.
Days 6-7: Antarctica in the Spring
Welcome to Antarctica in all its springtime glory. Untouched. Pristine. Getting busy. For the next three days, prepare to be amazed as we observe numerous species of penguins coming ashore and getting acquainted, building nests, and tending their eggs. Marvel at the winter sea ice that mantles these frigid seas, feast your eyes on glorious icebergs beginning the springtime march, and, as always, be on the lookout for seals and whales in the water. At day’s end, take in the miraculous sunsets that are a special treat this time of year. Visits to active scientific bases and historic landing sites may also be on the agenda.
Days 8-9: Drake Passage
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 10: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Please note the itinerary and route map are only tentative outlines of what you may experience. No specific itinerary, routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Where the ship actually sails will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, the weather & ice conditions and the captain & expedition leader. Every trip is different, which adds to the excitement of expedition cruising in the polar regions.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Nov 13 – Nov 22, 2026 (10 days)
| Start: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
| Cabin Category | Triple Stateroom | Porthole Stateroom | French Balcony Stateroom | Balcony Stateroom | Superior Balcony Stateroom | Grand Balcony Stateroom | Balcony Suite | Junior Suite | Freydis Suite | Single Stateroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $9,095 | $10,595 | $11,195 | $11,795 | $12,095 | $12,695 | $13,995 | $14,595 | $16,995 | $13,695 |
| Discount | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | |
| Discounted Per Person Price | $9,095 | $9,006 | $9,516 | $10,026 | $10,281 | $10,791 | $11,896 | $12,406 | $14,446 | $11,641 |
| Availability | Open | Limited | Limited | Limited | Open | Open | Limited | Open | Limited | Limited |
Adventure Options:
- Paddling: $345/person per excursion, only bookable onboard the ship
- Camping: $395/person, can be pre-booked, paid onboard the ship
- Snowshoeing: $225/person per excursion, only bookable onboard the ship
- Photography Program: $495/person, can be pre-booked and pre-paid
Voyage Ship
Ocean Victory
Ocean Victory is a stylish expedition ship launched in late 2021. The ship features 93 cabins, all with ocean view and 90% with a private balcony. Its X-Bow® design helps provide more stability when sailing in the open ocean and the 1A ice class is one of the highest among passenger ships.
Ocean Victory Cabins & Deck Plan
Freydis Suite
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Victory is the Freydis Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck 4.
452 ft² / 42 m² including balcony
1-4
1 double or 2 twin and sofa bed
Junior Suite
Deck 7
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Victory have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
388 ft² / 36 m² including balcony
1-3
1 double or 2 twin and sofa bed
Balcony Suite
Deck 6
Ocean Victory has 2 Balcony Suites on board located mid-ship on deck 6. The suites feature double or twin beds, a work desk, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
280 – 344 ft² / 26 – 32 m² including balcony
1-2
1 double or 2 twin
Grand Balcony Stateroom
Deck 4
The Grand Balcony Staterooms are located on deck 4. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.
269 – 323 ft² / 25 – 30 m² including balcony
1-2
1 double or 2 single
The most abundant cabin category on Ocean Albatros, located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds and a bathroom. The Superior Balcony Staterooms also include a seating area complete with a table and chair. Additionally, a select few of the Superior Balcony Staterooms are equipped with a sofa that can serve as a bed for a third occupant. If you prefer to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is possible under this category upon request.
237 – 269 ft² / 22 – 25 m² including balcony
1-2
1 double or 2 single
French Balcony Stateroom
Deck 7
A standard stateroom with a French balcony, one queen-sized bed (150×200 cm), floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bathroom.
151 ft² / 14 m²
1-2
1 queen
Triple Stateroom
Deck 3
There are two Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes and bathrooms. Triple staterooms are normally with three single beds however a double bed can be accommodated, while the third is a single bed. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
194 – 237 ft² / 18 – 22 m²
3
3 single or 1 double and 1 single
Single Stateroom
Deck 3
Standard single stateroom located on deck 3 with a porthole and bathroom. Conveniently located close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
151 ft² / 14 m²
1
1 single
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Transfer from airport in Ushuaia (USH) to group hotel IF arriving on Day 1 of itinerary, and providing we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure
- One pre-voyage hotel night with breakfast in Ushuaia. Occupancy at the hotel is the same as you have booked for the voyage – single, twin/double, or triple.
- Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation
- Shipboard accommodations and meals
- Beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch and dinner
- Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
- All scheduled landings and excursions
- Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
- Expedition jacket for use during the voyage
- Fleece-lined down jacket (yours to keep)
- A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
- Snowshoes for use during landings (subject to avail.)
- 500MB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
- Photography Coach available throughout the voyage
- Participation in the Polar Plunge
- Access to the onboard medical clinic
- Access to the onboard fitness center
- All port and landing fees
- Digital Voyage Log
- Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location following disembarkation. Please note we cannot drop at Airbnbs / private homes which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles.
Exclusions:
- Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified in inclusions
- Transfer to the group hotel if arriving prior to Day 1
- Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia other than those specified in inclusions
- Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
- Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board, except as listed in inclusions
- Alcohol and soft drinks, except as listed in inclusions
- Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed in inclusions
- Staff/crew gratuities
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options:
- Can book a dedicated Single Stateroom at prices listed above
- Can book into a share cabin in the following categories: Triple, Porthole, Balcony, Superior Balcony & Grand Balcony
- Twin cabins can be booked at single occupancy at 1.7x the per person price
