Voyage Overview
Ring in the New Year in the word’s most pristine and inspiring destination.
Journey through the wildlife-rich Weddell Sea and into the spectacular snow-covered Antarctic Peninsula. Join us as we celebrate new year alongside Mother Nature herself, in the form of spectacular tabular icebergs, radiant glaciers, colonies of Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins, and an array of seals. And stay on the lookout for a likely sighting of Orcas on the hunt. Welcoming the new year in Antarctica. It’s a holiday moment unlike any other..
Trip Details
Duration: 11 Days
Ship: Ocean Albatros, Premium Ship, 175 Guests
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
End: Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights:
- 4 scheduled days in Antarctica
- A magical New Year’s exploring the beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula
- Experience otherworldly landscape in the rarely visited Weddell Sea
- Wildlife encounters with penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds
- Zodiac cruising through the Antarctic Sound amongst colossal tabular icebergs
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2: Embarkation
Days 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing
Days 5: Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea
Days 6-7: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 8: South Shetland Islands
Days 9-10: Drake Passage Crossing
Day 11: Disembark Ushuaia
Tour Dates
- October 2027 to March 2028
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Dec 26 – Jan 5, 2028 (11 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport, we’ll transfer you to one of our partnered premium hotel resorts nestled in the breathtaking Patagonian nature, where you can take some time to unwind or go explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. The optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2: Embarkation
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Day 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: Antarctic Sound & Weddell Sea
We maneuver through the amazing channels and wildlife rich waters of the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea, the perfect place to spend a memorable holiday season. The Antarctic Sound is well known for its huge tabular icebergs and the Weddell Sea offers a unique geography unlike anywhere else on earth. Here we enjoy the abundance of wildlife such as Adélie penguins and seals as we keep on the lookout for hunting Orca.
Day 6-7: Happy New Year, Antarctica!
Time to put our explorer’s spirit to full use. Antarctica offers astounding landscapes and wildlife encounters at every turn, as the last truly unspoiled place on earth, populated only by its original wild inhabitants. Prepare yourself to encounter numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, who will be there to share the holidays with us along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. We’ll also take full advantage of every opportunity to visit some of the several active scientific bases and historic landing sites on the peninsula. And as we cross over from 2026 to 2027, we’ll raise a glass to the last truly wild place on the planet.
Day 8: 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 spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins; 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. And kayakers, it’s time to get your first taste of gliding just inches off the pristine Antarctic water. Whether on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.
Day 9-10: 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 11: Ushuaia Disembarkation
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, and perhaps some new friends for life, 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
Dec 26 – Jan 5, 2027 – 2028 (11 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 | Brynhilde Suite | Single Stateroom | Solo French Balcony Stateroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $12,695 | $14,795 | $15,695 | $16,395 | $16,895 | $17,795 | $19,495 | $20,295 | $23,695 | $28,795 | $18,995 | $26,695 |
| Discount | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | |||
| Discounted Per Person Price | $12,695 | $12,576 | $13,341 | $13,936 | $14,361 | $15,126 | $16,571 | $17,251 | $20,141 | $24,476 | $18,995 | $26,695 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited |
Adventure Options:
- Paddling (one-time): $350/person per excursion – paid onboard the ship
Adventure Options:
- Kayaking program: $1,195/person (multiple paddles, experience required)
- Paddling: $350/person per excursion (one-time, paid onboard the ship)
- Camping: $395/person (paid onboard the ship)
- Snowshoeing: $150/person per excursion (paid onboard the ship)
- Photography Program: $495/person
Voyage Ship
Ocean Albatros
With one of the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Albatros is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.
Ocean Albatros Cabins & Deck Plan
Brynhilde Suite
DECK 7
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Brynhilde Suite. This two-bedroom suite can accommodate up to 4 guests on two double beds and a sofa bed. The suite has easy access to the bridge, pool deck and the observation lounge.
538 ft² / 50 m²
1-5
2 double + sofa bed
Freydis Suite
DECK 4
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros 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.
452 ft² / 42 m² including balcony
1-4
1 double or 2 twins + sofa bed
Junior Suite
DECK 7
The four Junior Suites have a great view from their location high on the ship. The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony.
388 – 420 ft² / 36 – 39 m² including balcony
1-3
1 double or 2 twins + sofa bed
Balcony Suite
DECK 6
Ocean Albatros has just two Balcony Suites on board located midship on deck 6. The suites feature double or twin beds, a work desk, bathroom, and a large balcony.
323 – 344 ft² / 30 – 32 m² including balcony
1-2
1 double or 2 twin
Grand Balcony Stateroom
DECK 4
The four Grand Balcony Staterooms 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 twin
Superior Balcony Stateroom
DECK 4
DECK 6
The most abundant cabin category on Ocean Albatros. The staterooms feature a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, seating area with table & chair, and a bathroom. A select few Superior Balcony Staterooms are equipped with a sofa that can serve as a bed for a third occupant. Some staterooms have connecting doors (available upon request).
237 – 269 ft² / 22 – 25 m² including balcony
1-2
1 double or 2 twin
Balcony Stateroom
DECK 4
DECK 6
Balcony Staterooms have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds and a bathroom.
194 – 237 ft² / 18 – 22 m² including balcony
1-2
1 double or 2 twin
Porthole Stateroom
DECK 3
DECK 4
Porthole Staterooms feature a double bed or 2 single beds, bathroom and porthole window. Please note the cabin layout and size may vary.
140- 237 ft² / 13 – 22 m²
1-2
1 double or 2 twin
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.
194 – 237 ft² / 18 – 22 m²
1-3
3 twins or 1 double + 1 twin
Single Stateroom
DECK 3
Standard single stateroom with a porthole and bathroom.
151 ft² / 14 m²
1
1 twin
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- 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 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
- Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation
- Shipboard accommodations
- All meals on board
- 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 (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
