Voyage Overview
A journey to the far south, where few travelers have gone before.
On our journey south along the Antarctic Peninsula, you may encounter some of Antarctica’s most engaging full-time residents – humpback and orca whales, seals, and, of course, a variety of those always-entertaining penguins. The farther south we go, the more pristine the environment becomes, with the ultimate goal of reaching 66°33’S and joining the small band of Antarctic explorers who can claim they have made it this far south.
Trip Details
Duration: 14 Days
Ship: Discoverer, Premium Ship, 140 Guests
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
End: Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights:
- 7 scheduled days in Antarctica
- Visiting more off the beaten track areas south of the Circle
- Seeing an incredible amount of icebergs and having the chance to sail into the sea ice
- Watching whales from the deck, seals on ice floes and penguins feeding their newly hatched chicks
- Participating in research with the onboard Citizen Science program
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2: Embarkation
Days 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing
Days 5: South Shetland Islands
Days 6-9: Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
Days 10-11: South Shetland Islands
Days 12-13: Drake Passage Crossing
Day 14: Disembark Ushuaia
Tour Dates
- October 2026 to March 2027
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Dec 28 – Jan 10, 2027 (14 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.
Day 2: Embarkation
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, or visit a museum or the Argentinean leather markets in Ushuaia, before or just relaxing at the hotel until 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: 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 kayaks, and spend most of our day exploring. Whether on land or sea, in zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.
Day 6-9: Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
We venture west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region, exploring a variety of sites highlighting the area’s staggering natural beauty. Iconic experiences await on our twice-daily excursions. From Zodiac cruises into Paradise Bay, to witnessing penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential stop promises awe-inspiring encounters. We’ll explore historic huts at Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and continue south until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, the jaw-dropping scenery through the Lemaire Channel. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S, an achievement that will put you in rare company.
Days 10-11: South Shetland Islands
This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. And despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.
Day 12-13: Drake Passage
Time to leave this magical place inspired, exhausted, and most likely changed forever. We make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We’ll have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and photography awards ceremony, then a final meal together.
Day 14: 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 28 – Jan 10, 2026 – 2027 (14 days)
| Start: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
| Cabin Category | Porthole Stateroom | Ocean Stateroom | Vista Stateroom | Balcony Stateroom | Discovery Suite | Navigator Stateroom | Owner’s Suite | Grand Suite | Solo Vista Stateroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $18,795 | $21,695 | $21,895 | $23,795 | $24,895 | $25,995 | $29,795 | $32,495 | $32,495 |
| Discount | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% | Save 20% |
| Discounted Per Person Price | $15,036 | $17,356 | $17,516 | $19,036 | $19,916 | $20,796 | $23,836 | $25,996 | $25,996 |
| Availability | Limited | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited | Open | Open | Open |
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)
Voyage Ship
Discoverer
The Discoverer brings together everything we value in a small expedition ship – intimate scale with just 140 guests, strong ice capability, and a true focus on exploration. Comfortable lounges, inviting gathering spaces, and panoramic views throughout the ship create a relaxed environment for connecting with fellow travelers and the expedition team.
Discoverer Cabins & Deck Plan
Grand Suite
DECK 7
Grand Suites are forward on Deck 7 and offer generous living space with a warm, inviting design. They feature a separate living area with a sofa bed, private balcony with outdoor seating, marble bathroom with a tub and separate shower, walk-in closet, writing desk, vanity area and wardrobe with safe. Additional amenities include fruit and sparkling wine on arrival, restocked mini bar (soft drinks, juice, sparkling water, and beer), complimentary laundry service, and in-room espresso machine.
618 sq. ft. (57m2)
1-3
1 queen or 2 twins + sofa bed
Owner’s Suite
DECK 7
The Discoverer’s two Owner’s Suites offer expansive living spaces creating a residential feel at sea. The suites feature a living room with a large lounge area & sofa bed, bedroom and glass doors leading out to a large private balcony with outdoor seating. The marble bathroom has a bathtub and separate shower. There is a large walk-in closet in between the living and bedroom, writing desk, vanity area and wardrobe with safe. Additional amenities include fruit and sparkling wine on arrival, restocked mini bar (soft drinks, juice, sparkling water, and beer), complimentary laundry service, and in-room espresso machine.
728 sq. ft. (67m2)
1-3
1 queen or 2 twins + sofa bed
Navigator Stateroom
DECK 7
The two Navigator Suites in between the Owner’s Suites and the Grand Suites on Deck 7. The suites feature a private balcony with outdoor seating, sitting area with writing desk, marble bathroom with tub and separate shower and a wardrobe with safe.
400 sq. ft. (37m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twins
Discovery Suite
DECK 5
The six Discovery Suites feature two sliding panoramic bay windows, two small Juliet balconies, comfortable sitting area equipped with a sofa bed, marble bathroom with tub and separate shower, writing desk, vanity area and wardrobe with safe. Additional amenities include fruit and sparkling wine on arrival, restocked mini bar (soft drinks, juice, sparkling water, and beer), complimentary laundry service, and in-room espresso machine.
422 sq. ft. (39 m2)
1-3
1 queen or 2 twins + sofa bed
Balcony Stateroom
DECK 5
Balcony Staterooms feature a large glass door leading to a Juliet style balcony, sitting area with writing desk, marble bathroom with shower and a wardrobe with safe.
206 – 216 sq. ft. (19-20 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twins
Vista Stateroom
DECK 4
The most abundant cabin category on the Discoverer are the Vista Staterooms. Staterooms have a large ocean-view window, sitting area with writing desk, marble bathroom with shower and a wardrobe with safe.
192 sq. ft. (18 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twins
Ocean Stateroom
DECK 3
Ocean Staterooms feature a large ocean-view window, sitting area with writing desk, marble bathroom with shower and a wardrobe with safe.
157 – 167 sq. ft. (14-15 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twins
Porthole Stateroom
DECK 3
The four Porthole Staterooms have two small porthole windows, sitting area with writing desk, marble bathroom with a shower and a wardrobe with safe.
157-167 sq. ft. (14-15 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twins
Solo Vista Stateroom
DECK 4
There are three Solo Vista Staterooms, all forward on deck 4. They feature a large ocean-view window, sitting area with writing desk, marble bathroom with shower, and a wardrobe with safe.
175 – 190 sq. ft. (16-18 m2)
1
1 queen
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 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 Solo Vista Stateroom at prices listed above
- Can book into a share cabin in the following categories: Porthole, Ocean & Vista Staterooms
- A limited number of twin cabins can be booked at single occupancy at 1.7x the per person price
