A crabeater seal laying on an ice floe.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

13 Days

Starting at $15,466

Discoverer, Premium Ship 140 Passengers

Ushuaia, Argentina

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Voyage Overview

A journey to the far south, where few travelers have gone before.

We chart a course through the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of crossing the Antarctic Circle. The farther south we go, the more sea ice we are likely to encounter, along with incredible wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we’ll join the small band of explorers that can claim they have made it this far south.

Trip Details

Highlights: 

  • 6 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, fur seals on the beaches and penguin chicks exploring the colonies
  • Participating in research with the onboard Citizen Science program
Route map showing line across the Antarctic Circle.

Trip Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia

Day 2: Embarkation

Days 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing

Days 5-9: Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle

Day 10: South Shetland Islands

Days 11-12: Drake Passage Crossing

Day 13: Disembark Ushuaia

A crabeater seal laying on an ice floe.

Tour Dates

  • October 2027 to March 2028
DatesAvailability
Jan 29 – Feb 10, 2028 (13 days)
Available

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 in the lounge to immerse yourself in all things Antarctic, from its fascinating wildlife to its adventurous history; choose to participate in our renowned Citizen Science program; or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching your first glimpses of wildlife. Grab your binoculars to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship.  As we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters, you’ll start to notice the cooler temperatures, your cue to get ready for that first iceberg sighting, an unforgettable moment on every journey.

Days 5-9: 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.

Day 10: 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.

Days 11-12: 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 13: 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

Voyage Season: April – September 2026 Oct 2026 – Mar 2027 April – September 2027 Oct 2027 – Mar 2028 April – September 2028 Oct 2028 – Mar 2029
Cabin Type:
Occupancy:
Cabin Category
Porthole Stateroom
Ocean Stateroom
Vista Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Discovery Suite
Owner’s Suite
Grand Suite
Solo Vista Stateroom
Per Person Price in USD$18,195$20,995$21,195$23,095$24,095$28,795$31,395$31,395
Discount
Save 15%
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Discounted Per Person Price$15,466 $17,846 $18,016 $19,631 $20,481 $24,476 $26,686 $31,395
AvailabilityOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpenOpen

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)

Discoverer Cabins & Deck Plan

Grand Suite

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: 

  • 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 on Day 1. 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 onboard
  • “Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
  • Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner (selected labels and brands. Wine excluded at lunch)
  • 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 
  • 3-in-1 Expedition jacket (your to keep)
  • A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage 
  • Snowshoes for use during landings (subject to avail.)
  • 1GB 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
Guest photographic an iceberg from deck of ship.