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
Duration: 13 Days
Ship: Ocean Albatros, Premium Ship, 192 Guests
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
End: Ushuaia, Argentina
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
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 Island
Days 11-12: Drake Passage Crossing
Day 13: Disembark Ushuaia
Tour Dates
- October 2026 to March 2027
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Jan 21 – Feb 2, 2027 (13 days) | Limited | view pricing chart |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
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.) 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
Jan 21 – Feb 2, 2027 (13 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $15,395 | $17,995 | $18,995 | $19,895 | $20,495 | $21,495 | $23,595 | $24,595 | $28,695 | $34,795 | $23,095 |
| Discount | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | Save 15% | ||
| Discounted Per Person Price | $15,395 | $15,296 | $16,146 | $16,911 | $17,421 | $18,271 | $20,056 | $20,906 | $24,391 | $29,576 | $23,095 |
| Availability | Open | Limited | Open | Limited | Open | Open | Limited | Open | Limited | Limited | Open |
Adventure Options:
- Paddling (one-time): $345/person per excursion for 2025-26 season & $350/person for 2026-27 season, only bookable onboard the ship
- Kayaking program (multiple paddles): $1,195/person
- 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 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:
- 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
- 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
