The focus of this expedition is on exploring the icy wilderness of Antarctica during its summer season, see stunning landscapes and meet some of its heart-warming wildlife. This just one of the many fantastic options for exploring Antarctic in 2024 and 2025. Call now to learn more on 1300 414 198!
Antarctica cruise
Breathtaking icescapes
Marvel at colossal glaciers and icebergs on this incredible Antarctica expedition cruise. Experience nature's majesty as we navigate ever-changing icescapes on our hybrid-powered ship. Your Expedition Team will bring you close to your stunning surroundings on ice-cruising and landing activities.
Antarctic wildlife
It's a busy time for the wildlife of Antarctica between November and March. In October and November, penguins court and nest, while December and January are when penguins hatch. February and March offer peak whale-watching opportunities.
Included in your voyage:
Flight
Hotel
Transfers
Expedition Cruise
Onboard Activities
Landing Activities
Please note that all planned activities and excursions are subject to weather and ice conditions
Day 1 -2 From Australia to Buenos Aires
Your flight from Australia or New Zealand takes you to Buenos Aires, where you'll have two overnight stays. Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache. There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango. Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer, or explore the region on our optional Pre-Programme.
Day 3 - Early start in Ushuaia
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll meet our hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters.
This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city.
After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.
Days 4 & 5 - Get set for Antarctica
On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition.
Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.
There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Days 6 to 10 Antarctica: another world
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It's a stillness that's broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife.
Whales begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. This is also when the first penguin chicks hatch and seeing the clumsy clumps of feathers run around is always a charming sight. February and March offer peak whale-watching opportunities, when large amounts of krill lure them to the area.
Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises, and may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent. Over five magical days, you'll experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Days 11 & 12 - Returning to warmer waters
After five incredible days, you’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica. Your head will likely be filled with a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and impressions. The next couple of days will be a chance to reflect on your adventure to the seventh continent.
As your mind tries to conjure up the magical Antarctic scenery, now could be a good time to sift through your photos and videos to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Why not take the chance to unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a few relaxing spa treatments in the wellness area.
Day 13 -15 - From Buenos Aires to to Australia
Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires for an overnight stay. After breakfast the following day, you’ll be transferred to the airport in Buenos Aires to take your flight back to Australia or New Zealand. But that doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure. Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.
Our team can assist you with hotel reservations in Buenos Aires and beyond
Following departures include return flights to Buenos Aires from Sydney.* (Enquire now for a quote from Melbourne, Brisbane or Auckland.)
Call our team on 1300 414 198 to book this amazing deal.
Pricing is subject to change without notice
Your cruise will be on the MS Fridtjof Nansen, the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.
Polar Outside Cabin:
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
Yes. Please ensure that your passport is valid for more than six months after you return to your home country. Remember to check if you require a visa.
What currency should I bring on the trip?
On the Expedition ships, the currency used is Euros.
Argentinian pesos are used in Argentina, Chilean pesos are used in Chile. US dollars may be exchanged into local currency at either banks or Money Exchange kiosks, at the open market exchange rate of the day. Some shops might accept US cash, though this is not a common practice. You can also withdraw cash from ATM's using your credit card and PIN code.
When visiting the Falkland Islands, local pounds (FIP) are used as well as pound sterling. When landing in Antarctica, some bases do accept USD cash only. In Port Lockroy, the following currencies are accepted: GBP, USD, Euro, and major credit cards (for purchases above 100 USD).
Can we pay with cash and credit card on board?
We accept Visa, American Express, Diners or MasterCard and regret that our system does not support Maestro Card.
How do the landings operate in Antarctica?
All landings are dependent on the weather and ice conditions. Unfortunately, with the unpredictable weather in these polar zones, we can make no guarantees that landings will occur each and every day of your voyage.
What if there is a medical emergency?
In case of a medical emergency in Antarctica, the only method of evacuation is by plane to the city of Punta Arenas, Chile, as there are no hospital facilities in Antarctica. This is very expensive and dependent on favourable weather conditions. Therefore, comprehensive travel/health insurance policy that also covers medical evacuation is obligatory.
Are your ships wheelchair accessible?
We are happy to welcome guests who are not fully mobile and all ships (except MS Lofoten) have at least one cabin equipped for travellers using a wheelchair.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.