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Highlights of Antarctica: All-Inclusive Expedition Cruise

Save now on selected departures*
  • history
    DURATION
    12 days, 11 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    12 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    11 nights
  • calendar_month
    DEPARTS
    17 November 2024
  • calendar_month
    RETURNS
    27 March 2026
  • Experience a concentrated expedition cruise that’s all about the frozen continent
  • Spot seals, whales and penguin colonies against backdrops of staggering natural beauty
  • Travel with an Expedition Team as they deliver lectures and accompany landings, sharing their knowledge on glaciology, wildlife, and polar exploration

The focus of this expedition is on exploring the icy wilderness of Antarctica during its beautiful summer season.

W​ith selected 2024, 2025 and 2026 departures currently discounted, now is the perfect time to lock in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Call now on 1300 414 198 to secure your discounted quote.

A​bout the journey

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. 

  • Experience a concentrated expedition cruise that’s all about the frozen continent
  • Discover Antarctica's wildlife as we spot seals, penguin colonies and spot whales against backdrops of staggering natural beauty
  • Join the Expedition Team as they deliver lectures and accompany landings, sharing their knowledge on glaciology, wildlife, climate change and polar exploration

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.  

Photos

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Your cruise at a glance

Inclusions/Exclusions

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Included in your voyage:

Hotel

  • One hotel night in Buenos Aires, including breakfast, before the expedition cruise
  • One hotel night in Buenos Aires, including breakfast, after the expedition cruise

F​lights

  • Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia 

Transfers

  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise 
  • Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship, including a brief tour of the town 

Expedition Cruise

  • Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner including drinks (beer and house wine as well as soft drinks and mineral water) are served in the Aune and Fredheim restaurants
  • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests 
  • Complimentary tea and coffee 
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board† 
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle 
  • English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore 
  • Range of included activities 

Onboard Activities

  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team 
  • Full use of our Science Center, small library and advanced biological and geological equipment 
  • Citizen Science programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research 
  • Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer 
  • Use of ship's hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and running track 
  • Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings 

Landing Activities

  • Escorted landings with small expedition boats 
  • Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities 
  • Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket 
  • Expedition photographers on hand to assist you 

Please note that all planned activities and excursions are subject to weather and ice conditions

Your fare excludes:
  • Flights from Australia
  • Travel insurance 
  • Luggage handling 
  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners 
  • Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team 
  • Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area 

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Buenos Aires

An overnight stay in 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 with our optional Pre-Programme.

Day 2 - 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 3 & 4 - 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 5 to 9 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 10 & 11 - 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 12 - Ushuaia & Buenos Aires

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, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure. Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.

Dates and Prices

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T​ravel between November & December 2024

  • f​rom $15035 $12,032 pp twin share*
  • f​rom $20321 $17,773 pp sole use*

T​ravel between January - March 2025

  • f​rom $14146 $11,365 pp twin share*
  • f​rom $19461 $15,429 pp sole use*

T​ravel between October - December 2025 & January - March 2026

  • f​rom $13376 $10,652 pp twin share*
  • f​rom $186391 $14,639 pp sole use*

Call our team on 1300 414 198 to book this amazing deal.

P​ricing is subject to change without notice

Accommodation

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Your ship MS Fridtjof Nansen

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.

FAQs

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Do I need to bring my passport?

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.

T&Cs

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Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

  • All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
  • Excursions and activities are subject to change
  • Medical questionnaire is mandatory
  • Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
  • No gratuities expected
Share this holiday with your friends!

Prices per person from

A$10,652

A$14,639

Share this holiday with your friends!
Simply click any of the buttons below to share this holiday with your favourite travel buddy/group!

Prices per person from

A$10,652

A$14,639