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Heart of Antarctica

Trave​l​ling on board a modern, state-of-the-art 5* ship with only 200 people, this voyage combines the best of both traditional and expedition cruising. ​Spend 5 days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula in comfort. All-inclusive pricing means luxury at an affordable price.

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Heart of Antarctica

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Trip type

Antarctic Peninsula

Trip length

11-13 Days

From

$12,122

Ship Comfort

Luxury

Heart of Antarctica - 11-13 Days - $12,122

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 5 full days in Antarctica = 10 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
  • Capable of 15 knots this ship cuts down sailing time
  • Antarctic operational experience since 2004
  • Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:20, which is higher than the industry average
  • Complimentary domestic flights, parka jacket & open bar
  • Bilingual cruise – French and English

Start from Ushuaia and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks potentially visited on Heart of Antarctica

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia

The capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia lies in a bay opening into the Beagle Channel at the country's southernmost tip. It's colourful houses are framed against towering mountains, snow-capped in winter and summer alike. Downtown, the End of the World Museum showcases Tierra del Fuego's natural and indigenous history. A ride on the heritage railway is an exciting excursion into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, while a cruise on Ushuaia Bay is the perfect way to spot sea lions and Magellanic penguins.


Days 2-3: At sea

Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the Zodiac outings.

Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. From the ship’s bridge, you will experience exceptional sailing moments before joining the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.


Days 4-8: Antarctic Peninsula

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest Zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.


Days 9-10: At sea, Drake Passage

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly the Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to Antarctica. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! 

As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.


Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Return to Ushuaia for disembarkation, ready for return or onward travel.


NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.

Why our customers love Swoop

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.

The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises

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Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.

The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist

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We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.

A full concierge service, unlike booking direct

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We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.

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What our customers think of Heart of Antarctica

Heart of Antarctica trips scored 4.7/5 from 3 reviews

My most memorable moment was to see penguins ,

Travelled: March 2024

Veena -

The most excellent weather that made landings at various sites available.

Travelled: December 2022

Anonymous -

One day one of the receptionists at the front desk was hurried and terse. Other than that one incidence the trip was a 10 out of 10. I enjoyed like-minded travelers, learned from the experts, loved the food and service and had fun, rest and a million smiles everyday!

Travelled: February 2021

Deborah Merickel -

Review:

Modern, custom-built, beautifully appointed and capped to just 200 people, this ship is a classy act.

Maddison Clare Antarctica Sales Specialist

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For solo travellers who would like their own cabin, this ship has a good number of single cabins, please contact us for details. However, for passengers willing to share, there is no single supplement.

Children aged 6 years old or over are welcome. In terms of concessions, one child, aged between 6-11 years, sharing their parent's cabin travels free of charge. A teenager, aged between 12-17 years, receives a 50% discount. Please note that not every cabin category can accommodate 3 people. Please contact us for details.

Includes

  • Domestic flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia return
  • Open bar for duration of voyage
  • 24 hour room service
  • Unlimited wifi on board
  • Pre and post voyage transfers
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation & meals during the voyage on full board
  • All shore excursions and zodiac activities
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Complimentary waterproof parka jacket
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Port taxes & any entry fees to landing sites
  • Access to fitness room
  • Laundry, wake up & photography services

Excludes

  • International flights to Buenos Aires
  • Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
  • Transfers not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
  • Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Personal Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature - laundry, beverages, etc
  • Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)

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