Comfort & Adventure

South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage

4.6/5 From 44 Reviews
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A classic 10-day voyage to the White Continent. Perfect for those wanting great value and comfortable accommodation. Sail aboard a purpose-built X-Bow expedition ship with an average of 199 passengers.

Trip Summary

  • 4 full days exploring Antarctica = 8 planned "off ship" excursions
  • Wide range of departure dates to choose from
  • Antarctic operational experience since 2017 
  • Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8
  • Paddling, camping & snowshoeing optional activities available (at additional cost, select departures only)
  • Complimentary 3-in-1 parka jacket, plus house wine, beer and soda with dinner

Trip Overview

Route
Antarctic Peninsula
Trip length
9-12 Days
Ships
Total Guests
Ship Comfort
Ocean Victory
199
Comfort & Adventure
Ocean Albatros
199

From

$8,070 - $27,095

Operator's Itinerary

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires.

In the afternoon you will then board the ship. Your journey begins as we navigate through the calms of the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties.

While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard the expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-known for its abundance of birds.

Over the next two days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and absorb captivating landscapes along the way. Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.

The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds on our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more.

The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff. For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, the ship has excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. The vessel is staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.

We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern-most tip of South America. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged onboard which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialise with fellow travellers. Enjoy lectures by our expedition team, visit our shop and relax at leisure using the ship’s facilities.

This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return journey home.

Start from Ushuaia and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks potentially visited on South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage

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.

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What our customers think of South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage

South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage trips scored 4.6/5 from 44 reviews

10/10 - It was just outstanding. The staff and itinerary were fantastic. There was never a dull moment and the ship was amazing! Never thought I'd be in a jacuzzi sailing through the snow past icebergs and whales!

Travelled: February 2025

Lesley Anne McIntosh - UK

10/10 - Amazing trip, and we will remember it for the rest of our lives! Great honeymoon for us.

Travelled: January 2025

Mrunal Patel - USA

10/10 - It was the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on! I wish I had more time! The expedition team were absolutely incredible! They were so knowledgeable and kind! They made our experience that much better!

Travelled: January 2025

Nichole Barry - USA

10/10 - Overall the trip was fantastic! Antarctica was just stunningly beautiful. One cannot imagine the expanse, the silence and the pureness of it till one experiences it.

Travelled: January 2025

Sharvari Sundeep Gulrajani - India

Great trip, delivered exactly as the literature said it would. The expedition team were very knowledgeable and approachable.

Travelled: December 2024

Sylvia Fouhy - Ireland

10/10 - Couldn’t see bigger number than 10. It was that great.

Travelled: December 2024

Kshitija Pathak - India

10/10 - The ship was very comfortable and the staff was attentive. Expeditions were awesome and field staff was knowledgeable.

Travelled: December 2024

Ian Leung - Australia

10/10 - This was a transformative experience for our lives.

Travelled: December 2024

Rohit Pandharipande - India

The expedition team were super friendly and well informed.

Travelled: December 2024

Simone Mandel - Peru

10/10 - It was just amazing!!! The team was excellent! Skilled, talented, knowledgeable and always so nice. Overall, just a wonderful memorable trip of a lifetime! I will recommend to everyone!

Travelled: November 2024

Caroline Roy - Uruguay

10/10 - Everything was better than I expected. The expedition team were totally professional and very knowledgeable and interesting to discuss and be with.

Travelled: November 2024

Pierre Dagenais - Uruguay

10/10 - It was a wonderful experience visiting Antarctica!

Travelled: January 2024

Nathan Pensack-Rinehart - USA

Felt safe. Loved all of the zodiac trips. Expedition team did their best to show us everything.

Travelled: January 2024

Janice Wiegmann - USA

10/10 - It was excellent, we were always informed, and everyone involved was polite and incredibly helpful.

Travelled: January 2024

Kate Ripperda - USA

The expedition team were the best and extremely passionate. All of them loved what they were doing, and it was so obvious.

Travelled: January 2024

James Bachrach - USA

10/10 - We got to experience so much of Antarctica with an extremely knowledgeable team.

Travelled: December 2023

Anthony VanTreeck - USA

10/10 - Definitely exceeded my expectations. The crew was amazing, incredibly communicative and accommodating.

Travelled: December 2023

Edward Moder IV - USA

10/10 - Everything we were able to see and experience was life-changing.

Travelled: December 2023

Patty Hultquist - USA

10/10 - This trip has been incredible – I've already recommended it to two potential travelers!

Travelled: December 2023

Suresh Venna - USA

The expedition team were knowledgeable and hard working. Great job.

Travelled: December 2023

Ziming Hua - USA

The trip was excellent, the weather, the timing, everything is in our favor. We are all blessed with such a wonderful trip.

Travelled: December 2023

Kang (Teresa) Ge - Canada

10/10 - Food was very good. Crew was awesome.

Travelled: November 2023

Amos Billesberger - Canada

10/10 - It was an exciting trip of a lifetime. I could not find anything to downrate the experience. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Antarctica!

Travelled: October 2023

Keith Lorin Harris - USA

There were many memorable moments: clearing the Drake Passage, making the first landing on Antarctica, seeing just all the beautiful snow-capped scenes, and the connection with fellow travelers were equally life memory moments.

Travelled: October 2023

Keith Lorin Harris - USA

10/10 - The trip and the crew were all very helpful. Everything was easy, except crossing the Drake. That was hard because I got sea sick... but recovered in time to enjoy everything else! We got to do most everything that was planned.

Travelled: October 2023

Bob Burgos - USA

10 - Life changing trip. I will never forget it. Seeing glaciers and then penguins and then whales! Everything was spectacular

Travelled: January 2023

Leslie Naely Ramirez - USA

It was a profound experience that is very difficult to explain. It has to be experienced. The expedition team were incredible. Each had a different area of expertise, who ensured we learned from their passion daily. They also ensured our safety and were very friendly!

Travelled: January 2023

Nathalie Spencer Weiss - USA

I loved the landings and hikes and also zodiacs excursions especially those that got close to whales!! Also loved seeing the big ice.

Travelled: January 2023

Niki Agrawal - USA

10/10 - What's not to like? Professional and friendly staff and great food in a once-in-a-lifetime setting.

Travelled: December 2022

Judi Sandall - USA

The penguins, whales, seals, and birds were amazing. I love how cute the penguins looked while walking and how close they got to pass into their penguin highways. I got lots of great photos even with just an iPhone.

Travelled: November 2022

Nova Soares - USA

The expedition team were as good as they could possibly get. Extremely nice, funny, and knowledgable. You could tell they love what they do.

Travelled: November 2022

Nova Soares - USA

Review:

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Prices & Departures

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

14 Trips Found14/14
Availability
0 cabin options
Departure Date08-Nov-2025
Price
Availability
0 cabin options
Departure Date17-Nov-2025
Price
Availability
10 cabin options
Departure Date05-Dec-2025
Price
Availability
10 cabin options
Departure Date02-Jan-2026
PriceSave up to 15%
Availability
11 cabin options
Departure Date03-Jan-2026
PriceSave up to 20%
Availability
10 cabin options
Departure Date20-Jan-2026
PriceSave up to 15%
Availability
11 cabin options
Departure Date23-Jan-2026
PriceSave up to 15%
Availability
10 cabin options
Departure Date29-Jan-2026
PriceSave up to 15%
Availability
11 cabin options
Departure Date01-Feb-2026
Price
Availability
10 cabin options
Departure Date07-Feb-2026
Price
Availability
11 cabin options
Departure Date10-Feb-2026
Price
Availability
10 cabin options
Departure Date16-Feb-2026
PriceSave up to 15%
Availability
10 cabin options
Departure Date25-Feb-2026
PriceSave up to 15%
Availability
11 cabin options
Departure Date11-Mar-2026
PriceSave up to 15%

You've travelled to the end of our list. We have a wide range of other options across our website.

*Note: Prices are per person. The actual voyage price is paid in USD ($) - the indicative pricing above is based on today's exchange rate.
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
  • Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
  • House wine, beer and soda included with dinner
  • All zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
  • Complimentary expedition parka to keep
  • Complimentary rubber boot loan during the voyage
  • Guiding and lectures by the expert expedition leader and team
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (camping, paddling, snowshoeing, photography workshop etc.)
  • Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD $16 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses

The departures on 8-Nov-2025 and 05-Dec-2025 are extended voyages with 11 nights aboard the ship. They will aim to visit the Weddell Sea if ice conditions allow.


The departure on 14-Nov-2026 is a nine-day voyage, with eight nights aboard the ship. This is one night fewer than in the itinerary above, with three days in Antarctica rather than four.


The departure on 3-Jan-2026 will offer halal meat options (with no pork products or lard). Ladies-only hours will also be available at the onboard sauna. 

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For those travelling solo, the ship offers dedicated single cabins (Category G). If you're looking for a different cabin category, the single supplement in a twin cabin is 75%. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin, which is possible in the Category F triples and Category C balcony staterooms.


At the date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height requirement of 48 inches (1.2 metres) must be met.

Optional Adventure Activities

Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity. Get in contact to check availability.

Questions about this Voyage?