HIGHLIGHTS
- Pilot
through the calm, gunmetal grey waters and sloping glaciers of Beagle
Channel
- Enter
Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold
Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans - a passage that
is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called
the Roaring Fifties
- Watch
seabirds, albatrosses, several species of whales, seals and penguins
- Weave
through the South Shetland Islands, a pearly necklace of glistering,
ice-covered islands and dormant volcanoes
- Enjoy
numerous Zodiac excursions, constantly looking out for whales, sea
lions, elephant seals and an unbelievable amount of sea birds and
penguins
- Enjoy
the calming silence and alluring beauty of the Antarctic mainland
during hikes and Zodiac excursions
- Visit
a number of manned and unmanned research stations before crossing the
Antarctic Circle at 66°33' south
- Enjoy
the sun 24-hours a day during the austral summer
- The
expedition may include visits to sites such as Pleneau and Petermann
Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island.
- Dense
pack ice forbids many ordinary vessels from reach this far south, but
with a high ice-class rating, Ocean Victory moves swiftly carrying us
on an adventure for life
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Cat. F | Cat. G | Cat. E | Cat. D | Cat. C | Cat. C SP | Cat. C XL | Cat. B | Cat. A | PS |
|---|
| Dec 05, 2025 | Dec 16, 2025 | 11,295 | 16,595 | 13,895 | 13,195 | 14,295 | 15,095 | 15,795 | 16,595 | 24,095 | 27,095 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Cat. F | (Mid-range)
Cat. C SP | (High-end)
PS |
|---|
| Dec 05, 2025 | Dec 16, 2025 | 11,295 | 15,095 | 27,095 |
DAY
1: ARRIVAL USHUAIA, EMBARKATION
Arrive
in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city.
Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the
surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten
path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del
Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains,
glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the
afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.
After
our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate
through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles
Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del
Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point
for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and
dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake
Passage.
DAY
2-3: AT SEA - CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE SOUTHBOUND
Sailing
onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - the body of water separating
Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for
rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring
Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest
comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with
stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew.
The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement
- and you will complete the crossing twice!
Our
days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our
arrival in Antarctica - your Expedition Leader will brief you
comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this
precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans
for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife
watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure
your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica's
delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic
exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!
We
will cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of our
voyage - watch the mercury plummet as we sail southwards into Antarctic
waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic
waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As
the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most
biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels,
albatrosses and potentially penguins, seals and whales in abundance.
Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall in the South
Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of
the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of our second day in the
Drake Passage, marking the start of our exploration on the Last
Continent.
DAY
4-9: THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
With
no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous
travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be -
flowing with the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best opportunities
Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs in the first half of the
brief Antarctic summer, when sea ice is at its maximum - this offers us
ample opportunities to explore in the icy wilderness of the last
continent. Our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the
Expedition Leader and Captain - however we will aim to visit a range of
sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region.
Marvel
at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in
Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious
eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch
cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active
glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic
huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the
spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in
Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise
through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs drift
silently past the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever we go on the
Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and
breathtaking natural beauty abound.
This
time of year, expect to see penguins carefully constructing their
pebble nests and fiercely defending their precious eggs from hungry
skuas and Giant Petrels. The start of the Antarctic summer also sees
the return of groups of humpback whales - these giant ocean wanderers
come to Antarctica to feed on the abundant krill this time of year.
With luck, we may even see the young of these gentle giants.
There
is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to
maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above
are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be
the ultimate Antarctic experience.
DAY
10-11: AT SEA - CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE NORTHBOUND
We
eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way
northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more
welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During
our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to
provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax
with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of
new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team
during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of
the albatross which accompany us northwards.
During
your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the
Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video
by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your
Antarctic adventure. Skål!
DAY
12: ARRIVAL IN USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
On
the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the
pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem
strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty
breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros
Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories
of the voyage of a lifetime.
Ocean Victory (Luxury Expedition, 184-guests)
With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction.
With a total of 93 comfortable cabins for our guests, almost all with a view of the ocean, we ensure absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 12-day/11-night
cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring
ensuite facilities
- Embarkation
shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
- Shuttle
transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or
airport
- All
Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our
Expedition Team
- Expedition
parka
- Rubber
boots loan scheme
- Briefings
and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
- English-speaking
Expedition Team
- Full
board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
- Complimentary
house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served
at our a-la-carte dinners)
- Free
tea and coffee available 24 hours
- Taxes
and landing fees
- Special
photo workshops
- Welcome
and Farewell Cocktail Parties
- Digital
visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log,
gallery, species list and more!
EXCLUSIONS
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea)
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique
purchases)
- Anything
not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Snowshoeing
- USD 225 (Subject to Snow conditions Nov - Jan )
- Camping
- USD 385 (Subject to conditions, selected voyages Nov - Jan)
- Kayaking
- USD 345
- Photography - USD 1,095
- Zodiac
Trips
