Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Cruise

Arrive at Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, surrounded by the wilds of southern Patagonia and framed by the jagged peaks of the Martial Mountains, this end-of-the-world outdoor playground is also the gateway to our Antarctic Peninsula cruise. Make your way to your hotel, where you will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening, meet your fellow voyagers and some of our expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant and have the morning free to explore Ushuaia before returning to the hotel and departing for the Ushuaia Cruise Port to embark Heritage Discoverer. The captain and expedition team will welcome you on board, and you will have time to settle into your accommodations and familiarise yourself with the ship. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge as we set our course for Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands. The official start of your Heritage Discoverer Antarctica cruise.

Learn more about the biology and history of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica through a series of lectures and presentations, and ease into ship life as we cross the legendary Drake Passage, one of the world's great ocean crossings. Spend time out on deck and in the Observation Lounge as we pass through the Antarctic Convergence looking for seabirds and cetaceans as you prepare for your upcoming adventure.

Summer in Antarctica is especially magical, pairing long clear days with an abundance of wildlife and spectacular lighting. Even the most novice photographer can't help but take exceptional photos with the low hanging sun creating epic sunrises and sunsets, washing icebergs, ice, sea and sky in vivid colours. (Please note: 12 December and 10 January departures spend 4 days in Antarctica) Our voyage is timed to coincide with the breeding season, when Antarctica's wildlife converges in full force and mating behaviours at chaotic penguin cities can be observed. Icebergs, frequently clad with Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adélie Penguins, are at their most captivating. Landings here are frequent, maximising the long daylight hours and the opportunities they present are eventful, occasionally unexpected and always exciting. We have 4 or 5 days, each with more than 20-hours of daylight, to explore multiple historic and wildlife-rich landing sites, hidden bays, quiet coves and walk on the ice and snow of the Seventh Continent. Prepare to be dwarfed by nature as we discover alien landscapes and elaborate icescapes of unimaginable beauty carved by wind and waves, expedition cruising the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Sound and south through the famed Lemaire Channel. Look for, and walk among Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins; Weddell, Leopard and Crabeater Seals; in the water, Humpback and Minke Whales fill these important feeding grounds along with Orca.

En route to Ushuaia, enjoy your second Drake Passage crossing and take time to rest after the adventures of Antarctica, look for whales and enjoy shipboard life. Now is the time to edit photos while they are fresh in your memory and you have access to our knowledgeable expedition team, catch up on journalling and bask in the afterglow of this incredible shared experience with your fellow travellers and new friends.

Early this morning we will arrive in the Ushuaia Cruise Port. After a final breakfast, we bid farewell to our fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to Ushuaia International Airport. In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations we ask you not to book any onward travel until after 12 noon. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.