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Ocean Albatros - 189 Guests

QUEST FOR THE CIRCLE

12 Day Ushuaia to Ushuaia


Join Albatros Expeditions for the ultimate Antarctic bucket list adventure - crossing the Antarctic Circle. Earth's final frontier!
Join us onboard our purpose-built, ice-class expedition vessels, Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros to experience the majesty and wonder of Earth's last frontier up close and personal. Our vessels enable us to get closer to nature, with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft, a team of experienced expert expedition guides, and the Antarctic Peninsula as our spectacular destination.

Departing Argentina's southernmost city of Ushuaia, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route southwards. The unique X-Bow design of our expedition vessels offers exceptional stability at sea, giving you a smoother ride across some of Earth's most challenging waters, while the vessels' speed allows us to maximise our time in Antarctica to offer a superlative exploration experience.

Continuing southward from the South Shetland Islands, we will delve deeper into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the famous Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise straight out of the frigid water. Icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields characterise this wildly beautiful alien landscape. Our skilled Captain and Expedition Leader will work hard to maximise opportunities to explore the White Continent. While wind, sea and ice conditions will dictate the exact locations we will visit, we will make Zodiac landings to allow guests to set foot on land and experience penguin rookeries, jaw-dropping landscapes and historical sites, and aim to Zodiac cruise in scenic areas filled with giant icebergs, whales and seals. Exploring off the vessel will occupy our days, while our knowledgeable onboard Expedition Team will offer a selection of specially crafted lectures to inform your matchless expedition experience, and be with you every step of the way to enhance your experince ashore.

From the 'mainland' of the Peninsula, we set off southwards, aiming for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South -  a goal which has eluded many of the talented and driven explorers of yesteryear. Watch as the sun circles your vessel, never quite setting at this extreme latitude. our exact timing to cross the Antarctic Circle will depend on weather and ice conditions - however, we always aim to visit locations which showcase the best of Antarctica. Wherever the whims of Mother Nature take us, jaw-dropping scenery and landscapes are guaranteed! With two extra days to explore compared to our Classic Antarctic voyages, you will have even more time to experience the majesty of the White Continent.

Dense pack ice forbids many ordinary vessels from reach this far south, but with PC6/1A ice ratings, Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros can access areas off-limits for most ships. With an average occupancy of 175 guests aboard Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros, our cruises offer a unique experience for the brave few. Experience crossing the Antarctic Circle with us!



 

 

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD
Feb 28, 2026Mar 11, 202610,410 10,995
Rates are listed per person
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD
Feb 28, 2026Mar 11, 202610,410 10,995

ITINERARY


DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN 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
As we sail through the renowned Drake Passage, linking Patagonia to the Antarctic Peninsula, brace yourself for its notoriously turbulent waters and fierce westerly winds, aptly called the Roaring Fifties. Thankfully, our purpose-built expedition vessels ensure a comfortable journey, with their uniquely stable X-Bow and powerful engines, guided by an expert crew. Embrace this exciting crossing, considered a badge of honour by seasoned sailors, as you traverse it twice during our expedition.
In the Drake Passage, our focus turns to preparing for our arrival in Antarctica. Your Expedition Leader will provide thorough safety briefings and guidelines to minimise our impact on this pristine environment. Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist in biosecuring your gear while offering tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration, wildlife, and more.
On the third day, we'll cross the Antarctic Convergence, marked by a sudden drop in temperature as warmer currents give way to Antarctic waters. This transition fosters a surge in marine life, promising sightings of petrels, albatrosses, and possibly even penguins, seals, and whales. Weather permitting, we aim to land on the South Shetland Islands on the afternoon of the third day of our expedition, starting our exploration of the Last Continent.

DAY 4-8
THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA AND ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
In the days ahead, we venture further west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region. This icy expanse requires meticulous planning by our Expedition Leader and Captain, who will plot a route to explore a variety of sites highlighting the area's staggering natural beauty.
The Gerlache Strait, consisting of the 'spine' of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of mountainous glaciated islands, offers a plethora of iconic Antarctic experiences. From Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay, to witnessing penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential stop promises awe-inspiring encounters. Explore historic huts at Damoy Point, witness humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery of the Lemaire Channel. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.
During our time on the Antarctic Peninsula, we will delve southwards, seeking the Antarctic Circle. The exact timing of crossing the Circle depends on wind, sea and ice conditions, and will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader. However, crossing the Antarctic Circle, the ultimate bucket list tick, is the main goal of this thrilling expedition!
While our exact destinations will depend on weather and ice conditions, your Expedition Leader will ensure guests are informed of our plans through nightly briefings. In the ever-changing Antarctic environment, flexibility is key as we adapt plans to suit the conditions while offering enriching onboard experiences such as lectures, recaps, wine-tasting, and spa treatments.

DAY 9
THE SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Our Antarctic odyssey culminates amidst the rugged beauty of the South Shetland Islands. This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. Despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels.
The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. Experience the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, or witness the bustling penguin colonies on Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or immerse yourself in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.
As we bid farewell to the South Shetland Islands, we carry with us memories of their stark beauty and abundant wildlife, a fitting conclusion to our extraordinary Antarctic expedition.

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, 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 Albatros (Luxury Expedition, 189-guests)

The Ocean Albatros, sistership to the Ocean Victory, will join the fleet of Albatros Expeditions in November 2022. The Ocean Albatros will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, any various exciting new destinations in between.

(Click image to view Ship details)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

INCLUSIONS
  • 12-day cruise
  • 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'

Kayaking Experience 345 USD p.p. - to be booked and paid onboard

Pre-Program Ushuaia 2 days
Half Day Excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park
DBL: 245 USD/ person; SGL: 365 USD/ person; TRP: 225 USD/ person

    * 3-course dinner at Albatros Hotel (incl. water and soda)
      Inclusions
    * 1 x Night at Albatros Hotel, Ushuaia with breakfast (Double Room)        
    * Half Day Excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park
    * 3-course dinner at Albatros Hotel (incl. water and soda)

Note: The excursion ends in Ushuaia city center, the general embarkation process applies.


 
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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time