Spirit of Antarctica

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Arrive independently and transfer to the hotel for your included overnight stay. Enjoy time seeing the sights and sounds of this city which is renowned for its enchanting scenery, before enjoying a good night’s sleep in preparation for the adventures ahead.

After checking out of the hotel, you will have time to explore more of Ushuaia and its surrounds before heading to the port in the mid-afternoon to board the brand new polar vessel Greg Mortimer. Settle into your cabin and get to know your home for the next 10 nights as the ship sets sail through the scenic Beagle Channel. A luggage transfer from the hotel is included.

As your ship sails south through the famous Drake Passage keep an eye out in one of the many observation areas for the seabirds, including albatross, which follow the ship, and the first of many iceberg sightings. Enjoy informative lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of the areas you are about to discover and attend bio security briefings for your time in Antarctica. As we approach the Shetland Islands possible landings may include the Aitcho, Robert or Deception Islands.

As you awake on day 6 your ship will have sailed through the Gerlache Strait and the sight that awaits this morning is the stunning Antarctic Peninsula. A land of superlatives, Antarctica’s vast proportions are a sight to behold. Enjoy Zodiac excursions to explore penguin rookeries, visit historic sites and scientific stations, and get up close to the masses of elaborate icebergs. Watch seals basking on the ice floes, join an excursion in search of orca sightings, and enjoy the exhilaration of stepping foot on the white continent. As with all polar expeditions, your exact itinerary in Antarctica will be dictated by weather and wildlife sighting opportunities so be prepared for the unexpected. Making the most every moment, your captain will choose the best course each day for wildlife viewings and adventures, with a new experience guaranteed each day. For the more adventurous there will be ample opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and mountaineering excursions, and if the weather is kind you may even be able to spend the night camping out on the ice – an unforgettable experience!

After your exhilarating time in Antarctica it’s sadly time to head back towards Ushuaia. As your captain steers the ship back across the Drake Passage take the time to revel in all you will have experienced. Exchange stories with your new friends, keep watch on deck for seabirds and enjoy the final lectures and presentations from your expert team. On the last evening there will be an enjoyable farewell dinner with cocktails and a four-course meal, and your ship may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn.

On the morning of day 12 you will awake to your ship gently cruising along the Beagle Channel into Ushuaia. After breakfast it will be time to say goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the airport or to a downtown location should you wish to extend your time in Ushuaia.