The vast expanse of the white continent awaits you on this 10-day Antarctica cruise. Aboard the Ushuaia, we will sail through the Drake Passage, reliving the excitement of the first explorers. We will see penguins, seals, whales, glaciers and many more surprises!
10-Day Cruise Details
Day 1
At the indicated time, we will meet at the Commercial Port of Ushuaia, where check-in will begin. You will board the Ushuaia, where the staff will welcome you for this Antarctica cruise.
After settling into your cabin, we will begin navigating through the Beagle Channel via the Mackinlay Passage, saying farewell to Tierra del Fuego.
Days 2 & 3
On the second and third day of sailing, we will cross the Drake Passage, named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578.
The Drake Passage is a natural biological barrier where cold polar waters plunge beneath warmer northern waters, creating nutrient-rich conditions that support regional biodiversity. It also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. Your guide will help identify birds from the deck, including albatross following the ship.
During these days, you will learn about navigation, observe whales and enjoy the unfolding landscape. On the 3rd day, the first icebergs and snowy mountains will signal arrival at the South Shetland Islands, discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith. If conditions allow, we will make a first landing to observe penguins and seals.
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7
We will explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. These islands are filled with wildlife observable from the ship. We will navigate through the narrow passage to the flooded caldera of Deception Island.
We will pass King George Island, known for colonies of gentoo and chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls, imperial cormorants, Antarctic terns and southern giant petrels. On Livingston Island, we will see chinstrap and gentoo penguins along with elephant seals.
From the ship, we may spot crabeater, Weddell and leopard seals, as well as humpback and orca whales. The ship will pass through scenic channels such as Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel and Lemaire Channel.
Each day includes 2 landings at safe locations chosen by the captain, always accompanied by the guide and crew. Potential sites include Paradise Bay, Adélie penguin colonies, Paulet Island, Melchior Islands, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and Petermann Island.
Days 8 and 9
We will leave the Antarctic Peninsula and head north, crossing the Drake Passage again. The crew will offer deck talks led by naturalist experts about seabirds and whales.
However, during both days you can take advantage of the time to enjoy the views at your own pace, take your own souvenir photos and relax on board on the way back to Ushuaia.
Day 10
On the last day, arrival at the port of Ushuaia is expected around 7 am. However, disembarkation will begin after breakfast, between 8 am and 8:30 am. See you next time!
Itinerary Changes
Keep in mind that if departing from February 25 to March 7, 2026, the cruise includes an additional day of exploration on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Cabin Types
The Ushuaia has 46 cabins of different categories. When booking, you must choose a cabin type:
- Standard Twin: for 2 travelers. 10.3 meters (33.8 feet), bunk beds, shared bathroom, porthole view, desk
- Standard Twin Plus: for 2 travelers. 12 meters (39.3 feet), porthole or window, twin beds, private bathroom, desk, hair dryer.
- Premier Twin: for 2 travelers. 12.6 meters (41.3 feet), twin beds, private bathroom, sea view, desk, hair dryer.
- Superior Twin: for 2 or 3 travelers. Around 11.6 meters (38 feet), twin beds, private bathroom, sea-view window, desk, chair, hair dryer.
- Premier Single: for 1 traveler. Approximately 10.6 meters (34.7 feet), partially obstructed porthole, private bathroom, and desk.
Premier Single is the only cabin available for 1 traveler. If traveling alone and selecting another category, you must share with another traveler.
Meals on Board
This activity includes full board accommodation with drinks throughout the entire cruise:
- Continental and American buffet breakfast
- Self-service or table-service lunch
- Afternoon snack
- Three-course dinner
Meal times vary depending on land excursions. Coffee and tea are offered throughout the day. Please note that during meals, only water or tea will be served. Any alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks are not included.
When booking, you can indicate if you have any specific diet or food intolerance to adjust your menu.
Trips During the Cruise
- Each day, you will receive a guide with the planned itinerary. Land trips are announced by the captain or crew in an informational briefing the day before. You will be informed about the type and duration, and you will be assigned an expedition team that will accompany and guide you at each site.
- Excursions will be carried out in Zodiac boats. These versatile and stable vessels allow us to access remote and spectacular areas. Your team will provide instructions for boarding and disembarking safely. The ship carries a fleet of zodiacs that can hold up to 12 passengers each.
- Trips are subject to changes depending on weather conditions.
Return Flight
Since disembarkation in Ushuaia typically occurs between 8 am and 8:30 am, it is recommended to book a return flight departing after midday if you plan to fly on the same day.
