Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage

After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can't be accommodated at the Arakur, you'll unwind at another of Ushuaia's top luxury hotels.)

Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as well. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend most of our day exploring, taking unforgettable photographs, and planting our footsteps on the endlessly diverse landscape. With an extra day in the itinerary, a visit to the black sand beaches and rusted ruins of Deception Island is always at the top of our list.

Welcome to Antarctica in all its awe-inspiring glory. For the next few days, we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through majestic channels, where glorious icebergs and an array of beguiling wildlife share the highly active waters. Prepare to be amazed as we spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, both along the rugged coastline as well as in the sea. A night of camping under the stars is also an unforgettable highlight for those who sign up. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites, and we plan to take full advantage of all the continent offers.

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 108 metres

Passenger Capacity: 140

Built / Refurbished: 1989 / 2023 / 2026

Discoverer is a boutique expedition ship purpose-built for exploring the polar regions, combining genuine expedition capability with a high level of comfort and personalised service. Carrying just 140 guests, the vessel offers an intimate atmosphere that allows for flexible shore landings, meaningful wildlife encounters, and access to remote destinations beyond the reach of larger ships. With an Ice Class 1A rating, expansive outdoor viewing areas, and a wrap-around deck designed for wildlife observation and photography, Discoverer is ideally equipped for immersive exploration in some of the world's most spectacular environments.

Recently refurbished, the ship features stylish outward-facing accommodation, many with private balconies or Juliet balconies, alongside inviting public spaces that create a relaxed boutique feel. Guests can unwind in the panoramic Observation Lounge, outdoor Jacuzzis, sauna, steam room, fitness centre, or wellness area after a day of adventure. Onboard amenities also include a lecture theatre, library, restaurant, bar, outdoor grill, and expedition facilities, while expert-led presentations, Zodiac excursions, and an experienced expedition team ensure every voyage is both enriching and unforgettable.

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Passenger Capacity: 169 (95 cabins)

Length: 104.4 m

Built: 2022

Ocean Albatros is built for serious Polar travel, pairing long-honed expedition capability with a modern, stabilised design. Its X-BOW structure delivers a markedly smoother ride and enables confident movement through deeper ice, giving passengers access to remote regions that traditional vessels cannot approach. Spacious staterooms with wide views, extensive observation areas, near-water hydraulic platforms and a fast, heated mudroom support uninterrupted exploration. The atmosphere on board remains streamlined and functional, with amenities such as Jacuzzis, sauna, spa, gym, library and a generous lounge layout arranged to maximise comfort without distracting from the environment outside.

Efficiency and sustainability are embedded into the ship’s operations. Dual diesel–electric engines reduce emissions significantly while maintaining reliable range and power, enabling the vessel to operate with a carbon footprint roughly half that of older expedition ships. Most cabins include private balconies, communal areas are deliberately generous, and dining spans both a full restaurant and a bistro. Expedition logistics - zodiacs, science activities, photographic support and medical readiness - are built into the core offering, ensuring a consistent, competent experience from the Arctic to Antarctica.

Vessel Type: Luxury X-Bow®-Infinity Class Vessel

Passenger Capacity: 174 passengers in 93 cabins

Built: 2021

Ocean Victory carries the same next-generation expedition design as its sister ship, purpose-built for the demands of Antarctica and the Arctic. The patented X-Bow structure delivers a steadier, more comfortable ride through heavy seas and deeper ice, while the heated mudroom and multiple exterior access points streamline zodiac operations. Large stateroom windows, broad observation areas and hydraulic platforms keep the Polar environment in constant view, and amenities such as Jacuzzis, spa, gym, lounge spaces and bistro service support a high standard of comfort without dulling the focus on exploration.

Efficiency and environmental performance are central to the vessel’s build. Diesel–electric propulsion reduces fuel consumption and lowers emissions by roughly 50 percent compared with traditional expedition ships. Most cabins include private balconies, communal spaces are deliberately generous, and all core expedition infrastructure - photography support, science areas, medical capability and dedicated passenger services - is integrated into daily operations. The result is a modern, stable and environmentally responsible platform for seamless travel across both Polar regions.