Classic Antarctica
The traditional way to see Antarctica
The Classic Antarctica itinerary is perfect for those with more time on their hands and who are happy to spend more time at sea on route to Antarctica. Those who brave the seas of the Drake Passage will be rewarded with sightings of majestic seabirds and magnificent whales hunting along the Antarctic Convergence and four to five days of zodiac excursions exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. With a wide range of boats offering the itinerary, including expedition cruise vessels the The Ocean Nova, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov and the Ushuaia through to luxury cruise boats, like the Sea Adventurer, Hebridean Sky and the Silver Explorer, there are a number of options to suit a wide range of budgets.
Ushuaia
Arriving at port in Ushuaia in the afternoon, you will be greeted by the boat’s Expediition Team and officers for a safety briefing followed by a Welcome Dinner. After dinner, the ship will set sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant and Sea Lion colonies.
Drake Passage
Sail south through the Drake Passage towards Antarctica. Spend time on deck looking out for whales and spotting a variety of seabirds, such as black-browed albatross, sooty shearwaters and white-chinned petrels. Also attend superb wildlife, geography and history discussions preparing you for the journey to come, hosted by expert guides, naturalists and guest lecturers.
The length of the journey across the Drake Passage will depend on sea conditions but you are expected to approach the South Shetland Islands in the evening of Day 3.
Antarctic Peninsula
Arriving at the white continent, you will be left mesmerised by spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the ship’s Expedition Team will put together a program of zodiac excursions and explorations to visit penguin rookeries, whale feeding areas, seal wallows and seabird colonies as well as scientific research stations and historical sites of interest.
Stopping points may include the picturesque Neko Harbour, the striking Lemaire Channel or Wilhemina Bay, a popular area for Humpback Whales. Visit Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie Penguin colonies, and observe groups of Weddell, Elephant and Crabeater seals resting next to predatory Leopard seals and the agressive Antarctic Fur Seal. Those who are lucky may also get a glimpse of Minke Whales and Orcas.
Drake Passage Return
Navigating back through the waters of the Drake Passage, watch out for seabirds and wildlife you may have missed on the first crossing. Attend additional presentations offered by Expedition Team leaders.
Ushuaia
Arriving back into Ushuaia and after breakfast onboard the boat, you will disembark and transfer to Ushuaia Airport for your onward flight to Buenos Aires or elsewhere (onward flights not included in cruise price).
Please note that we have priced this itinerary based on travelling on the Ushuaia cruise boat. For the prices and dates for all the boats that cover this itinerary please see the yearly schedule section.
Ship Departure Schedules for the Classic Antarctica itinerary:
Departs | Ship | Start/End | Nights | Activs. | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Nov, 2019 | Ushuaia | Ush/Ush | 9 | $5,460pp | |
| 05 Dec, 2019 | Silver Explorer | Ush/Ush | 12 | ||
| 13 Dec, 2019 | Ushuaia | Ush/Ush | 9 | $6,870pp | |
| 04 Jan, 2020 | Silver Explorer | Ush/Ush | 12 | $11,340pp | |
| 07 Jan, 2020 | Hebridean Sky | Ush/Ush | 11 | Ca, K | $9,995pp |
| 04 Feb, 2020 | Hebridean Sky | Ush/Ush | 11 | Ca, K | $9,995pp |
| 07 Feb, 2020 | Ushuaia | Ush/Ush | 10 | $7,630pp | |
| 14 Feb, 2020 | Hebridean Sky | Ush/Ush | 14 | Ca, K | $10,995pp |
| 21 Feb, 2020 | Silver Explorer | Ush/Ush | 12 | $11,340pp | |
| 27 Feb, 2020 | Hebridean Sky | Ush/Ush | 13 | Ca, K | $9,995pp |
| 17 Mar, 2020 | Ushuaia | Ush/Ush | 9 | $5,460pp | |
| 26 Mar, 2020 | Ushuaia | Ush/Ush | 9 | $5,460pp |
