Antarctica Classic | MS Expedition

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer is included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the hotel that will provide more specific information on the expedition and your upcoming adventure.

Please note that the first night in Ushuaia is on twin share basis. If you're travelling solo or have an odd number of travellers in your group and have not purchased a private room, you will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender.

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia, to do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the MS Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. You and your fellow passengers will take the group transfer to port to begin your journey. Once onboard, enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel. Your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for your trip.

** Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.

Our adventure begins with an 1000km (800 mile) crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the MS Expedition's wake. The M/S Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. On the second day we cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species.

As we make the passage you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where you meet your guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent to experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world! Over the next four days we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and on to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter. During the voyage, learn about the Peninsula's remarkable history and encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as orca, humpback and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.

Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep sharp eyes on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions, and Whales!.

Disembark after breakfast. In the morning upon completion you will disembarkation in Ushuaia. Passengers will receive a complimentary transfer to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored.

For those on morning flights, a transfer will bring them directly to Ushuaia airport (USH). The rest of the passengers will be transferred to the luggage storage point and given time to explore the city. These passengers should then return to retrieve their luggage and board a second transfer to Ushuaia airport in the afternoon, depending on their flight times. Please note that the transfer times are subject to change according to flight schedules.

*Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

** Important - Please be sure not to book flights out of Ushuaia before 12PM (Noon) on the day of disembarkation from your cruise ship.