Best of Antarctica: White Christmas | Ocean Endeavour
Save 30% on Cat 1
Save 20% on Cat 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6 & 7.
Save 25% on Cat 8, 9 & 10
Available until 30 Apr 2023 unless sold out prior.
11 Days
From USD 9,540
STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACOEBWC
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
SHIP: Ocean Endeavour
Destination
Antarctica; Antarctic Peninsula
Departure Date
18/12/2023
Meals
Breakfast at Hotel & All Meals Onboard the Ship
Transport
Group Transfers On Arrival, Embarkation & Disembarkation
Accommodation
Hotel & Cabin Onboard a Ship
Enquire Now
Included Sightseeing
Daily Antarctica Landings, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Zodiac Cruising
Cruise by Zodiacs amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
Expert Guides
On the Ocean Endeavour, our guides are truly the captains of the guests' experience down in Antarctica. We have several onboard experts, including a marine biologist, a geologist, glaciologist, even a penguin-ologist! They share their passions during the presentations and educational program that we have on board the ship.
Penguins
Spot penguins from your zodiac or hiking in Antarctica. Common species on the peninsula are the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.
OVERVIEW
There’s nothing more magical than journeying to Antarctica and experiencing the ice-capped mountain ranges, iconic Antarctic wildlife and immense icebergs and glaciers over the Christmas period. During this 11-day expedition, you’ll have the chance to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, visit penguin rookeries, spot Minke and Humpback whales up close from your Zodiac, photograph seals resting on ice floes and more. For the brave souls, participate in the Polar Plunge before warming up in the sauna or trying some on-board yoga. The team ensures the spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour over the holiday season is festive and fun, delivering a one-in-a-lifetime experience to make this a Christmas adventure to remember.
*20-30% discount on the 2023/24 season valid for new bookings until 30 Apr 2023. Excludes Cabin Category 2 & 3
*Not combinable with any other promotion. Offers apply to new bookings only. Cabins are subject to availability and currency fluctuations. Further conditions apply, please contact us for more information.
PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.
ITINERARY
Your journey starts in the most southerly city in the world, Ushuaia Argentina. After transferring from the airport to your hotel and getting acquainted with your fellow travellers, we’ll have our welcome briefing. If you arrive a day early, Tierra del Fuego National Park has an array of outdoor activities on offer. You can also visit the Museo Maritimo for a history lesson or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin to pick up some last-minute essentials for your journey.
The morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia further. Late this afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and Captain will be waiting to welcome you onboard and after settling into your cabin, your journey south begins by cruising through the famed Beagle Channel. Enjoy the incredible views as the last glimpse of land fades away and the ship heads south towards Antarctica.
The waters of the Drake Passage are legendary. Named after British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, they're often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. Our journey to the Antarctic Peninsula will take two days and, if conditions allow, you’ll be able to enjoy the outer decks to catch your first glimpse of whales and orcas, as well as a wide range of seabirds that live in the region, including the impressive Wandering albatross. Our comprehensive lecture program will also get underway, with your team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, biology, and everything in between.
Spend this downtime enjoying the onboard facilities including gym, polar library, yoga classes and more. We’re scheduled to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four.
Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula, where a vast amount of wildlife
can be found with a backdrop of ice, water and mountains. The sheer scale of everything must be seen to be believed. Scheduled twice daily, Zodiac excursions are tailored to allow for closer encounters with marine life including whales and seals, while onshore exploration might take you to penguin rookeries. Choose from a range of paid adventure options to enhance your adventure, including snowshoeing excursions or overnight ice camping, hit the water for a day paddle or kayaking excursion, or learn how to capture that perfect shot by joining our dedicated Photography Program. Our lecture program will continue throughout your time on the Antarctic Peninsula and our Expedition Team will always be available to answer any questions you may have about the region.
If you've been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is as white as it gets! Enjoy the festive spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour, where your presents come in the form of more landings and wildlife sightings throughout the day. Some of these wildlife encounters are likely to include Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals, and Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins.
An average day onboard begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.
As you leave Antarctica behind, cruising north to Ushuaia, you’ll have the time to reflect on the amazing journey and unique Christmas. We’re scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening to ensure a restful night’s sleep before disembarkation day. Our final meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate the journey with your fellow travellers.
This morning you will disembark the Ocean Endeavour in Ushuaia after breakfast as your Antarctic journey comes to an end. Transfer to Ushuaia airport is included for flights departing today, but if you're sticking around a little longer there is so much to see in this incredible region.
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
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White Christmas is guaranteed when you explore this icy white continent over the festive period.
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Penguin chicks are hatching and in abundance on the Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, so it’s a perfect time for wildlife lovers.
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The longer summer days gives us 22 hours of daylight to maximise the time for exploration.
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Benefit from a variety of on-board activities including educational lectures on history, geology, photography and ecology by the expedition team.
Ocean Endeavour
Your experiences through the Ocean Endeavour's in-depth expedition program is the number one priority! The ship carries forward-facing zodiacs for exploration and remote landings and offers additional activities such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ice camping and hiking plus a photography program, all designed to enhance your polar experience. This small, well-appointed expedition ship allows you to explore the world’s remotest regions while enjoying the class and comfort of a hotel. There are spacious lounge and bar areas and a top deck observation room with panoramic windows, as well as lecture theatres, a library and a polar boutique. The ample deck areas are equipped with comfortable lounge chairs and feature a heated saltwater pool, saunas and even a hot tub. Travellers can also enjoy health and fitness amenities including a gym, spa treatments and yoga classes designed to enhance your personal wellness. Onboard, the extensive range of cabin options includes dedicated single cabins for solo travellers, suites and triple cabins that feature two bathrooms. The ship offers an unmatched sense of space with plenty of both interior and exterior areas, where you can enjoy the company of your fellow travellers or enjoy Antarctica in quiet solitude. It's a truly immersive Antarctic adventure for explorers of any age. SAIL WITH CONFIDENCE: In such unprecedented times, we now more than ever understand your want to travel safely and with the support needed to fully enjoy your expedition to the Antarctic in the most responsible and healthy manner possible. For more please see our Sailing With Confidence - Covid-19 Response * PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM * ICE CAMPING * SEA KAYAKING * SNOWSHOEING * DAY PADDLE SHIP LAYOUT
With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar regions. It's designed to adventure travellers who want to get off the ship and onto the ice, with a wide range of expedition activities, citizen science research programs, and opportunities to learn about Antarctica's history and biology from passionate guides.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SHIP
We quantify our carbon usage and then purchase carbon credits from various projects to offset our impact.
During every Antarctic voyage, you have the chance to observe, record, and report on natural phenomena as part of a collaboration project with Antarctic scientists. Find out More
This is one of the highest in the industry and ensures our guests personally experience the professionalism and expertise of our expedition team, which will maximize their experience.
With a large fleet of 22 zodiacs, our large team of boat drivers allows small groups to hit the water and venture onto the ice in smaller congregations.
We have increased our number of solo-use cabins on the Ocean Endeavour, making solo travel to Antarctica more economically viable while bolstering our social distancing measures and maximizing the safety and the experience of all of our passengers.
Yoga, hiking, kayaking, zodiac expeditions, our exclusive photography program, showshoeing and camping. 
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Unique to the Ocean Endeavour, this workshop is perfect if you are passionate about photography, or just passionate about capturing the beautiful landscape and wildlife you will encounter on your incredible Antarctic adventure. Learn More >
Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers. Learn More >
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group. Learn More >
Snowshoeing allows you to go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go! Learn More >
As part of a small, expertly guided group, you will paddle between icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or drift quietly as you absorb the majestic scenery.
Ice Class:
Length: 137.10 M
Breadth: 21.00 MMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 16.0 knots
Electricity: 380 / 220 V, 50 Hz a.c. Passenger
Capacity:200
View Ship Details
Accommodation
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Kayaking
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn More
Snowshoeing
Go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go!
Learn More
Camping
Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers.
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| 18 Dec 2023 | 28 Dec 2023 | 11 | USD 9,540 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Important Information
INCLUSIONS
All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
Accommodation onboard the Ocean Endeavour in booked cabin category
Onboard lecture program from Expeditions Team and Naturalists
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)
Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the voyage
Transfer from Ushuaia airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel with breakfast
Transfer from Ushuaia hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
Transports to Ushuaia airport on return to port
All port taxes
All landing fees
Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and onboard yoga
EXCLUSIONS
International or internal flights unless specified
Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
Pre or post cruise travel expenses
Visa (if applicable) and passport fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
Tobacco, alcoholic or beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Miscellaneous extras
Laundry and communication charges on board
Gratuities for Expedition team and crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
For minors under 16 years of age at time of travel; life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots
For guests who require larger sizing; Waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and rubber boots
- 2 (light adventure)
Available on request. No single supplement if willing to share. Contact us for more details.
Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins)
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions
Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.