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Classic Antarctica 11 Days | MV Ushuaia

Up to 30% off 10 Dec 24 departure 

From price based on a STANDARD TWIN CABIN 

Single Deals available! Please Contact us for pricing & availability

Valid until 15 Nov 24 unless sold out or withdrawn prior

See further T&Cs below

11 Days
Save Up To 28%

WAS From USD 6,820   Now From USD 4,883

Trip Code: ACTSEIA

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina

SHIP: M/V Ushuaia

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula

DestinationDeparture Date

10/12/2024, 29/12/2024, 08/01/2025, 26/02/2025, 12/11/2025, 01/12/2025, 25/02/2026, 07/03/2026

MealsMeals

All Meals Onboard the Ship

TransportTransport

Group Transfers On Embarkation & Disembarkation

TransportAccommodation

Cabin Onboard a Ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions 

OVERVIEW

This cruise offers the ultimate introduction to the White Continent, the last pristine region of the world and our planet’s last frontier. Embarking and disembarking in the port of Ushuaia, the expertly-planned itinerary includes many of the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Vast penguin colonies, a spectacular variety of seabirds and an abundance of seals and magnificent whales await you, all set in breathtaking scenery of imposing mountain ranges, ice-filled channels, beautifully-shaped icebergs and awe-inspiring glaciers.

ITINERARY

Ushuaia – Embark on Ship

Embarkation on the M/V USHUAIA begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Embarkation time is set for 4:00pm and is followed by a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew and expedition staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.

Drake Passage Crossing - Days 2 & 3

Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. As we sail across the passage, our lecturers will be out with you on deck to teach you about the geography of the area and the sea birds you encounter. The open bridge policy on the USHUAIA allows us to join the officers on the bridge to learn about navigation, watch for marine life and enjoy the views of the open ocean. A full program of lectures will be available during your voyage.

The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith. With favourable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3 of our voyage.

South Shetland Islands & Antarctica - Days 4 to 8

The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rockeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur and Southern elephant seals make every day spent in this spectacular island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is an amazing experience. King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands features colonies of nesting Adélie and chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls, blue-eyed cormorants, Antarctic terns and Southern giant petrels. It is also home to the scientific bases of many countries. Later we plan to visit Livingston Island where macaroni, chinstrap and gentoo penguins as well as elephant seals can all be found. There will be plenty of time to explore the pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways and its incredible variety of wildlife. We are also likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range.

Depending on weather and ice conditions, we hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways including the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel and the Lemaire Channel. The latter are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. We plan to make at least two landings a day including Paradise Bay, perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and a landing on the continent proper. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and blue-eyed cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins.

Further exploration may take us to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of gentoo penguins.

Return Drake Passage Crossing - Days 9 & 10

We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

Ushuaia – Disembark Ship

We arrive into Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the M/V USHUAIA after breakfast.

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

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • In just under two weeks, you will experience the world’s most remote wilderness: the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

  • Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world, is a highlight in itself as it is located in the dramatic landscape of Tierra del Fuego.

  • While at sea, the expedition team will help you get ready for your Antarctic experience by providing insights on everything Antarctic - from the history and geology, to the incredible wildlife.

  • You will have the chance to step foot on the great white continent to experience some of the most unique wildlife and inspiring scenery in the world.

  • Throughout the journey, you will learn about the Peninsula's remarkable history and encounter different species of penguins, seals, whales and seabirds.

M/V Ushuaia

M/V Ushuaia

The M/V Ushuaia started out in the service of the United States National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Agency. It was then transformed into an ice-strengthened Polar vessel, having undergone a complete refurbishment. With accommodation for up to 90 passengers in 46 comfortable cabins and suites, the ship also boasts a large dining room, observation lounge and bar, ample deck space, conference room with multi-media equipment, library, infirmary and an open bridge policy. Superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities are possible due to the fleet of Zodiacs carried on board. The team of expedition leaders and lecturers are all extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and dedicated to the protection of the environment, whilst the captain and crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation.

Why we like it "A true expedition ship, built with research in mind! It has all the quirks of a scientific ship but rebuilt a decade ago to carry passengers. The ships unique history makes any trip on her a true ‘living’ expedition. The Ushuaia has a fabulous expedition team and ample outside deck viewing areas. Accommodation is comfortable, and she is our biggest-selling budget Antarctica vessel – and has been for many years." Jason Dudson - Destination Specialist, Chimu Adventures

Ice Class: Length: 84.73 m / 278.3 feet
Breadth: 15.41 m / 51 feetMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14 knots
Electricity: 110 V, 60 Hz Passenger
Capacity:
90 passengers

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.

Pricing per person & date

Classic Antarctica 11 Days | MV Ushuaia from USD 4,883
Departing Ending Duration
10 Dec 202420 Dec 202411
29 Dec 202408 Jan 202511
08 Jan 202518 Jan 202511
26 Feb 202508 Mar 202511
12 Nov 202522 Nov 202511
01 Dec 202511 Dec 202511
25 Feb 202607 Mar 202611
07 Mar 202617 Mar 202611

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9 days

Signature Peru

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Signature Galapagos

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Important Information

  • 30% off Last Minute Promotion

    From price based on10 December 24 departure -Standard TWIN Cabin
    Offer is based on twin or triple occupancy cabins
    Two dedicated Premier single cabins are available at a special single rate and a limited number of twin cabins (except Suites) are available for single occupancy at special rates
    Discount is subject to currency exchange, availability and valid until 15 November 24 unless withdrawn, sold out or varied prior
    Offer not combinable with other promotions and valid on new bookings only

    Please Contact us for the most current availability and up to date cabin pricing for this offer

    Pricing is subject to change based on currency fluctuation, selected cabin, availability at the time of booking and may be withdrawn or varied at any time without notice

  • 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

  • INCLUSIONS

    All accommodation on board the MV Ushuaia 
    All meals on board 
    All scheduled landings and excursions 
    All port fees 
    All landing fees
    Group arrival/departure transfers in Ushuaia 
    Detailed post-expedition log
    Programs of lectures by naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff

     

    EXCLUSIONS

    Airfares to and from embarkation and disembarkation city 
    Visa fees (if applicable) 
    Travel insurance 
    Personal expenses such laundry, on board communication 
    Gratuities for the crews
    Pre or post cruise travel expenses
    Optional activities

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request, and subject to availability. Contact us for more details.

  • Departure date,  fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.

FROM PRICE & PROMOTIONAL DETAILS

  • From Price is based on a Standard TWIN Cabin on the 10 Dec 2024 Departure
  • Discount amount and percentage varies dependent on selected cabin & departure date
  • Valid for sale until 15 Nov 2024 or until sold out/withdrawn
  • Please enquire for discounted single pricing

Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!

See detailed promotional T&Cs below

NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.