Crossing the Circle - Southern Expedition
14 Days - Ocean Explorer
This expedition offers you the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula. Extended time in the region allows you to go beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and venture south of the Antarctic Circle, home to fantastic ice formations and wildlife including the Weddell seal. You'll enjoy more time for communing with penguins and visits to less-frequented landing sites.
from USD $17995 $12597pp
Home » 14 Day Ocean Explorer: Crossing the Circle – Southern Expedition
Itinerary Highlights
- Be one of the few travellers to venture to 66 degrees 33.7 minutes South;
- Visit historic research stations in Marguerite Bay;
- Witness the abundant Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales and more;
- Experience the Western Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites; and
- Learn about Antarctica’s geology and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Day 2: Embarkation
- Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
- Day 8-9: Antarctic Circle
- Day 10-11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
- Day 12-13: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town. Overnight in Ushuaia in a hotel.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.
Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You'll have plenty of time to gaze out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.
Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures from your Expedition Team. You'll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.
Day 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
With the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make our approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready as the continent's coastline will make its first appearance, signaling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic.
You'll see plentiful icebergs floating by and be fixated on the surface of the ocean as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes. As exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites we may visit, including Neko Harbour, Orne Harbour or Paradise Harbour.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and camping in Antarctica are a couple of optional activities available on selected voyages (at an extra cost).
Day 8-9: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted at 66° 33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!
Make a toast and take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people.
Day 10-11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits' and pancake ice will seem normal too, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will continue to fill your days, while the Expedition team will continue to offer presentations, while giving you time to reflect on everything you've experienced.
Day 12-13: Crossing the Drake Passage
As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage.
Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia
Today, you’ll arrive in Ushuaia and say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers. After breakfast you will disembark and take a transfer to the airport or to a central location in town.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
04 Feb 2025 - 17 Feb 2025 | USD $14997pp | Save 25% | |
Studio Double | USD $14997pp | Save 25% | |
Studio Veranda Stateroom | USD $15747pp | Save 25% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | USD $16872pp | Save 25% | |
Deluxe Veranda Mid | USD $17622pp | Save 25% | |
Deluxe Veranda | USD $18372pp | Save 25% | |
Studio Single | USD $19122pp | Save 25% | |
Grand Veranda Stateroom | USD $19122pp | Save 25% | |
Royal Veranda Stateroom | USD $22497pp | Save 25% | |
Studio Veranda Single | USD $23622pp | Save 25% | |
Junior Suite | USD $25497pp | Save 25% | |
Explorer Suite | USD $26247pp | Save 25% | |
Owner's Suite | USD $26997pp | Save 25% | |
04 Mar 2025 - 17 Mar 2025 | USD $12597pp | Save 30% | |
Studio Double | USD $12597pp | Save 30% | |
Studio Veranda Stateroom | USD $13297pp | Save 30% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | USD $13997pp | Save 30% | |
Deluxe Veranda Mid | USD $14697pp | Save 30% | |
Deluxe Veranda | USD $15397pp | Save 30% | |
Studio Single | USD $16097pp | Save 30% | |
Grand Veranda Stateroom | USD $16097pp | Save 30% | |
Royal Veranda Stateroom | USD $18897pp | Save 30% | |
Studio Veranda Single | USD $19947pp | Save 30% | |
Junior Suite | USD $21347pp | Save 30% | |
Explorer Suite | USD $22047pp | Save 30% | |
Owner's Suite | USD $22747pp | Save 30% | |
09 Feb 2026 - 22 Feb 2026 | USD $15516pp | Save 20% | |
Studio Double | USD $15516pp | Save 20% | |
Studio Veranda Stateroom | USD $16396pp | Save 20% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | USD $17356pp | Save 20% | |
Deluxe Veranda Mid | USD $18236pp | Save 20% | |
Deluxe Veranda | USD $18796pp | Save 20% | |
Studio Single | USD $19836pp | Save 20% | |
Grand Veranda Stateroom | USD $19836pp | Save 20% | |
Royal Veranda Stateroom | USD $20396pp | Save 20% | |
Studio Veranda Single | USD $20956pp | Save 20% | |
Junior Suite | USD $22796pp | Save 20% | |
Explorer Suite | USD $23676pp | Save 20% | |
Owner's Suite | USD $25516pp | Save 20% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Studio Single
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 177 sq. ft. (16.5 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Studio Double
Located on Deck 3 and approximately 181 sq. f. (16.8 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Studio Veranda Stateroom
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 173 sq. f. (16.1 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Deluxe Veranda Mid
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 214 sq. f. (19.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with either a sofa-bed or two club chairs and a coffee table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Deluxe Veranda
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 204 sq. f. (19.0 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed*. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Grand Veranda Stateroom
Located on Decks 6 and 7 and approximately 202 sq. f. (18.8 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with either a sofa-bed or two club chairs and a coffee table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Royal Veranda Stateroom
Located on Decks 4 and 6 and approximately 230 sq. f. (21.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. Cabins have either a seperate sitting area furnished with club chairs, and coffee table or they are specially configured with the window opposite to the head of the bed. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Junior Suite
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
Studio Veranda Single
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Explorer Suite
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Owner's Suite
This massive 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 443 sq. f (41.2 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The inner bedroom has a private en-suite with a bathdub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room is furnished with a sofabed, club chair and 4-seat dining table. Walk-out from either room to a triple sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and an additional private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor for the outer room.
Ocean Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
- Infinity class vessel delivered in 2021 by SunStone Maritime Group, the largest expedition-only shipbuilding provider in the world.
- 138-passengers.
- Built for polar expeditions with an Ice Class 1A and PC6 rating.
- Staff and Crew: 105
- Length: 342 ft (104.4m)
- Draft: 17.3ft (5.3m)
- Lifeboats: 2
- Ice Class: 1A, PC6
- Registration: Bahamas
- Zodiacs: 15
- Cruising Speed: 16.5 knows, in open water
Ocean Explorer is among the most technologically-advanced ships in the industry—it features:
- Ulstein X-Bow - a unique inverted bow design to slice through rough seas, minimizing vibration for faster transits with lower fuel consumption.
- Zero-speed stabilizers that keep things smooth while sailing, but also level and steady when at rest.
- Safe Return to Port system, providing duplicate power to keep the operating and comfort systems working even in cases of engine failure
- Dynamic positioning is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel's position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters.
Whats included?
- Transfer from Ushuaia Airport to Hotel (if arriving on first day)
- 1 night hotel in Ushuaia
- Shipboard accommodation
- All meals, coffee and tea during the voyage
- Group Airport Transfer in Ushuaia upon disembarkation
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Free use of waterproof boots for shore landings
- Educational programs and expedition leaders
- An expedition parka for you to keep
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
What’s not included?
- Air transportation
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Airport arrival/departure taxes
- Travel protection plan
- Waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry service
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Possible fuel surcharges
- Gratuities
- Any items not listed as included
- Optional activities*
Notes
*Optional Activities
- Kayaking: US$995 per person
- Paddling: US$295 per person