Antarctica

Best of Antarctica’s Whale Season

12 Days aboard MV Discoverer. From USD $12,995pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Antarctica during peak whale spotting season is something truly special. If only you could have just one more day with these magnificent and often elusive creatures. On this expedition, you can. While every voyage into Antarctica is a wildlife lover’s dream journey, with a variety of iconic penguins, a number of seal species, and Antarctica’s always-majestic icebergs within everyday view, this voyage features an extra day in the company of the incomparable Humpback, any number of whom will be feeding on the abundance of krill in the water this time of year. Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings, adding yet another bonus to this very special expedition.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Cross the legendary Drake Passage on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica’s wildlife-rich waters.
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula surrounded by glaciers, penguins, seals, and dramatic icebergs.
  • Experience peak whale season with incredible sightings of Humpback, Orca, and Minke whales feeding in Antarctic waters.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive and Explore in Ushuaia
  • Day 2: All Aboard!
  • Day 3 & 4: Drake Passage
  • Day 5 & 6: South Shetland Islands
  • Day 7 to 9: Antarctica (and Whales) Await
  • Day 10 & 11: Drake Passage
  • Day 12: Ushuaia Disembarkation

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Ship Information

For more information on the MV Discoverer please view the ship page.

View MV Discoverer

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Arrive and Explore in Ushuaia

After a friendly welcome at the airport, we'll transfer you to one of our partnered premium hotel resorts nestled in the breathtaking Patagonian nature, where you can take some time to unwind or go explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: All Aboard!

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3 & 4: Drake Passage

Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5 & 6: South Shetland Islands

The South Shetlands are 12 islands separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait. Significant volcanic activity has sculpted a geology – and a diverse natural beauty – unlike anywhere else on Earth. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. And this time of year is feeding time for Humpback whales, so don’t be surprised if you’re joined by a number of them on your day’s adventure.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7 to 9: Antarctica (and Whales) Await

On to the Antarctic Peninsula, where we’ll explore any number of stunning bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through majestic channels as we continue to navigate these wildlife-rich waters, passing any number of glorious icebergs, on our way to historic landing sites and perhaps even an active scientific base. Of course, a particular highlight of this voyage is the privilege of spending an extra day in the company of the giant Humpback whale – or many of them! – feeding on the abundance of krill in the water this time of year. Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings, as are a variety of penguins and seals.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 10 & 11: Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 12: Ushuaia Disembarkation

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 04 Mar 2027
DatesCabinFromAdditional
04 Mar 2027 - 15 Mar 2027 USD $12,995ppExpand to view prices
Porthole StateroomUSD $12,995ppContact us
Ocean StateroomUSD $14,995ppContact us
Vista StateroomUSD $15,095ppContact us
Balcony StateroomUSD $16,495ppContact us
Navigator StateroomUSD $17,995ppContact us
Discovery SuiteUSD $17,995ppContact us
Owner's SuiteUSD $20,595ppContact us
Solo Vista StateroomUSD $22,395ppContact us
Grand SuiteUSD $22,395ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Porthole Stateroom

14-15 sqm, Two Portholes

Mini bar and refrigerator, Flat-screen TV with Interactive Media Library, Direct dial telephone & Wi-Fi, Fitted wardrobe with personal safe, Individually controlled air conditioning, Luxury bath amenities and hair dryer, Bathrobes and slippers, 110/220V AC power outlets.

Porthole Stateroom
Porthole Stateroom
Ocean Stateroom

14-15 sqm, Large Window

Mini bar and refrigerator, Flat-screen TV with Interactive Media Library, Direct dial telephone & Wi-Fi, Fitted wardrobe with personal safe, Individually controlled air conditioning, Luxury bath amenities and hair dryer, Bathrobes and slippers, 110/220V AC power outlets.

Ocean Stateroom
Ocean Stateroom
Vista Stateroom

18 sqm, Large Window

Mini bar and refrigerator, Flat-screen TV with Interactive Media Library, Direct dial telephone & Wi-Fi, Fitted wardrobe with personal safe, Individually controlled air conditioning, Luxury bath amenities and hair dryer, Bathrobes and slippers, 110/220V AC power outlets.

Vista Stateroom
Vista Stateroom
Solo Vista Stateroom

16-18 sqm, Large Window

Mini bar and refrigerator, Flat-screen TV with Interactive Media Library, Direct dial telephone & Wi-Fi, Fitted wardrobe with personal safe, Individually controlled air conditioning, Luxury bath amenities and hair dryer, Bathrobes and slippers, 110/220V AC power outlets.

Solo Vista Stateroom
Solo Vista Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom

19-20 sqm, Juliet Balcony

Mini bar and refrigerator, Flat-screen TV with Interactive Media Library, Direct dial telephone & Wi-Fi, Fitted wardrobe with personal safe, Individually controlled air conditioning, Luxury bath amenities and hair dryer, Bathrobes and slippers, 110/220V AC power outlets.

Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Discovery Suite

39 sqm, Two Juliet Balconies

Discovery Suite
Discovery Suite
Navigator Stateroom

37 sqm, Private Balcony

Mini bar and refrigerator, Flat-screen TV with Interactive Media Library, Direct dial telephone & Wi-Fi, Fitted wardrobe with personal safe, Individually controlled air conditioning, Luxury bath amenities and hair dryer, Bathrobes and slippers, 110/220V AC power outlets.

Navigator Stateroom
Navigator Stateroom
Owner's Suite

67 sqm, Private Balcony

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite
Grand Suite

57 sqm, Private Balcony

Grand Suite
Grand Suite

MV Discoverer Deckplan

MV Discoverer deck plan

Specifications

  • Passengers: 140
  • Crew: 107 (includes Staff)
  • Built by: Rauma-Repola Shipyard in Rauma, Finland
  • Built in: 1989
  • Refurbished: 2018 & 2023
  • Manager: Nordic Cruise Management, Hamburg
  • Registered in: Nassau, Bahamas
  • Length: 108 m
  • Width: 16,0 m
  • Tonnage: 6,158 GRT
  • Class: Ice Class 1A – Polar Code compliant
  • Maximum Speed: 14 knots

What's included?

Prior to Embarkation

  • One pre-voyage hotel night with breakfast in Ushuaia
  • Transfer from airport in Ushuaia (USH) to group hotel (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
  • Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation

On Board

  • Shipboard accommodations and meals
  • “Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
  • Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner (selected labels and brands. Wine excluded at lunch)
  • Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
  • 1GB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
  • Expedition jacket for use during the voyage
  • Fleece-lined down jacket (yours to keep)
  • A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
  • All scheduled landings and excursions
  • Snowshoes for use during landings (subject to availability)
  • Our Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
  • Photography Coach available throughout the voyage
  • Participation in the Polar Plunge
  • Access to our onboard medical clinics
  • Access to our onboard fitness centers
  • All port and landing fees
  • Digital Voyage Log

Post Disembarkation

  • Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location (please note we cannot drop at Airbnbs or private homes, which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles)

What's not?

  • Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified above
  • Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia other than those specified above
  • Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
  • Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board, except as listed in inclusions
  • Any other alcohol and soft drinks, except as listed in inclusions
  • Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed in inclusions
  • Staff/crew gratuities

Important notes and additional information

PAID ACTIVITIES (ON SELECT VOYAGES)

  • K = Kayaking (Discover - US$350, Immersive - US$1195)
  • P = Photography (US$495, FSG voyages US$995)

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Best of Antarctica’s Whale Season

12 Days aboard MV Discoverer. From USD $12,995pp.