Christmas Season in Antarctica
11 Days / 9 Nights On Board
Ushuaia to Ushuaia
A Holiday in the Most Spiritually Uplifting Place on Earth
The Christmas season is a time for joy, reflection, and magical moments, and nowhere on earth delivers all of those – and all at once – as does a journey through the wildlife-rich Weddell Sea and into the spectacular snow-covered Antarctic Peninsula. Join us as we share the holidays peacefully co-existing with Mother Nature herself. You’ll be celebrating among massive tabular icebergs, glorious and radiant glaciers, colonies of Adélie, Chinstrap, and other penguin species, and an array of seals, all the while staying on the lookout for a likely sighting of Orca on the hunt. Christmas time in Antarctica. It’s a holiday experience unlike any other.
Expedition Dates
Activities:Â Â Camping, Kayaking, Photography, Citizen Science, Snowshoeing
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
- Day 2: Embarkation
- Days 3-4: Drake Passage
- Days 5-7: Merry Christmas, Antarctica!
- Day 8: South Shetland Islands
- Days 9-10: Drake Passage
- Day 11: Disembarkation
Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can't be accommodated at the Arakur, you'll unwind at another of Ushuaia's top luxury hotels.)
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!
Days 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.
Days 5–7: Merry Christmas, Antarctica!
Time to put our explorer’s spirit to full use. Antarctica offers astounding landscapes and wildlife encounters at every turn, as the last truly unspoiled place on earth, populated only by its original wild inhabitants. Prepare yourself to encounter numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, who will be there to share the holidays with us along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. We’ll also take full advantage of every opportunity to visit some of the several active scientific bases and historic landing sites on the peninsula. This voyage promises to be a holiday memory you’ll cherish forever. Our team always has something fun planned for Christmas Day.
Day 8: South Shetland Islands
Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. 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. Whales are often spotted as well. So, we’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend most of our day exploring. And kayakers, it’s time to get your first taste of gliding just inches off the pristine Antarctic water. Whether on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.
Days 9–10: Drake Passage
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 11: 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.
Visiting a Penguin Colony
Activities
Sign up at time of booking - 20% non-refundable deposit required.
Sign up on board. Available to all guests on all voyages.
Important Details
Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4). A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.
Traveling With a Group?
Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.
Rates vary by cabin.
A Thoroughly Modern Ship, Built for Polar Waters
The sister ship of Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory boasts the same strikingly unconventional profile as its sibling. It’s a look that reflects decades of Polar experience and design refinement, resulting in a vessel ideally suited for the challenges and opportunities of this unique part of the world. From its uber-stable X-Bow to its heated mudroom and four exterior doors that will get you out and exploring quickly and safely, this is the ship that Antarctica – and all would-be explorers – have been waiting for.
All Voyages Include:
- One Hotel Night
- Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with dinner
- World Class Cuisine
- Complimentary coffee/tea station
- Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
- Voyage Photographer
- Professional Photography Coach
- Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
- Expedition jacket on loan, custom down jacket to keep
Ship Facilities:
- Two Jacuzzis with panoramic views
- Sauna, SPA, gym
- Multiple observation decks
- Fine dining restaurant
- 24/7 Bistro
- Private balconies with most cabins
- Generously-sized communal spaces
- Spacious bar and lounge area
- Elevator serving all passenger decks
- Library with computers
- Citizen Science Area
All Staterooms Feature:
- Exterior views
- Fridge
- Flat Screen TV
- Telephone
- Safe to store your valuables
- Independent temperature controls
- Toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- USB Sockets
