Antarctic Peninsula - The Classic Voyage

This classic Antarctic expedition combines sea days with frequent Zodiac cruises and shore landings. The focus is on observing penguins, seals, seabirds and, with some luck, whales, supported by onboard talks from polar experts. The extra day adds flexibility to spend more time in the wildlife rich South Shetland Islands or to push deeper into the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, depending on conditions and opportunities. Citizen science and photography are part of the onboard programme, and an optional camping night ashore may be available. The itinerary remains intentionally adaptable to respond to weather, ice and wildlife movements.

Antarctic Peninsula - The Classic Voyage: The itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
After you arrive at the airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to one of the partnered premium hotel resorts set within Patagonian nature. After check in, you have time to rest or explore Ushuaia on your own. As the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia is a practical starting point to get oriented in Tierra del Fuego, with its setting between mountains and sea, before boarding the ship. In the evening, an optional briefing is offered. You can ask questions, receive initial information about the expedition flow, and meet some of your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Embarkation
Your morning is free. Depending on your interests, you may relax at the hotel, visit a museum, or walk through Ushuaia and use the shops for any last needs. In mid afternoon you are escorted to the ship. The Expedition Team and crew welcome you on board and you settle into your cabin. A safety and orientation briefing follows so everyone is familiar with procedures on the ship and with the rules for Zodiac operations and landings. The day ends with the Captain’s welcome dinner, and the ship departs Ushuaia, setting course for Antarctica.

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Day 3: Drake Passage
Today you begin the crossing of the Drake Passage. These sea days are used to prepare for the expedition phase and to build context for what you will see. Polar experts share knowledge about Antarctic wildlife and the history of exploration through talks and informal discussions. You can also participate in the Citizen Science programme by helping document observations that support research projects. Time on deck is often rewarding, with binoculars and camera ready, as seabirds frequently accompany the ship. As you cross the Antarctic Convergence, conditions shift and temperatures become noticeably cooler.

Day 4: Drake Passage
The crossing continues and remains an important part of the journey, offering time for preparation, observation and orientation. Depending on weather and sea state, additional talks and practical briefings are scheduled, including guidance for the first Zodiac outings and landings. Citizen Science activities can continue, or you may simply use the day to watch the ocean and the birdlife around the ship. Less common sightings are possible on this route, so regular time on deck can be worthwhile. As the ship moves further south, the Antarctic environment becomes more apparent in both temperature and overall conditions. The Expedition Team provides ongoing updates on the situation and on plans for the first days in the operating area.

Day 5: South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are shaped by volcanic processes and display geology that differs from many other Antarctic regions. Expect a combination of mountains, glaciers and abundant wildlife. Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins are commonly seen, and along the shoreline it is not unusual to encounter Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are also regularly observed in these waters. The day is typically planned around Zodiac exploration and shore landings, allowing you to experience coastlines, beaches and ice features from different perspectives. Plans remain flexible to respond to weather, ice and wildlife movements.

Day 6: South Shetland Islands with added flexibility
With an extra day in this area, there is more time to explore the variety of the island group. Additional Zodiac cruises and landings may be scheduled, and depending on conditions the focus can shift to distinctive coastal sections, including dark sand beaches and traces of historic activity. Deception Island is often high on the list, as black beaches and rusted remains sit within a landscape strongly influenced by volcanic forces. Wildlife observation remains central, especially penguins and seals along the waterline and possible whale sightings offshore. As on all expedition days, the exact plan depends on local conditions and operational considerations.

Day 7: Antarctic Peninsula and the start of immersive expedition days
From today the focus is the Antarctic Peninsula, with selected bays and well known landing sites. The route is chosen to combine ice scenery with wildlife rich coastal areas, while the exact order depends on weather, wind and ice. Two outings per day are typical, using Zodiacs for both cruising and landings. You travel through iceberg filled channels and into waters where penguins, seals and, with some luck, whales may be present. Glacier fronts and drifting ice formations are a key part of the landscape experience. The Expedition Team accompanies activities, providing safety oversight, guidance and interpretation.

Day 8: Antarctic Peninsula with scientific and historic sites
Today again includes multiple opportunities to be off the ship and experience the region directly. Depending on conditions, landings may take place at sites connected to Antarctic research or history. Where logistically possible and permitted, there can be opportunities to visit active scientific bases or historic landing locations. Outings are planned to balance time on shore and on the water, offering different perspectives on coastlines, ice and wildlife colonies. For those interested in photography, changing light and weather can support a more documentary approach to the landscape. The Expedition Team provides background information and practical guidance throughout the day.

Day 9: Antarctic Peninsula and optional camping night ashore
This third day in the operating area remains flexible, aiming to use the best available opportunities for landings and Zodiac cruising. The intention is to maximise time off the ship while staying within safety and environmental guidelines. Depending on the route, additional bays and coastal sections may be visited, known for icebergs, glaciers and wildlife encounters. For guests who have signed up, an overnight camping experience ashore may take place. This is optional and depends on weather, snow conditions and permissions. Regardless of camping, the day is shaped by the rhythm of outings and the alternating perspectives of sea, ice and rugged shoreline.

Day 10: Drake Passage
Today the ship begins the return journey north across the Drake Passage. After the intensive days in the field, attention shifts back to onboard programming and shared reflection. The Expedition Team continues with talks and discussions to interpret sightings and address questions that emerged during landings. Depending on conditions, seabirds and other wildlife may again be visible at sea. Many guests use this time to organise photos or update notes. The crew provides regular updates on the expected arrival in Ushuaia and the procedures for disembarkation.

Day 11: Drake Passage and expedition wrap up
The passage continues as the ship approaches Ushuaia. The expedition is concluded on board, typically with a shared slideshow documenting the journey. A final meal together is also part of the closing programme before disembarkation the next morning. Weather permitting, there is still time to spend on deck and observe the open ocean. The Expedition Team and crew provide practical information regarding luggage, timing and arrival procedures. The day serves both as a conclusion and as an organised preparation for returning to shore.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Disembarkation takes place in Ushuaia in the morning. The travel package ends once you leave the ship. From here you can connect to a flight to Buenos Aires or extend your stay in Ushuaia independently for additional time in Tierra del Fuego.
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