Celebrating New Year’s in Antarctica

This expedition starts and ends in Ushuaia and crosses the Drake Passage into Antarctic waters. In the Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, the focus is on large tabular icebergs, glacier scenery and sightings of Adélie, Chinstrap and other penguin species as well as a range of seals, with good chances of spotting hunting Orcas. Around the New Year, the itinerary makes use of every suitable opportunity for landings, Zodiac cruises and visits to selected scientific bases and historic landing sites. In the South Shetland Islands, volcanic landscapes, additional penguin colonies and frequent whale sightings add further context before the ship returns to Tierra del Fuego via the Drake Passage.

Celebrating New Year’s in Antarctica: the itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia and time to explore
After you arrive at the airport, you are met and transferred to one of the partnered premium hotel resorts set in Patagonian surroundings. After check in, there is time to rest from your journey or to explore Ushuaia, often described as the southernmost city in the world. Depending on your interests, you might take a walk along the waterfront, visit a small museum, or simply get a first sense of the mountain backdrop that frames the town. In the evening, an optional briefing gives you the chance to ask practical questions and meet some of your fellow travellers. The day is intentionally unhurried, allowing you to settle in before embarking the following afternoon.

Day 2: Embarkation
Your morning is free in Ushuaia. You may choose to relax at the hotel, continue exploring the town, or browse local shops for any last items you may want for the days at sea. In mid afternoon, you are escorted to the ship, where the Expedition Team and ship staff welcome you on board and help you get settled. A safety and orientation briefing follows, outlining procedures on board and the guidelines for Zodiac operations and landings. The Captain’s welcome dinner provides a clear start to the voyage and an introduction to the days ahead. Later, the ship departs Ushuaia and heads south, beginning the crossing towards the Drake Passage and Antarctica.

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Day 3: Drake Passage, first day at sea
Today the ship enters the Drake Passage, a classic route towards Antarctica. On board, polar specialists share their knowledge through talks and informal discussions, covering topics such as Antarctic wildlife, the region’s exploration history and the practical realities of operating in polar waters. Those who wish can take part in the Citizen Science programme, contributing observations within the scope of the voyage. It is also worth spending time on deck, as seabirds often accompany the ship and conditions can change quickly. As the day progresses, you begin to notice shifts in temperature and light, and the rhythm of life on board becomes familiar. This first sea day also provides time to prepare for the landings to come, with guidance from the Expedition Team as needed.

Day 4: Drake Passage, approaching Antarctic waters
The crossing continues and, as the ship nears the Antarctic Convergence, the environment becomes noticeably cooler. Weather patterns and sea state can vary, and the passage is shaped by these conditions. The Expedition Team typically expands on the previous day’s briefings, offering practical advice for time in Zodiacs and on shore, including safety, wildlife awareness and environmental protocols. Seabird watching remains a key feature of the day, so binoculars and cameras are useful to keep close. Between scheduled sessions, there is time to take in the open ocean and to anticipate the first ice and coastal outlines that may appear as the voyage progresses. The day remains focused on preparation and observation, setting a steady pace for the expedition phase ahead.

Day 5: Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea
You navigate into the Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, an area known for large tabular icebergs and a distinctive geography. The ship manoeuvres through channels where ice forms and open water alternate, creating changing views throughout the day. Wildlife sightings are often a central part of this region, with Adélie penguins and seals commonly observed from the ship and, when conditions allow, during Zodiac cruises and landings. Attention also stays on the water for the possibility of Orcas, which are regularly reported here, sometimes while hunting. The day’s programme is adapted to ice and weather, balancing safe operations with opportunities to experience the scale of the ice and the character of the Weddell Sea.

Day 6: Antarctic Peninsula, New Year period programme
The next stage focuses on the Antarctic Peninsula, with its bays, rugged coastlines and glacier dominated scenery. The plan is to use every suitable opportunity for Zodiac cruising and landings, allowing close range observation of the environment. Encounters may include several penguin species, seals and, at times, whales offshore, while the landscape itself is defined by snow covered slopes and active glacial fronts. Where access and conditions permit, the itinerary also includes visits to selected scientific bases and historic landing sites, adding context to the natural setting. On board, short briefings and talks help interpret what you see without overloading the day. As evening approaches, attention turns to the transition into the New Year, experienced in a setting largely free of permanent human infrastructure.

Day 7: New Year in Antarctica
The programme continues to follow the conditions, aiming for further landings and Zodiac operations along the Peninsula. The day may include a mix of sheltered bays and more open coastal sections, with wildlife observation shifting between colonies on shore and activity in the surrounding waters. Depending on organisation and local conditions, optional activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, photography and Citizen Science can be integrated into the day. There is also time to simply observe, as visibility, cloud cover and light often shape how the landscape is experienced. The New Year is marked on board in a measured way, as a shared moment within the expedition. Afterward, the voyage continues with the same focus on safe operations, wildlife awareness and making the most of the available windows for exploration.

Day 8: South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are shaped by volcanic activity, creating geology that differs from many parts of the Peninsula. Mountains and glaciers rise above darker rock formations, and wildlife is often present close to shore. You can expect to see Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and it is not uncommon to encounter Elephant seals and Fur seals near the water’s edge. Whales are frequently spotted in this area as well, making Zodiac cruising particularly rewarding. The day is largely spent exploring by Zodiac, with landings when conditions allow. For kayakers, this is often the first opportunity to paddle in Antarctic waters, moving quietly close to the surface and taking in the landscape from a low, unobtrusive perspective.

Day 9: Drake Passage, northbound
The ship turns north and crosses the Antarctic Convergence again, beginning the return across the Drake Passage. These sea days provide time to review photographs, organise notes and discuss sightings with the Expedition Team. Depending on conditions, seabird watching continues, and additional talks may be offered to address questions that have emerged during the expedition. The atmosphere on board often becomes more reflective, while temperature and light gradually shift as you move away from Antarctic waters. At the same time, the Drake remains an ocean crossing, and the day’s character is influenced by wind and sea state. The return journey is therefore both a transition and a final part of the expedition experience.

Day 10: Drake Passage, voyage conclusion on board
The crossing continues and the end of the expedition comes into view. On board, the voyage is typically brought to a close with a special slideshow that summarises key locations and wildlife encounters, followed by a final meal together. Between these moments, there is time to prepare for arrival, organise luggage and complete any remaining practicalities. The Expedition Team remains available for final questions, whether about route decisions, wildlife behaviour or the scientific and historical context of the places visited. The day maintains a calm structure, allowing the expedition to conclude in an orderly way before disembarkation the next morning.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia and onward travel
You disembark in Ushuaia in the morning. From here, you can catch a flight to Buenos Aires or choose to stay in Ushuaia independently for additional sightseeing. The travel package ends upon disembarkation.
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