Looking for excitement? A true expedition experience? Join this unique adventure where we have NO SET ITINERARY, and the rhythms of the sea, ice and wildlife will lead us to adventure.
Antarctica
The Ultimate Antarctica Experience – Quest for the Circle
12 Days aboard Ocean Victory. From AUD $19,825$18,527pp.
Details
Overview
Save 30%
Book by 15th February 2025
Itinerary Highlights
- Arrive in Ushuaia and embark on your expedition ship to begin your Antarctic adventure.
- Sail across the Drake Passage towards the Antarctic Peninsula, experiencing the open sea.
- Explore the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula, where unforgettable adventures await.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrival Ushuaia, embarkation
- Day 2 and 3: At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Southbound
- Day 4 to 9: The Antarctic Peninsula - Adventure Awaits
- Day 10 and 11: At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Northbound
- Day 12: Arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
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: Arrival Ushuaia, embarkation
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.
After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.
Day 2 and 3: At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Southbound
Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement - and you will complete the crossing twice!
Our days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our arrival in Antarctica - your Expedition Leader will brief you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica's delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!
We will cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of our voyage - watch the mercury plummet as we sail southwards into Antarctic waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels, albatrosses and potentially penguins, seals and whales in abundance. Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall in the South Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of our second day in the Drake Passage, marking the start of our exploration on the Last Continent.
Day 4 to 9: The Antarctic Peninsula - Adventure Awaits
With no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be - flowing with the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best opportunities Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs in the first half of the brief Antarctic summer, when sea ice is at its maximum - this offers us ample opportunities to explore in the icy wilderness of the last continent. Our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain - however we will aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region.
Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs drift silently past the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.
This time of year, expect to see penguins carefully tending their fluffy chicks, while their partners frantically hunt for food at sea. As the snow melts, opportunities for hiking onshore increase. Antarctic fur seals start to arrive in their summer feeding grounds, and humpback whale numbers increase as more of these gentle giants arrive at the end of their long migration. With luck, we may even see the young of these gentle giants.
There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be the ultimate Antarctic experience.
Day 10 and 11: At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Northbound
We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards.
During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål!
Day 12: Arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation
On the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass, and a busy city may seem strange after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it will be time to bid a fond farewell to the crew and team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Next Departure Date: 28 Dec 2026
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Dec 2026 - 08 Jan 2027 | AUD$19194pp | ||
| Triple Porthole Cabin (F) | AUD$20492pp | Contact us | |
| Albatros State Cabin (D) | Save 20% | ||
| French Balcony Suite (E) | Save 20% | ||
| Balcony State Cabin (C) | Save 20% | ||
| C SP, Superior Balcony Stateroom | Save 20% | ||
| C XL, Grand Balcony Stateroom | Save 20% | ||
| Single Porthole Cabin (G) | AUD$30158pp | Contact us | |
| Balcony Suite (B2) | Save 20% | ||
| Balcony Suite (B1) | Save 20% | ||
| Junior Suite (A) | Save 25% | ||
| Premium Suite (PS) | Save 30% | ||
| 13 Feb 2027 - 24 Feb 2027 | AUD$18527pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Single Porthole Cabin (G)
18m2, 1 single bed, bathroom, desk, sitting area, TV. Located on Deck 3 close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation.
Triple Porthole Cabin (F)
Solo guests of the same gender can share this stateroom to avoid paying single supplement.
22m2, 2 single beds or 1 double, 1 sofa bed, en-suite, desk, TV. Located on Deck 3 close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
French Balcony Suite (E)
16m2, 1 double bed or 2 single beds, en-suite, floor to ceiling windows, bathroom, french balcony. Located on deck 7.
Albatros State Cabin (D)
22m2, 2 single beds or 1 double bed, bathroom, TV, desk, sitting area, convenient access to zodiac platform.
Balcony State Cabin (C)
24m2, 1 double bed or 2 single beds, en-suite, sofa, located on decks 4 & 6, private balcony, TV. Sofa can be used for child travelling with adults. Interconnecting cabins are also possible.
This stateroom can be converted into a Triple stateroom with the third person sleeping on a sofa bed. Third person will have 50% discount. Valid until end of Antarctica season 2024/2025. From Arctic season 2025, this will apply to Stateroom C-SP.
Solo guests of the same gender can share this stateroom to avoid paying single supplement.
Balcony Suite (B2)
28m2, 1 double bed or 2 single beds, located on decks 4 & 6, bathroom, private balcony, seating area, TV.
Balcony Suite (B1)
35m2, 1 double bed or 2 single beds, located on deck 4, bathroom, private balcony, seating area, TV.
Junior Suite (A)
This stateroom can be converted into a Triple stateroom. Third person will have 50% discount.
42m2, 1 double bed or 2 single beds, sofa bed, seating area, spacious bathroom, private balcony, TV. Great views from the high location on Deck 7.
Premium Suite (PS)
45m2, 2 bedroom suite, 1 double bed or twin beds, 1 sofa bed, table and chairs, seating area, spacious bathroom, private balcony. Located on deck 4.
C SP, Superior Balcony Stateroom
App. 24 smq, incl. Balcony. Featuring an additional seating area or sofa bed.
From Arctic season 2025, this stateroom can be converted into a Triple stateroom with the third person sleeping on a sofa bed. Third person will have 50% discount.
C XL, Grand Balcony Stateroom
App. 30 smq, incl. Balcony. Extra-large cabins, now incorporating the two wheelchair-accessible cabins from the current Category B's.
Ocean Victory Deckplan
Specifications
- Year Built: 2020
- Passengers: 186
- Crew: 100
- Length: 104.4m
- Breadth: 18.4m
- Draft: 5.1m
Whats included?
- 12-day/11-night cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
- Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
- Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
- All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
- Expedition parka
- Rubber boots loan scheme
- Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
- English-speaking Expedition Team
- Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
- Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
- Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
- Taxes and landing fees
- Special photo workshops
- Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
- Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!
What’s not included?
- Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal expenses (e.g. Polar Spa services, Ocean Boutique purchases)
- Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
Notes
Optional Activities:
- (K) Kayaking Experience $345 - to be booked and paid onboard
- (P) Photography Program $495 - to be prebooked and prepaid
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.
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