Across the Antarctic Circle
13 Days - Greg Mortimer
Venturing below the Antarctic Circle is about more than just earning bragging rights. It is the chance to enter a different world more rarely seen, it feels more isolated and colder than further north, with great swathes of pack-ice and dreamlike icebergs. Thread through pack ice and narrow channels where scenes of ice-clad mountains, feeding whales and lively penguin colonies become lasting memories.
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Home » 13 Day Greg Mortimer: Across the Antarctic Circle ex Ushuaia
Itinerary Highlights
- Celebrate the crossing of the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33' South (approximately).
- Zodiac cruise in secluded bays and quiet coves filled with brash ice and photograph enormous glaciers and spectacularly shaped icebergs in various shades of blue.
- Keep a close watch for the tail fluke of whales as they take a deep dive, see porpoising penguins ice seals such as Weddell and crabeater seals hauled out on ice floes.
- Visit fascinating historic sites including explorers’ huts and scientific stations.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia
- Day 2: Embarkation
- Day 3-4: Drake Passage crossing
- Days 5-10: Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
- Days 11-12: Drake Passage crossing
- Day 13: Disembark Ushuaia
Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative and transferred with your fellow expeditioners to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, we ask you to make your way to your hotel. Check-in is from 3.00 pm. This afternoon, visit the hospitality desk in the lobby at Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort, Luis Fernando Martial 1650, between 8.00 am and 12.00 pm, or 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm, to collect your luggage tags, and confirm if you wish to join our Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise (sea lion island) tomorrow. Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information on where to dine or purchase last minute items.
Expeditioners arriving after 7:00pm will find a welcome pack waiting for them at check-in. We ask you to visit our hospitality desk tomorrow between 08:00am – 10:00am.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Assigned accommodation: Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort or Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel
Day 2: Embarkation
This morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out. Please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or at check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.
Your morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia.
Those wishing to join our afternoon catamaran cruise, meet back at the hotel lobby at 12.45 pm ready to transfer to the port at 1.00 pm. Here we board our catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago we’ll slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are often sighted. Our cruise offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, in addition to hearing tales of the people and communities of the region.
Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby at 3.45 pm to be transferred to the pier for embarkation.
Once onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
This evening get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
Day 3-4: Drake Passage crossing
As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.
Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following our vessel. On sea days, you may can enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym, wellness centre or the relaxing in one of the observation lounges.
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Days 5-10: Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
On this voyage, conditions permitting, we plan to cross the Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line located at the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33' South (approximately). Crossing below The Circle is certainly a special highlight for many people, and the moment will be celebrated with a toast out on the deck (weather permitting). You have earned some boasting privileges, joining a small group of lucky adventurers who have ventured to this part of the world. As we approach and cross the Antarctic Circle, you will notice subtle changes in the landscape, and also in the distribution of wildlife. The waters at this time of year are rich with krill and we hope to see plenty of whales - particularly humpbacks and minkes and enjoy the spectacle of penguins feeding their ravenous chicks.
Expect a Christmas and New Year celebration like no other, on this voyage. No matter where we are along the peninsula, we will enjoy some festive landings before savouring a special Christmas feast in our beautiful restaurant surrounded by the most spectacular views of the icy landscape that you could ever imagine. Raise a toast to ring in the new year with your friendly crew, fellow expeditioners and expedition team.
Days 11-12: Drake Passage crossing
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America.
With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Day 13: Disembark Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
On disembarkation, passengers on flights departing prior to 14:00 will be transferred directly to Ushuaia Airport, while those fortunate enough to be continuing their travels in this spectacular region of the world, will be transferred to their post-voyage Ushuaia accommodation. Passengers flying after 14:00 will have time to explore Ushuaia, prior to an afternoon airport transfer, the details of which will be provided onboard prior to disembarkation.
Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
23 Feb 2025 - 07 Mar 2025 | AUD $23509pp | Save 10% | |
Aurora Triple Stateroom | AUD $23509pp | Save 10% | |
Aurora Twin Stateroom | AUD $24235pp | Save 10% | |
Balcony Stateroom (C) | AUD $26267pp | Save 10% | |
Balcony Stateroom (B) | AUD $27574pp | Save 10% | |
Balcony Stateroom (A) | AUD $29751pp | Save 10% | |
Balcony Stateroom Superior | AUD $32509pp | Save 10% | |
Junior Suite | AUD $40638pp | Save 10% | |
Captain's Suite | AUD $48332pp | Save 10% | |
16 Dec 2025 - 28 Dec 2025 | AUD $24671pp | Save 15% | |
Aurora Triple Stateroom | AUD $24671pp | Save 15% | |
Aurora Twin Stateroom | AUD $25494pp | Save 15% | |
Balcony Stateroom (C) | AUD $27688pp | Save 15% | |
Balcony Stateroom (B) | AUD $29058pp | Save 15% | |
Balcony Stateroom (A) | AUD $31252pp | Save 15% | |
Balcony Stateroom Superior | AUD $34131pp | Save 15% | |
Junior Suite | AUD $42905pp | Save 15% | |
Captain's Suite | AUD $50857pp | Save 15% | |
21 Feb 2026 - 05 Mar 2026 | AUD $22962pp | Save 20% | |
Aurora Triple Stateroom | AUD $22962pp | Save 20% | |
Aurora Twin Stateroom | AUD $23607pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom (C) | AUD $25672pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom (B) | AUD $27091pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom (A) | AUD $29026pp | Save 20% | |
Balcony Stateroom Superior | AUD $31736pp | Save 20% | |
Junior Suite | AUD $39865pp | Save 20% | |
Captain's Suite | AUD $47220pp | Save 20% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Aurora Triple Stateroom
21.4 - 22.8sqm, located on deck 3, 3 single beds, private en-suite bathroom, porthole window, desk area, closet, room-controlled thermostat & 42" flat screen TV.
*Please note the Aurora Stateroom (Triple) cabins are only available on certain departures.
Aurora Twin Stateroom
15.8 - 22.8sqm, located on deck 3, 2 single beds, private en-suite bathroom, porthole window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat-screen TV.
Balcony Stateroom (C)
20.9 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk space, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
Balcony Stateroom (B)
Standard Balcony Stateroom
23.6 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6 (fore and aft), twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
* Many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups.
Balcony Stateroom (A)
Premium and most abundant Balcony Stateroom
24.1 - 31.3sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6 (close to internal stairs/elevator), twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
30.5 - 40.2sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
Benefits:
- One free pair of binoculars per suite
- One free bottle of champagne per suite and free stocked mini bar (stocked once only)
- 1-hour massage or facial treatment per person
- Gratuities/tips for crew included - to the value of USD$15 per person per day
Junior Suite
38.9sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 7, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe, 42" flat screen TV & separate lounge area.
Benefits:
- One free pair of binoculars per suite
- One free bottle of champagne per suite and free stocked mini bar (stocked once only)
- 1-hour massage or facial treatment per person
- Gratuities/tips for crew included - to the value of USD$15 per person per day
Captain's Suite
44.5sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe, 42" flat screen TV & separate lounge area.
Benefits:
- One free pair of binoculars per suite
- One free bottle of champagne per suite and free stocked mini bar (replenished as needed)
- 1-hour massage or facial treatment per person
- Gratuities/tips for crew included - to the value of USD$15 per person per day
Greg Mortimer Deckplan
Specifications
- Capacity (Antarctica): 120
- European Arctic: 120 (excluding ‘Inuit Arctic & Beyond’ which accommodates up to 160 passengers)
- Americas: Up to 160
- Expedition team: 14-24
- Hotel team: 47-56
- Deck and Engine crew: 24
- Cabins: 79
- Decks: 8
- Year built: 2019
- Length: 104.4m
- Breadth: 18.2 metres
- Draught: 5.3 metres
- Cruising speed: 12 knots
- Full speed: 15.5 knots
- Gross tonnage: 7400
- Registry: Bahamas
- Voltage: 220V, 50Hz AC. European round, two pin plug.
- Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 compliant, holds Bureau Veritas class and is fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements.
Whats included?
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
- Half-day tour of Ushuaia on Day 2, prior to embarkation.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
- Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
What’s not included?
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges*.
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities**, wi-fi, email or phone charges.
Notes
*Optional activities
- Sea Kayaking: From USD $1,330.00/pp
- Snorkelling: From USD $675.00/pp
- Paddling: From USD $640.00/pp
**A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.