Antarctica

Crossing the Circle

14 Days aboard Ocean Albatros. From AUD $26,024pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

The ultimate explorer’s journey. We chart a course through the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of being among the few to cross the Antarctic Circle. The farther south we go, the more dramatic sea ice we are likely to encounter, along with incredible wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we’ll join the small band of Antarctic explorers that can claim they have made it this far south. Celebration ensues!

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore the South Shetland Islands’ volcanic landscapes and wildlife by Zodiac or kayak.
  • Discover the Antarctic Peninsula’s stunning scenery, wildlife, and historic sites.
  • Spot penguins, seals, and whales while navigating dramatic channels and scenic bays.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
  • Day 2: Embarkation
  • Day 3 and 4: Drake Passage
  • Day 5: South Shetland Islands
  • Day 6 to 8: Antarctic Circle
  • Day 9 to 11: Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 12 and 13: Drake Passage
  • Day 14: Disembarkation

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Ship Information

For more information on the Ocean Albatros please view the ship page.

View Ocean Albatros

Travelling with Eclipse

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  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
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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.
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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: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia

After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa (or another of Ushuaia’s top luxury hotels), take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Our evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: Embarkation

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, or visit a museum or the Argentinean leather markets in Ushuaia, before or just relaxing at the hotel until 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!

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3 and 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: 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 kayaks, and spend most of our day exploring. Whether on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6 to 8: Antarctic Circle

Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife sightings, including penguins, whales, and fur seals, become more frequent, as do dramatic ice sculptures. Should Antarctica’s unpredictable weather and ice permit, you will be among the lucky few to cross the Antarctic Circle, where the sun remains in the sky for 20 hours a day. Following a tradition first established by sailors crossing the equator, we’ll celebrate the occasion by… (Sorry, you just have to be there), before heading onward toward any number of historic and rarely visited
British survey bases, after which we turn back north.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 9 to 11: Antarctic Peninsula

Heading north, we’ll explore all the Antarctic Peninsula has to offer, including any number of spectacular bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through dramatic channels as we traverse the wildlife-rich waters, encountering a wide variety of lively penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. There are always great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites along the way, as we leave no opportunity unseized-upon in our quest to explore the very best of this magical place.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 12 and 13: 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 14: 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.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 22 Dec 2026
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
22 Dec 2026 - 04 Jan 2027 AUD$26024ppExpand to view prices
Triple Porthole Cabin (F)AUD$26024ppContact us
Albatros Stateroom Cabin (D)AUD$29944ppContact us
French Balcony Suite (E)AUD$32927ppContact us
Balcony Stateroom Cabin (C)AUD$34573ppContact us
C SP, Superior Balcony StateroomAUD$38379ppContact us
Single Porthole Cabin (G)AUD$38911ppContact us
C XL, Grand Balcony StateroomAUD$40137ppContact us
Balcony Suite (B)AUD$45718ppContact us
Junior Suite (A)AUD$58266ppContact us
Family Brynhilde SuiteAUD$65508ppContact us
Premium Freydis SuiteAUD$78621ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Single Porthole Cabin (G)

14 m2
Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Single Porthole Cabin (G)
Single Porthole Cabin (G)
Triple Porthole Cabin (F)

Solo guests of the same gender can share this stateroom to avoid paying single supplement.

22 m2

There are two Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included

Triple Porthole Cabin (F)
Triple Porthole Cabin (F)
French Balcony Suite (E)

14 m2
The French Balcony Stateroom is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Staterooms are located on Deck 7.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

French Balcony Suite (E)
French Balcony Suite (E)
Albatros Stateroom Cabin (D)

Solo guests of the same gender can share this stateroom to avoid paying single supplement.

13-22 m2

The standard Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the Zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the Zodiacs. The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.

Please note the cabin layout and size may vary.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Albatros Stateroom Cabin (D)
Albatros Stateroom Cabin (D)
Balcony Stateroom Cabin (C)

Solo guests of the same gender can share this stateroom to avoid paying single supplement.

18-22 m2

The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom.
Several of the Balcony Staterooms also include a seating area complete with a table and chair. Additionally, a select few of the Balcony Staterooms are equipped with a sofa that can serve as a bed for a third occupant.

If you prefer to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is possible under this category upon request.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Balcony Stateroom Cabin (C)
Balcony Stateroom Cabin (C)
Balcony Suite (B)

25-32 m2
Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.

Two of the Category B Balcony Suites are larger in size and are equipped with HCP facilities, such as larger bathrooms and easy-access doorways.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Balcony Suite (B)
Balcony Suite (B)
Junior Suite (A)

39 m2

This stateroom can be converted into a Triple stateroom with the third person sleeping on a sofa bed. Third person will have 50% discount.

The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7.
The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Junior Suite (A)
Junior Suite (A)
Premium Freydis Suite

45 m2
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Premium Freydis Suite
Premium Freydis Suite
Family Brynhilde Suite

50 m2
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Family Suite. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is located on Deck 7, featuring two interconnecting French Balcony Suites, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

Family Brynhilde Suite
Family Brynhilde Suite
C SP, Superior Balcony Stateroom

This stateroom can be converted into a Triple stateroom with the third person sleeping on a sofa bed. Third person will have 50% discount.

Solo guests of the same gender can share this stateroom to avoid paying single supplement.

App. 24 smq, incl. Balcony. Featuring an additional seating area or sofa bed.

C SP, Superior Balcony Stateroom
C SP, Superior Balcony Stateroom
C XL, Grand Balcony Stateroom

Solo guests of the same gender can share this stateroom to avoid paying single supplement.

App. 30 smq, incl. Balcony. Extra-large cabins, now incorporating the two wheelchair-accessible cabins from the current Category B's.

C XL, Grand Balcony Stateroom
C XL, Grand Balcony Stateroom

Ocean Albatros Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Year Built: 2020
  • Passengers: 186
  • Crew: 100
  • Length: 104.4m
  • Breadth: 18.4m
  • Draft: 5.1m

What's included?

Prior to Embarkation

  • One pre-voyage hotel night with breakfast in Ushuaia
  • Transfer from airport in Ushuaia (USH) to group hotel (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
  • Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation

On Board

  • Shipboard accommodations and meals
  • “Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
  • Beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch and dinner
  • Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
  • 500MB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
  • Expedition jacket for use during the voyage
  • Fleece-lined down jacket (yours to keep)
  • A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
  • All scheduled landings and excursions
  • Snowshoes for use during landings (subject to availability)
  • Our Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
  • Photography Coach available throughout the voyage
  • Participation in the Polar Plunge
  • Access to our onboard medical clinics
  • Access to our onboard fitness centers
  • All port and landing fees
  • Digital Voyage Log

Post Disembarkation

  • Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location (please note we cannot drop at Airbnbs or private homes, which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles)

Included with Ocean Albatros Suites

  • Wine and fruit on arrival
  • Restocked mini bar (non-alcoholic)
  • Complimentary laundry service
  • In-room espresso machine

What's not included?

  • Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified above
  • Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia other than those specified above
  • Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
  • Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board, except as listed in inclusions
  • Any other alcohol and soft drinks, except as listed in inclusions
  • Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed in inclusions
  • Staff/crew gratuities

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.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Crossing the Circle

14 Days aboard Ocean Albatros. From AUD $26,024pp.