Antarctica

Cruise to the Antarctic Circle

15 Days aboard SH Minerva. From AUD $16,124pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Seal your status as a true Antarctic explorer on this exceptional voyage. Your expedition starts by traversing the formidable Southern Ocean, and notorious Drake Passage. Arriving on the White Continent, you are greeted by impressive landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Explore this frozen wonderland with our expedition team, looking out for penguins, albatrosses, whales, sea elephants, and much more. You can even take your Antarctic adventure to new heights with a traditional ‘polar plunge’. There’s nothing quite like the exhilarating effects of dipping in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean. Our cruise sails further south than most other tourist vessels, offering you the chance to visit incredible places others only dream of seeing. The Antarctic Circle is the southerly of the five major latitude circles that mark maps of the Earth. The region south of this circle experiences ‘midnight sun’ (periods of 24-hour daylight), and ‘polar night’ (where darkness lasts for over 24 hours).

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Itinerary Highlights

  • Compare monumental icebergs in the Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Sound
  • Keep an eye out at sea for breaching whales and huge albatross overhead
  • Listen to our engaging polar experts and learn tips from our team of experienced photographers

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Buenos Aires (Hotel Night)
  • Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and embark
  • Day 3 to 5: Day at sea
  • Day 6 to 12: Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 13 and 14: Day at sea
  • Day 15: Ushuaia

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 SH Minerva please view the ship page.

View SH Minerva

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: Buenos Aires (Hotel Night)

You will be met by a cruise representative upon your arrival at your hotel in Buenos Aires and will be updated on the schedule for the following day. The evening is free for you to explore.

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and embark

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation.

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3 to 5: Day at sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6 to 12: Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery, like the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Mikkelsen Harbour, where among gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills and skuas, Antarctic Weddell seals haul out.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 13 and 14: Day at sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 15: Ushuaia

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

After breakfast, you will disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.

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: 24 Feb 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
24 Feb 2026 - 10 Mar 2026 AUD$16124ppExpand to view prices
Triple Oceanview M4AUD$16124ppContact us
Triple Balcony M5AUD$17666ppContact us
Oceanview D4AUD$18425ppContact us
Oceanview M4AUD$19350ppContact us
Balcony D5AUD$20275ppContact us
Balcony M5AUD$21200ppContact us
Balcony D6AUD$22350ppContact us
Quadruple SuiteAUD$24469ppContact us
SuiteAUD$32625ppContact us
Premium SuiteAUD$37225ppContact us
  • Please note that cabins Balcony D6, Premium Suite and some Balcony D5 can also be converted into Triples. The Third person will pay only 50% off fare.
  • Triple Cabins can also be converted into Quads for 2 children.
  • When sharing a cabin, children up to the age of 16 pay only 35% of the fare. Those aged 17 and above will pay 50% of the fare.

Ask us for specific pricing.

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

Cabin Details

Oceanview D4

19 m2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

Oceanview D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview M4

19 m2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
Balcony D5

28 m2
Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Balcony D5
Balcony D5
Balcony M5

28 m2
Located at the centre of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Balcony M5
Balcony M5
Balcony D6

28 m2
Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Balcony D6
Balcony D6
Suite

44m2
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.

Suite
Suite
Premium Suite

49m2
Our grandest suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk in wardrobe and a 12 sq.m private balcony.

Premium Suite
Premium Suite
Triple Oceanview M4

19 m2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, a bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1860 X 1230 mm
This cabin can also be converted into Quad on request.

Triple Oceanview M4
Triple Oceanview M4
Triple Balcony M5

28 m2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
This cabin can also be converted into Quad on request.

Triple Balcony M5
Triple Balcony M5
Quadruple Suite

44 m2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
To make it a Quad room, the third and fourth guests will sleep on a Double Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm

Quadruple Suite
Quadruple Suite

SH Minerva Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

Passengers: 152

Crew: 122

Decks: 9

Length: 372.3ft (113.5m)

Draft: 17.8ft (5.45m)

Breadth: 79.7ft (24.3m)

Gross Tonnage: 10617

Registered: Liberia

Service speed: 12 knots

Lifeboats: 2 (fully closed)

Propulsion: Hybrid Diesel Electric, Polar Class PC5

Zodiacs: 10 MK5 + 2 MK6

What's included?

  • Group transfer from airport (EZE/AEP) to hotel
  • Group transfer from hotel to airport (EZE) for charter flight
  • Group transfer from airport (USH) to ship
  • Group transfer from ship to airport (USH) for charter flight
  • Return Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
  • One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 5-star hotel
  • All meals onboard
  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Standard Wi-Fi (Gold Wi-Fi for BD6 & Platinum Wi-Fi for Suites)
  • Onboard gratuities and port taxes
  • Expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Backpack and stainless-steel water bottle

What's not?

  • Any items not mentioned as included.

Important notes and additional information

  • Please note that cabins Balcony D6, Premium Suite and some Balcony D5 can also be converted into Triples. The Third person will pay only 50% off fare.
  • Triple Cabins can also be converted into Quads for 2 children.
  • When sharing a cabin, children up to the age of 16 pay only 35% of the fare. Those aged 17 and above will pay 50% of the fare.

Ask us for specific pricing.

Optional Kayak Experience: USD 250 per person per session (Price subject to change)
Please note that kayaks accommodate two guests - if you would like to share with a friend or family member; please make sure that you specify this. If you are traveling alone, the expedition team will find another guest for you to share with.

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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Cruise to the Antarctic Circle

15 Days aboard SH Minerva. From AUD $16,124pp.