In Shackleton's Footsteps
19 Days - SH Vega
Drink in the icy wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula as you follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton, one of history’s greatest explorers. Visit Elephant Island, where he and his men survived two Antarctic winters. Observe penguins, seals, whales and seabirds in their natural habitat. And stop at the Falkland Islands, a haven for endemic birdlife, before crossing the infamous Drake Passage back to Ushuaia where your voyage ends.
from AUD $22067pp
Home » 19 Day SH Vega: In Shackleton’s Footsteps
Itinerary Highlights
- Dare to brave the notoriously rough two-day Drake Passage sea crossing
- Compare monumental icebergs in the Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Sound as you head to the Weddell Sea
- Get up close to hundreds of penguins as they gather in their thousands in their natural habitat
- 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
- Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
- Day 3: Day at Sea
- Day 4: West Point Island - Saunders Island
- Day 5: Port Stanley
- Day 6 and 7: Day at Sea
- Day 8 to 10: South Georgia
- Day 11: Day at Sea
- Day 12 to 16: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 17 and 18: Day at Sea
- Day 19: Ushuaia
Day 1: Buenos Aires
You will be met by a cruise representative on arrival at your hotel in Buenos Aires and 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. On 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.
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: West Point Island - Saunders Island
Birdlife is the big draw on this lush sheep-farming island, where thousands of rams and ewes roam. Settled by British explorers in 1765, the island’s unique scenery includes the beaches at The Neck filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, gentoo and king penguin colonies, and the pillar-shaped nests of black-browed albatross. Nine of the Falklands’ 14 endemic plants, including silvery buttercup and hairy daisy, grow here and are a real treat.
Black-browed albatross grace the skies over this remote Falkland Island, while Commerson's dolphins play in its waters. With a sparse population of people and sheep, the island is also a sanctuary for fur seals, burrowing rockhopper penguins, magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants, nesting amid its cliffs and the impressive Cliff Mountain. Hiking through the moss-covered terrain unveils beautiful wildflowers like pink-petalled Felton's.
Day 5: Port Stanley
Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. The Historic Dockyard Museum is devoted to maritime history and exploration. Magellanic penguins gather in hordes at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour.
Day 6 and 7: Day at Sea
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.
Day 8 to 10: South Georgia
Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) rests in peace.
Day 11: 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.
Day 12 to 16: 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. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.
Day 17 and 18: Day at Sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.
Day 19: Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range in Argentina's Patagonia region, 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. Often described as 'the End of the World', the city carries the reputation well - the moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help.
After breakfast you will disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
05 Feb 2026 - 23 Feb 2026 | AUD $22067pp | ||
Triple Oceanview M4 | AUD $22067pp | Contact us | |
Oceanview D4 | AUD $25180pp | Contact us | |
Oceanview M4 | AUD $26480pp | Contact us | |
Triple Balcony M5 | AUD $27567pp | Contact us | |
Balcony D5 | AUD $31580pp | Contact us | |
Balcony M5 | AUD $33080pp | Contact us | |
Balcony D6 | AUD $34680pp | Contact us | |
Quadruple Suite | AUD $36660pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $48880pp | Contact us | |
Premium Suite | AUD $53780pp | Contact 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.
- Children under 18 years of age at time of travelling only pay 10% of fare when sharing a room with 2 full fare paying adults.
Ask us for specific pricing.
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Oceanview D4
20 m2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.
Oceanview M4
20 m2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.
Balcony D5
25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.
Balcony M5
25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.
Balcony D6
25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.
Suite
40 m2
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.
Premium Suite
47 m2
Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.
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
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
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
SH Vega Deckplan
Specifications
CREW: 120
GUESTS: 152
DECKS: 9
LENGTH: 337 ft (115 m)
DRAFT: 18 ft (5.5 m)
BREADTH: 75 ft (23 m)
REGISTERED: Panama
CRUISING SPEED: 15.5 knots in open water
LIFEBOATS: 2 fully enclosed
PROPULSION DIESEL-ELECTRIC ENGINES: 4x Medium speed, Polar code Cat A
Whats included?
- Regional flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel in Buenos Aires
- Four group transfer: from Buenos Aires Airport to hotel, from hotel to Buenos Aires airport, from Ushuaia airport to port and from port to Ushuaia airport
- All meals onboard
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
- Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Standard WiFi
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
- Up to 2 shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (weather and itinerary dependant)
- Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
- Itineraries are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change
What’s not included?
- Flights not mentioned
- Any items not mentioned as included
- Visas, if required
- Travel Insurance
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry or souvenirs
Notes
- 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.
- Children under 18 years of age at time of travelling only pay 10% of fare when sharing a room with 2 full fare paying adults.
Ask us for specific pricing.