Onboard our strong, ice-classed expedition vessel, Ocean Victory, we are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling all expedition guests to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding sub-antarctic islands. Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route for the South Shetland Islands, making Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts along the way. Continuing southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, we pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days. When Ocean Victory returns to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, depending on weather conditions, we might pass close to the mythical Cape Horn - the southermost point on South America; a celebrated maritime landmark.
Antarctica
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Overview
Subject to availability
Itinerary Highlights:
- Make Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts
- Pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water
- Cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
- See an abundance of Antarctic wildlife, including leopard, fur and Weddell seals, humpback whales and orcas
Itinerary in Brief:
- Day 1: Ushuaia
- Days 2-3: At Sea - Drake Passage
- Days 4-5: South Shetland Islands
- Days 6-7: Antarctic Peninsula
- Days 8-9: At Sea
- Day 10: Ushuaia
- PROMOTION: Include Santiago, Torres del Paine, El Calafate, Ushuaia and Buenos Aires and save up to A$3875 per person with our 22 Days Patagonia and Antarctica Explorer
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: Ushuaia
In the afternoon, we board our ship, Ocean Victory. Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
Dinner included.
Days 2-3: At Sea - Drake Passage
Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days 4-5: South Shetland Islands
Over the next two days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days 6-7: Antarctic Peninsula
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiplies by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more. The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favourable both for the ship to access the areas, and for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days 8-9: At Sea
We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 10: Ushuaia
This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.
Breakfast included.
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Feb 2025 - 25 Feb 2025 | AUD$10495pp | ||
| Triple Porthole Cabin (F) | Save 30% | ||
| Albatros State Cabin (D) | Save 30% | ||
| French Balcony Suite (E) | Save 30% | ||
| Balcony State Cabin (C) | Save 30% | ||
| Single Porthole Cabin (G) | Save 30% | ||
| Balcony Suite (B1) | Save 30% | ||
| Balcony Suite (B2) | Save 30% | ||
| Junior Suite (A) | Save 30% | ||
| Premium Suite (PS) | Save 30% | ||
| 25 Feb 2025 - 06 Mar 2025 | AUD$14992pp | ||
| 17 Nov 2025 - 26 Nov 2025 | AUD$15158pp | ||
| 02 Jan 2026 - 11 Jan 2026 | AUD$15860pp | ||
| 20 Jan 2026 - 29 Jan 2026 | AUD$16325pp | ||
| 29 Jan 2026 - 07 Feb 2026 | AUD$16285pp | ||
| 07 Feb 2026 - 16 Feb 2026 | AUD$13060pp | ||
| 16 Feb 2026 - 25 Feb 2026 | AUD$15719pp | ||
| 25 Feb 2026 - 06 Mar 2026 | AUD$15010pp |
Until end of ANT season 24/25:
- Cat. C and Cat A can be converted into triple staterooms. Third person in the same stateroom is at 50% off.
- Cat C and Cat F: Solo guests of the same gender can share the stateroom to avoid paying single supplement.
From Arctic season 2025 onwards:
- Cat. C-SP and Cat A can be converted into triple staterooms. Third person in the same stateroom is at 50% off.
- Cat C-SP and Cat F: Solo guests of the same gender can share the stateroom to avoid paying single supplement.
**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?
- 10-day 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
- 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 cabin 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
- Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
Notes
Optional Activities:
- (K) Kayaking Experience
- (S) Snowshoeing Experience
- (C) Camping Experience
- (P) Photography Program
- Premium Upgrade to deck 6 (payable extra)
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
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