Join us on our Polar Circle Quest expedition cruise on-board the Ushuaia, exploring the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and hopefully crossing the Polar Circle. Embarking and disembarking in the port of Ushuaia, our itineraries are expertly planned to take best advantage of the amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery during each part of the Antarctic season.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Excellent team and service on board
- Daily Zodiac Excursions
- Larger colonies of penguins
- Less than 100 passengers
- Great Value!
- More days in Antarctica and the chance to cross the Antarctic Circle!
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Depart from Ushuaia
- Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Day 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
- Day 10-11: At Sea crossing the Drake Passage, northbound
- Day 12: Arrival at Ushuaia
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: Depart from Ushuaia
Embark the MV Ushuaia in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Frances Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail across the passage, our lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. The MV Ushuaia's open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well.
The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. With favourable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3.
Day 4-9: Exploring South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula and endeavour to cross the Polar Circle
Exquisite beauty and pristine landscapes are waiting for you on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Myriads of icebergs with different shades and shapes are floating free in the waterways around the continent. The Antarctic Peninsula´s remarkable history will also provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery and a wide variety of wildlife. Apart from Adélie, Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins and other seabirds you are likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater, fur and leopard seals as well as Minke whales and orcas at close range. At this time of year it is also very likely to encounter big cetaceans, such as humpback, Finn and Sei whales in the area.
We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways the area has to offer, such as: the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Neumayer Channel and the extremely narrow Lemaire Channel. Possible landing sites may include: Paradise Bay, which is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world with its impressive glacial fronts and mountains, Cuverville Island, home of the biggest Gentoo Penguin colony in the Peninsula surrounded by glaciers and castellated icebergs, and the British Museum and Post office Port Lockroy.
As further exploration will lead us far South of the Lemaire Channel in quest of the Polar Circle, we might also visit the Ukrainian Station Vernadsky, the former British base Faradey, where the ozone hole was first spotted, the rugged Yalour Islands and south of the Polar Circle Detaille Island.
On our way North we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands. The volcanic island group is a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries and seals hauling out on the shorelines make every day spent here unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing, so is visiting the crescent shaped island Half Moon, home to Chinstrap Penguins in breathtaking surroundings.
Day 10-11: At Sea crossing the Drake Passage, northbound
We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.
Day 12: Arrival at Ushuaia
We arrive at Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the MV Ushuaia after breakfast.
Next Departure Date: 15 Feb 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025 | AUD$14683pp | ||
| Standard Plus Triple Cabin | AUD$14683pp | Contact us | |
| Standard Twin Cabin | AUD$15717pp | Contact us | |
| Standard Plus Twin Cabin | AUD$19033pp | Contact us | |
| Premier Twin Cabin | AUD$22700pp | Contact us | |
| Superior Twin Cabin | AUD$23983pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Suite Cabin | AUD$25217pp | Contact us | |
| Premier Single Cabin | AUD$27250pp | Contact us | |
| 14 Feb 2026 - 25 Feb 2026 | AUD$14983pp |
Alternative itinerary options:
- 10 Day MV Ushuaia: Classic Antarctica
- 11 Day MV Ushuaia: Classic Antarctica
- 11 Day MV Ushuaia: Weddell Sea Quest
- 22 Day MV Ushuaia: Classic South Georgia
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Standard Plus Triple Cabin
Located on deck E, triple outside cabin, three lower berths, one window & private facilities.
Standard Twin Cabin
Located on deck E, outside standard twin cabin, one upper and one lower berth, one porthole window & semi-private facilities.
Standard Plus Twin Cabin
Located on deck E, outside standard plus twin cabin, two lower berths, one window & private facilities.
Premier Twin Cabin
Located on the upper deck G, outside premier twin cabin, two lower berths, one window & private facilities.
Premier Single Cabin
Located on the upper deck G, outside premier single cabin, one single bed, one porthole window & private facilities.
Superior Twin Cabin
A third berth in Superior Cabin #301 may be occupied at 50% of the published twin share rate.
Located on the upper deck G, outside superior twin cabin, two lower berths, one window & private facilities.
Twin Suite Cabin
A third berth may be occupied at 50% of the published twin share rate.
Located on the upper Deck G, two lower single beds, one sofa bed, private facilities, lounge, TV, DVD player, fridge, one window in the bedroom and in the sitting area.
Triple Suite Cabin
Located on the upper Deck G, double bed, one sofa bed, private facilities, lounge, TV, DVD player, fridge, one window in the bedroom and in the sitting area
MV Ushuaia Deckplan
Specifications
- Length: 84.73m / 278.3 feet
- Breath: 15.41m / 51 feet
- Draught: 5.48m / 18.08 feet
- Gross Tonnage: 2,923 tonnes
- Speed (Max): 14 knots
- Cruise Speed: 12 knots
- Passengers: 90
- Crew & staff: 40
- Zodiacs & RIBs: 7
- Electrical Outlets: 110 V, 60 Hz
- Yard: American Shipbuilding, Toledo, Ohio
- Year of build: 1970
- Classification: INSB Ice class C
- Flag: Union of Comoros
- Engine: 2 ALCO 1600 HP each
- Bow thrust: 1x 500Kw
Whats included?
- On-board accommodation
- All meals throughout the voyage
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- Rubber boots on loan
- Detailed post-expedition log
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
What’s not included?
- Air transportation
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Airport arrival/departure taxes
- Travel protection plan
- Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
- Laundry service
- 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
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