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Peregrine Travel Centre

Antarctic Circle 18 Day Expedition Cruise

Antarctic Circle 18 Day Expedition Cruise

From AUD $18,585

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Description

This is one of our longest expeditions in Antarctica, departing at the peak of its summer and with an attempt to sail below the Antarctic Circle to try to reach the usually secluded yet magnificent Marguerite Bay.   Begin and end in Buenos Aires The Argentine capital is the birthplace of tango, home to passionate football fans, and a world centre for all things cultural and culinary. After spending one exciting night here at the start, you’ll head to Ushuaia to board your expedition ship and continue your journey south. When we cross the Drake Passage, the weather and sea ice here at the edge of the world can be unpredictable. That’s why we don’t have a fixed itinerary when we travel to Antarctica, but instead carefully monitor the current conditions and decide on the best sites for each day. It’s what we like to call the expedition factor. Antarctica: a place of pure amazement Get ready for ten full days in Antarctica, being in awe of immense icebergs and whales, spotting many species of seabird and seeing colonies of penguins with their chicks. The season’s milder weather may have created a path through the sea ice south of the Antarctic Circle, all the way to Marguerite Bay to possibly visit the remote research stations there. Join the Expedition Team in lectures, ice-cruising and landings along the way.

Trip Name
Antarctic Circle 18 Day Expedition Cruise
Days
18
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 140 metres Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2019 In 2019, Hurtigruten adds a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years, cutting emissions by sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrid technology, combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board will reduce fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent. The build of these two ships represents the largest single investment in the history of Hurtigruten.  The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Roald Amundsen will lead the way towards an even more sustainable way of traveling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. The ship will be specially constructed for voyages in polar waters and serve as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way. Facilities on board One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck wrapped around the top of the ships’ raked bow. In a vast area behind it, you’ll find the core of the onboard experience: Amundsen Science Center.   Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive edutainment area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. The area, featuring large windows, will also be the onboard HQ for Hurtigruten’s hand picked Expedition Team.   The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views.  MS Roald Amundsen will feature three restaurants inspired by Nordic and Norwegian heritage: Aune Main Dining, named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune. Fredheim - the ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. Lindstrøm, a speciality restaurant named after Adolf Lindstrøm, the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes. Artwork on board When the world’s first hybrid powered expedition ship embarks on her maiden voyage, every piece of art on board will be handpicked by HM Queen Sonja of Norway’s art foundation - the Queen Sonja Print Award. Read more about the exciting collaboration here.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 The beat of Buenos Aires
Fire and flavour in Argentina’s capital With its fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache, an overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure. Why not arrive early to explore more or join our optional Pre-Programme to tour wild Patagonia. T ake in the beautiful architecture. Visit the beautiful opera house of Teatro Colón, the pretty-in-pink Casa Rosada, and the National Museum of Fine Arts, displaying works by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso. Explore the colourful street museum in La Boca with its buzzy markets and restaurants. Or take in a tango show before savouring delicious Argentinian beef in one of the city's steakhouses.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Setting sail from Ushuaia
Flying south to Ushuaia where you'll board your ship Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you'll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city. After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board. Later, you'll join your Expedition Team for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 - DAY 3-4 Get set for Antarctica
Centre on science before your Antarctic adventure As we cruise from Ushuia to Antarctica through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition. Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join. Relax and meet your fellow adventurers. Take an invigorating swim, enjoy a spa treatment and look out for icebergs, whales and albatrosses.
Day 4 - DAY 5-15 Antarctica: another world
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It's a stillness that's broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife. Huge colonies of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them. Majestic, migrating whales glide among amazing icebergs, hunting the shoals of krill they feed on. Bird enthusiasts should look skywards to spot some of 45 species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, such as skuas, jaegers, petrels and terns. Here, nature is king and we are mere observers. Our experienced captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. You’ll spend an exciting 11 days busily exploring several of many possible landing sites. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling. We’ll aim for Marguerite Bay and explore islands along the way, and you'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice cruises whenever opportunities present themselves. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs on an optional activity. Back on board, join Citizen Science projects and onboard lectures, where you'll learn more about polar exploration, this precious habitat, and how we can all protect it.
Day 5 - DAY 16-17 Back through Drake Passage
Your adventure draws to a close After 11 days of exhilarating exploration, your action-packed expedition cruise, taking in the wonders and wildlife of Antarctica, nears its end. As we make the return trip Ushuaia, enjoy this time at sea. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to delve into areas of interest in more depth and contribute your findings to Citizen Science projects. Enlist the help of our onboard photographer with the editing of your photos. Relax with a treatment in the Wellness Spa or take in the fresh sea air from the on-deck pool or hot tubs. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a drink.
Day 6 - DAY 18 Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it needn't be the end of your adventure. If you’re not ready for the adventure to end just yet, why not join our optional Post-Programme to tour the magnificent Iguazu Falls. Summer is the best time to visit and it's a memorable way to wrap up your travels. Or you can stay and enjoy the sights of Buenos Aires before heading home.
Day 7 - Please Note:
Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-01-202528-01-2025AUD $19,359Polar Outside. From
11-01-202528-01-2025AUD $21,156Arctic Superior. From
11-01-202528-01-2025AUD $27,202Expedition Suite. From
27-01-202513-02-2025AUD $19,359Polar Outside. From
27-01-202513-02-2025AUD $21,156Arctic Superior. From
27-01-202513-02-2025AUD $27,202Expedition Suite. From
12-02-202501-03-2025AUD $18,585Polar Outside. From
12-02-202501-03-2025AUD $20,296Arctic Superior. From
12-02-202501-03-2025AUD $26,055Expedition Suite. From
01-01-202618-01-2026AUD $24,708Arctic Superior. From
01-01-202618-01-2026AUD $32,719Expedition Suite. From
01-01-202618-01-2026AUD $22,505Polar Outside. From
17-01-202603-02-2026AUD $23,451Polar Outside. From
17-01-202603-02-2026AUD $28,275Arctic Superior. From
17-01-202603-02-2026AUD $34,147Expedition Suite. From
02-02-202619-02-2026AUD $23,451Polar Outside. From
02-02-202619-02-2026AUD $25,758Arctic Superior. From
02-02-202619-02-2026AUD $34,147Expedition Suite. From
18-02-202607-03-2026AUD $22,505Polar Outside. From
18-02-202607-03-2026AUD $24,708Arctic Superior. From
18-02-202607-03-2026AUD $32,719Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Long summer days are ideal for whale watching and seeing young penguins
    • Possibility of attempting to sail below the Antarctic Circle and on to Marguerite Bay
    • Hybrid-powered expedition ship with a PC6 ice-hull will be your comfy haven at sea
    • An expert Expedition Team gives lectures and accompanies landings and ice-cruises

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