Spirit of Antarctica
with Aurora Expeditions
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$15,995
|
Days
12
|
Nights
11
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$15,995
|
Days
12
|
Nights
11
|
Introduction
Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the coveted white continent.
Sail across the famed Drake Passage, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea. With a chance to Zodiac cruise through pack ice, set foot on the continent, choose from a range of adventure options and even perhaps camp under pastel polar skies, this is the quintessential Antarctic voyage for adventure-lovers.
Highlights include: Searching for orcas and minke whales in icy bays, observe busy penguin colonies building their nests and perhaps catch a glimpse of baby penguin chicks as they hatch. You may even want to take the polar plunge and join an exclusive club!
Your ship: Aurora Expeditions ships feature the streamlined Ulstein X-BOW, which cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances, making a quicker transits through waves. The ships carry 15 zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms. Accommodating an average of 132 expeditioners per voyage within 76 cosy, comfortable cabins – all cabins have a view of the ocean and 85% of cabins have their own balcony. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
The Greg Mortimer: Accommodating an average of 132 expeditioners per voyage within 76 cosy, comfortable cabins – all cabins have a view of the ocean and 85% of cabins have their own balcony. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, a mudroom and many other amenities. The ship showcases other unique features such as custom-designed hydraulic platforms, sea-level Zodiac platforms for efficient loading off the ship, two jacuzzis and much more!
The Sylvia Earle: Accommodating an average of 130-140 expeditioners per voyage, every cabin on the Sylvia Earle has an ocean view and nearly all have balconies. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
The Douglas Mawson: Accommodating up to 130 passengers in the Antarctic, the Douglas Mawson is Aurora’s new state-of-the-art ship, setting sail for the first time in 2025. At the cutting edge of nautical technology, she is fitted with industry-leading technology including world-class return-to-port equipment. The ship also features a medical clinic designed for use in remote areas. The Douglas Mawson features 11 different types of staterooms and suites, including a range of spacious single berth staterooms. Onboard enjoy access to the onboard gym or unwind in the sauna. Or head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a drink at the pool bar, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis, watching the world go by. As you explore the ship you will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. The Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow is a fantastic place to sit and watch for wildlife – with a drink in hand.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you’ll receive detailed information about activities and schedule available for your Antarctic journey. You’ll then have time at leisure to visit the town or just relax at your room.
NB: Today you can choose to add a visit to Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos cruise (sea lion island) on day 2 of your journey.
Day 2 : Embarkation
After breakfast your luggage will be transferred ahead of your arrival on board. Your morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia.
If you opted to join a catamaran cruise to Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos, you’ll be met at the hotel and transfer to the port to board a catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago we’ll slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are often sighted.
Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby this afternoon to be transferred to the pier for embarkation.
Once onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before a mandatory briefing. As the ship pulls away from port, you’ll gather on the deck to commence an adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
This evening enjoy a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
Day 3 : Drake Passage crossing
As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following in our wake. They rise and fall skillfully, using air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
Day 4 : Drake Passage crossing
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks, watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Days 5 – 9 : Antarctic Peninsula
It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever. Because you’ll be so far south, you’ll experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Generally there’ll be landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day.
You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula. While ashore, wander along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below.
If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do participate in the activity whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters – conditions permitting!
In addition, cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.
Days 10 & 11 : Drake Passage Crossing
Today, our landings come to an end as we enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life. As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Day 12 : Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where you will disembark. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
NB: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12:00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Need Help?
Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2025 |
|||
6 Jan, Greg Mortimer |
|||
Aurora Stateroom Twin |
US$15,995 |
||
Balcony Stateroom B |
US$18,295 |
||
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
US$21,495 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$26,995 |
||
19 Nov, Sylvia Earle |
|||
Aurora Stateroom Superior |
US$16,295 |
||
Balcony Stateroom C |
US$16,695 |
||
Balcony Stateroom A |
US$18,895 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$25,895 |
||
10 Dec, Sylvia Earle |
|||
Aurora Stateroom Superior |
US$17,595 |
||
Balcony Stateroom C |
US$18,095 |
||
Balcony Stateroom A |
US$20,395 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$27,995 |
||
2026 |
|||
7 Dec, Douglas Mawson |
|||
Aurora Stateroom Twin |
US$19,495 |
||
Balcony Stateroom B |
US$22,295 |
||
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
US$26,095 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$31,095 |
||
29 Dec, Sylvia Earle |
|||
Aurora Stateroom Superior |
US$21,695 |
||
Balcony Stateroom C |
US$22,295 |
||
Balcony Stateroom A |
US$25,295 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$32,895 |
||
2027 |
|||
17 Feb, Douglas Mawson |
|||
Aurora Stateroom Twin |
US$19,695 |
||
Balcony Stateroom B |
US$22,495 |
||
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
US$26,495 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$31,495 |
||
27 Feb, Douglas Mawson |
|||
Aurora Stateroom Twin |
US$19,495 |
||
Balcony Stateroom B |
US$22,295 |
||
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
US$26,195 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$31,195 |
||
13 Mar, Sylvia Earle |
|||
Aurora Stateroom Superior |
US$18,095 |
||
Balcony Stateroom C |
US$18,595 |
||
Balcony Stateroom A |
US$20,995 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$27,295 |
||
2025
6 Jan, Greg Mortimer
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Twin: from $15995
Balcony Stateroom B
Twin: from $18295
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Twin: from $21495
Junior Suite
Twin: from $26995
19 Nov, Sylvia Earle
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Twin: from $16295
Balcony Stateroom C
Twin: from $16695
Balcony Stateroom A
Twin: from $18895
Junior Suite
Twin: from $25895
10 Dec, Sylvia Earle
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Twin: from $17595
Balcony Stateroom C
Twin: from $18095
Balcony Stateroom A
Twin: from $20395
Junior Suite
Twin: from $27995
2026
7 Dec, Douglas Mawson
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Twin: from $19495
Balcony Stateroom B
Twin: from $22295
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Twin: from $26095
Junior Suite
Twin: from $31095
29 Dec, Sylvia Earle
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Twin: from $21695
Balcony Stateroom C
Twin: from $22295
Balcony Stateroom A
Twin: from $25295
Junior Suite
Twin: from $32895
2027
17 Feb, Douglas Mawson
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Twin: from $19695
Balcony Stateroom B
Twin: from $22495
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Twin: from $26495
Junior Suite
Twin: from $31495
27 Feb, Douglas Mawson
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Twin: from $19495
Balcony Stateroom B
Twin: from $22295
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Twin: from $26195
Junior Suite
Twin: from $31195
13 Mar, Sylvia Earle
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Twin: from $18095
Balcony Stateroom C
Twin: from $18595
Balcony Stateroom A
Twin: from $20995
Junior Suite
Twin: from $27295
Special Offer
Book by 31 Dec 2024 to save!
Book and pay your deposit by 31 December 2024 and:
– Enjoy a credit of US$2,000 per person on the 6 January 2025 departure.
– Save up to 25% on departures 19 November 2025 to 24 March 2027.
Savings apply to the voyage only, and vary per departure. As the promotion is capacity controlled, the offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Solo Traveller Offer
Aurora Expeditions can pair you with a like-minded traveller based on gender and your selected cabin category, to save you paying the solo surcharge. If they are unable to find you someone to share with, the solo surcharge is waived.
Departs
2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
6 Jan | 7 Dec | 17 Feb |
19 Nov | 29 Dec | 27 Feb |
10 Dec | 13 Mar |
Included
- Cruise journey
- 1 night accommodation in Ushuaia including breakfast
- 10 nights’ accommodation onboard in your category of choice
- All meals (B, L, D), snacks, coffee, and tea onboard
- Beer, house wine, and soft drinks with dinner onboard
- Shared transfers as per the itinerary
- Shared Ushuaia tour
- Shared shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Shared educational lectures and guiding services by the Expedition team
- Complimentary access to the doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
- 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary use of muck boots
- Port surcharges, permits, and landing fees
- Wi-Fi (subject to satellite availability)
Not Included
- Optional activities and excursions
Gratuity
• A US$15 per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or increase/decrease the amount) when you settle your bill. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
• It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members.
Important Notes
- Pricing for this cruise is dynamic and subject to change
- Please enquire about pricing for single & triple occupancy, and other cabin categories
- Please also enquire about pricing to add-on alpine trekking, camping, sea kayaking, snorkelling, & snowshoeing; availability varies by voyage
- Departure flights should not be booked prior to 12:00 pm
- This itinerary serves as a guide only. Changes may be necessary due to unpredictable sea and weather conditions, and adaptability is essential for these expeditions
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions