Classic Antarctica 19DEC26

We sail across the legendary Drake Passage, where the cold polar waters meet the warmer northern seas, creating a rich zone teeming with marine life. This passage marks the northern limit for many Antarctic seabirds.

As we journey south, our team of naturalists and lecturers will be on deck to help you spot seabirds like albatrosses, as well as whales and the first icebergs. If conditions are favorable, we’ll reach the South Shetland Islands by Day 3 for your first landing—home to penguins, seals, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Explore the dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. As we sail through spectacular waterways like the Gerlache Strait and the Lemaire Channel, breathtaking views unfold from the ship—towering glaciers, rugged peaks, and drifting icebergs.

Whether aboard the USHUAIA or during zodiac excursions, every moment offers the chance to spot wildlife such as penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Landings at remarkable sites like Paradise Bay and Livingston Island bring you up close to pristine nature and historic locations. If conditions permit, we may also visit Deception Island’s volcanic caldera or step foot on the Antarctic continent itself.

King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await you at Livingston Island.

The Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history will 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, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range.

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.

We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.