Highlights of Antarctica
12-day all-inclusive Antarctica expedition cruise from Ushuaia with round-trip flights from Buenos Aires
One of our most popular expeditions that gives you the ideal Antarctica experience – powerful, purposeful and packed with discovery.
Witness incredible wildlife scenes as we spot seals, penguin colonies and whales against a backdrop of staggering natural beauty.
Join the Expedition Team as they lead you on a journey of learning and adventure.
Breathtaking icescapes
Marvel at colossal glaciers and icebergs on this incredible Antarctica expedition cruise. Experience nature's majesty as we navigate ever-changing icescapes on our hybrid-powered ship. Your Expedition Team will bring you close to your stunning surroundings on ice-cruising and landing activities.
Antarctic wildlife
It's a busy time for the wildlife of Antarctica between November and March. In October and November, penguins court and nest, while December and January are when penguins hatch. February and March offer peak whale watching opportunities.
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires
Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, Buenos Aires is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache. An overnight stay here is the ideal way to start your adventure.
There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.
Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer.
Setting off at the bottom of the world
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll meet our hybrid-powered expedition ship, 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 locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.
Cross the Drake Passage
On the two-day crossing 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 Centre 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 low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.
There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. 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.
Whales begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. This is also when the first penguin chicks hatch and seeing the clumsy clumps of feathers run around is always a charming sight. February and March offer peak whale-watching opportunities, when large amounts of krill lure them to the area.
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. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises, and may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent. Over five magical days, you'll experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Heading back north across the Drake Passage
After five incredible days, you’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica. Your head will likely be filled with a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and impressions. The next couple of days will be a chance to reflect on your adventure to the seventh continent.
As your mind tries to conjure up the magical Antarctic scenery, now could be a good time to sift through your photos and videos to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Why not take the chance to unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a few relaxing spa treatments in the wellness area.
From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.
Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.
Included activities & excursions
These activities are included with your trip. Dates and times will be confirmed closer to departure, you’ll just need to reserve your spot after booking.
What else is included?
Optional extras
Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.
Our Antarctica ships
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
Offers
Enjoy limited-time savings on selected sailings. Combinable on select offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, UnionPay, JCB, Trustly, and AMEX*. Please check with your bank regarding any foreign transaction fees.
Note: This information applies only to direct bookings. If you booked through a travel agent, please contact them for payment details.
How can I make a payment?
Payments can be made online, via bank transfer, or by cheque (for bookings 30+ days in advance). We no longer accept phone payments. See your invoice for bank details. Note: If you booked through a travel agent, contact them for payment queries.
Can I use a different credit card to make my payment?
Yes, you can pay with a different card than the one used for registration. We accept Mastercard, Visa, and American Express (AMEX). Payments can be made at reception.
Can I set up a deposit?
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required for bookings made more than 90 days in advance. For bookings made within 90 days of departure, full payment is required within 7 days. Note: If you booked through a travel agent, please contact them for further details.
Are there any transaction fees?
Some card providers may charge foreign transaction fees for cards issued outside the EU, UK, and US. Note: This does not apply if you booked through a travel agent. Contact them for payment-related inquiries.
When is my final payment due, and will I receive a reminder?
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. You will receive a reminder email one week before your payment due date.
Where can I find the payment link?
You can make payments through your online HX account, bank transfer (details provided on your invoice), or request a direct payment link by calling or emailing us.
Will I get a booking confirmation?
Yes, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your booking reference. Note: If you booked through a travel agent, contact them for confirmation queries.
I lost my invoice. Can you resend it to me?
Yes, we can resend your invoice. Please contact us by phone or email for assistance.
I am finding it difficult to make an online payment, what should I do?
If you’re having trouble with online payment, contact your bank. Note: If you booked through a travel agent, contact them directly.
Do I need a PIN code for credit card payments?
No PIN is required, but some banks may send a confirmation code to your mobile phone. Note: If you booked through a travel agent, they handle payment queries.
Can we pay with cash and with a credit card on board?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro onboard, debited in EUR. The Cruise Card system allows onboard purchases, paid with credit card or cash. Note: Only credit card payments are accepted on Expedition voyages.
What is a cruise card, and when will I get it?
The cruise card serves as your cabin key and payment card. It’s activated with a valid credit card. Debit cards can be used to pay the final invoice but not for activation.
For MS Santa Cruz II: MS Santa Cruz II does not provide cabins keys or a cruise card. Cabins can be locked from the inside, and each cabin is equipped with a safety box. The corridors are monitored by closed-circuit cameras. Upon check-in, a shipboard account (SA) will be opened, and we do not register credit cards at the start of the cruise. Final payment will be requested on the last night of the cruise. Accepted credit cards in Ecuador include Diners Club, Visa, American Express, and MasterCard. ATMs are available at mainland airports, as well as at Baltra Airport and in the towns of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
What is your gratuity policy?
Please note, tipping is optional. If you wish to tip in cash, please tip in Euro or USD only, using the reception or the tipping box. This allows us to evenly share tips amongst all crew members, excluding officers and the Expedition Team. Note: Gratuities for land services are detailed in your travel documents.
Are HX solo travellers all ‘single’?
Not at all. Many solo guests travel with friends or family members but chose to book separate cabins. Solo travel with HX is about freedom, comfort and flexibility, not labels.
