Highlights of Antarctica Expedition Cruise
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 from the bottom of the world
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll meet our hybrid electric-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 is a contender 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 everything you need to make the most of your polar expedition.
Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen as experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. Learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible and discover the Citizen Science projects you can join.
There’s plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy delicious cuisine, and meet fellow travelers 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. Antarctica will fill you with wonder, surrounded by looming glaciers and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. The stillness that reigns is 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. Seeing those clumsy clumps of feathers running around is always a charming sight. February and March are peak whale watching months, when huge amounts of krill lure whales to the area.
Nature is king here and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured that each day will offer something different and thrilling.
Join the Expedition Team on landings and while ice cruising. You may even have the chance to kayak among the icebergs.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping expand your insight into the frozen continent. Over five magical days, 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?
To make a payment online please visit the 'Make a Payment' page. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, UnionPay, JCB, and Trustly.
It is also possible to make a payment via bank transfer. For details please see your invoice.
You can make a payment via cheque for departures more than 30 days out from booking. Please make cheques payable to Hurtigruten Americas, Inc. and send to 1505 Westlake Ave N, Suite 125, Seattle, WA 98109-6211, USA.
Please Note: Some card providers may charge a foreign transaction fee for cards issued outside the EU, UK, and US when processing the payment, please check with your bank regarding these fees. Hurtigruten is not responsible for this fee and does not receive any portion or benefit from these fees.
If you booked through a travel agent, this does not apply to you. Please contact them directly for any questions you have.
Can I set up a deposit?
We can hold a booking for 7 days with an initial non-refundable 25% payment if booking more than 90 days before departure. Any departures less than 90 days from the time of booking, will require a full payment.
Unfortunately, we are unable to extend the final payment date - to confirm the booking, a full payment is needed within 7 days. Any outstanding balance must be settled 90 days prior to departure.
We do not take any automatic payments for the outstanding balance. After placing a deposit, you will receive a payment link that is unique to your booking and where any outstanding balance can be settled. You can make payment across two separate cards - please visit the 'Make a Payment' page.
If you are having trouble making a payment online, please call us as per the details above.
Please note:
If you booked through a travel agent, this does not apply to you. Please contact them directly for any questions you have.
Are there any transaction fees?
Some card providers may charge a foreign transaction fee for cards issued outside the EU, UK, and US when processing the payment, please check with your bank regarding these fees. Hurtigruten is not responsible for this fee and does not receive any portion or benefit from these fees.
Please note:
If you booked through a travel agent, this does not apply to you. Please contact them directly for any questions you have.
Will I get a booking confirmation?
Upon completion of your booking, you will receive a confirmation email to the email address supplied. This also includes your booking reference number which will be needed if paying via deposit.
Please note:
If you booked through a travel agent, this does not apply to you. Please contact them directly for any questions you have.
I am struggling to make a payment, what should I do?
If your payment has failed or struggling to make payment online through your debit/credit card, please contact your bank in the first instance.
Please note:
If you booked through a travel agent, this does not apply to you. Please contact them directly for any questions you have.
Do I need a pin code for credit card payments?
You do not need your PIN code for using a credit card to make a payment online or via the phone. However, a lot of banks might send a confirmation code or security check to your mobile phone. You will also be required to provide the following information:
Credit Card Type
Card Number
Expiration Date
Card Verification Code (CVV)
Please have these to hand when making your booking.
Please note:
If you booked through a travel agent, this does not apply to you. Please contact them directly for any questions you have.
Can we pay with cash and credit card on board?
We accept Visa, American Express, and for direct payments only Maestro Card. Please note that when using your credit card onboard the ship, your account will be debited in EUR. The rate of exchange will be the one validated by your credit card company.
Only credit card is accepted on Expedition cruises. The credit card must be valid for more than three months after your stay on board. Please note that when using your credit card onboard the ship, your account will be debited in EUR. The rate of exchange will be the one validated by your credit card company.
For your convenience, we also offer a Cruise Card system onboard all our ships. This system allows you to charge all onboard purchases to your cruise card. Cruise card accounts can be created at all points of payment on board the ship. We accept VISA, Master Card, or cash (NOK, EUR, GBP, USD) as a deposit. The itemized statement will be sent by email. Please contact reception if you require a printed version. The cruise card account needs to be settled by 10:00 p.m. on your last night on board.
For your convenience, your cruise card charges will be billed automatically to your credit card. The credit card must be valid for at least another three months. Any discrepancies must be reported before disembarkation. This also applies if you want to pay part cash and part credit card. The currency used onboard is as outlined above. Exchange rates are similar to those in a hotel. Please check with the reception for methods of payment. Please note that a PIN code may be required when paying with your personal credit card onboard.
What is a cruise card and when will I get it?
You will be issued a cruise card upon arrival on board as part of the check-in procedure in accordance with ISPS regulations. The card serves as a control system on the gangway. This card, in addition to being the key card for your cabin, is also your payment card on board. To activate the cruise card account, you must have a Visa, American Express, Diners, or MasterCard.
Debit cards can be used to pay for the final invoice, but not for activating the cruise card account. Please note that there are no money exchange services or facilities for cash withdrawals on board.
MS Santa Cruz II will not provide keys to your cabins, nor a cruise card. Cabins may be locked from the interior. Each cabin has a safety box, and corridors are monitored by closed-circuit cameras.
Upon check-in, a shipboard account (SA) will be opened for you. We do not register credit cards at the beginning of the cruise. We request the final payment during the last night for check-out. Credit Cards accepted in Ecuador include Diners Club, Visa, American Express, and Master Card. Our staff will request you to sign a receipt to acknowledge your consumptions and purchases before charging it to your shipboard account.
The local currency in Ecuador is the US DOLLAR, and ATMs are available at the mainland airports, as well as in Baltra airport and in the towns of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
No gratuities are expected onboard. Suggested gratuities for services on land will be shared in your travel documents.
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.
