Crossing the Antarctic Circle Expedition

Welcoming the New Year, Where Few Have Gone Before
This is the ultimate explorer’s journey to the Southernmost part of the world. We chart a course along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of being among the very few to cross the Antarctic Circle. Along the way, we‘ll likely encounter some of Antarctica’s most engaging full-time residents – Humpback and Orca whales, seals, and, of course, a variety of those always-entertaining penguins. The farther south we go, the more dramatic sea ice we are likely to encounter, along with incredible wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we’ll join the small band of Antarctic explorers who can claim they have made it this far south. Celebration ensues!

Ambition to push beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and cross 66°33’S into the Antarctic Circle, entering a zone few travellers ever reach.
Deep-field exploration of the Gerlache Strait, Lemaire Channel, and remote southern bays heavy with whales, penguin colonies, and dramatic sea ice.
Added range including the volcanic caldera of Deception Island and wildlife-dense South Shetlands for a wider sweep of Antarctic environments.

Enquire about this journey

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia

After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can't be accommodated at the Arakur, you'll unwind at another of Ushuaia's top luxury hotels.)Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: All Aboard!

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

Days 3–4: Drake Passage

Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

Days 5–9: Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle

We venture west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region, exploring a variety of sites highlighting the area’s staggering natural beauty. Iconic experiences await on our twice-daily excursions. From Zodiac cruises into Paradise Bay to witnessing penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential stop promises awe-inspiring encounters. We’ll explore historic huts at Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and continue south until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, the jaw-dropping scenery through the Lemaire Channel. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S, an achievement that will put you in rare company.

Day 10: South Shetland Islands

This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. And despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.

Days 11–12: Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 13: Ushuaia Disembarkation

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Ocean Albatros

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Passenger Capacity: 169 (95 cabins)
Length: 104.4 m
Built: 2022
Ocean Albatros is built for serious Polar travel, pairing long-honed expedition capability with a modern, stabilised design. Its X-BOW structure delivers a markedly smoother ride and enables confident movement through deeper ice, giving passengers access to remote regions that traditional vessels cannot approach. Spacious staterooms with wide views, extensive observation areas, near-water hydraulic platforms and a fast, heated mudroom support uninterrupted exploration. The atmosphere on board remains streamlined and functional, with amenities such as Jacuzzis, sauna, spa, gym, library and a generous lounge layout arranged to maximise comfort without distracting from the environment outside.
Efficiency and sustainability are embedded into the ship’s operations. Dual diesel–electric engines reduce emissions significantly while maintaining reliable range and power, enabling the vessel to operate with a carbon footprint roughly half that of older expedition ships. Most cabins include private balconies, communal areas are deliberately generous, and dining spans both a full restaurant and 24/7 bistro. Expedition logistics—zodiacs, science activities, photographic support and medical readiness—are built into the core offering, ensuring a consistent, competent experience from the Arctic to Antarctica.