Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Experiences you'll have
This voyage will meet your highest expectations of traveling to the southernmost part of the Earth. Onboard, you will find more than just comfort: suites with fireplaces, an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the icebergs, gourmet restaurants with meals from famous chefs, panoramic lounges, a well-equipped gym, and more. Outside, Antarctica's incredible views and unique wildlife will fill you with unforgettable impressions.
Special offers:
up to 40% discount is available on certain dates if booked by February 29, 2024
50% discount for 3rd and 4th cabin berths
90% discount for children under 18 y.o. in a cabin with two adults
Please contact us for details.
Highlights of the cruise:
The cost of the cruise depends on the date, duration, and cabin type selected. See details in the Accommodation section.
Itinerary
The journey begins in Buenos Aires, where you should get to on your own.
This is a general plan of the expedition, the route may vary depending on the weather and ice conditions.
Day 1 Arrival in Buenos Aires
Upon your arrival at the Buenos Aires airport, you will be transferred to a hotel. Your 1-night stay at the hotel is included in the price of the program.
Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia
In the morning, you will be taken to the airport for the charter flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth. Ushuaia is located in south Argentina, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains.
Embarkation to the ship will take place in the afternoon. You will meet the ship's crew and expedition's members during a welcome cocktail.
Days 3-4 Across the Drake Passage
Your journey to Antarctica begins by crossing the widest and deepest strait on Earth. In the narrowest part, the width of the Drake Passage is 820 km, and the depth in some parts can reach 5 km.
Days at sea are the perfect time to observe seabirds and mammals from aboard the ship. Lectures from experts in glaciology, marine biology, history, and geology are waiting for you. You will learn about the history of Antarctic exploration, the origin of glaciers, and the flora and fauna of the White Continent.
Also, during these days, you can relax and use various services on board. Visit a spa or a gym, check out a library filled with thematic books, or admire the stunning ocean views from your cabin balcony.
Days 5-8 The continent of Antarctica
These days you will explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible part of the continent of Antarctica. The mild climate attracts all representatives of Antarctic wildlife here. On shore you will approach huge colonies of penguins, and at sea you can meet whales and leopard seals.
One of the days you will pass through the Lemaire Channel, which is considered to be the most photogenic place in Antarctica. The narrow sea passage is framed by mountains and sparkling glaciers. Leopard seals and crabeater seals rest on the passing flat ice floes, and the shores are inhabited by penguins. Orcas and humpback whales often accompany the ship.
Day 9 South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Archipelago are sub-Antarctic islands where the flora and fauna are markedly different from the rest of Antarctica due to higher temperatures. Most of the islands were discovered by expeditions of fur seal hunters in the early 19th century.
On zodiac expedition boats, you will enter the picturesque submerged caldera of Deception Volcano and see the abandoned whaling stations on the island. Black volcanic beaches are favored by penguins, sea elephants, fur, crabeater, and Weddell seals. They are not afraid of humans at all and can be approached at a fairly close distance.
Days 10-11 At sea
These days the ship will take a return course to Ushuaia through the already familiar Drake Passage. You can relax in the bar on board and exchange impressions with other cruise participants.
The captain's bridge is also always open for you. In the evening you will enjoy a gala dinner with the captain, officers, and expedition team.
Day 12 Returning to Ushuaia
In the morning, the ship will pass through the Beagle Channel and call at the port of Ushuaia. After breakfast, you will say goodbye to the expedition team and the ship's crew and disembark. Then, a transfer to the airport for departure to Buenos Aires will be organized.
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Accommodation during the trip
A 15% prepayment is needed to make a reservation. The final payment of 85% is paid 65 days before the start of the cruise.
Rates depend on the date, cruise duration, and cabin type selected. The price is per person with double occupancy in a cabin.
3–15 February 2024 | 13 days | SH Vega
6–16 February 2024 | 11 days | SH Diana
14–24 February 2024 and 23 February – 4 March 2024 | 11 days | SH Vega
2–13 December 2024 | 12 days | SH Diana
4–15 December 2024 | 12 days | SH Vega
12–22 December 2024 | 11 days | SH Diana
27 December 2024 – 8 January 2025 | 13 days | SH Vega
7–17 January 2025 | 11 days | SH Vega
7–9 January 2025 | 13 days | SH Diana
16–26 January 2025 | 11 days | SH Vega
25 January – 4 February, 3–13 February, 12–22 February 2025 | 11 days | SH Vega
4–15 February 2025 | 12 days | SH Diana
21 February – 3 March 2025 | 11 days | SH Vega
Cabin types:
Oceanview (19 sq.m.): 2 single beds (convertible to a double bed), sitting area with a sofa, soothing flame-effect fireplace, luxurious bathroom, panoramic windows
Balcony (28 sq.m.): 2 single beds (convertible to a double bed), sitting area with a sofa, soothing flame-effect fireplace, luxurious bathroom, private balcony 6 sq.m.
Junior Suite* (35 sq.m.): king-size bed, sitting area with a sofa, soothing flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, private balcony 7 sq.m. *SH Diana only
Suite (44 sq.m.): king-size bed, separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, private balcony 6 sq.m.
Premium Suite (47-49 sq.m.): king-size bed, separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe, private balcony 12 sq.m.
Ship’s description
SH Vega and SH Diana are new 5-star expedition ships built in Finland’s famous Helsinki Shipyard in 2022 and 2023. They are equipped with ice-strengthened hulls and extra-large stabilizers.
A small number of guests – 152 on SH Vega and 192 on SH Diana – provide a friendly, informal atmosphere aboard as well as dynamic activities of the ships.
All public areas have fireplaces and panoramic windows. You can admire the Antarctic scenery from anywhere on board.
Onboard facilities: club lounge with 24-hour food service, observation lounge equipped for lectures and live music evenings, outdoor infinity pool, sauna with hot tubs with panoramic ocean views, SPA, gym, main restaurant, basecamp, library, and laboratory.
Common questions
You will be given a branded waterproof and windproof expedition jacket, and high expedition rubber boots will be provided during sea walks and landings.
Clothing:
Footwear:
Personal items and gear:
The crew of the liner consists of 120 employees, including an expedition team of experienced guides, speakers, and lecturers. On the ship and during zodiac boat trips they will tell about the nature and history of Antarctic exploration, give lectures, presentations, and master classes.
The price includes full board meals on the ship and an open bar (tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, except premium brands). You will also enjoy a welcome cocktail with the captain and crew, a farewell gala dinner, and 24-hour cabin service.
Medical insurance covering emergency evacuation from inaccessible and remote places is required for the journey. It is not included in the tour price and is paid additionally. We are ready to help with its registration. If necessary, please leave a comment in the application form.
Purchasing this cruise will give you a 5% discount on all future journeys with RussiaDiscovery.
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and back
pre-voyage night in Buenos Aires in 5* hotel
accommodation on the ship in a cabin of the chosen category
all transfers between the hotel, port and airport
full board service
all excursions and landings as per the program
lectures from the expedition team
rental of rubber boots and branded expedition jacket as a gift
tip on board and standard Wi-Fi
port charges
mandatory health insurance with emergency evacuation from remote locations coverage
premium alcoholic drinks at the bar, not included in the price
personal expenses on board (laundry, calls, spa, etc.)
kayaking (optional, 250 USD pp for one-time activity, requires booking in advance)
flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and back
pre-voyage night in Buenos Aires in 5* hotel
accommodation on the ship in a cabin of the chosen category
all transfers between the hotel, port and airport
full board service
all excursions and landings as per the program
lectures from the expedition team
rental of rubber boots and branded expedition jacket as a gift
tip on board and standard Wi-Fi
port charges
mandatory health insurance with emergency evacuation from remote locations coverage
premium alcoholic drinks at the bar, not included in the price
personal expenses on board (laundry, calls, spa, etc.)
kayaking (optional, 250 USD pp for one-time activity, requires booking in advance)
Testimonials
The Antarctic Summer
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I have been dreaming about traveling to Antarctica for more than 10 years. It was necessary for many conditions to come together: an inter-work break comes in the winter (summer in the Shouthern Hemisphere), someone would be able to look after my old parents,availability on board on the expedition. Everything coincided in February 2019, - and the dream came true !!! The impression of the expedition is fantastic. Everything was for 5 stars - absolutely everything: hotels in Argentina, service on board of Sea Spirit vessel, team qualifications (and this is the main condition!), - zoologists, historians, iceberg specialists, - all of the highest qualifications and the highest level of friendliness! This is the most unforgettable journey of my life, and I have already visited more than hundred countries. The next tour is probably to the Moon. Better to the Mars, maybe ... If you arn't ready being going to Antarctica yet, then we're coming to you right now! ;)