Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage
Highlights
- Cross the fabled Drake Passage, spotting albatrosses and whales en route to the icy wonders of Antarctica.
- Cruise by Zodiac amid towering icebergs, penguin rookeries, and seals basking on sculpted floes.
- Step ashore on the Antarctic Peninsula to hike, photograph, and even camp beneath the southern stars.
Embark on the ultimate 12-day journey to the last great wilderness on Earth—the Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage—a quintessential expedition that captures the very essence of Antarctica’s allure. From Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, you’ll sail the storied Drake Passage, following in the wake of heroic explorers who once braved these same waters in pursuit of the unknown.
As you cross the Antarctic Convergence, the air grows crisp and the spectacle begins—wandering albatrosses soaring effortlessly over the waves, humpback whales surfacing nearby, and the first hints of ice shimmering on the horizon. Each day brings new discoveries as you explore the South Shetland Islands’ volcanic landscapes and step ashore on the Antarctic Peninsula itself, where penguins waddle between snow-dusted peaks and sapphire glaciers calve into pristine bays.
Zodiac excursions carry you deep into a frozen dreamscape, where seals lounge on ice floes and vast colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins bustle with life. Adventurous guests may choose to camp overnight on the continent—a rare and unforgettable chance to feel the stillness of Antarctica beneath a canopy of stars. Onboard, expert naturalists and historians enrich your voyage with fascinating lectures and insights into the region’s wildlife, climate, and exploration heritage.
By journey’s end, you’ll have not only set foot on the Seventh Continent but joined a select few who have experienced its raw, humbling beauty firsthand. Perfect for first-time explorers and lifelong adventurers alike, this classic voyage offers an inspiring blend of discovery, connection, and pure wonder that will stay with you forever.
Standard Activities
About the Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage
Embark on the ultimate 12-day journey to the last great wilderness on Earth—the Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage—a quintessential expedition that captures the very essence of Antarctica’s allure. From Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, you’ll sail the storied Drake Passage, following in the wake of heroic explorers who once braved these same waters in pursuit of the unknown.
As you cross the Antarctic Convergence, the air grows crisp and the spectacle begins—wandering albatrosses soaring effortlessly over the waves, humpback whales surfacing nearby, and the first hints of ice shimmering on the horizon. Each day brings new discoveries as you explore the South Shetland Islands’ volcanic landscapes and step ashore on the Antarctic Peninsula itself, where penguins waddle between snow-dusted peaks and sapphire glaciers calve into pristine bays.
Zodiac excursions carry you deep into a frozen dreamscape, where seals lounge on ice floes and vast colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins bustle with life. Adventurous guests may choose to camp overnight on the continent—a rare and unforgettable chance to feel the stillness of Antarctica beneath a canopy of stars. Onboard, expert naturalists and historians enrich your voyage with fascinating lectures and insights into the region’s wildlife, climate, and exploration heritage.
By journey’s end, you’ll have not only set foot on the Seventh Continent but joined a select few who have experienced its raw, humbling beauty firsthand. Perfect for first-time explorers and lifelong adventurers alike, this classic voyage offers an inspiring blend of discovery, connection, and pure wonder that will stay with you forever.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to your luxurious hotel, 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 your hotel, 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.
All aboard!
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
Immersive Antarctica
Drake Passage
Ushuaia Disembarkation
Route Map
Whatever your ambition and level of experience, and whatever camera you happen to carry, our award-winning photography coaches will help you bring home images that capture the unparalleled natural beauty and sheer magic of your Antarctica or Arctic adventure. We offer two options for our camera-carrying explorers: for the truly obsessed, there’s our small group, immersive program led by a dedicated photography instructor, and on hand for all passengers, our onboard professional photography coach, offering tips, advice, and technical assistance throughout the expedition.
Immersive Photography Program *
Available beginning in November, 2026
$495 for Peninsula voyages / $995 for Falklands, South Georgia voyages
For experienced photographers, our immersive program will pair you with a small group and an award-winning photography instructor. Daily outings under the watchful eye of your instructor will ensure that you make the most of every photographic outing, while honing your skills, guided by a seasoned professional. On board workshops and reviews will cover every aspect of shot selection, artistic refinement, and processing your images.
*Maximum 18 participants, pre-booking recommended. Available on select voyages.
Snowshoeing is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Antarctica’s landscapes when the snow is at its thickest. Armed with lightweight snowshoes and poles, one of our Expedition Guides will guide you through the Polar snowy expanses. This is a must-do activity if you want to reach unique vantage points for incredible photo opportunities, explore the 7th Continent from up close, and be surrounded by wildlife in their natural environment. And best of all – no prior experience required!
Excursion Overview
Before heading out, all interested guests are invited to an onboard snowshoeing workshop. Our Snowshoe Master introduces the gear, techniques, and safety guidelines, so everyone feels confident before stepping onto the snow.
Once ashore, groups follow their guides across gently rolling terrain, stopping often to enjoy the scenery and photograph the incredible landscapes. Outings typically last 2–3 hours and are run separately from regular Zodiac cruises and landing activities, giving you a more intimate experience.
To experience the polar regions in a truly intimate way, there’s really no better seat than the one in your kayak, just inches above the water, navigating among icebergs and glacial ice dating back 30,000 years. Gliding through an otherworldly landscape with a small team, led by our expert guides and occasionally joined by playful wildlife, this is about as magical as it gets.
Beginning with the 2025-2026 season, we will be offering two distinct kayaking programs. Details below.
Immersive Kayaking
$895 (25-26 season) / $1195 (26-27 season)
Limit 10 participants*
This program is designed for those more experienced guests who want to kayak as much as possible during their voyage. Immersive Kayaking is limited to 10 participants, with a dedicated kayak guide and safety Zodiac. Immersive paddlers will have the opportunity to kayak during most excursions and landings, weather and conditions permitting.
* Advanced booking is highly recommended
Discover Kayaking
$250 (25-26 season) / $350 (26-27 season)
Prices are per outing. Participation Varies by Voyage*
This program is designed for those guests who just want a taste of the Polar kayaking experience. Each participant kayaks once per voyage in a group of 14 with a dedicated guide team and safety Zodiac. Total number of available kayaking spots on each departure will vary by itinerary length and weather, but we aim to get groups on the water at every opportunity.
*Advanced booking is recommended. Additional outings can be purchased on board, space permitting.
What's Included
-
Oneo pre-voyage hotel nights in Ushuaia
-
Transfer from airport in embarkation city to group hotel if arriving on Day 1 of itinerary, and providing we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure
-
World Class Cuisine and Live Entertainment
-
Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
-
Beer and wine included with dinner
-
Professional Photography Coach
-
Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
-
Expedition jacket on loan; custom down jacket to keep
What's Excluded
-
Mandatory travel insurance ; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
-
Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival in Ushuaia other than those listed above
-
Transfer from airport to group hotel, unless arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary
-
Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia
-
Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
-
Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board
-
Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided
-
Staff gratuities