Exploring Antarctica’s Spring

An immersive 11-day expedition focusing on the Antarctic Peninsula during spring. Witness penguins courting, vast sea ice, and magnificent icebergs at a time when the continent feels all your own.


Antarctic Peninsula
©PLT

Duration: 11 days / 9 nights on board
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The voyage includes a 1-Night Pre-Voyage Hotel stay at the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar).
The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


This 11-day voyage offers an immersive Antarctica adventure, focusing on the Peninsula in all its incomparable glory at a time of year when the continent is a pristine, just-waking-up hub of activity. As winter gives way to spring, prepare yourself for a lively environment populated by penguins courting mates, building nests, and tending to their eggs. The passing of newly adrift icebergs dazzles the eye, and glorious winter sea ice mantles the frigid seas.

The journey begins with an overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Ushuaia, allowing time to explore the southernmost city in the world. During the Drake Passage crossing, you can participate in the pioneering Citizen Science program and attend expert lectures. In Antarctica, you will explore the volcanic South Shetland Islands and spend three days observing the numerous species of penguins, searching for seals and whales, and taking in the miraculous sunsets that are a special treat this time of year.

Highlights:
Experience Antarctica in spring, when penguin colonies are busy courting mates and building nests.
Witness spectacular winter sea ice and magnificent icebergs.
Explore the volcanic South Shetland Islands, potentially stopping at Deception Island.
Participate in the pioneering Citizen Science program during the Drake Passage crossing.
Enjoy optional adventure activities like Kayaking, Snowshoeing, and Immersive Photography.

Itinerary

©PLT
©PLT

Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
Relaxation and optional evening briefing
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar), take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: Embarkation
All aboard! Safety briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner
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, 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
Polar experts, citizen science, and wildlife spotting
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.

Day 5: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic geology and fully immersive introduction
The volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any any other. Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins will be a common sight, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend most of our day exploring, perhaps stopping for a walk along the black sands of Deception Island.

Days 6-8: Antarctica in the Spring
Penguins, winter sea ice, and miraculous sunsets
Welcome to Antarctica in all its springtime glory. Prepare to be amazed as we observe numerous species of penguins coming ashore, building nests, and tending their eggs. Marvel at the winter sea ice that mantles these frigid seas. Visits to active scientific bases and historic landing sites may also be on the agenda.

Day 9-10: Drake Passage
The journey north and conclusion celebration
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 11: Ushuaia Disembarkation
Departure
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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
Relaxation and optional evening briefing
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar), take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: Embarkation
All aboard! Safety briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner
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, 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
Polar experts, citizen science, and wildlife spotting
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.

Day 5: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic geology and fully immersive introduction
The volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any any other. Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins will be a common sight, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend most of our day exploring, perhaps stopping for a walk along the black sands of Deception Island.

Days 6-8: Antarctica in the Spring
Penguins, winter sea ice, and miraculous sunsets
Welcome to Antarctica in all its springtime glory. Prepare to be amazed as we observe numerous species of penguins coming ashore, building nests, and tending their eggs. Marvel at the winter sea ice that mantles these frigid seas. Visits to active scientific bases and historic landing sites may also be on the agenda.

Day 9-10: Drake Passage
The journey north and conclusion celebration
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 11: Ushuaia Disembarkation
Departure
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.


©PLT
©PLT


INCLUSIONS

Prior to Embarkation
One pre-voyage hotel night with breakfast in Ushuaia
Transfer from airport in Ushuaia (USH) to group hotel (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation

On Board
Shipboard accommodations and meals
“Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
Beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch and dinner
Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
500MB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
Expedition jacket for use during the voyage
Fleece-lined down jacket (yours to keep)
A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
All scheduled landings and excursions
Snowshoes for use during landings (subject to availability)
Our Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
Photography Coach available throughout the voyage
Participation in the Polar Plunge
Access to our onboard medical clinics
Access to our onboard fitness centers
All port and landing fees
Digital Voyage Log

Included with Ocean Albatros & Ocean Victory Suites
Wine and fruit on arrival
Restocked mini bar (non-alcoholic)
Complimentary laundry service
In-room espresso machine

Post Disembarkation
Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location (please note we cannot drop at Airbnbs or private homes, which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles)

EXCLUSIONS

Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified above
Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia other than those specified above
Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board, except as listed in inclusions
Any other alcohol and soft drinks, except as listed in inclusions
Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed in inclusions
Staff/crew gratuities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Albatros (PLT) | Date: 04 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026 (4629)
Cat. G single
$14,895
Cat. F Triple
$9,895
Cat. E French Balcony
$12,295
$10,450
Cat. D Stateroom
$11,595
$9,855
Cat. C Balcony
$12,795
$10,875
Cat C Sup Balcony
$13,195
$11,215
Cat C Grand Balcony
$13,895
$11,810
Cat. B Balcony Suite
$15,195
$12,915
Cat. A Jr. Suite
$15,895
$13,510
Freydis Suite
$18,495
$15,720
Brynhilde Suite
$22,495
$19,120
Ship: Ocean Albatros (PLT) | Date: 13 Nov 2026 - 23 Nov 2026 (4630)
Cat. G single
$15,295
Cat. F Triple
$10,195
Cat. E French Balcony
$12,595
Cat. D Stateroom
$11,895
Cat. C Balcony
$13,195
Cat C Sup Balcony
$13,595
Cat C Grand Balcony
$14,295
Cat. B Balcony Suite
$15,695
Cat. A Jr. Suite
$16,395
Freydis Suite
$19,095
Brynhilde Suite
$23,195

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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