Icebox Expedition

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula on this 12-day fundraising adventure. Enjoy extraordinary whale watching, penguins, and majestic icebergs while contributing directly to vital cancer research.


Antarctic Peninsula
© CHI

Duration: 12 days / 10 nights on board
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included


This expedition voyage is the ultimate Antarctic adventure for wildlife enthusiasts, serving as a dedicated fundraising cruise partnering with Box Rallies to support cancer research. At this time of year, large numbers of humpback whales gather to feed on abundant krill with their calves, creating exhilarating whale watching opportunities. Aboard a nimble, ice-strengthened vessel, guests explore the region through Zodiac excursions while participating in hands-on citizen science programs.

The itinerary combines the legendary Drake Passage crossing with the geological and natural exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Travelers will experience close encounters with Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, basking seals, and a remarkable variety of seabirds. It is an unforgettable journey immersing you in the wild beauty of Antarctica while helping change the future for others.

Highlights:
Exceptional opportunities to observe large numbers of humpback whales feeding on krill.
Participation in onboard citizen science projects, including NASA's GLOBE Observer program.
Cruising aboard a nimble, ice-strengthened ship designed to navigate remote locations.
Daily Zodiac excursions and shore landings exploring stunning bays and famed harbors.
Direct contribution to cancer research funding through the Box Rallies partnership.

Itinerary

© CHI
© CHI
© CHI

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
Arrival and explorer welcome
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to your hotel, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our evening briefing at the Arakur is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: Embarkation
Start of the Antarctic journey
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!

Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage - Day 3 & 4
Polar experts and citizen science
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.

Day 5-6: South Shetland Islands - Day 5 & 6
Volcanic geology and humpback whales
The South Shetlands are 12 islands separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by The Bransfield Strait. Significant volcanic activity has sculpted a geology – and a diverse natural beauty – unlike anywhere else on Earth. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins; and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals, alongside feeding Humpback whales.

Day 7-9: Explore Antarctica - Day 7 to 9
Scientific bases and famed harbors
On to the Antarctic Peninsula, where we’ll explore any number of stunning bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as we continue to travel these wildlife-rich waters. We’ll have great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we direct our attention and our cameras toward numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines.

Day 10-11: Crossing the Drake Passage - Day 10 & 11
Northbound ocean transit
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 12: Disembarkation
End of expedition
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, allowing you to catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
Arrival and explorer welcome
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to your hotel, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our evening briefing at the Arakur is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: Embarkation
Start of the Antarctic journey
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!

Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage - Day 3 & 4
Polar experts and citizen science
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.

Day 5-6: South Shetland Islands - Day 5 & 6
Volcanic geology and humpback whales
The South Shetlands are 12 islands separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by The Bransfield Strait. Significant volcanic activity has sculpted a geology – and a diverse natural beauty – unlike anywhere else on Earth. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins; and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals, alongside feeding Humpback whales.

Day 7-9: Explore Antarctica - Day 7 to 9
Scientific bases and famed harbors
On to the Antarctic Peninsula, where we’ll explore any number of stunning bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as we continue to travel these wildlife-rich waters. We’ll have great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we direct our attention and our cameras toward numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines.

Day 10-11: Crossing the Drake Passage - Day 10 & 11
Northbound ocean transit
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 12: Disembarkation
End of expedition
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, allowing you to catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.


© CHI
© CHI
© CHI


INCLUSIONS

All meals onboard the Ocean Nova, including snacks and 24-hour tea and coffee
Onboard lecture program led by our expert Expedition Team
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises (except paid adventure options with cost)
Bespoke 3-in-1 jacket featuring a waterproof outer shell and puffer that can be worn with or without outer shell, are yours to keep
Complimentary use of rubber Muck boots on loan for the duration of your expedition (exclusions apply - see below)
Group arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport to Albatros Hotel (Day One)
Pre-night (Day One) stay at the Albatross Hotel in Ushuaia, including breakfast (based on your cabin configuration)
Transfer from the Albatross Hotel to the Ocean Nova for embarkation (Day Two)
Group departure transfer from the ship to either Ushuaia airport (selected times only) or downtown Ushuaia (luggage storage available)
Full access to the onboard gym
500mb free internet usage
All port taxes

EXCLUSIONS

International or domestic flights, unless specified
Airport transfers, taxes, and excess baggage charges, unless specified
Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
Visa and passport fees
Mandatory travel insurance with a minimum required coverage
A fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
Optional paid adventure activities - Please let your booking agent know if you would like to add
Alcoholic or other selected beverages
Laundry and communication services including Wi-fi (over and above complimentary allotment and where available) on board
Gratuities for the Expedition Team and crew
Miscellaneous extras and all personal expenses


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Nova | Date: 02 Mar 2028 - 13 Mar 2028 (5114)
Quad Cabin
$10,889
$9,256
C1 - Triple Cabin
$12,097
$10,282
C2 -Classic Twin
$12,097
$10,282
C3 - Explorer Twin
$13,444
$11,427
C4 - Explorer Double
$13,444
$11,427
C5 - Comfort Twin
$14,783
$12,566
C6 - Classic Single
$21,774
$18,508

* 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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