New Year’s Antarctic Circle Crossing

The ultimate 13-day explorer's journey to cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S) over New Year's Eve. Encounter Humpback and Orca whales, dramatic sea ice, and rarely visited historic bases.


Antarctic Polar Circle
©PLT

Duration: 13 days / 11 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. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
The voyage attempts to cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S), an ultimate achievement, and includes a New Year’s Eve celebration.
The trip includes a 1-Night Pre-Voyage Hotel stay at the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar).


Included
Optional


This 13-day journey is the ultimate explorer’s expedition, charting a course along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of being among the very few to cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S). The crossing is hoped to take place by New Year’s Eve, where a toast and celebration awaits. As the expedition heads farther south, you are likely to encounter more dramatic sea ice, incredible wildlife, and awe-inspiring scenery.

The voyage offers five full days of exploration focused on reaching this crown jewel, including twice-daily outings. You will likely encounter some of Antarctica’s most engaging full-time residents: Humpback and Orca whales, seals, and a variety of entertaining penguins. Highlights include hoping to enter the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel and visiting historic sites like the huts at Damoy Point and rarely visited British Survey bases. The volcanic South Shetland Islands offer a rugged landscape to explore before the return crossing of the Drake Passage.

Highlights:
Attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle (66°33’S) and join the small band of Antarctic explorers who have made it this far south.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Antarctica with a toast and celebration should the Circle welcome us.
Encounter Humpback and Orca whales, seals, and a variety of penguins.
Explore historic sites like the huts at Damoy Point and rarely visited British Survey bases.
Visit the South Shetland Islands, exploring the eerie landscape of Deception Island.

Itinerary

©PLT
©PLT

Day 1: Arrive and explore in 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, Ushuaia. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: All Aboard!
Embarkation, 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 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
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.

Days 5–9: A Toast to the Antarctic Circle!
Crossing 66°33’S, Lemaire Channel, and historic sites
Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. We’ll look to visit historic sites like the huts at Damoy Point and continue our twice-daily outings until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, hoping to enter the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel by New Year’s Eve. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S.

Day 10: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic landscapes and historical anchorage
The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.

Days 11–12: 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 13: 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 and explore in 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, Ushuaia. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: All Aboard!
Embarkation, 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 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
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.

Days 5–9: A Toast to the Antarctic Circle!
Crossing 66°33’S, Lemaire Channel, and historic sites
Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. We’ll look to visit historic sites like the huts at Damoy Point and continue our twice-daily outings until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, hoping to enter the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel by New Year’s Eve. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S.

Day 10: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic landscapes and historical anchorage
The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.

Days 11–12: 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 13: 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 Victory 2025 | Date: 27 Dec 2026 - 27 Dec 2026 (4636)
Cat G
$21,795
Cat F
$14,495
Cat E
$17,895
$15,210
Cat D
$16,895
$14,360
Cat C
$18,795
$15,975
Cat Csp
$19,295
$16,400
Cat Cxl
$20,295
$17,250
Cat B
$22,195
$18,865
Cat A
$23,195
$19,715
Premium Suite
$27,095
$23,030

* 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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