Spirit of Antarctica: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours

A classic 12-day expedition to Antarctica with New Scientist Discovery Tours. Cross the Drake Passage and explore icy landscapes, wildlife, and polar science aboard the new Douglas Mawson.


Antarctic Peninsula
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Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

This is a special edition expedition in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. The ship is the new Douglas Mawson (built 2025) with a maximum of 130 guests. The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions.


Included
Optional


Embark on a special edition expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula with like-minded, curious-minded travelers, in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. This classic journey to the white continent is hosted aboard the new, state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, the Douglas Mawson, which features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW for a sleeker cruising experience. With no more than 130 guests, this ship guarantees a far more enjoyable experience than older and larger vessels, designed to minimize negative environmental impacts.

During the crossing of the famed Drake Passage, you’ll enjoy educational lectures and explore the Science Centre, preparing you for the dazzling icy landscapes and fascinating wildlife of the white continent. Once there, your experienced expedition team will design your voyage day to day, choosing the best options based on prevailing conditions and wildlife opportunities. You will make landings and Zodiac excursions twice a day, with a wide range of activities such as guided hikes, Zodiac safaris, and photography workshops. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a unique citizen science program to help protect the beauty of our planet.

Highlights:
Navigate the famed Drake Passage and explore the Antarctic Peninsula.
Observe penguin colonies building their nests and possibly see penguin chicks.
Immerse yourself in polar science workshops with a marine biologist.
Participate in a unique citizen science program to help collect valuable data.
Embark aboard the new Douglas Mawson, a state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel.

Itinerary

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©AUE

Day 1: Ushuaia
Arrival and pre-voyage preparations
Arrive in Ushuaia and be transferred to your pre-voyage hotel. Visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to collect your luggage tags and confirm details for the next day. Meals today are at your own expense.

Day 2: Embarkation
Fuegian Lamb barbecue and welcome dinner
After breakfast, you have the option to join a pre-embarkation tour to Lake Escondido, which includes a traditional Fuegian Lamb barbecue. Alternatively, enjoy a day at leisure before being transferred to the pier for embarkation. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner.

Days 3-4: Drake Passage crossing
Lectures and wildlife spotting
Sail across the Drake Passage. The expedition team will offer a series of presentations on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environment. You will also collect your Muck Boots and attend briefings on biosecurity and Zodiac safety.

Days 5-9: Antarctic Peninsula
Daytime exploration of the white continent
Spend five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, which are yours to explore with approximately 18-24 hours of daylight. The expedition team will design the voyage from day to day, with landings or Zodiac excursions generally taking place twice a day. You may also cruise through some of the dramatic straits and scenic bays.

Days 10-11: Drake Passage crossing
A final morning landing and return journey
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before re-entering the Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. The time is for reflection and discussion about your experience. The captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia
Departure from Ushuaia
Cruise up the Beagle Channel and dock in Ushuaia, where you will disembark around 8:00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers. Transportation to the hotel or airport will be provided for those who have booked accommodations through Aurora or have a flight after 12:30 pm.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia
Arrival and pre-voyage preparations
Arrive in Ushuaia and be transferred to your pre-voyage hotel. Visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to collect your luggage tags and confirm details for the next day. Meals today are at your own expense.

Day 2: Embarkation
Fuegian Lamb barbecue and welcome dinner
After breakfast, you have the option to join a pre-embarkation tour to Lake Escondido, which includes a traditional Fuegian Lamb barbecue. Alternatively, enjoy a day at leisure before being transferred to the pier for embarkation. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner.

Days 3-4: Drake Passage crossing
Lectures and wildlife spotting
Sail across the Drake Passage. The expedition team will offer a series of presentations on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environment. You will also collect your Muck Boots and attend briefings on biosecurity and Zodiac safety.

Days 5-9: Antarctic Peninsula
Daytime exploration of the white continent
Spend five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, which are yours to explore with approximately 18-24 hours of daylight. The expedition team will design the voyage from day to day, with landings or Zodiac excursions generally taking place twice a day. You may also cruise through some of the dramatic straits and scenic bays.

Days 10-11: Drake Passage crossing
A final morning landing and return journey
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before re-entering the Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. The time is for reflection and discussion about your experience. The captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia
Departure from Ushuaia
Cruise up the Beagle Channel and dock in Ushuaia, where you will disembark around 8:00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers. Transportation to the hotel or airport will be provided for those who have booked accommodations through Aurora or have a flight after 12:30 pm.


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©AUE


INCLUSIONS

All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
Lake Escondido tour in Ushuaia, on Day 2.
Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
Beer and house wine with dinner.
Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Wi-Fi*.

EXCLUSIONS

International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
Airport arrival or departure taxes.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Douglas Mawson | Date: 07 Dec 2026 - 18 Dec 2026 (4461)
Captain’s Suite
$35,595
$30,256
Junior Suite
$31,095
$26,431
Balcony Stateroom Superior
$26,095
$22,181
Balcony Stateroom Category A
$23,895
$20,311
Balcony Stateroom Category B
$22,295
$18,951
Balcony Stateroom Category C
$21,195
$18,016
Aurora Stateroom Superior
$20,595
$17,506
Aurora Stateroom Twin
$19,495
$16,571
Aurora Stateroom Triple
$18,895
$16,061

* 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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