MV Ushuaia: A ship with the spirit of an expedition

The MV Ushuaia, which accommodates just 90 passengers, prioritises the onshore experience over luxury. Its intimate atmosphere and robust design allow it to navigate narrow channels and make longer stops.

You might be interested in:
Classic Antarctica (9 nights)

Life on Board

- Cabins and Comfort: Cabins and Comfort: The cabins are functional and simple, with a nautical charm. Although space is optimised, they are very comfortable for resting after a busy day. The beds are extremely comfortable, the heating is excellent and the small cupboards help to keep things tidy. The bathroom is equipped with shampoo, conditioner, soap and a hairdryer. Room service is provided daily; the staff do a wonderful job of keeping the cabins tidy and clean at all times.

- Dining: The atmosphere is completely relaxed and informal; you don’t need to dress up at any time. A sense of camaraderie is strongly encouraged: there are no reserved seats, so if you’re in the mood for a chat, you can share a table with someone new at every meal. The food is plentiful and home-style, with options that cater to both personal and medical dietary requirements. Generally, lunch and dinner are three-course meals (starter, main course and dessert), with water included. Breakfasts are an American-style buffet, with a wide variety of options. The ‘merienda’ or snack is served between 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm; throughout the day, fruit is always available, as well as coffee, tea and water.

- Whale-watching spots and Lounge: The lounge-bar is the heart of the ship; it features panoramic windows, ideal for not missing a thing whilst you enjoy a coffee. It is also the perfect place if you want to chat with the crew and learn about biology, geology or any other interesting facts about Antarctica.

A key tip: You’ll spend a lot of time here, so it’s best to always have a rucksack handy with your jacket, binoculars, gloves and hat. You never know when someone will shout “whales!” and you’ll want to rush out onto the deck! Better to have everything ready so you don’t miss a single second. The observation deck at the bow is, without a doubt, ‘the’ place to be during these sightings or whilst navigating between icebergs

My favourite spot: Without a doubt, the Bridge. Spending time with the captain and the crew — who answer all your questions about navigation — allows you to take in the scenery from a privileged vantage point. Silence reigns in this setting and, very often, the first sightings are spotted right here.

The Expedition Experience

It is a ship designed purely for adventure, yet with all the necessary comforts. It is not a luxury cruise ship, but a mobile base for exploration. The focus is entirely on maximising the time spent ashore.
Expedition team: They are passionate professionals. Many of the staff members are scientists working at highly respected research centres, with in-depth knowledge in their fields and years of experience in the Antarctic. As it is a small group, the talks in the lounge are interactive and the guides are always available for a chat. A major advantage is that the talks are conducted entirely in English and Spanish (not simultaneously), which makes it easier to follow the conversation. You constantly get the feeling that the team is always doing their utmost to arrange as many landings as possible.
Zodiacs: The boarding system is quite efficient. The staff assist at all times with the ‘sailor’s grip’, ensuring that getting on and off the Zodiacs is safe.

Communications

The service is satellite-based (Starlink) and works surprisingly well, given how remote the area is. It is a paid service and there are various plans available (usually 6, 12 and 18 GB, with prices ranging from $30 to $60, subject to change depending on your travel dates).

The ideal plan will depend on how you plan to use it:

- Basic plan: This is enough to stay in touch with family, send photos and the odd short video.

- Premium plan: This is the one for you if you need to download large files, upload live stories or watch videos on YouTube.

That said, if you ask me... it’s the perfect opportunity for a proper ‘digital detox’!

Tip:
I strongly recommend checking your phone settings before you travel. Make sure to disable automatic updates and the automatic downloading of files or photos on WhatsApp. This will prevent your data allowance from being used up without you realising!

Closing and evaluation

Choose this ship if:

- You’re looking for a pure and intense Antarctic experience: It’s the ideal vessel for travellers who prioritise authenticity and learning.

- You value knowledge: If you’re inspired by being surrounded by a scientific, friendly and professional atmosphere, where every talk and every landing enriches your journey.

- You want to make the most of your adventure: It’s for those who prefer to spend every possible minute observing penguins, glaciers and whales, choosing the excitement of the deck.

The MV Ushuaia is, in essence, for those who want to feel that they are not just visiting Antarctica, but are truly part of an expedition.