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Classic Antarctica

Antarctica
Small Ship Cruise

From £7409

Excluding Flights

8-12 Nights

Jan-Mar & Nov-Dec

Overview

The Peninsula offers dramatic scenery and the greatest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. This adventurous voyage also offers an unequalled introduction to the stunning scenery of the Great White Continent.

During the austral summer, large areas of the Peninsula are ice-free making exploration possible and affording truly amazing photographic opportunities such as curious penguins, seals hauled out on ice floes and intricate ice sculptures.

With routes dictated by sea, ice and weather conditions, no two voyages are the same – adding a real sense of adventure to your expedition.

Offering the classic Antarctic experience, this voyage is both affordable and well-paced making it our most popular choice for first-time Polar travellers.

  • Highlights

    Enjoy shore landings and Zodiac cruises past glistening icebergs

  • antarctica gentoo penguin pair istk

    Highlights

    Spot adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins

  • Highlights

    Encounter a wealth of wildlife including seals, seabirds and whales

  • antarctica wilhemina bay blue iceberg istk

    Highlights

    Marvel at towering mountains and exquisite blue-hued icebergs

  • antarctic cape petrel flying istk

    Highlights

    Cross the fabled Drake Passage en route from Ushuaia, Argentina

  • antarctica kayaking jenniferprerau aurexped

    Highlights

    Choose from a range of adventure options

Itinerary

All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
The below sample itinerary is based on the 11-day voyage on the G Expedition. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.

With a population of more than 63,000, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Although the city has grown during the past few years, it retains an easygoing and accessible feel. Surrounded by the sea to the south and the mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. Overnight at a hotel in Ushuaia.

  • argentina ushuaia harbour sunset istk
  • argentina tierra del fuego view h and t

After embarkation in the late afternoon, you will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel towards open sea. Stay on deck to keep watch for seabirds, penguins and rainbows.

Prepare for rough water, but do not be disappointed if your crossing is smooth sailing. The Drake is always changing and provides excellent opportunities for spotting seabirds, including many species of albatross and petrels.

  • antarctic cape petrel flying istk
  • antarctica cape petrel in flight istk

Explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula. Many factors play a role in shaping the expedition’s itinerary, including sea, ice and weather conditions, but the plan is to take Zodiac excursions from the ship at least twice a day. You will have the opportunity to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

Perhaps you’ll feel salt spray on your face as the Zodiac weaves in and around grounded icebergs in Pleneau Bay. You could scramble to the top of a craggy ridge on Danco Island or visit the remote British post office at Port Lockroy. Listen to the boom of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour or sit quietly on a pebble beach as penguin chicks squabble around you. If you’re feeling brave, take to the icy waters for a memorable Polar plunge!

Each day will be different, with your Expedition Team on hand throughout to entertain and educate you about this fascinating part of the world.

  • Adelie penguins
  • antarctic peninsula port lockroy hut istk

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Arrive back in Ushuaia this morning and disembark, ready for your onward adventure.

New Scientist Special Departure

Explore the world, discover the science

New Scientist, a leading science and technology platform since 1956, covers global news and big-picture questions. In collaboration with AE Expeditions, these immersive journeys feature expert-led talks, workshops and floating safaris. Discover incredible landscapes and unique wildlife, these expeditions bring science to life, fostering insightful discussions and a deeper understanding.

Travel with like-minded people explorers who share a passion for nature and discovery. Carefully curated activities take you deep into the polar environment, while onboard talks enrich your experience. Flexible itineraries adapt to conditions and wildlife sightings, ensuring the best possible encounters. Enjoy visits to the Science Centre, embracing the true spirit of polar exploration.

Sail aboard the state-of-the-art Douglas Mawson, one of the few passenger vessels featuring the innovative X-BOW®. Designed for efficiency and a smoother voyage, it sets a new standard for polar expeditions.

Departures:
07 December 2026
03 December 2027

Prices

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation

  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board

  • Tea & coffee available around the clock

  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings

  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers

  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage

  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • Full financial protection

From £7409 Excluding Flights

8-12 Nights

Jan-Mar & Nov-Dec

Your Holiday Pricing
Prices are per person based on two people sharing and are subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will provide a final price tailored to your specific dates, vessel choice and requirements.

 

Solo travellers: Choose to share with another traveller of the same gender in a twin room (two single beds) or stay in your own room at a supplement.

 

What’s Included:
Items listed and all known compulsory taxes and charges. Inclusions are dependent on the vessel chosen – those shown are applicable to all.

 

What’s Not Included:
Variable local costs like hotel taxes that cannot be calculated in advance. We will provide guidance on these expected costs within your personalised quote.

Our holiday prices also exclude flights. Flight prices and offers change daily, so we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on your preferred airport at the best price available.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Doug
1

Cage dive with sharks

7

Continents set foot in

Request Quote

Departure & price guide

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. They do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Optional experiences

  • Kayaking Polar

    Antarctica

    Paddle alongside seals, icebergs and more on a polar kayaking excursion.

    Duration variable

    Jan-Mar, Jun-Aug & Nov-Dec

    Discover More
    • arctic kayaking adventure option ae
    • antarctica kayaking past blue icebergs qe

  • Kayaking Taster Session Polar

    Antarctica

    Explore the polar region on a sit-on-top kayak.

    Variable

    Jan-Mar & Oct-Dec

    Discover More

  • Camping Polar

    Antarctica

    Experience a night under canvas under the polar sky.

    Variable

    Jan-Mar & Nov-Dec

    Discover More

  • Scuba Diving Polar

    Antarctica

    Explore an icy underwater world.

    Variable

    Jan-Mar & Nov-Dec

    Discover More
    antarctica scuba diving ae

  • Mountaineering Antarctica

    Antarctica

    Enjoy spectacular views as you scale the heights of Antarctica.

    Variable

    Jan-Mar & Nov-Dec

    Discover More
    antarctica mountaineering4 pl

  • Photography Workshops

    Antarctica

    Catering to both amateurs and the more serious photographer, the ship’s professional photographer is on hand to advise how to get the most out of your equipment in polar conditions.

    Variable

    Year Round

    Discover More
    • arctic spitsbergen photographing sea ice from deck pq
  •  

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.

Experts with real experience

  • Gary

    Travel Specialist

  • Doug

    Travel Specialist

  • Kieran

    Travel Specialist

  • 6

    Continents visited

    8

    Great Barrier Reef scuba dives

    82

    Countries visited

  • 2

    Polar plunges

    7

    Continents set foot in

    8

    Canada provinces visited

  • 7500

    Miles covered by train

    27

    US states visited

    1

    Kangaroo punched by

Meet the Team
4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1422 Reviews

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