Описание
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Escape from Ushuaia
Departing from Ushuaia, this 12-day luxury expedition charter presents a polished and immersive way to experience Antarctica through a combination of refined onboard comfort, intimate wildlife encounters and expertly guided exploration. As one of the world’s most prestigious gateways to the polar south, Ushuaia offers the ideal starting point for a high-end expedition, with smooth embarkation procedures, reliable marina support and the sense of anticipation that comes from leaving the southernmost cruising hub on Earth. From the moment guests come aboard, the experience is shaped by attentive service, operational confidence and an atmosphere designed for travelers who want more than a cruise - they want a rare and memorable journey into one of the planet’s last truly untouched frontiers.
About Our Service in Ushuaia, the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 1 - Ushuaia Departure
Arrival day begins in Ushuaia, where embarkation is handled with efficiency and care before guests settle into the yacht and are introduced to the expedition team. After safety procedures and orientation, the vessel proceeds through the Beagle Channel, where the stark beauty of Patagonia creates a dramatic opening scene for the voyage ahead.
Day 2 - Drake Passage Crossing
The crossing of the Drake Passage introduces the rhythm of true expedition cruising. While the vessel advances toward Antarctica, guests can enjoy gourmet dining, comfortable lounges and expert-led talks on polar ecosystems, while watching albatross and petrels ride the winds above the Southern Ocean.
Day 3 - Drake Passage Exploration
As the yacht continues south, the anticipation grows noticeably. Observation decks become natural gathering points for wildlife spotting, expedition briefings prepare guests for polar landings, and the transition into colder, nutrient-rich waters marks the approach to one of the most extraordinary environments on Earth.
Day 4 - South Shetland Islands Arrival
The first Antarctic-style landings begin in the South Shetland Islands, where rugged coastlines, scattered ice and abundant wildlife define the scenery. Depending on conditions, guided zodiac excursions may bring guests ashore at places such as King George Island or Half Moon Island, where penguin colonies, seals and wind-shaped volcanic terrain offer an unforgettable introduction to the region.
Day 5 - Deception Island and Volcanic Landscapes
One of the voyage’s most unusual highlights comes with the exploration of Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera that allows ships to enter a naturally protected harbor inside an active volcanic setting. Black sand shores, steam vents and layers of exploration history combine to create a landing that feels both remote and geologically remarkable.
Day 6 - Gerlache Strait on the Antarctic Peninsula
Entering the Gerlache Strait brings guests into one of Antarctica’s most iconic corridors. Towering glaciers, broken ice and snow-covered peaks frame the route while humpback whales, leopard seals and thriving penguin colonies add life to the immense stillness of the landscape.
Day 7 - Paradise Bay and Neko Harbour
This part of the itinerary delivers some of the calmest waters and most photogenic views of the entire expedition. Zodiac cruising among floating ice, continental landings and close observation of penguins and seals create a serene yet deeply immersive encounter with Antarctica’s silence, scale and purity.
Day 8 - Lemaire Channel Navigation
Navigating the Lemaire Channel is a memorable experience in itself, with steep icy walls and drifting bergs creating one of the most spectacular passages in polar cruising. The captain’s precision and the yacht’s expedition capability are on full display here, while guests enjoy some of the voyage’s most cinematic views from the panoramic observation areas.
Day 9 - Port Lockroy and Historic Interest
A visit to Port Lockroy adds cultural depth to the expedition, offering insight into the heritage of Antarctic exploration. Guests can visit the historic station and museum, send postcards from the famous southern outpost and observe nearby gentoo penguins in a setting that blends living wildlife with preserved history.
Day 10 - Wildlife and Ice Exploration
The itinerary continues through quieter bays and channels, where the emphasis shifts to exploration based on ice and weather conditions. Zodiac cruising, optional active excursions and repeated opportunities to observe whales, seals and seabirds ensure the experience remains dynamic and deeply personal.
Day 11 - Return Across the Drake Passage
The homeward leg begins with time to reflect, relax and enjoy the yacht’s comforts in full. Onboard lectures, fine dining and wildlife observation continue as the ship moves northward and seabirds gradually reappear in greater numbers.
Day 12 - Arrival in Ushuaia
The expedition concludes back in Ushuaia after breakfast, leaving guests with a rare collection of memories shaped by glaciers, wildlife, ice navigation and the unmistakable privilege of having explored the Antarctic world in refined expedition style.
About Our Expedition Yacht
This 68-meter expedition yacht has the character and confidence expected from a vessel built for remote cruising. Its ice-class capability, robust structure and enduring heritage design make it especially well suited for extended polar itineraries, while the onboard atmosphere remains warm, elegant and inviting rather than clinical or purely utilitarian. The vessel successfully combines expedition readiness with an unmistakably classic personality, making it appealing to guests who appreciate authenticity as much as luxury.
Life on board is arranged to enhance both comfort and observation. Welcoming lounges, refined dining areas and panoramic viewing points give guests ample space to relax between excursions while remaining fully connected to the surrounding polar scenery. The observation tower adds another dimension to wildlife viewing and photography, while specialized facilities and helipad capability reinforce the yacht’s sense of range, versatility and distinction.
Accommodation for up to twelve guests is presented in spacious, retro-inspired cabins finished with rich wood tones, comfortable furnishings and private areas that feel restful after active days ashore. Supported by a professional crew of ten, the vessel creates a highly personal onboard environment where service is discreet, efficient and genuinely attentive. Every stage of the journey is handled with care, from embarkation through expedition operations and daily guest comfort.
A Refined Way to Experience Antarctica
This charter stands out for travelers who want Antarctica to feel exclusive, immersive and exceptionally well managed from beginning to end. The combination of a prestigious Ushuaia departure, a proven expedition yacht, a polished crewed service and a route filled with glaciers, wildlife and iconic landing sites creates a rare charter opportunity in the polar market. For guests seeking a meaningful Antarctic voyage with comfort, character and a strong sense of place, this journey offers a compelling standard that is difficult to match.
