Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise

A true off-the-boat-experience, the Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise is designed for travelers who want to explore Antarctica actively and up close. This 13-day itinerary is packed with daily activities conducted by expert guides and onboard lectures that supplement daily adventures with history, wildlife and geography discussions. This experience on the White Continent is optimized for travelers who want to choose activities day by day, and have those activities included rather than at an added cost. An alternative itinerary (2025-26 season) offers basecamp activities while exploring the Weddell Sea, instead of the Antarctic Peninsula.

A selection of small expedition ships operate this itinerary, each acting as the base camp from which all activities start. The 108-passenger sister ships M/V Plancius and M/V Ortelius, as well as the modern 170-guest M/V Hondius, each serves as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for activities: mountaineers to climb mountain ranges (soft climbing), hikers to participate in long walks, photographers to learn about and practice photo opportunities, campers to enjoy life at shore base camps, and kayakers and Zodiac passengers to explore near shores where the ship cannot go. Passengers desiring a less physically active day will enjoy Zodiac excursions and easy-to-moderate walks and hikes with a focus on wildlife.

To set foot on Antarctica and have time to explore is a rare opportunity. By spending more time in fewer locations, the Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise capitalizes on getting to know Antarctica through intimate, unrushed exploration off the boat, enabling travelers to maximize time on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.