A zodiac boat with crossing the antarctic circle cruise ship carries passengers toward a gigantic iceberg floating in the ocean
A leopard seal lies on the edge of the ice, just above the ocean, as seen from the crossing the antarctic circle cruise ship
a mound is crowded with penguins with a snow-capped mountain in the distance, as seen from an expedition with crossing the antarctic circle cruise
Two women hold mimosas and cheers over a sign that says
A passenger on crossing the antarctic circle jumps overboard to take the polar plunge
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Become one of the few who can claim to have crossed the Antarctic Circle. The 14-day Crossing the Antarctic Circle voyage not only includes in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, but it also offers the opportunity to venture as far south as 66°33´S.

Enter the land of the midnight sun to a world without borders as you sail across an endless stretch of sea dotted with ice. Search for wildlife that claims solitude as home. Whether it’s humpback whales alongside the ship, a leopard seal diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding off an iceberg into crystal waters or a giant petrel soaring above cracking sea ice, you’ll experience a sensory overload in Antarctica like you’ve never felt before.

On board, lectures and specialists cover Antarctica’s geology, history and wildlife, while an expert expedition team helps to embrace Antarctica’s vast beauty. One small ship operates the itinerary: the 200-guest Ultramarine. Each Crossing the Antarctic Circle departure includes up-close exploration on guided hikes, shore walks and small craft excursions. Optional activities (additional cost) include kayaking, one-time paddling excursions, camping and stand-up paddleboarding. Ultramarine’s added helicopter landings and heli-assisted alpine trekking options qualify her for our luxury Antarctica cruises.

Begin by flying into via Buenos Aires, Argentina. Come to the land where the sun never sets, where explorers celebrate when conditions allow their achievement of what few others can claim: the Crossing of the famed Antarctic Circle.

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



Itinerary

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition via Buenos Aires Itinerary

The 14-day Crossing the Antarctic Circle via Buenos Aires cruise begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with charter flights to and from Ushuaia. It not only includes in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, but it also offers the opportunity to venture as far south as 66°33´S.

Route map of Crossing the Antarctic Circle Antarctica small ship cruise, operating round-trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Ushuaia & Embark

After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer with the group to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.

As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, begin the Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and on to Antarctica.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
Drake Passage

These days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by the expedition team, who will prepare you for the wildlife ahead. In between presentations, spend time chatting with shipmates over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh air and views on the outer decks.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 7
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. Begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every visit to Antarctica bears witness to something new or unexpected, which means that this expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.

Each day, take Zodiac excursions from the ship 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. The expedition team will oversee each landing, whether exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to delight and keep the camera busy.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 8 - 9
The Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted at 66°33´S. If conditions allow the crossing of this famed line, celebrate in style alongside shipmates with a toast. Take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and the best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 10 - 11
Northbound Along Antarctic Peninsula

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like bergy bits and pancake ice will seem normal, yet there are still many tales to be told. As the ship heads north, Zodiac excursions will fill the days, and the expedition team will continue offering presentations and looking out for species of penguins, seals and whales.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 12 - 13
Drake Passage

As the ship recrosses the Drake Passage, Antarctica fades away, leaving a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. The expedition team will round up its series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife witnessed over the course of the voyage. Enjoy the time to reflect on everything experienced so far.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Disembark Ushuaia, Fly to Buenos Aires & Depart

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer and wine during dinner; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled; a photographic journal documenting the expedition; waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; a hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship; emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person; one 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting).

Exclusions

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price is $995 for the 2022-23 & 2023-24 seasons and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires with breakfast on Day 2, group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires, charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, arrival and departure transfers in Ushuaia, charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, and combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia); international airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess-baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any other gear not mentioned above; laundry, bar, massage services and other personal charges unless specified; phone and internet charges; additional overnight accommodation; optional adventure activities; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – full refund, less $500 admin fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot), including a booster shot (2022-23 season) for those eligible. There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The Crossing the Antarctic Circle via Buenos Aires voyage begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), with charter group flights to and from Ushuaia. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Buenos Aires ahead of the 12:00-8:00pm window for luggage weighing and tagging on Day 1. Arrange your own independent transfer to the included Buenos Aires hotel on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Buenos Aires no earlier than 9:00pm on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Exclusions. The flight to Ushuaia is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 17 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage on the flights to and from Ushuaia. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Buenos Aires; there is no option to pay for additional luggage. On Day 14 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with an included short tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Crossing the Antarctic Circle via Buenos Aires voyage. Included are optional hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides, the polar plunge and a 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather- and logistics-dependent). Per-person prices for the 2022-23 & 2023-24 seasons: heli-landing $395; alpine heli-trekking $495; kayaking $995; camping $295; photography included; stand-up paddleboarding $295. One-time paddling excursions are available for $295 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Mar 01 - Mar 14, 2024
Ultramarine • 14 days
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 200-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

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Current Deals on This Trip

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Save Up To 35% Or No Single Supplement On Select 2023-2024 Antarctica Expeditions

Save up to 35% per person or pay no single supplement when you book your select 2023-2024 Antarctica expedition.

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