The Ultimate Antarctic Experience

Quest for the Circle - Black Friday Deal

Update: the voyage is sold out!

The Ultimate Antarctic Experience - Quest for the Circle

Set sail on the Ocean Albatros, our purpose built polar exploration vessel, for an adventure that will take you to the southernmost corner of the Earth. 

BLACK FRIDAY PRICE: SOLD OUT
DEPARTURE DATE: 15 December, 2024
DURATION: 12 Days/11 Nights
VESSEL: OCEAN ALBATROS

*price per person in a shared type C double cabin with a balcony. This deal will expire on 30 November.

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Expedition in Brief

  15 December, 2024
11 nights
State-of-the-art expedition vessels
Masterclasses in wildlife, glaciology and geology
 Plenty of bird, whale, and seal-watching opportunities
Once-in-a-lifetime on and off-board activities
  40% off retail price
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Jaw-dropping scenery and landscapes are guaranteed! 



Travel Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, embarkation

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city.

 

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After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown.

 

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Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.

Day 2-3: At sea - crossing the Drake Passage southbound

As we sail the Drake Passage, our focus turns to preparing for our arrival in Antarctica. Your Expedition Leader will provide thorough safety briefings and guidelines to minimise our impact on this pristine environment.

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Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist in biosecuring your gear while offering tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration, wildlife, and more.

 

On the third day, we'll cross the Antarctic Convergence, marked by a sudden drop in temperature as warmer currents give way to Antarctic waters. This transition fosters a surge in marine life, promising sightings of petrels, albatrosses, and possibly even penguins, seals, and whales.

 

Weather permitting, we aim to land on the South Shetland Islands on the afternoon of the third day of our expedition, starting our exploration of the Last Continent.

Day 4-9: The Antarctic Peninsula - Adventure Awaits

With no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be - flowing with the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best opportunities Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs in the first half of the brief Antarctic summer, when sea ice is at its maximum - this offers us ample opportunities to explore in the icy wilderness of the last continent. Our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain - however we will aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region. 

Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs drift silently past the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.

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This time of year, expect to see penguins carefully tending their fluffy chicks, while their partners frantically hunt for food at sea. As the snow melts, opportunities for hiking onshore increase. Antarctic fur seals start to arrive in their summer feeding grounds, and humpback whale numbers increase as more of these gentle giants arrive at the end of their long migration. With luck, we may even see the young of these gentle giants. 

There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be the ultimate Antarctic experience

Day 10-11: At Sea - crossing the Drake Passage northbound

We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards. 

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During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål! 

Day 12: Arrival in Ushuaia, disembarkation

On the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a bustling city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime. 


Our Vessel

Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros

With a total of 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros has definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world.

Like her sister ship the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, our Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.  

Ocean Albatros also offers a unique panorama sauna, and even more dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement.

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Amenities on board

Cabin type

 

Category C Stateroom - SOLD OUT

Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 18-22 m2
CATEGORY-C
This type of Stateroom is located on Decks 4 & 6. C Cabins feature a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.

All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.

  Inclusions 

  • 12-day/11-night cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
  • Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
  • Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boots loan scheme
  • Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
  • English-speaking Expedition Team
  • Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
  • Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
  • Taxes and landing fees
  • Special photo workshops
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
  • Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!

Exclusions

  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee, tea, and house beverages at dinner)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
  • Return flights to Ushuaia  (optional flight assistance available, please read our FAQ section to find out more)
  • Overnight stays in Ushuaia prior and following the expedition (hotel assistance available, please read our FAQ section to find out more)
  • Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'

Expedition Activities

*Additional fee applies, activities are subject to weather conditions, itinerary, and availability. To learn how to book our optional activities, visit our FAQs section.

Still interested in going to Antarctica? Then fill out the form and we will get back to you!

FAQs

  Before Booking

What are the extra costs not included in the price I should be aware of?
  • Medical Insurance with coverage up to 200 000 USD
  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
  • Flights
What are the payment and cancellation conditions?

Payments for the cruise are to be made in USD by credit card according to the following schedule:

  • First 25 % - A deposit will be required at time of booking.
  • Final 75 % - 90 days prior to the cruise
  • If booking is made less than 90 days before to departure, full payment is due within 72 hours.

In case of cancellation of the cruise cancellation fees are:  

  • Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administration fee of a minimum of USD 1000 per person.  
  • From 179 days to 91 days prior to departure cancellation costs are 25% of the total cruise tariff.  

From 90 days until departure cancellation costs are 100% of the total cruise tariff. 

Can I join if I have a walking disability?

Albatros Expeditions welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize that there are inherent risks associated with traveling onboard ships that are configured for expedition cruise travel. It is vital to notify the agent (in writing) at the time of booking! While we would be more than happy to have all guests on board no matter their limitations, it is important for us that you know all the information before you decide to book an expedition with us.

At the start of our journey, we do a safety drill where the elevators are turned off. This means all guests need to use the stairs from their cabin to the top deck (deck 7). The same applies during rough weather.

While, our staff can help during boarding, with room service and other needs but cannot provide 24/7 assistance or lifting. Guests needing assistance and those who are physically disabled must be accompanied by someone who assumes full responsibility for any assistance necessary during the cruise and in the event of an emergency. 

Moreover, guests requiring a wheelchair must provide their own collapsible wheelchair. Please be aware that some ports of call, shore excursions, docks, gangways and other requirements may prevent a wheelchair-bound guest from leaving the vessel; any decisions regarding this will be made by the Expedition Leader or ship’s captain. 

Albatros Expeditions presently operates two expedition vessels, the Ocean Victory and the Ocean Albatros. And each has two cabins available to guests requiring wheelchair access.

What is included in the price?

Our general inclusions cover the following:

  • Full board on the ship (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
  • Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
  • 24-hour access to free tea and coffee,
  • Zodiac landings and excursions with an English-speaking expedition team
  • Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
  • Link to a digital visual journal
  • Additionally, rubber boots are available for borrowing at no extra charge.
  • Shuttle transfers to and from the vessel from Ushuaia city center
  • Expedition parka

    For additional details, please see the full inclusions under the itinerary.
Are children allowed?

Minors under the age of 18 must be travelling with a parent or responsible adult over the age of 21 in the same stateroom as well as on shore excursions for the duration of the voyage. If the minor is not travelling with a parent, a Child Travel Consent Form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and received by AE prior to the release of travel documents.

As we travel in remote areas and for safety reasons, Albatros Expeditions (AE) cannot accommodate children under 8 years of age (weight of 29 kg and 1.2 m. tall). Although AE accepts children over 8 years of age there is no childcare or special programming onboard. In addition, safety harnesses and seating equipment are not provided for children onboard any AE excursion or shuttle service. Guests may use their own approved safety harnesses and seating equipment provided the vehicles have compatible equipment to safely secure the child. This equipment is not guaranteed, and AE reserves the right to refuse any child above the age of 8 years of age and below 14 years of age on any shore excursion or shuttle for safety concerns.

Please note that for Antarctica voyages, AE recommends children to be of 12 years of age or older and must be accompanied by a responsible adult during all landings and onboard.

Passengers must be 21 years or older to consume or purchase alcohol onboard. AE reserves the right to refuse to serve anyone who in its sole judgment is deemed impaired and a risk to the health and safety of passengers and ship’s crew.

Can you help me book my flights, overnight stays and transfer from the airport to the vessel?

If you need help with flights & additional land arrangements, please get in touch for an appropriate referral to one of our preferred travel partners in your location.

What optional activities are offered in this Expedition?

Expedition and Optional Activities

Zodiac Cruises, Shore Landings, Masterclasses, and Polar Plunges are offered on all our departures, free of charge.


Optional Activities costs and booking requirements

Photography Lessons 

  • Photography lessons need to be booked and paid in advance (495 USD/person).

Polar Camping

  • Camping must be pre-booked because due to limited capacity, and is paid onboard in USD (395 USD/person).

Kayaking and Snowshoeing

  • Kayaking (345 USD/person) and Snowshoeing (225 USD/person) is booked and paid onboard in USD.

  After Booking

When will I receive my ticket and all the pre-departure information?

Approximately one month before the departure, we send all the final documents including:

  • Cruise tickets
  • Flight Tickets
  • Embarkation letter
  • Pre-departure guide
  • Albatros Cruise Ticket and General Terms & Conditions
  • Pre-Boarding Health Declaration (to be completed on the day of arrival and given at check-in on the ship)
How many Zodiac-based excursions can we expect per day?

We always try to offer two activities per day, usually either a landing or a Zodiac cruise. However, this is dependent on the weather conditions. Our Captain and Expedition Leader will communicate this to guests through regularly scheduled briefings onboard. Albatros Expeditions reserves the right to modify landings and locations visited during a voyage based on the prevailing weather conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all our guests and staff.

 

A typical expedition day may look like this (subject to weather and sea conditions):

  • 06:45: Wake-up call
  • 07:00-08:00: Breakfast
  • 08:30-11:30: Morning activity - landing and/or Zodiac cruise
  • 12:30-13:30: Lunch during vessel repositioning
  • 14:30-17:30: Afternoon activity - landing and/or Zodiac cruise
  • 18:30-19:30: Evening recap and briefing with the Expedition Team
  • 19:30: Dinner
  • 21:00: Evening entertainment or presentations with the Expedition Team
Do you offer vegetarian/vegan food options onboard?

Full board is included on all cruises, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon snacks, and free tea and coffee available 24/7, along with a welcome and farewell cocktail. Dinners always offer a meat option, fish option, and vegetarian option. Our onboard bar provides a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and water. All meals are prepared by our chef. If you have any special dietary requirements (allergies, intolerances, health conditions, or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible, ideally at least 2 weeks before departure. To ensure efficient service, please reconfirm your requirements with the crew when you board the ship.

What time is embarkation and disembarkation?

Antarctica:

  • Embarkation: 3-5 p.m. on the first day
  • Disembarkation: 8-10 a.m. on the final day
  • For Antarctic journeys, we suggest arriving in Ushuaia a day ahead of departure. The vessel won't delay departure for late arrivals.
  • For flights out of Ushuaia, we strongly advise against scheduling anything prior to noon (12 p.m.). 

Please note, these times are for reference and may be subject to slight changes. You will receive an Embarkation Letter with the most up-to-date information approximately one month before your departure.

How much luggage can I bring with me?

You can bring the usual luggage allowance of 20 kg in addition to your hand luggage. Should you have more than one suitcase, our reception team will be happy to store it for you during the voyage. This will allow you to enjoy more free space in your stateroom. 

Upon check-in, you will be required to present your Cruise Ticket and passport. Luggage tags will be handed out prior to check-in by an Albatros Expeditions representative at the pier. It is important that ALL pieces of luggage have luggage tags attached to them. Please attach these to your check-in luggage prior to check-in at the pier. 

What clothes should I wear?

An expedition cruise to the polar regions requires a relatively large variety of clothing. On shore, we can expect temperatures of -2°C to 4°C. On the ocean, when observing wildlife from the decks, temperatures will rarely be above 2 degrees. Add to this a strong and often humid wind, and the necessity of warm wind — and waterproof clothes, gloves, and hats, becomes obvious.

So, what is the secret of keeping warm? Layers! They insulate trapped air, and you can adjust them depending on whether you are feeling hot or cold. Proper and suitable clothing is a necessity for the voyage. Select lightweight technical fabrics engineered to lead moisture away, keeping you dry and warm. For example, this could be a wool base layer from the inside out, a sweater or fleece as the mid layer and a wind-and waterproof jacket as the outer layer. For the legs, it could be a wool base layer, tightly woven leisure pants as the middle layer and wind- and waterproof pants as the outer layer.

A pair of strong slip-resistant hiking shoes/boots are ideal to wear on board and excellent for strolling in the villages or hiking nearby. On board the ship, the dress code is casual, so bring practical clothes to wear on board and for landings/excursions. However, some guests choose to dress up for dinner.

Our team will provide a briefing on the best way to layer your clothing once you are on board.

Please note parkas are available on board for free in case of Antarctic expeditions only. Sturdy rubber boots are available to borrow on board for free, in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.

How can I pay onboard?

On board, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Please note that for cash payments, only USD is accepted and there is no currency exchange office on board the vessel.

During check-in on board, you will receive your personal cruise card, which you should carry with you at all times, as it also serves as your identification card. All purchases made on board, including those from the bar, telephone, and laundry, will be charged to your shipboard account. After check-in, our reception will pre-authorize your credit card. In some cases, 100 USD might be reserved, which guarantees that the credit card is open and there are funds available to pay for any charges. The initial pre-authorization will be removed after a few days and the amount will not be charged. At the end of the voyage, you will be asked to visit reception and settle your shipboard account.


Before and after the cruise in Ushuaia, most shops and restaurants accept credit cards. There are also several ATMs around Ushuaia if you wish to withdraw local currency. Please note that taxis do not accept credit cards, but payment in USD is normally possible if agreed upon in advance.

Most credit cards are secured with automatic geographic control. As a starting point, your card is only active for purchases in your country of residence and online until you use it in another country. When you are on a voyage, it can sometimes occur that a transaction is declined by the bank due to this geographic control. To avoid this, we recommend activating your card in advance not just for the locations you’ll be visiting during your trip, but also for Miami, USA, where the payment system of Ocean Victory/Albatros is registered. You can do this by contacting your credit card provider regarding the use of your credit cards abroad and informing them of your voyage, activating the locations you’re visiting as well as the US, and the duration of this overseas activation until your return home.

Is there wi-fi onboard?

Keep in mind, we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Mobile phone reception will be lost shortly after leaving ports. Internet signal is downloaded to the vessel via satellite connection and distributed on board through a Wi-Fi system. Connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi net with your phone or computer is available for a charge from the reception. The quality and speed of the internet is dependent on the number of users and the satellite receiving conditions, especially the further south, we cruise. In Antarctica we can often experience total block-out of the signal. Remember to switch off ‘Data Roaming’ function on your mobile device. For further details, please contact your mobile phone operator.

Do I need insurance?

To ensure a safe and secure journey, your insurance policy must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Medical evacuation coverage of at least USD 200,000 per person.
  • Proof of insurance, as our expedition staff may need to verify this on board.
  • Coverage for all pre-existing health conditions, medical treatments, and evacuations in every area visited during the voyage.

As a suggestion, many of our customers have previously used the following international insurance companies:

  • AXA
  • Allianz
  • World Nomad

Please note that these insurers may only offer coverage to travellers from certain geographical regions, so we advise to contact them directly for more information.

Please note that Albatros Expeditions is not liable for any medical or health issues that may arise during the trip. In the event of an emergency, our team will coordinate with the nearest possible medical facility. Decisions will be made collectively by the ship’s captain, our medical staff, and the expedition leader. Agreeing to these terms is a prerequisite for embarking on your journey.

What should I pack?

Please have a look at our packing list here.

  After the Expedition

What should I do if I have forgotten something onboard after my journey?

In case of a forgotten item on board, please get in touch with us at info@albatros-expeditions.com

You can find more useful information in our terms and conditions and general FAQ.

When will I receive photos?

You will receive a digital visual journal link approximately 2-3 weeks after the end of your voyage. This will include the voyage log, gallery, species list, and more!