A TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS
At The Ultimate Travel Company, all our holidays are created individually to suit your preferences. This Christmas in Antarctica cruise itinerary can be used for inspiration or as a starting point, and can be tailored around your dates, cabin category and any pre- or post-voyage plans in Argentina. We work with a range of expedition ships and will tailor the choice to your dates and preferences.
ABOUT THE ITINERARY
This 12-day expedition begins with travel to Ushuaia, Argentina, where you will spend a night at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa before embarking your expedition ship. From Ushuaia, you sail south across the Drake Passage, with time on board for briefings and expert-led talks as you enter colder southern waters.
In Antarctica, the focus is the Antarctic Sound, the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula. Daily plans are determined by sea, ice and weather conditions, with Zodiac cruising, shore landings and, where possible, visits to historic sites and working research bases. Wildlife sightings may include penguins, whales, seals and seabirds, including Adélie penguins in the Weddell Sea region. Guests booked on the immersive kayaking programme may have opportunities to paddle at selected sites, conditions permitting.
You return to Ushuaia via the Drake Passage, disembarking in the morning before onward transfers. Antarctica is a remote and changeable environment, so the order of landings and experiences may vary depending on sea, ice and weather conditions. Flexibility is part of the expedition experience and allows your expedition team to make the most of each day.
BUENOS AIRES TO USHUAIA
Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. On arrival, you will be met and transferred with fellow expedition guests to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, followed by an evening briefing at the hotel to meet the expedition team and review embarkation arrangements. All meals today are at your own expense.
Stay: 1 night at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, in a Standard Room, including breakfast.
EMBARK YOUR EXPEDITION SHIP
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Luggage is typically collected from your hotel for transfer to the ship, leaving you free to enjoy time in Ushuaia before transferring to the pier for embarkation later in the day. Once on board, settle into your cabin, attend the ship’s safety and orientation briefing, and enjoy the Captain’s welcome dinner as you depart.
Stay:10 nights aboard your expedition ship, on a Full Board basis.
SAILING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Cross the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica. Join briefings and talks led by the expedition team, spend time on deck watching for seabirds and marine life as conditions allow, and take part in onboard activities such as the citizen science programme when available.
ANTARCTIC SOUND AND WEDDELL SEA
Begin expedition activities in the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea. Plans typically include a combination of Zodiac cruising and shore landings, with sites selected according to weather and ice conditions. Wildlife sightings may include penguins, seals and whales. Immersive kayaking sessions may operate during this period for participating guests, conditions permitting.
CHRISTMAS IN ANTARCTICA
Continue exploring Antarctica over the Christmas period, with shore landings and Zodiac excursions planned around conditions. Where possible, visits may include historic landing sites and active research bases, alongside time focused on wildlife and polar scenery.
RETURN ACROSS THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Sail north across the Drake Passage. Enjoy final presentations from the expedition team and the end-of-voyage programme on board, including a special slideshow and a final meal together.
DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA AND FLY ONWARD
Cruise up the Beagle Channel and dock in Ushuaia. Disembark and transfer according to onward flight timings. It is generally recommended not to book flights departing Ushuaia before midday in case of delays.
14 days from £11,100 per person
Prices, inclusions and exclusions are provided as a guide and may vary depending on the ship provider, cabin category and any additional experiences you choose.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Shipboard accommodation
- International and domestic flights (as specified)
- All meals on board
- Beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner
- Coffee, tea and cocoa available 24 hours a day
- One pre-voyage hotel night with breakfast in Ushuaia
- Group transfers from the airport to hotel, hotel to ship and ship to airport
- Accommodation, meals, transfers and activities as stated
- All scheduled landings and excursions (conditions permitting)
- National Park fees and entrances
- All port and landing fees
- Citizen science programme participation
- Photography coach available throughout the voyage
- Expedition jacket (yours to keep)
- A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
- 500MB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
- Digital voyage log
- Immersive kayaking programme (conditions permitting)
- 24/7 emergency contact support whilst travelling
PRICE EXCLUDES
- Visa fees (not needed for UK passport holders)
- Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified above
- Travel insurance, including medical insurance and evacuation coverage
- Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia other than those specified above
- Gratuities
- Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board
- Premium alcohol
- Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed above in inclusions
- Any other items not listed under “Price includes”
From the first conversation to the final day of our trip, Catherine and the team were helpful, efficient and easy to reach. Their recommendations not only improved our original plans but also made the whole holiday more cost-effective. Even when we needed assistance while away, their response was immediate. We wouldn’t hesitate to travel with them again.
We’ve been using Ultimate Travel for many years and have always experienced first-class, friendly, and professional service. Catherine has been our go-to person in recent years, and her exceptional support has made every trip trouble-free. Our holidays with AmaWaterways have been seamless, and we’re truly grateful to Catherine for making it all possible.
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