Expedition
SHMinerva - Guests
Classic Antarctica
Ushuaia-Ushuaia

Voyage: Ushuaia - Ushuaia / 10 Days

Embark on this adventure trip of a lifetime on board our boutique ice-class expedition ship. Our once-in-a-lifetime trip provides you with the best of an Antarctica cruise combined with the unique flora and fauna of The South Shetland Islands. Test your mettle as you cross the notorious Drake Passage to reach the world’s most beautiful ice-filled waters where magnificent icebergs creak and breaching minke and humpback whales swim gracefully. Breathe in the icy air on this life-changing voyage across the southern seas and capture memories in your mind that will last a lifetime.

Includes: Return flights: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5* hotel or onboard. All transfers between the hotel, port and airport. Full board. All meals onboard including room service 24 hours a day. Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day. Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka.



 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Dare to brave the notoriously rough two-day Drake Passage sea crossing
  • Compare monumental icebergs in the Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Sound as you head to the Weddell Sea
  • Get up close to hundreds of penguins as they gather in their thousands in their natural habitat
  • Keep an eye out at sea for breaching whales and huge albatross overhead
  • Listen to our engaging polar experts and learn tips from our team of experienced photographers

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd DateOceanview D4
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd DateOceanview D4


ITINERARY

USHUAIA
DAY 1
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Found at the southernmost tip of South America in Argentinian Patagonia, the city is often described as “the End of the World”. The city’s mountain backdrop rises above the harbour and entrance to the Beagle Channel. The town itself is walkable and has a few small museums as well as pubs, restaurants and cafes - a good place to try Patagonian lamb cooked over open fire pits.


AT SEA
DAY 2-3
As you cruise to your next port of call, spend the day at sea savouring the ship’s facilities and learning about your destination’s many facets from the knowledgeable onboard experts. Listen to an enriching talk, indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa, work out in the well-equipped gym, enjoy some down- time in your cabin, share travel reminiscences with newly found friends: the options are numerous.


SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
DAY 4
While the South Shetlands’ proximity to Antarctica makes the ice-bound sea impassable during winter (April to November), these are the first islands to see snow melt in spring (March) and the slightly warmer temperature means that the fauna is also different from what you see in Antarctica proper. As we go ashore by Zodiac, notice ferns, grasses, lichens and native flora that have more in common with Patagonia than they do with Antarctica.


ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DAY 5-6
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.


SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
DAY 7
While the South Shetlands’ proximity to Antarctica makes the ice-bound sea impassable during winter (April to November), these are the first islands to see snow melt in spring (March) and the slightly warmer temperature means that the fauna is also different from what you see in Antarctica proper. As we go ashore by Zodiac, notice ferns, grasses, lichens and native flora that have more in common with Patagonia than they do with Antarctica.


AT SEA
DAY 8-9
As you cruise to your next port of call, spend the day at sea savouring the ship’s facilities and learning about your destination’s many facets from the knowledgeable onboard experts. Listen to an enriching talk, indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa, work out in the well-equipped gym, enjoy some down- time in your cabin, share travel reminiscences with newly found friends: the options are numerous.


USHUAIA
DAY 10
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Found at the southernmost tip of South America in Argentinian Patagonia, the city is often described as “the End of the World”. The city’s mountain backdrop rises above the harbour and entrance to the Beagle Channel. The town itself is walkable and has a few small museums as well as pubs, restaurants and cafes - a good place to try Patagonian lamb cooked over open fire pits.

(Click image to view Ship details)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Return flights: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5* hotel or onboard
  • All transfers between the hotel, port and airport
  • Onboard accommodation
  • All meals onboard including room service 24 hours a day
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day
  • Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Shore excursion programme led by our expert expedition team
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka
  • Use of rubber boots for shore landings
  • Standard WIFI
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Itineraries are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change

 

Contact Epic Polar!
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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person and subject to change.