Antarctica Discovery: A Modern Polar Experience

January 18 - 29, 2025

Length: 12 days

Region(s): Antarctica

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Cruise, Ocean Cruise

Journey through the vast beauty of the White Continent, featuring pristine polar wilderness, abundant wildlife, and spectacular scenery. Visitors to Antarctica find inspiration and perspective among elemental forces of ice, snow, water, and rock, and become a part of the story of discovery.

Operated by Orbridge

Tour Highlights

Cruise in elegance and comfort. Ocean Victory boasts a delicate balance between modern refinement and responsible travel. From the vessel’s energy-efficient systems to its minimized carbon footprint, every detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure a minimal impact on the environments we explore.
Get lost in luxury. Take advantage of the ship’s five-star amenities, including two hot tubs, spa, gym, spacious lounges, and outdoor bar.
Dine in style. Savor exquisite cuisine in elegant dining spaces, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, in both the Panorama and Beagle Restaurants.
Explore at leisure. Ocean Victory is well-equipped with Zodiac boats and a fleet of kayaks, allowing you to discover remote coastlines and wildlife-rich areas up close. Expert guides, scientists, and lecturers seamlessly enrich the learning experience throughout the tour.
Choose your own adventure. Join the optional Polar Camping excursion on land: with specialized performance gear and expert guidance, sleep unsheltered in a cozy bivy sack for the utmost connection to nature. Kayaking enthusiasts can join the optional Sea Kayaking outing: a one-time opportunity to explore the outstanding grandeur and magical beauty of the polar expanse by kayak. (Participants must have prior kayaking experience.) Optional activities must be booked on board the ship. Each have limited availability, are weather permitting, and extra fees apply.
If you are interested in more information about this trip, please click on the “Reserve Now” button to be taken to the Orbridge website.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Activity Level 3

What to expect: These trips feature long touring days with travel via motor coach, ship, zodiac, all-terrain vehicle, or train. Travelers are required to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time. Some tours may include optional higher-intensity activities and travel at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last four to six hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk four to six miles, or 6,900–9,200 steps, each day.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Day 2: Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 3: Ushuaia – Embarkation
Days 4-5: Drake Passage
Days 6-9: South Shetland Islands / Antarctic Peninsula
Days 10-11: Drake Passage
Day 12: Ushuaia – Disembarkation / Depart for U.S.
NOTE: Itinerary may change due to local conditions.
NOTE: Travel time from/to U.S. may take up to two days depending on flight schedules.