Antarctic Circle Expedition

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Travel information 18 days MS Roald Amundsen
Departures
10 departures between Jan 2024 and Feb 2026
Price from 11990 €
8978 €
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

This is one of our longest expeditions in Antarctica, departing at the peak of its summer and with an attempt to sail below the Antarctic Circle to try to reach the usually secluded yet magnificent Marguerite Bay.     

Begin and end in Buenos Aires   

The Argentine capital is the birthplace of tango, home to passionate football fans, and a world centre for all things cultural and culinary. After spending one exciting night here at the start, you’ll head to Ushuaia to board your expedition ship and continue your journey south. When we cross the Drake Passage, the weather and sea ice here at the edge of the world can be unpredictable. That’s why we don’t have a fixed itinerary when we travel to Antarctica, but instead carefully monitor the current conditions and decide on the best sites for each day. It’s what we like to call the expedition factor.  

Antarctica: a place of pure amazement   

Get ready for 11 days in Antarctica, being in awe of immense icebergs and whales, spotting many species of seabirds and seeing colonies of penguins with their chicks. The season’s milder weather may have created a path through the sea ice south of the Antarctic Circle, all the way to Marguerite Bay to possibly visit the remote historical buildings there. Join the Expedition Team for lectures, ice-cruising and landings along the way.  

Antarctic Circle Expedition Antarctic Circle Expedition
  • Day 1
    Buenos Aires

    The beat of Buenos Aires

    Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires 

    An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure.  

    Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.  

    There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.  

    Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer, or explore the region with our optional Pre-Programme. 

    Day 1
    Buenos Aires

    The beat of Buenos Aires

  • Day 2
    Ushuaia

    Setting sail from Ushuaia

    Estimated time of departure is 7:00 PM

    Fly to Ushuaia and start your adventure 

    Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where we'll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city. 

    After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.  

    Day 2
    Ushuaia

    Setting sail from Ushuaia

  • Day 3-4
    Drake Passage

    Get set for Antarctica

    Centre on science before your Antarctic adventure 

    On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise. 

    Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.  

    There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

    Day 3-4
    Drake Passage

    Get set for Antarctica

  • Day 5-15
    Antarctica

    Antarctica: another world

    Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty 

    Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder.  

    Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them. Majestic, migrating whales glide among amazing icebergs, hunting the shoals of krill they feed on. Bird enthusiasts should look skywards to spot some of the 45 species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, such as skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns. 

    Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. You’ll spend an exciting 11 days busily exploring several of the many possible landing sites. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling.  

    Crossing the Antarctic Circle and continuing well south to Marguerite Bay, we’ll explore various islands along the way. You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises whenever opportunities present themselves. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs. 

    Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights into the frozen continent.  

    Day 5-15
    Antarctica

    Antarctica: another world

  • Day 16-17
    Drake Passage

    Back through Drake Passage

    Reflect on your adventure 

    After 11 days of exhilarating exploration, your expedition cruise, taking in the wonders and wildlife of Antarctica, nears its end. As we make the return trip to Ushuaia, enjoy this time at sea. 

    Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to delve into areas of interest in more depth and contribute your observations to Citizen Science projects. Enlist the help of our onboard photographer with the editing of your photos. 

    Relax with a treatment in the spa and wellness area or take in the fresh sea air from the on-deck hot tubs. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink. 

    Day 16-17
    Drake Passage

    Back through Drake Passage

  • Day 18
    Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

    Ushuaia and Buenos Aires

    Estimated time of arrival is 8:00 AM

    Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires 

    Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure. 

    Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home. 

    Day 18
    Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

    Ushuaia and Buenos Aires

Departures

2024

  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December
January:
7.
23.
February:
8.

2025

  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December
January:
11.
27.
February:
12.

2026

  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December
January:
1.
17.
February:
2.
18.

What’s included

Hotel 

  • Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast 

Flights 

  • Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia 

Transfers 

  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise 
  • Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship, including a brief tour of the town 

Expedition Cruise 

  • A stay in a cabin of your choice 
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurants Aune and Fredheim 
  • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests 
  • Complimentary tea and coffee 
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board† 
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle 
  • English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore 
  • Range of included activities 

House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water 

†Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to, and streaming is not supported 

Onboard Activities 

  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team 
  • Full use of our Science Center, library and advanced biological and geological equipment 
  • Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research 
  • Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer 
  • Use of ship's hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and running track 
  • Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings 

Landing Activities 

  • Escorted landings with small expedition boats 
  • Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities 
  • Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket 
  • Expedition photographers on hand to assist you 

Notes 

  • All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions 
  • Excursions and activities are subject to change 
  • Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements  
  • No gratuities expected 
  • Depending on your flight arrival, an additional overnight might be needed. 

Not included in your voyage

  • International flights 
  • Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings 
  • Travel insurance 
  • Luggage handling 
  • Optional shore excursions with our local partners 
  • Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team 
  • Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
MS Roald Amundsen in Antarktis
Photo: Dan Avila
MS Roald Amundsen
Aune Restaurant, MS Roald Amundsen
Photo: Espen Mills
Your ship

MS Roald Amundsen

Year built 2019
Shipyard Kleven Yards
Passenger capacity 530 (500 in Antarctica)
Gross tonnage 20 889 T
Length 140 m
Beam 23,6 m
Speed 15 knots
MS Roald Amundsen in Antarktis
Photo: Dan Avila

In 2019, Hurtigruten added a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.

Read more about MS Roald Amundsen

Science Center
Photo: Agurtxane Concellon
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