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Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition - Ultramarine
Trips that cross the Antarctic Circle are extra adventurous. They head into uncharted waters and offer landings well off the radar of most Antarctica expeditions. If you want to go further, do this!
SPECIAL OFFER
8.3*
ECO SCORE
199
PASSENGERS
14
DAYS
3.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Antarctica: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Ultramarine
Setting foot on the 7th Continent is a polar achievement relatively few people experience in their lifetime. Even more rare is the incomparable milestone that’s achieved when a traveler crosses the iconic Antarctic Circle. Navigating south of 66°33' S is—for most guests—the highlight of the 14-day itinerary Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition, which rewards passengers daily with views of dramatic ice formations, humpback whales swimming alongside the ship, leopard seals diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding off icebergs into crystal waters, or giant petrels soaring above the crackling sea.
- • Enjoy a fantastic flightseeing tour via this purpose-built ship's helicopter along with many other activity options like camping, kayaking and paddle boarding.
• Cross farther south than most Antarctica trips and view massive tabular icebergs along with large groups of Weddell seals.
• This reliable operator with over 30 years of expeditions under their belt, always delivers a wonderful experience offered by an enthusiastic crew. An excellent choice for the very active traveler.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $16,105 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
March 1-14, 2024
Jan 6-19, 2025
Feb 7-20, 2025
Ask us for later dates.
January
Hover here for specific dates
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Waste
Piloted an Arctic-wide recycling program for cruise lines.
Conservation
Aided in eradicating invasive rodents in South Georgia to restore ground-nesting bird populations.
Carbon
Uses state of the art technology to reduce carbon emissions associated with waste disposal.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
Day 2 - Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.
Days 3 and 4 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Your days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh air and views on the outer decks.
Days 5 to 7 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with five different species of seals. Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment, while sea kayaking, paddle excursions, or camping are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).
Days 8 and 9 - Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
Days 10 and 11 - Northbound Along the Peninsula
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Days 12 and 13 - Crossing the Drake Passage
As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.
Day 14 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Please Note: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
*Mandatory Transfer Package Includes: One pre-night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.) Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires; Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE); Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.); Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia.
Package Rate Including BA to Ushuaia Air: $995pp
Activities Available: (Some at extra cost. Ask your Travel Curator.)
Flightseeing (Included)
Camping (Optional)
Sea Kayaking (Optional)
Paddling (Optional)
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (Optional)
Ultramarine
The newest ship in this operator's fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
• Capacity: 199 Guests
• Cabins: 102 Cabins
• Specialists: Credentialed Experts, 140 Staff and Crew
ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Magellan Awards "Best Overall Small Cruise Ship"
2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards – "Best Small Ship Line"
"The newest addition to this seasoned operator's fleet of ships, Ultramarine has some of the largest cabins of all the ships we offer. She's purpose-built and perfect for outstanding, highly adventurous expeditions to the polar regions. If you're hoping for kayaking, camping, paddle boarding and now with Ultramarine, flightseeing, you're in for a trip of a lifetime with this polar-passionate operator."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
Questions?
PENTHOUSE SUITE
The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. One double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, shower, bathtub. Solo Rate: $62,990
From in USD:
$36,890pp
Circle trips generally attract more intrepid travelers. That said, if it's your dream to cross the Antarctic Circle and you're less active, you'll still have an unbelievably amazing time on this trip. Bring your parents!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities; All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; All shore landings per the daily program; Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.);Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
A photographic journal documenting the expedition ; A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions; An official parka to keep; Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; All luggage handling aboard the ship; Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person; Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1; One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.); Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day; Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility.
