Classic Antarctica Cruise: MV Ushuaia

Name: Classic Antarctica Cruise: MV Ushuaia
Brand: Expeditions Online
SKU: 24
Rating: 84 (25 reviews)

Antarctic Peninsula

The best value Antarctic expedition cruise and the ideal introduction to the White Continent! Sail from Ushuaia to Antarctica on a small ship to take best advantage of the amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery with a truly unique and unforgettable experience. With a maximum of 90 passengers everyone lands at the same time. Discover busy penguin colonies, spectacular seabirds, seals and whales amidst the imposing mountain ranges, ice-filled channels, and beautifully shaped icebergs and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula

Enquire Print

Highlights of this Antarctic Expedition

Ideal first Antarctic expedition
Majestic mountains, ice and scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula
Small and ice strengthened Antarctic cruise ship
Learn about Antarctica with expert onboard lecturers
See Antarctica’s wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales.

The ideal expedition ship, with less than 100 passengers, this small, ice-strengthened polar vessel gives more flexibility for landings and everyone goes ashore at the same time. The staff and crew of the MV Ushuaia are renowned for their friendliness and enthusiasm and willingness to give you the best travel experience in Antarctica!

READ THE CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Verified user reviews powered by

84 % of reviewers liked this tour.

Posted

Rating

Comments

Apr 05 2024

Favi, Marteen ,Miguel and Leo REALLY helped me out. A great choice and memories to last a lifetime!

Mar 20 2024

Everyone on the boat was amazing!
The ship's crew, the crew working behind the scenes, the activity staff, the passengers, and even Antarctica itself - everyone was fantastic!

Mar 15 2024

Old small ship but have everything you need for the expedition

Mar 15 2024

This expedition has exceeded anything I’ve ever imagined! It was just perfect! The staff was amazing, food was very tasty and the whole ship has the perfect size and amenities. Also the expeditions and zodiac cruises were great and always communicated with us passengers.

Mar 15 2024

Fair enought! Very honest and nice service. The satf was incredible everyday. I would like to return!

Jan 30 2024

Fabian was the best host we could have asked for. He was lovely, and made every guest feel special. The expedition leaders were knowledgeable and helpful; their lectures were informative. I didn't want for anything. The food was a bit different than I was used to, but all okay. Some meals were definitely better than others.

Jan 27 2024

The crew on board made everyone feel special, the attention to safety, and effort put in to assure all guests see and do as much as possible is outstanding !!!

Jan 25 2024

The team of this ship tried to show max places. We took care about us all time. Feeling was like home

Dec 21 2023

The staff on this ship were fantastic and very professional. Knowledgeable in their field and very helpful. Our rooms were being cleaned everyday. The shower was working perfectly fine, but on the last day it wasn’t working properly i.e. water coming out around the shower head and not through the holes. The food they served was very delicious, except there are times where it can be a tad salty to my liking. Also there was one time when some of the food hasn’t been cooked through so still frozen in the middle. But I didn’t complain as I know they did an excellent job. Overall I’m glad I picked the MV Ushuaia as less than 100 passengers, so we were all able to go ashore at the same time. So not much waiting/long queues etc. The polar plunge in the end was the highlight, this was our last activity before we went back to Ushuaia. The people I met on the ship were amazing. I admire them when I hear there stories and encourages me to travel more. I could easily connect with them as after all, we were all like minded people.

Dec 13 2023

Slow ship other ships were penetrating south in Antarctica but not this as this ship is slower one

Mar 08 2023

The staff were creative, accommodating and flexible. A smallship (90 guests) allowed a much better experience.

Feb 02 2023

The small ship M/V Ushuaia took us into places larger ships can't go. Crew and passengers were very friendly and helpful.

Jan 14 2023

Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What could be more amazing than getting to visit Antarctica, especially with multiple activities a day of touring some scenic area by Zodiac or on foot, seeing penguins and seals and whales up close in all their fascinating behaviors, and even celebrating a _very_ white Christmas on the snowy terrain.

What made the experience even more amazing was the time spent on the boat, getting to know all the great folks during meals and lectures and downtime. Going for a smaller boat, with fewer than 80 passengers, not only meant everyone got to spend more time out on the excursions, but most importantly allowed us to get to know our fellow expeditioners/Antarcticans with whom we spent these 11 days.

Sure, there were a couple days when conditions didn't allow for all the planned activities - never got to do a polar plunge, and the expedition didn't include any opportunities for spending a night on the continent and such - but just getting to be there and soak it all in feels like a dream come true.

Jan 13 2023

friendly, caring, attentive.

Being vegetarians, wish we had known how to contact dining staff before departure to give them suggestions about our tastes since they were ready to meet our needs.

Dec 02 2022

Not a good quality/price ratio

Nov 28 2022

Because it was perfect, other than the weather

Nov 28 2022

Everything was perfect and really smooth. The Expedition Staff is been amazing

Nov 28 2022

They are the best. Perfect team.

Mar 04 2022

Haven't gone yet 123456789

Jan 06 2020

Friendly staff and loved being on smaller ship so we could get on land alot. Because it was an older ship it did not have some of the luxuries a modern ship would have but that didn't take away from this trip- the staff made up for it.

Stewart's Take

This small vessel is not only offers more flexibility and landing time in Antarctica, but is outstanding value for your money and one of the cheapest ways to visit Antarctica.

Overview

The best value Antarctic expedition cruise and the ideal introduction to the White Continent! Sail from Ushuaia to Antarctica on a small ship to take best advantage of the amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery with a truly unique and unforgettable experience. With a maximum of 90 passengers everyone lands at the same time. Discover busy penguin colonies, spectacular seabirds, seals and whales amidst the imposing mountain ranges, ice-filled channels, and beautifully shaped icebergs and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula.

ITINERARY Day 1: Ushuaia Embark the Antarctic cruise ship MV Ushuaia and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail from Argentina to Antarctica along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass, beginning your Antarctic expedition cruise. Day 2 - 3: Crossing the Drake Passage Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, creating a great upwelling of nutrients which sustains the biodiversity of this region. On this Antarctica voyage, as we sail across the passage, the lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of Antarctica’s wildlife. The Ushuaia’s open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation (or just enjoy the view!). Upon reaching the South Shetland Islands - a group of twenty islands and islets - you’ll be met with sightings of stunning icebergs and picturesque snow-capped mountains. With favourable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3. Days 4 to 7* or 8: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and Southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is breathtaking. King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await you at Livingston Island. The Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history will provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range. We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways (depending on the ice conditions): the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the LEMAIRE CHANNEL, the latter are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. We plan to make at least two landings per day and possible landing sites may include: PARADISE BAY - Perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and here we attempt a landing on the continent proper! After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of ANTARCTIC SOUND, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins. Further exploration may take you to the MELCHIOR ISLAND group, CUVERVILLE ISLAND, PORTAL POINT, NEKO HARBOUR, PLENEAU ISLAND and if ice conditions permit, to PETERMAN ISLAND for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins. Days 8-9* or 9-10: Drake Passage We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia. Day 10* or 11: Ushuaia We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark after breakfast. Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather, ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the captain and/or expedition leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success of this Antarctic expedition cruise. *The 9 night/10 day departures offer one day less in the area of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands compared to the 10 night/11 day departures.

Scrolling is disabled on map, please click to enable.

Expedition Vessel: M/V Ushuaia

Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the USHUAIA has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 90 passengers in 46 comfortable cabins and suites. The ice-strengthened polar vessel USHUAIA is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy. The full complement of inflatable landing craft ensures superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities on the otherwise inaccessible coastline. All cabins include ample storage space. Public areas feature a large dining room (one sitting), an observation lounge and bar, a conference room with modern multimedia equipment, a well-stocked library, a changing room and a small infirmary. The expert captain, officers and crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation and have a great love of nature. A specialist team of international expedition leaders and lecturers are all extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment. Chefs prepare excellent cuisine including many local specialties and the bar is well-stocked with carefully selected wines and spirits.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included

Voyage to Antarctica sailing from Ushuaia
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the MV Ushuaia.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Detailed post-expedition log.

Excluded

Any airfare (scheduled or charter flights).
Pre and post-land arrangements (Including transfers to/from the vessel).
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended).
Extra expenses (excess baggage charges, bar and beverage charges, meals ashore, communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc).
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages (guidelines will be provided).

Rates, Share and Sole Use policy All rates are quoted per person, based on shared twin or triple occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with another person of the same gender at the shared rate. Two dedicated Premier single cabins are available at a special single rate. A limited number of twin cabins are also available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the share rate. Suites may be reserved at 2 times the share rate. A third berth in the Suites and Superior may be occupied at 50% of the published twin share rate. Special rates for families A child (under 16 years) accompanied by two adults can travel free of charge in a triple Superior cabin or triple Suite (subject to availability). Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 10% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A further deposit of 20% of the cruise fare is required 270 days prior to departure (i.e. total 30% deposit within 9 months of departure). A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure. Balances may be paid by bank transfer alternatively by credit card (subject to a 2% surcharge). Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received until 90 days prior to departure are not refundable but may be used as future credit (subject to a rebooking fee of 5%). From 89 days up to and including the day of departure all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Antarpply Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.