island sky luxury antarctic circle cruise

Crossing the Circle

  • Overview

    Enjoy two nights at the exquisite Arakur Resort & Spa in Ushuaia.

    Sailing in comfort aboard luxurious and comfortable Seaventure, we begin this 15-night expedition at the tip of South America. We will chart a course through the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of crossing the Antarctic Circle.

    The farther south we go, the more sea ice we are likely to encounter. Our aim is to cross the Circle before getting stopped by this ice. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we will become members of very small band of explorers and adventurous travelers who have made it this far south.

    Duration: 15 days
    Passengers: 139 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Ushuaia

      Arrive in Ushuaia anytime today. Enjoy a complimentary stay at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort. Explore the trails, take a spa, head into town, or relax and soak in the surroundings. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers. Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning.

    • Day 2 - Ushuaia - Free Day

      Today is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at the lovely Arakur. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers. All guests need to arrive at the hotel no later than the evening of day two.

    • Day 3 - Embarkation

      Today is the first day of our adventure. As we board the Hebridean Sky in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city at the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with ‘our home’ for the next 13 days we cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of us. In the early evening, we set sail and begin our voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.

    • Day 4/5 - Drake Passage

      Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as we make our way ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere onboard as our numerous Polar experts prepare us for our adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence where we will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Those keen in Citizen Science can take part in collecting salinity samples, wind and temperature readings along the way. On our sea crossing we will witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species, some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.

    • Day 6/12 - The Antarctic Peninsula

      In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Our goal will be to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and into Matha Strait or Marguerite Bay. Given favorable ice conditions, we will push our exploration even further southward, looking for historic and wildlife sites.

      At Half Moon Island we will visit a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. We also hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to spot Orcas and Minke whales as we go.

      We will plan on making our first landing on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbor or Neko Harbor. The scenery here is amazing; particularly the oddly shaped icebergs looking like sculptures, as well as the colossal ‘tabular’ icebergs that break away from the continent’s ice shelf. From our most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we will make our way north, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.

      Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, the Lemaire Channel, the Neumeyer Channel and the Gerlache Strait will all feature in our itinerary. Landing sites might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Petermann Island and the Yalours, where we will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including colonies of the comical Gentoo.

    • Day 13/14 - Drake Passage

      As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a special slideshow and dinner.

    • Day 15 - Ushuaia disembarkation

      As we arrive back in Ushuaia, it is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure. Please Note: Kayaking & Camping are available as Adventure Options on this voyage. Space for these activities is limited.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Camping

    After a delicious dinner onboard, jump back in the Zodiacs and head ashore for a night of camping in Antarctica! Help to set up camp, and then enjoy the sounds of the waves, the creaking of the glaciers, perhaps even the blow of a passing whale. Warm and cozy in your sleeping bag under the midnight sun, you will be breathing the cleanest air in the most beautiful place on the planet. Get a taste of Antarctica as it was experienced by the early explorers, while knowing that in the morning you’ll enjoy a hot shower and a hearty breakfast back on board your luxurious vessel.

    USD$ 295 per person

    Kayaking

    To experience Antarctica up close and personal, there’s really no better seat than the one in your kayak, just inches above the water, navigating among icebergs and glacial ice dating back 30,000 years.

    Gliding through an otherworldly landscape with a small team, led by our expert guides and occasionally joined by a family of playful penguins or seals, this is about as intimate and magical as it gets.

    USD$ 895 per person
  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    The ship will provide you with expedition boots (on loan) and a specially designed expedition jacket, which is yours to keep at the end of your voyage.

    Wifi

    100 minutes of Wifi access is provided for use on your personal devices free of charge.

    Premium Suite Extras

    The Promenade, Deluxe, Penthouse and Owner Suites all receive champagne and chocolates on arrival and a complimentary mini-bar.

    Accommodation & Transfers

    Transfers are provided pre and post-cruise by the expedition team and one-night accommodation is provided on Day 1 of your itinerary at a Ushuaia hotel.

    Complimentary Pre-Arrival Day:
    Don’t sweat flight delays or missed connections when you begin your adventure a day early by taking advantage of our optional free pre-arrival night at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Enjoy the spa, wander the trails, or unwind and soak in the surroundings.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - All accommodation and meals on board
    - All excursions and lectures
    - Hot beverages
    - Welcome & Farewell cocktail
    - House wine / beer or soft drink with dinner
    - All port & landing fees
    - Digital voyage log

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.29.08 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel
    A WORLD-CLASS SMALL SHIP EXPERIENCE

    Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating — the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This means that we will be able to explore coves, bays, and channels that would previously have been forbidden to us.

    The ship also offers a host of new activities. There’s a sauna, a fitness center, a custom-built citizen science lab, and heated saltwater pool. There is more storage space, which is important because it means we can carry more equipment, so that more of our guests can participate in activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, and camping.

    The common areas are larger and beautifully appointed, and the ship has two kitchens, one on the Lido deck for al fresco dining when weather permits.

    Ship Facilities:

    • Two Elevators serving all passenger decks
    • Library with computers
    • Fitness Center and Sauna
    • Heated saltwater swimming pool
    • Citizen Science Laboratory

    All Voyages Include:

    • Two Hotel Nights
    • Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
    • Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
    • World Class Cuisine and Live Entertainment
    • Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
    • Voyage Photographer
    • Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
    • Complimentary Expedition Jacket

    ACCOMMODATIONS - All Staterooms Feature:

    • Exterior views
    • Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
    • Complimentary Mini-Bar
    • Flat Screen TV
    • Telephone
    • Safe to store your valuables
    • Independent temperature controls
    • Luxury toiletries
    • Hair dryer
    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 139
    Crew #: 90
    Ice Class: 1A Super
    Speed:
    Refurbished: 1990
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2019
    Length: 111m
    Width: 17
    Draft: 6
    Tonnage: 6752
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
seaventure porthole stateroom cabin

Triple Staterooms

29 Feb 2024 - 14 Mar 2024
(17.5m/sq) 3x Single beds or 1x Queen + 1x Single. Porthole. Exterior views, Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table, Complimentary Mini-Bar, Flat Screen TV, Telephone, Safe to store your valuables, Independent temperature controls, Luxury toiletries, Hair dryer.
USD$ 13,195pp
USD$ 13,195pp
seaventure porthole stateroom cabin

Porthole Staterooms

29 Feb 2024 - 14 Mar 2024
(17.5m/sq) Twin or Double beds, Porthole, Exterior views, Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table, Complimentary Mini-Bar, Flat Screen TV, Telephone, Safe to store your valuables, Independent temperature controls, Luxury toiletries, Hair dryer.
USD$ 15,175pp
USD$ 9,105pp
seaventure window stateroom cabin

Window Staterooms

29 Feb 2024 - 14 Mar 2024
(17.5m/sq) Twin or Double beds. Window, Exterior views, Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table, Complimentary Mini-Bar, Flat Screen TV, Telephone, Safe to store your valuables, Independent temperature controls, Luxury toiletries, Hair dryer.
USD$ 17,005pp
USD$ 10,203pp
seaventure veranda stateroom cabin

Veranda Staterooms

29 Feb 2024 - 14 Mar 2024
(20m/sq) Twin or Double beds. Veranda, Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table, Complimentary Mini-Bar, Flat Screen TV, Telephone, Safe to store your valuables, Independent temperature controls, Luxury toiletries, Hair dryer.
USD$ 22,105pp
USD$ 13,263pp
seaventure owner's suite stateroom cabin

Owner's Suite

29 Feb 2024 - 14 Mar 2024
• Spacious and comfortable sleeping and living areas • Ensuite bathroom with bathtub and integrated shower, bathrobe, hairdryer, spacious wardrobe, safe and alarm clock • Adjustable air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen television and telephone • All expert presentations, daily programmes and the bow-facing camera are broadcast live in every cabin
USD$ 29,175pp
USD$ 29,175pp