Antarctica’s Whale Season | Ocean Albatros | IExpedition

Antarctica’s Whale Season

  • Overview

    Every voyage into Antarctica is a wildlife lover’s dream journey. And this trip will certainly be no different. Expect to encounter a variety of iconic penguins, any number of different seal species, and Antarctica’s always-majestic icebergs. But this voyage will feature one notable (and very large) addition to the spectacle: This time of year, whale spotting is at its entertaining best, with large numbers of giant Humpbacks feeding on the abundance of krill in the water. Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings on this very special voyage into the last truly wild place on Earth.

    Duration: 11 days
    Passengers: 170 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.75x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Arrive in Ushuaia

      After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our evening briefing at the Arakur is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

    • Day 2 - Embarkation

      Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

    • Day 3/4 - Drake Passage

      Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

    • Day 5/6 - South Shetland Islands

      The South Shetlands are 12 islands separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by The Bransfield Strait. Significant volcanic activity has sculpted a geology – and a diverse natural beauty – unlike anywhere else on earth. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins; and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. And this time of year is feeding time for Humpback whales, so don’t be surprised if you’re joined by a number of them on your day’s adventure.

    • Day 7/8 - Antarctica (and Whales) Await

      On to the Antarctic Peninsula, where we’ll explore any number of stunning bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through majestic channels as we continue to navigate these wildlife-rich waters, passing any number of glorious icebergs, on our way to historic landing sites and perhaps even an active scientific base. Of course, a spectacular highlight of this voyage is the likelihood of encountering the giant Humpback whale – or many of them! – feeding on the abundance of krill in the water this time of year. Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings, as are a variety of penguins and seals.

    • Day 9/10 - Drake Passage

      We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special photography slideshow of our shared experience, and cap off the experience with a final highly festive meal together.

    • Day 11 - Disembarkation

      With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

    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

    Photography

    We always have a dedicated expedition photographer onboard to document the voyage and share their passion for photography through lectures and during landings and zodiac cruises.
    The Polar Regions are filled with mesmerizing landscapes and amazing wildlife; and the expedition photographer is available to help elevate your photographic capabilities to beautifully capture the magical moments of your voyage.

    USD$ 495 per person

    Kayaking

    One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages. The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.

    USD$ 345 per person
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!
    - Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
    - Special photo workshops
    - Taxes and landing fees
    - Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
    - Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
    - Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
    - English-speaking Expedition Team
    - Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
    - Rubber boots loan scheme
    - All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
    - Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
    - Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
    - Expedition parka

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Tips for the crew
    - Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
    - Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
    - Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
    - Meals not on board the ship
    - Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
    - Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Map
    Ush ush classic
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    The Ocean Albatros will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, any various exciting new destinations in between.

    With a total of 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros will definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.  The vessel will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and be one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests. Unlike the Ocean Victory, the Ocean Albatros will also offer a unique panorama sauna, and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 170
    Crew #: 74
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed:
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2023
    Length: 104m
    Width: 18
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 7400
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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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.
Ocean Albatros | iExpedition

Category F Stateroom

09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027
There are four Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
USD$ 10,495pp
USD$ 10,495pp
Ocean Albatros | iExpedition

Category D Stateroom

09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027
The standard Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the Zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the Zodiacs. The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.
USD$ 12,195pp
USD$ 10,366pp
Ocean Albatros | iExpedition

Category E Stateroom

09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027
The French Balcony Stateroom is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.
USD$ 12,895pp
USD$ 10,961pp
Ocean Albatros | iExpedition

Category C Stateroom

09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027
The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom, and a seating area with a table and chair (some staterooms have a sofa that can be used as a bed for a third occupant). If you desire to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is also a possibility within this category.
USD$ 13,495pp
USD$ 11,471pp
Ocean Albatros | iExpedition

Category G Stateroom

09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027
Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
USD$ 15,695pp
USD$ 15,695pp
Ocean Albatros | iExpedition

Category B Stateroom

09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027
Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
USD$ 15,995pp
USD$ 13,596pp
Ocean Albatros | iExpedition

Category A Stateroom

09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
USD$ 16,695pp
USD$ 14,191pp
Ocean Albatros | iExpedition

Polar Premium Suite

09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4. This category is available upon request. Please refer to Albatros Expeditions for price.
USD$ 19,495pp
USD$ 16,571pp
Ocean Albatros | iExpedition

Family Suite

09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Family Suite. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is going to be located on Deck 7, featuring two interconnecting French Balcony Suites, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed.
USD$ 23,695pp
USD$ 20,141pp