New Year’s Antarctic Circle Crossing | Ocean Victory | IExpedition

New Year’s Antarctic Circle Crossing

  • Overview

    This is the ultimate explorer’s journey to the Southernmost part of the world. We chart a course along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of being among the very few to cross the Antarctic Circle. Along the way, we‘ll likely encounter some of Antarctica’s most engaging full-time residents – Humpback and Orca whales, seals, and, of course, a variety of those always-entertaining penguins. The farther south we go, the more dramatic sea ice we are likely to encounter, along with incredible wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we’ll join the small band of Antarctic explorers who can claim they have made it this far south. Celebration ensues!

    Duration: 13 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 5/9 - Antarctic Circle

      Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife sightings, including penguins, whales, and fur seals, become more frequent, as do dramatic sculptural icebergs. With extra time to explore, possibilities abound. We’ll look to visit historic sites like the huts at Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and continue our twice-daily outings until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, the jaw-dropping scenery through the Lemaire Channel. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S, an achievement that will put you in rare company. Following a tradition first established by sailors crossing the equator, we’ll celebrate the occasion by… (Sorry, you just have to be there), before heading onward toward any number of historic and rarely visited British Survey bases, after which we turn back north.

    • Day 10 - South Shetland Islands

      This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. And despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.

    • Day 11/12 - 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 slideshow and a final meal together.

    • Day 13 - 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

    Kayaking

    This program is designed for those guests who just want a taste of the Antarctic kayaking experience. Each participant kayaks once per voyage in a group of 14 with a dedicated guide team and safety Zodiac. Total number of available kayaking spots on each departure will vary by itinerary length and weather, but we aim to get groups on the water at every opportunity.

    USD$ 350 per person

    Kayaking

    This program is designed for those more experienced guests who want to kayak as much as possible during their voyage. Immersive Kayaking is limited to 10 participants, with a dedicated kayak guide and safety Zodiac. Immersive paddlers will have the opportunity to kayak during most excursions and landings, weather and conditions permitting.

    USD$ 1,195 per person

    Photography

    For experienced photographers, our immersive program will pair you with a small group and an award-winning photography instructor. Daily outings under the watchful eye of your instructor will ensure that you make the most of every photographic outing, while honing your skills, guided by a seasoned professional. On board workshops and reviews will cover every aspect of shot selection, artistic refinement, and processing your images.

    *Maximum 18 participants, pre-booking recommended.

    USD$ 495 per person

    Camping

    After dinner and a full briefing on board, day turns into dusk, and we head ashore to camp. We set up in a breathtaking spot near the edge of the water, surrounded by a landscape rarely seen by human eyes.

    Our experienced Camping Team will be right there with you to show you how to dig a shallow hole for wind protection, how to set up your bivy and sleeping bag, and most importantly – how to use the portable toilet!

    Once camp is set up, you’re on your own – explore along flagged routes if available, or just relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Antarctica at night. Our team will gently wake you at dawn to start breaking down camp so you can get back onto the ship for a hot shower and a hearty breakfast.

    USD$ 395 per person

    Snowshoeing

    Snowshoeing is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Antarctica’s landscapes when the snow is at its thickest. Armed with lightweight snowshoes and poles, one of our Expedition Guides will guide you through the Polar snowy expanses. This is a must-do activity if you want to reach unique vantage points for incredible photo opportunities, explore the 7th Continent from up close, and be surrounded by wildlife in their natural environment.

    USD$ 150 per person
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Expedition jacket on loan, custom down jacket to keep
    - Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
    - Professional Photography Coach
    - Voyage Photographer
    - Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
    - Complimentary coffee/tea station
    - World Class Cuisine
    - Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with dinner
    - One Hotel Night

    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
    Map circle crossing reversed
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    The Ocean Victory is a stylish cruise ship ideally suited for small ship expeditions and is deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctic region voyages.

    With a total of 93 comfortable staterooms for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel is also environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 170
    Crew #: 115
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed:
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2021
    Length: 104m
    Width: 18
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 7400
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets:
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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 Victory | iExpedition

Category F Stateroom

27 Dec 2026 - 08 Jan 2027
There are four Triple staterooms on board Ocean Victory 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 a sofa bed and two twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
USD$ 14,495pp
USD$ 14,495pp
Ocean Victory | iExpedition

Category D Stateroom

27 Dec 2026 - 08 Jan 2027
The standard stateroom on Ocean Victory 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 staterooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Victory. The standard staterooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and bathroom. The staterooms are located on deck 3 except for 1 which is located on deck 4.
USD$ 16,895pp
USD$ 14,361pp
Ocean Victory | iExpedition

Category E Stateroom

27 Dec 2026 - 08 Jan 2027
The French Balcony Stateroom is a standard stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed (Queen size, 150x200 cm), floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.
USD$ 17,895pp
USD$ 15,211pp
Ocean Victory | iExpedition

Category C Stateroom

27 Dec 2026 - 08 Jan 2027
The most abundant type of stateroom on Ocean Victory, the Balcony State Staterooms are 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 under this category.
USD$ 18,795pp
USD$ 15,976pp
Ocean Victory | iExpedition

Category G Stateroom

27 Dec 2026 - 08 Jan 2027
Standard single stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located stateroom close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures on the Zodiacs. Single staterooms are normally with a porthole, double bed (200*90), reading light, and a sitting chair.
USD$ 21,795pp
USD$ 21,795pp
Ocean Victory | iExpedition

Category B Stateroom

27 Dec 2026 - 08 Jan 2027
Ocean Victory has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on Deck 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds, a bathroom and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
USD$ 22,195pp
USD$ 18,866pp
Ocean Victory | iExpedition

Category A Stateroom

27 Dec 2026 - 08 Jan 2027
The 4 Junior Suites aboard Ocean Victory 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$ 23,195pp
USD$ 19,716pp
Ocean Victory | iExpedition

Polar Premium Suite

27 Dec 2026 - 08 Jan 2027
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Victory 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.
USD$ 27,095pp
USD$ 23,031pp