The long way cruise | SH Minerva | IExpedition

The Long Way cruise: from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

  • Overview

    The long wrc to Antarctica luxury cruise starts in Argentina's vibrant capital, Buenos Aires, known as 'The Paris of South America.' From there, the journey ventures to the Falklands before reaching the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula. This thrilling expedition concludes in Ushuaia, marking a captivating cruise through some of the world's most remote and striking landscapes. En route, explorers will visit a myriad of fascinating locations. Islands such as Saunders Island offer encounters with unique wildlife, including black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins amid rugged beauty. Port Stanley in the Falklands echoes British charm, while South Georgia dazzles with its stunning king penguin colonies. The Antarctic Peninsula reveals magnificent glaciers and islands brimming with Adelie penguins. Throughout the "Long Arc to Antarctica luxury cruise", guests can dive into a wealth of activities. Sea days are perfect for relaxation, with observation decks offering panoramic ocean views. Engaging lectures and photography workshops enhance the voyage. The adventurous can embark on exhilarating kayaking expeditions amid Antarctic waters, making the journey even more memorable and immersive.

    Duration: 18 days
    Passengers: 152 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Buenos Aires
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia
    Physical rating:
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.25x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Buenos Aires

      Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, often dubbed 'The Paris of South America,' is a city of diverse neighbourhoods (barrios) and vibrant cafe culture. Each district has its own character - none more so than colourful La Boca, where tango dancers perform in the streets. The handsome district of Recoleta is famous for the cemetery where Eva 'Evita' Peron is buried, while ships dock into the regenerated waterfront barrio Puerto Madero.

    • Day 2/4 - At Sea

      Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

    • Day 5 - Saunders Island

      Black-browed albatross grace the skies over this remote Falkland Island, while Commerson's dolphins play in its waters. With a sparse population of people and sheep, the island is also a sanctuary for fur seals, burrowing rockhopper penguins, magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants, nesting amid its cliffs and the impressive Cliff Mountain. Hiking through the moss-covered terrain unveils beautiful wildflowers like pink-petalled Felton's.

    • Day 6 - Port Stanley

      Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. You can visit The Historic Dockyard Museum devoted to maritime history and exploration or pop into the post office. Magellanic penguins gather in hordes at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour.

    • Day 7/8 - At Sea

      Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

    • Day 9/10 - South Georgia

      Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) rests in peace.

    • Day 11/12 - At Sea

      Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

    • Day 13/15 - Antarctic Peninsula

      Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

    • Day 16/17 - At Sea

      Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

    • Day 18 - Ushuaia

      Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

    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
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
    - All meals onboard
    - 24-hour room service
    - Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
    - One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
    - Onboard gratuities & port taxes
    - Memory Package
    - In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot
    - Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle
    - 24/7 self service laundry
    - Gym, sauna, pool
    - Entry level WI-FI
    - All expedition landings
    - Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits
    - Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
    - Charter flights

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
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  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    SH Minerva is a brand new ship has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 152
    Crew #: 120
    Ice Class: PC5
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2021
    Length: 115m
    Width: 23
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage: 10600
    Registry: Malta
    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.
Minerva | iExpedition

Oceanview Low

15 Nov 2025 - 02 Dec 2025
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
USD$ 14,962pp
USD$ 14,962pp
Minerva | iExpedition

Oceanview Medium

15 Nov 2025 - 02 Dec 2025
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
USD$ 15,710pp
USD$ 15,710pp
Minerva | iExpedition

Balcony D5

15 Nov 2025 - 02 Dec 2025
Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
USD$ 16,458pp
USD$ 16,458pp
Minerva | iExpedition

Balcony M5

15 Nov 2025 - 02 Dec 2025
Located at the centre of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
USD$ 17,206pp
USD$ 17,206pp
Minerva | iExpedition

Balcony D6

15 Nov 2025 - 02 Dec 2025
Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
USD$ 18,171pp
USD$ 18,171pp
Minerva | iExpedition

Suite

15 Nov 2025 - 02 Dec 2025
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
USD$ 26,500pp
USD$ 26,500pp
Minerva | iExpedition

Premium Suite

15 Nov 2025 - 02 Dec 2025
Our grandest suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk in wardrobe and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
USD$ 30,240pp
USD$ 30,240pp