Weddell Sea

Exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

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Weddell Sea

from/to Ushuaia

11 days (10 nights)

MS Ushuaia

11 days (10 nights) cruise from/to Ushuaia with Drake Passage, Weddell Sea, South Shetland Islands, and Antarctic Peninsula.

On your ship expedition to the Weddell Sea, you will experience landings at research stations and penguin colonies, as well as sightings of various species of seals, penguins, whales, and seabirds.

Your Antarctic journey begins in Ushuaia , Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. On the very first evening, you will sail through the famous Beagle Channel.

Look forward to an intense time in the Weddell Sea. Huge icebergs drift in the water, making for an exciting expedition. Get up early and experience magical sunrises. Bizarre table mountains break out of the ice shelf and combine with sea ice to form a floating, hilly panorama of the rugged ice landscape.

Further south, you will sail through the Drake Passage with its unique biodiversity. The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains point the way to the South Shetland Islands. This archipelago is a true paradise for seals, penguins, seagulls, and giant petrels. The trip into the flooded crater of Deception Island will be an unforgettable experience.

Experience the bizarre landscape of snow, ice, and mountains on the Antarctic Peninsula. You will most likely be able to see various species of seals and penguins, as well as orcas, minke whales, and humpback whales up close.

Depending on weather conditions, you will also travel through some of the most beautiful waterways – Gerlach Strait, Lemaire Channel, and Neumayer Channel. Enjoy the open bridge on the MS Ushuaia, chat with the officers, and learn more about navigation and wildlife in Antarctica.

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

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Good to know

Arrival and departure:We offer various individual travel packages including flights, hotels in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to extend your trip.

Attention solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. There are no single cabin surcharges.

Entry requirements: German citizens need only a passport (valid for at least 6 months after their return date) to enter Argentina.

Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.

Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ushuaia in Argentina, the southernmost city in the world
Crossing the Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass
Drake Passage and crossing of the Antarctic Convergence Zone
Excursions by Zodiac to remote bays
South Shetland Islands: a paradise for penguins, fur seals, and elephant seals
Trip to the flooded caldera of Deception Island
Antarctic Peninsula with pristine landscapes of snow, ice, mountains, and waterways
Gerlach Strait, Neumayer Channel , and Lemaire Channel

route

itinerary

Weddell Sea

Day 1: Departure from Ushuaia
In the afternoon, embarkation on the MS Ushuaia begins and you will meet your expedition and lecture staff. After settling into your cabins, you will sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the picturesque Mackinlay Pass.

Days 2 & 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence—a biological barrier where cold polar water meets the warmer northern waters. This creates a large upwelling of nutrients, which accounts for the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds.

As you sail through the passage, the lecturers will be on deck with you to help identify an amazing variety of seabirds. These include many albatrosses that follow the expedition. The open bridge of the MS Ushuaia allows you to visit the officers on the bridge and learn more about navigation, watch whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures is also offered.

The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that you have reached the South Shetland Islands. A group of twenty islands first sighted in February 1819 by Captain William Smith of the brig Williams. Conditions permitting in the Drake Passage, your lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounters with penguins and seals on the third day.

Days 4-6: Exploring the Weddell Sea
Here, huge tabular icebergs drift in the water, making for an exciting ice cruise. Get up early and go on deck. The sunrises will be unlike anything you have ever seen. Huge tabular icebergs break off from the Larsen, Ronne, and Filchner ice shelves and combine with sea ice to form a floating, hilly panorama of the rugged ice landscape. White-winged petrels are likely to run across the floes, often together with pintado petrels.

The usual passage to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula is through Antarctic Sound, which is 48 km long and 11–19 km wide and runs from northwest to southeast. Hope Bay and the Argentine station Esperanza are located on the western side of the sound. Brown Bluff, a promontory on the Tabarin Peninsula, is located south of Hope Bay. Both could be possible landing sites. The Weddell Sea also forms the center of the Adélie penguin population on the Antarctic Peninsula. The number of penguins is breathtaking.

This region is also teeming with a lively history of exploration. The most bizarre of these stories is that of the Swedish Antarctic expedition of 1901-1903 under the command of geologist Otto Nordenskjöld. Your expedition staff are happy to share this exciting story with you. Nordenskjöld's expedition was the first to overwinter on the peninsula. His ship, the Antarctica, under the command of the famous Norwegian whaling captain Carl Anton Larsen, was trapped in the ice and sank, but the men survived in various locations and even managed to conduct significant scientific research in the region.

Days 7 & 8: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
The remarkable history of theAntarctic Peninsula offers a kind of excitement often associated only with early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore the amazing landscape, untouched wilderness of snow, ice, mountains, and waterways, as well as an incredible variety of wildlife. In addition to penguins and seabirds, you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals, as well as minke, orca, and humpback whales up close.

With a little luck, you will pass through some of the most beautiful waterways (depending on ice conditions): the Gerlach Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel. Possible landing sites include: Paradise Bay, perhaps the best-named place in the world with its impressive glacier fronts and mountains; Cuverville Island, home to the largest gentoo penguin colony on the peninsula, surrounded by glaciers and icebergs; and the British Museum and Post Office in Port Lockroy.

Further explorations take you to the South Shetland Islands. The archipelago is a paradise for wildlife. Huge penguin colonies, fur seals, and elephant seals make everyday life in this amazing archipelago unforgettable. It is breathtaking to sail through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island. As is a visit to the crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, where chinstrap penguins live in breathtaking surroundings.

There is also the opportunity to visit the mysterious Elephant Island. Fans of Sir Ernest Shackleton need no introduction to this historic, windswept island. In 1916, Shackleton was forced to leave 22 of his men on these shores while he and five others undertook an incredible rescue attempt. What followed is one of the greatest rescue stories of all time. Every passenger will return with a greater knowledge of this gripping adventure story in a truly remarkable part of the world.

Days 9 & 10: At Sea, Drake Passage
You will leave Antarctica and head north through the Drake Passage. Join your lecturers and naturalists on deck as you search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the opportunity to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past few days on your way back to Ushuaia.

Day 11: Arrival in Ushuaia
You will arrive at the port of Ushuaia early in the morning and disembark after breakfast.

The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.

DATES & PRICES

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Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960

February 17, 2027 – February 28, 2027

from €9,390 per person

12 days/11 nights

MS Ushuaia (Maximum occupancy: 90)

Ushuaia Ushuaia

Very good value for money

About the cabins and prices

Selected date

February 17, 2027 – February 28, 2027 (12 days/11 nights)

MS Ushuaia | Weddell Sea

Standard Plus Triple Cabin

Maximum occupancy: 3 persons

Outside cabin with window, 11–13 m², Deck E, three lower beds, bathroom

€9,390 per person

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Standard twin cabin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons

Outside cabin with porthole, 9–10 m², Deck E, two berths (upper/lower), semi-private facilities, washbasin, two cabins share one bathroom

€10,260 per person

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Standard Plus Twin Cabin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons

Outside cabin with porthole or window, 9-10 m², Deck E, two lower beds, bathroom

€11,990 per person

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Premier Twin Cabin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons

Outside cabin with window, 9–13 m², Deck G, two lower beds, bathroom

$13,990 per person

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Superior Twin Cabin

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons

Outside cabin with window, 9 - 15m², Deck G, two lower beds, bathroom

$15,390 per person

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suite

Maximum occupancy: 2 persons

Outside cabin with window, 16–22 m², Deck G, two lower beds, living room, TV, DVD player, refrigerator, bathroom

€16,450 per person

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Premier single cabin

Maximum occupancy: 1 person

Outside cabin with porthole (view obstructed by lifeboat), 8m², Deck G, bathroom

€16,760 per person

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single cabin supplement

Notes:

Twin cabins (except suites) for single occupancy with a 50% single cabin supplement (limited number available)

Suites for single occupancy 100% single cabin supplement

Third bed in the suites and the superior twin cabin (room no. 301) for a 50% surcharge

Upon request, cabins can be divided, separated by gender.

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Summary

German-speaking

1xcabin

activities

Information

Included services:

Travel aboard the MS Ushuaia as indicated in the itinerary
All meals throughout the trip on board
All shore excursions and activities throughout the trip with the Zodiac
Lecture program by renowned naturalists and led by an experienced expedition team
All other service charges and port fees throughout the program
Extensive material before departure
Detailed report after the expedition

Payment and cancellation conditions (deviating from the ARB): 

30% deposit upon booking
Balance payment up to 3 months before departure 70%
Up to 90 days before departure: 30% cancellation fee
From 89 days before departure, 100% cancellation fee

Not included in the price:

Flights (scheduled or charter flights)
Program before and after the cruise
Transfers to/from the ship
Passport and visa fees
state arrival and departure taxes
Meals ashore
Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
Excess baggage fees and all personal items such as bar and beverage charges and telecommunications fees
Tips (guidelines will be provided)

Important:

Onboard language: English, Spanish
English-speaking expedition team
Means of payment on board: Cash (EUR, USD). Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. The minimum amount for credit card payments is USD 100.
Filling out a medical certificate is mandatory.
Free rubber boots available on board
A doctor is on board
Open bridge
The route and final itinerary during the voyage will be decided on site by the expedition leader and captain based on ice and weather conditions, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
Proof of international health insurance with medical repatriation must be provided.
The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.