sea spirit antarctica cruise

Christmas in Antarctica

  • Overview

    4-Days ANTARCTICA

    This classic voyage to Antarctica departs from Ushuaia, Argentina. The air gets colder and daylight grows longer as we head south across the infamous Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross. Our first sighting of the White Continent is the South Shetland Islands, historically significant and rich with iconic Antarctic wildlife. Our time in the Antarctic Peninsula region focuses on the Gerlache Strait area, where towering mountains, immense glaciers, and blue icebergs create a picture-perfect setting for incredible penguin and marine mammal encounters. This is an authentic expedition in a wilderness of epic proportions.

    Duration: 12 days
    Passengers: 114 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 - Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina (hotel night)

      Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

      For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

    • Day 2 - Welcome Aboard!

      After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite.

      In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

    • Day 3/4 - Across the Drake Passage

      After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. We watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.

    • Day 5/9 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

      Within the next days, we explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.

      The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. We will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We hope to show you the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

      Throughout the islands and on the mainland, we find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. At this time, penguin chicks have started to appear in the nests. Also at this time, a high concentration of sea ice provides opportunities for seals and penguins to congregate on ice floes, a situation that attracts killer whales. Minke whales have started to arrive and leopard seals can be spotted patrolling the coast near penguin colonies. Photographers will appreciate the pristine appearance of undisturbed snow across the landscape in this early summer month.

      In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.

      This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With nearly 20 hours of daylight per day, we seize every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

    • Day 10/11 - Back across the Drake Passage


      It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over, because we are going to have fun on Christmas Day! We celebrate it with special meals and festivities in the various traditions of our multinational passengers. Santa Claus will make an appearance and you can have your photo taken with him in the snow. We encourage you to dress in festive attire for an evening of holiday music, singing and dancing. You will always remember your Christmas in Antarctica! Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

    • Day 12 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

      After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar 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

    Antarctica is a paddlers’ paradise. The White Continent boasts some of the world’s most impressive landscapes and is home to incredible marine wildlife. Sea Kayak Club members will have the opportunity to paddle through tranquil waters filled with glittering icebergs and porpoising penguins while surrounded by magnificent glaciers and mountains.

    The protected and picturesque waters of the Antarctic Peninsula offer the best sea kayaking opportunities in Antarctica. Sea Kayak Club is also offered on selected voyages to South Georgia, where members may have the rare opportunity to encounter the island’s legendary abundance of wildlife from a kayaker’s perspective, if the area’s notoriously inclement weather permits.

    USD$ 862 per person

    Photography

    The Polar Regions are perhaps the most photogenic on earth, with countless beautiful scenes presenting themselves every day. Endless expanses of ice, beaches crowded with seals or penguins, sunsets over unbroken horizons, starlit skies, and even the majestic northern lights – they all present fantastic photographic opportunities and in order to make sure that you come home with some spectacular images we offer you the chance to learn and practice your photography alongside an experienced professional.

    Our expert Photographer will be on hand to answer your questions and give advice, both in the form of on-board lectures and workshops on shore. Explore the key elements of photography in a fun and relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Learn how to see light in a new way and experiment with the techniques of composition and framing.

    Included

    Camping

    If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to expand your experience on the White Continent, then Antarctica Camping may be the perfect choice for you. This optional activity is your unique opportunity to meet Antarctica on its own terms by spending a night out on the snow and ice!

    Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in Antarctica. As the sun slowly sets you can unwind and let your senses fully absorb the awesome sights and mysterious sounds of this legendary wilderness. Spend an hour - or all night-simply watching the drama of endlessly changing light upon the landscape. Build a snowman or capture that perfect photo. Whatever joy Antarctica holds for you, you can take the time to experience it fully on your Antarctica Camping night. Gain lasting memories, undeniable bragging rights, and a new appreciation for your warm bed back on the ship.

    USD$ 288 per person

    Shoot to your shutter's content!

    For aspiring photographers, the best time to shoot the Antarctic landscape is definitely October, November and March. At these times the sun is much lower in the sky and thus creates beautiful twilight hues and shadows, which contrast the landscape magnificently.

    Of course, if it is wildlife and Antarctica’s babies you are hoping to shoot, then January and February are the best times. Alternatively, consider an early season South Georgia & Antarctica expedition for the best of wildlife and photo opportunities in Antarctica.

    Lemaire Channel – get your camera ready!

    In a continent of stunning views, Lemaire Channel has been called the Kodak Gap. Locked between the rocky vertical cliffs of Booth Island and the continent this one kilometer wide passage is one of the most photographed attractions of Antarctica. You will be glad your camera is digital.

    Adelie Penguins

    Adelie penguins are the most abundant of all penguin species and are there estimated to be some 5 million birds. They have been an incredibly successful species living further south than any other species and have one of the oldest continually used rookeries, which has existed for some 6,000 years.

    Christmas &/or New Year voyage

    Celebrate in style with Christmas Day and New Years in Antarctica

  • Inclusions

    Transfers and Accommodation

    Your arrival and departure transfers are included, as well as a night at the ship hotel on Day 1

    Expedition Gear

    Expedition boots and a high quality expedition jacket are provided as standard on your expedition

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - All accommodation and meals on board
    - Hot beverages
    - All shore excursions and lectures
    - Welcome and Farewell cocktails
    - Port fees
    - Pre-departure material
    - Digital voyage log

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.23.17 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    SEA SPIRIT

    Like some of the birds we see in the Arctic and Antarctica, our m/v Sea Spirit is migratory and follows the sun, northbound in the summer and southbound in the winter, always ready for spontaneous discoveries – a pod of whales, a family of polar bears or a glaciated mountain vista. She is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating the narrow fjords of East Greenland and entering the small bays of Spitsbergen. Onboard, we create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests. They are united by one goal – to have a memorable wilderness experience and to become real polar adventurers. We believe that first-hand travel to such places makes one an ambassador for conservation, and helps strengthen our resolve to protect these natural environments for future generations. Providing spacious suite accommodation of 114 passengers the Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships. The vessel has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing.

    Features & Facilities
    • Luxury accommodation
    • Bar
    • Lounge
    • Presentation Lounge
    • Open Bridge Policy
    • Gym.
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 114
    Crew #: 72
    Ice Class: 1D
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished: 2017
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 1991
    Length: 90m
    Width: 15
    Draft: 4
    Tonnage: 4200
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 110V / 2 Flat Pin
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.
sea spirit triple suite

Triple Suite

16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
A generous Suite with 3 x lower berths and private facilities. This suite is open to single travellers who would like share. All share cabins are gender specific.
USD$ 11,696pp
USD$ 11,696pp
sea spirit main deck suite

Main Deck Suite

16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
A generous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 15,521pp
USD$ 15,521pp
sea spirit classic suite

Classic Suite

16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
A generous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 16,646pp
USD$ 16,646pp
sea spirit superior suite

Superior Suite

16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
A generous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 16,946pp
USD$ 12,710pp
sea spirit deluxe suite

Deluxe Suite

16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
An extremely comfortable Suite with twin or king bedding, private facilities and a balcony.
USD$ 18,821pp
USD$ 18,821pp
sea spirit premium suite

Premium Suite

16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
An extremely comfortable Suite with twin or king bedding, private facilities and a balcony.
USD$ 20,246pp
USD$ 15,185pp
Single Suite | Sea Spirit | iExpedition

Single Suite

16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
A generous Suite with king bedding, picture window and private facilities. Please consider, the window may be covered during rough sea crossings in this cabin.
USD$ 23,321pp
USD$ 23,321pp
sea spirit owner's suite

Owners Suite

16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
Among the most sought-after Owner's Suites due to its unique forward position above the bridge.
USD$ 25,646pp
USD$ 25,646pp