Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Ships
Optional Extras
This 13-day expedition introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Part of the reward of arriving in Antarctica is the challenge of negotiating the Drake Passage – and the MS Expedition will bring you there safely. Encounter leopard seals lazing on ice floes and immense rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. The Expedition’s expert guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insight that really bring the nature and history of the region to life, creating the adventure of a lifetime.
- Spend six full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
- Conquer the notorious Drake Passage
- Learn from polar experts about the wonders of the Antarctic region
- Come face-to-face with amazing polar wildlife
- Marvel at immense icebergs
- Spend time on deck spotting whales and watching soaring albatross
11 November, 2025 to 23 November, 2025 on Expedition
Prices
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Cat 5 - Suite
£ 12505 GBP pp
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
Cat 2 - Twin
£ 9555 GBP pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 4 - Twin
£ 11405 GBP pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Cat 1 - Triple
£ 8105 GBP pp
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 1A - Quad
£ 7205 GBP pp
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 3 - Twin
£ 10155 GBP pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
01 December, 2025 to 13 December, 2025 on Expedition
Prices
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Cat 5 - Suite
£ 13855 GBP pp
Our four suites all feature separate entrances, living and sleeping areas. Each living area includes a 2-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk. Each bedroom contains a double bed as well as a vanity area. Located on Deck 4.
Cat 2 - Twin
£ 10555 GBP pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 1 - Triple
£ 8805 GBP pp
2 Upper berths and 1 lower berth. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 4 - Twin
£ 12505 GBP pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 4.
Cat 1A - Quad
£ 8105 GBP pp
2 Upper, 2 lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Porthole. Located on Deck 2.
Cat 3 - Twin
£ 11305 GBP pp
Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx 15m² . Larger window. Located on Deck 3.
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
Arrival transfer is included.
There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the MS Expedition.
Day 2 Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town or the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the MS Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On your first day onboard, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for your trip.
Days 3–4 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with a 800km (497 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the Expedition's wake.
The M/S Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.
As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff.
Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Days 5–10 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the worlds most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Our goal is to get ashore twice per day to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters.
Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.
During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station and gain a new perspective on this part of world.
Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
Days 11–12 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.
Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.
Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales!
Day 13 Ushuaia
Disembark the Expedition after breakfast.
In the morning upon completion you will disembarkation in Ushuaia. Passengers will receive a complimentary transfer to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored.
For those on morning flights, a transfer will bring them directly to Ushuaia airport (USH). The rest of the passengers will be transferred to the luggage storage point and given time to explore the city. These passengers should then return to retrieve their luggage and board a second transfer to Ushuaia airport in the afternoon, depending on their flight times. Please note that the transfer times are subject to change according to flight schedules.
Please Note:
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.
Expedition
The MS Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and priva…
Expedition
| Length | 105 metres |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 132 passengers |
The MS Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world's most remote regions. The Expedition's spacious confines can hold up to 140 passengers.
You will be given a free expedition parka jacket on all Polar voyages on board MS Expedition
- Fast – spend less time in transit and more time exploring
- Sturdy – excellent stability and performance in rough weather
- Safe – designed with safety in mind
- Responsible – environmental policies that meet and exceed industry regulations
Facilities and Amenities
- 360° Top Observation Deck
- All cabins with private ensuite and outside views
- Raised Forward Observation Deck
- Large fleet of Zodiacs with four stroke engines
- Complimentary Wellington Boots for duration of your cruise
- Complimentary destination guides for every passenger
- Large headed Mud Room
- Lonely Planet Library
- Discovery Lounge
- Fine dining – international cuisine in one sitting
- Large aft deck with barbeque facilities
- Polar Bear Pub
- Gift Shop
- Medical Clinic
- Sauna
- Computer Room with internet where available
- Gym
Camping
£288.00
Experience the sounds of heaving ice, the fresh scent of the sea, and the crisp air of Antarctica in the polar night by camping on the ice itself.
Kayaking
$999.00
Go eye to eye with an inquisitive whale—it’s a rare and special moment that will carve itself into your memory. Kayaking isn’t just an outdoor adventure, it’s an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. A limited number of lucky adventurers will venture out to sheltered bays and areas known for calmer waters and take part in group kayaking trips led by our experienced and skilled leaders. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment! Experience necessary.