Days
11

Christmas Cruise Expedition Antarctica: Endeavour.  Take the Christmas holiday of a lifetime – an 11-day expedition exploring the wonders of Antarctica, the Great White Continent. Set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, spot seals resting on the icefloe and witness seabirds nesting along the great landscapes that must be seen to be believed. Marvel at the surrounds of the ice-capped mountain ranges and be inspired as you explore bays filled with immense icebergs and glaciers. Visit penguin rookeries, spot minke and humpback whales and enjoy regular Zodiac excursions for up-close wildlife encounters. After a day of exploration, relax in in the ship’s heated saltwater pool, sauna or book into the health spa on board. Onboard experts, ample space and five-star lashings make this a Christmas adventure to remember.

 

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Terms & Conditions

Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Polar
Code
PPCIA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 200

Why you’ll love this trip

        • The festive season is one of the most active times for wildlife and there are plenty of opportunities to see penguins, seals and whales with the midnight sun and our expert polar team leading the way.

          • Enjoy the freedom to customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities. In addition to regular Zodiac excursions, choose to explore the water on a kayaking expedition, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with some onboard yoga and massage, or camp out overnight like a true polar explorer
            Whereas most polar expeditions of this kind have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen or twenty to one, Peregrine expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every 8 passengers for a greater personal touch
            Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages. Learn about the history, geography and wildlife of the Antarctic from experts in marine biology, glaciology and history
            Rest assured you will leave only footprints behind. Your Antarctica expedition is carbon offset, and we serve only sustainably-sourced seafood, avoid single-use plastics and use biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning products on board
            This is the perfect adventure for solo travellers, with single cabins at the same price as some twins

          Is this trip right for you?

          Although our ice strengthened ships are big and sturdy, Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings. Please be prepared with medications to combat this. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.

    • As you’d expect, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing. And yet it can get surprisingly warm at times – when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It is wise to dress in layers when you journey outside. We provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the trip notes for further important information about what to bring.
    • Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you will need to take stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.

      • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure, and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands; the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to others (which are equally as interesting). We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather. The onboard library and educational lectures are ideal ways for keeping entertained.

Ocean Endeavour 2020

On this itinerary, you’ll be travelling on the Ocean Endeavour 2020

View ship information

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

Your Christmas trip starts in Ushuaia. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the hotel and settle in before meeting your fellow travellers. Ask reception for details of where to meet for your evening briefing. Arriving earlier? There are plenty of activities to choose from. Tierra del Fuego National Park can be visited on a day trip or if there’s less time, take a walk around town and head to the main street of Avenida San Martin (San Martin Avenue), in downtown Ushuaia, for any last-minute shopping needs. The Museo Maritimo (Maritime Museum), housed in an old prison, sets the scene with its fascinating history or simply enjoy the tantalizing flavours of Argentinean cuisine at a local restaurant.
Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 2: Ushuaia – Embarkation Day

This afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port for boarding the Ocean Endeavour. After meeting your fellow passengers and settling into your cabin, begin the journey through the famed Beagle Channel. Look around at the incredible views as we glimpse our last sight of land and head south towards Antarctica.
Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Days 3-4: Drake Passage

Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the famous English seafarer, Sir Frances Drake. If conditions allow, enjoy the outer deck space for your first sightings of dolphins, whales and orcas as well as seabirds including the iconic albatross. A comprehensive optional lecture program will also get under way, with some fascinating insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and everything in-between. Today we continue crossing the Drake Passage, scheduled to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening if conditions are favourable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement on any expedition south.
Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)

Days 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula gives access to a high number of wildlife sightings on a mountainous backdrop of ice and water. Zodiac rides allow for a closer encounter with marine life such as whales and seals. Onshore exploration takes you to penguin rookeries with optional activities for the active adventurer – snowshoeing, kayaking and camping overnight (these must be booked before departure). Landing sites will depend on the ship’s location and weather conditions. Our lecture program from experts in polar wildlife continues during our voyage and throughout the trip the team is on-hand to answer any questions you may have.

If the weather conditions make an excursion unsafe, the crew will arrange for alternative activities on the ship – such as wildlife presentations, documentary screenings or you can make the most of the wellness spa, heated pool and sauna, library and gym on board.

Meals Included

Breakfast (3)
Lunch (3)
Dinner (3)

Day 8: Christmas in Antarctica

Wake up to the whitest of white Christmases and see if Santa has found his way from the North to the South Pole. Enjoy the festive spirit on board the ship. Of course, there are still landings to be made and all things Antarctica to marvel at. Wildlife encounters along the Antarctic Peninsula are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals; gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, and elephant seals.

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Days 9-10: Drake Passage

Leaving Antarctica behind we cruise north to our home port of Ushuaia. Now is the time to reflect on the amazing journey. We are scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening, ensuring a restful night’s sleep before the last day of departure. Our last meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy as you celebrate the trip with your fellow travellers.
Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)

Day 11: Ushuaia

After breakfast we disembark the ship as the journey comes to an end. Transfer to the airport is included for flights departing today.
Meals Included

Breakfast

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Dates & availability

Prices may change, so secure your trip today!

Fri 18 Dec 2020
Fri 18 December 2020 Mon 28 December 2020

CATEGORY 2 (Triple Interior)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

Fully booked

Contact us to arrange an alternative departure

Contact us

CATEGORY 4 (Twin Porthole)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

On sale Departure guaranteed

USD $10,990 SALE USD $9,342 

per adult in a category 4 (twin porthole) room

Book

CATEGORY 1 (Single Interior)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

Departure guaranteed

USD $9,990

per adult in a category 1 (single interior) room

Book 4 spaces left!

CATEGORY 3 (Twin Interior)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

Departure guaranteed

USD $9,990

per adult in a category 3 (twin interior) room

Book 4 spaces left!

CATEGORY 5 (Twin Window)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

On sale Departure guaranteed

USD $11,990 USD $10,192

per adult in a category 5 (twin window) room

Book

CATEGORY 6 (Twin Porthole Suite)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

On sale Departure guaranteed

USD $12,990 USD $11,042

per adult in a category 6 (twin porthole suite) room

Book

CATEGORY 7 (Twin Window Suite)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

On sale Departure guaranteed

USD $13,990 USD $11,892

per adult in a category 7 (twin window suite) room

Book

CATEGORY 8 (Superior)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

On sale Departure guaranteed

USD $14,990 USD $11,992

per adult in a category 8 (superior) room

Book

CATEGORY 9 (Junior Suite)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

On sale Departure guaranteed

USD $15,990 USD $12,792

per adult in a category 9 (junior suite) room

Book

CATEGORY 10 (Owner’s Suite)

Boat/Ship: Ocean Endeavour

On sale On Request

USD $16,990 USD $13,592

per adult in a category 10 (owner’s suite) room

Book 2 spaces left!

Important notes

BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.

If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure – the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.

If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure – the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.

Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.

ADVENTURE ADD ON’s
Kayaking is available to book on all Antarctic voyages. Some voyages also offer other activities such as camping and snowshoeing. All of these activities must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. For kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential.