Antarctic Circle Expedition
Cruise Overview
Antarctica cruise - Antarctic Circle Expedition
Spend nine days exploring the wonders of Antarctica as we head through the sea ice below the Antarctic Circle.
Milder summer weather means we'll aim to journey below the Antarctic Circle to the secluded and magnificent Marguerite Bay.
Enjoy whale spotting, seeing young penguins, hiking, kayaking, ice-cruising, and even camping on the Antarctic snow.
Enjoy nine days in Antarctica
Join your Expedition Team for ice-cruising activities, shore landings and fascinating lectures. You'll get close to colossal glaciers and icebergs. We'll observe Antarctic wildlife in their habitat – colonies of penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, maybe even kayaking or hiking past them.
South of the Antarctic Circle
During the Antarctic summer, new routes through the sea ice below the Antarctic Circle become possible. Aboard your hybrid-powered ice-class expedition ship, we'll set course for Marguerite Bay and islands along the way, looking out for Adélie Penguins and visiting remote historical stations.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Departures
Searching for
Cabin 1
Adults
Available Dates
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
The beat of Buenos Aires
Day 1
The beat of Buenos Aires
Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires
An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure.
Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.
There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.
Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer, or explore the region with our optional Pre-Programme.
Setting sail from Ushuaia
Day 2
Setting sail from Ushuaia
Fly to Ushuaia and start your adventure
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where we'll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for exploring polar waters.
This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city.
After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.
Get set for Antarctica
Day 3-4
Get set for Antarctica
Centre on science and learning before your Antarctic adventure
On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise.
Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.
There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Antarctica: another world
Day 5-13
Antarctica: another world
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder.
Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them. Majestic, migrating whales glide among amazing icebergs, hunting the shoals of krill they feed on. Bird enthusiasts should look skywards to spot some of the 45 species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, such as skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns.
Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. You’ll spend an exciting 11 days busily exploring several of the many possible landing sites. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle and continuing well south to Marguerite Bay, we’ll explore various islands along the way. You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises whenever opportunities present themselves. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights into the frozen continent.
Back through Drake Passage
Day 14-15
Back through Drake Passage
Reflect on your adventure
After 9 days of exhilarating exploration, your expedition cruise, taking in the wonders and wildlife of Antarctica, nears its end. As we make the return trip to Ushuaia, enjoy this time at sea.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to delve into areas of interest in more depth and contribute your observations to Citizen Science projects. Enlist the help of our onboard photographer with the editing of your photos.
Relax with a treatment in the spa and wellness area or take in the fresh sea air from the on-deck hot tubs. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
Day 16
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires
Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.
Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.
Attempt
- - - Attempted route, ice conditions dependent
Our Attempts are voyages where we challenge the elements in true expedition style. As we explore these remote and captivating areas in a safe way, our adventure will ultimately be guided by nature. If weather, sea or ice conditions do not allow our planned navigation, our experienced crew will deliver an adapted itinerary. Flexibility and our deep knowledge of the area combine to give you an amazing exploration experience.
What's included
Hotel
- Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Flights
- Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Meals and take-away available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Exclusive Member Offers
We're excited to offer our loyalty programme members exclusive offers across all future 2026/27 expeditions. Save an additional 5% on your next expedition when you book by 18th December 2024.
Read more
offer
24 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee
Book your 2026/27 expedition with a deposit of just 15%
Our new season includes adventures to Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, the Arctic and more.
Read more
offer
23 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee
Included Programmes
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages