New Year expedition cruise to the Antarctica shore
ANTARCTICA
December 28, 2023 - January 8, 2024
TourAntarctic Peninsula and
Shetland Islands
TourAntarctic Peninsula and
Shetland Islands
marine expedition tour to antarctica antarctica penguins whales icebergs drake passage ushuaia antarctic ocean polar station sea trip yacht cruise to Antarctica
South Shetland Islands Drake Passage
Breathtaking icescapes, penguins, albatrosses, whales and elephant seals...
An exciting adventure in the comfortable and elegant settings of a brand-new luxury polar-class expedition cruise ship is a perfect gift for the holiday season you can give to yourself or your loved ones.
This cruise offers a unique itinerary. On board the ship, you will sail through the legendary Drake Passage that connects the southern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and visit the iconic South Shetland Islands with their stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. You will also visit Antarctica's "resort," the Antarctic Peninsula.
Discover the wilderness of Antarctica in comfort and style!
Due to its relatively small size, the ship can navigate even the smallest coves and the narrowest passages, where the most exciting discoveries are hidden.
An exciting adventure in the comfortable and elegant settings of a brand-new luxury polar-class expedition cruise ship is a perfect gift for the holiday season you can give to yourself or your loved ones.
This cruise offers a unique itinerary. On board the ship, you will sail through the legendary Drake Passage that connects the southern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and visit the iconic South Shetland Islands with their stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. You will also visit Antarctica's "resort," the Antarctic Peninsula.
Discover the wilderness of Antarctica in comfort and style!
Due to its relatively small size, the ship can navigate even the smallest coves and the narrowest passages, where the most exciting discoveries are hidden.
Antarctica in elegance of a brand-new luxury polar-class expedition cruise ship South Shetland Islands Drake Passage
SСHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: December 28, 2023 – January 8, 2024
Duration: 12 days/ 11 nights
The cost of the cabin depends on the deck where the cabin is located.
Description of the cabins you can find below in the end of this page.
Cost per person (double accommodation):
Cabin with window, 19 sq.m from 13 242 USD
Cabin with balcony, 28 sq.m from 16 851 USD
Suit, 44 sq.m - 25 461 USD
Premium Suit, 49 sq.m - 29 634 USD
Estimated cost of a flight to Buenos Aires: €1,500 - 1,700.
TRAVEL PROGRAM:
tour antarctica
Day 1, December 28, 2023. Buenos Aires
The journey begins on December 28, 2023 with a meeting at the Buenos Aires airport by a representative of Swan Hellenic. An organized transfer will take you to your hotel. The first night before the start of the cruise will take place at the Alvear Icon 5 * hotel, which is part of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group. Located in one of the most prestigious areas of Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero, on the shores of La Plata Bay, within walking distance of the main waterfront restaurant area and within walking distance of the Costanera Sur Natural Reserve.
Buenos Aires is an elegant and cosmopolitan city with a European flair and a friendly atmosphere. In the active cultural and social life of the country, a special place is occupied by tango, nightlife, sports at its best: football, polo and horse racing, the famous Argentine beef and excellent wines. The myth of Evita, the traditions of the Gauchos and the Pampas, the River Plate, beautiful parks, monuments, great museums, art galleries and art shows, a wonderful opera house, good shopping, street cafes and excellent restaurants, all combined with unrivaled Argentinean hospitality. Buenos Aires is a special city that enchants to the core, where you want to return again and again to feel its old-fashioned, sophistication and sensuality, stroll through its streets once again, enjoy the sounds of tango, the most delicate meat and virtuoso service in restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel Alvear Icon 5*
Meals Included: No
Day 2, December 29, 2023. Ushuaia
The next morning, you will be transferred from the hotel to the domestic airport for a comfortable flight to the capital of Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Located on the very edge of Argentina, surrounded by the majestic mountains of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia will captivate you with its landscapes from the window of an airplane. A Swan Hellenic representative will meet you at the airport. The transfer will take you to the port for check-in on board the SH Diana.
The realization that you are on the edge. The earth does not come immediately. Meanwhile, you are 16,000 km from Moscow and only 1,000 km from Antarctica! Landing on the expedition ship SH Diana will go unnoticed. During the welcome cocktail, you will get to know the team and crew. You will be invited to the upper deck by speakerphone, from where you can take photos of Ushuaia, which is somewhat reminiscent of an alpine town with amazing views of the picturesque snowy peaks. You are going towards the White Continent!
Accommodation: cabin on SH Diana
Meals included: breakfast at the hotel, lunch, dinner
Days 3 and 4, December 30 -31, 2023. At sea, crossing the Antarctic Convergence
Days at sea are the ideal time to observe seabirds and marine mammals from a ship. Viewpoints offer stunning views of the ocean. En route to Antarctica through the Drake Passage, you cross the Antarctic Convergence, a unique confluence of different water masses. The waters, abundant in plankton, rise from the depths to the surface of the sea. This phenomenon attracts a variety of seabirds and animals, including several species of albatrosses, petrels, skuas, as well as whales and dolphins. From here, the temperature drops significantly within a few hours, which serves as an indicator of the imminent arrival of Antarctica. A rich educational program awaits you on board. The expedition team of polar experts will introduce you to the history of Antarctic exploration, the origin of glaciers, the world of flora and fauna of the White Continent, and many other informative and interesting facts. You will also receive a safety briefing during the landings on the Zodiac boats.
And of course, days at sea are a time to relax and enjoy your time on board. Visit a spa or gym, connect with like-minded people, share your travel experiences, or head to a library filled with themed books and reference books.
These days you will find a welcome cocktail with the captain, officers and expedition team, a bright festive program and a New Year's dinner.
Accommodation: cabin on SH Diana
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 5 - 9, 1 - 5 January 2024. Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula
Mighty glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy fjords... here your Antarctic dream comes true. You will be amazed by the picturesque landscape of the so-called "resort zone" of Antarctica, the most accessible part of the continent, where the abundance of wildlife and most scientific stations are concentrated. Vegetation in the polar region is literally not dense: coastal stones are covered only with green mosses and multi-colored lichens, but the animal world is unusually diverse. As soon as you reach the continent of Antarctica and its nearby islands, active exploration of the region will begin. Twice a day you will land on the coasts of the Sixth Continent and the Antarctic Islands. This is a completely different primeval world, and landings take place with the help of special Zodiac expedition boats. Penguins literally meet us on the shore. While hiking, you will even have the opportunity to climb to the top of the hills,
According to the conservation rules of Antarctica, only a limited number of people can be on the coast at the same time. Therefore, the expedition members will be divided into groups, some will go on a boat trip, some will go to the coast, then you will change places. On Zodiac boats you will reach the most remote and unexplored bays
As you approach the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands will be the first to appear before you, on which the snow melts in the southern spring in November. The temperature is higher here, which means that the fauna is also different from what you will see in Antarctica itself. Mosses and multi-colored lichens - in general, the local flora seems to have more in common with Patagonia than with Antarctica. Kerguelen fur seals, leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, elephant seals, chinstrap penguins, Adélie penguins and subantarctic penguins bask on the beaches here. The southern giant petrel, Antarctic tern, Antarctic cormorant and members of the Skua family are permanent residents of the islands.
The largest colony of subantarctic penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula, with over 6,500 individuals, is located nearby on Cuverville Island. In turn, Portal Point is a well-known resting place for Weddell seals, while penguins are usually few here due to abundant snow cover. During landings and trips on expedition boats among icebergs, you can meet crabeater seals and sea leopards. And sometimes even whales! You will be as close to the wildlife of the Antarctic Islands as ever.
Accommodation: cabin on SH Diana
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 and 11, 6 and 7 January 2024. In the sea to the shores of Tierra del Fuego
After busy days of active Antarctic exploration, the ship will head back to Ushuaia. Antarctica is separated from the continent of South America by the widest and deepest strait on Earth. The All Inclusive system aboard the SH Diana is the perfect way to celebrate your successful passage through the Drake Passage.
Don't forget to look at the captain's bridge. The open captain's cabin allows you to visit the ship's main helm station. The holy of holies of the liner is open for you! Do not miss the opportunity to ask questions to the crew members or, if possible, even chat with the captain.
These days you will find a Christmas gala dinner and a farewell captain's cocktail. The final days of the cruise are the best time to communicate with like-minded people, you can share your impressions of the trip and plan the dates of the next joint expedition.
Accommodation: cabin on SH Diana
Meals included: breakfast
Day 12, January 8, 2024. Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
The cruise ends, the ship returns through the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia, the very starting point of an unforgettable journey through Antarctica. You can already see the very edge of the continent of South America in the Argentine part of the island of Tierra del Fuego. The mountains rise majestically above the harbor of Ushuaia.
After breakfast, you will say goodbye to the crew and crew of the ship and go ashore. The expedition members will be transferred to the Ushuaia airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Upon returning home, a pleasant surprise awaits you. As per tradition, the Swan Hellenic team will send each guest a link to download the film, which will include a photo report and a video report of the perfect expedition cruise for a long memory.
* Please don't purchase tickets without our prior approval.
** Warning! Please keep in mind that this is a long-distance cruise to a remote region. All cruise activities depend on the ice and weather conditions and are decided by the expedition leader and the captain on the spot. The actual cruise itinerary can vary. Animal encounters are likely but not guaranteed.
Dates: December 28, 2023 – January 8, 2024
Duration: 12 days/ 11 nights
The cost of the cabin depends on the deck where the cabin is located.
Description of the cabins you can find below in the end of this page.
Cost per person (double accommodation):
Cabin with window, 19 sq.m from 13 242 USD
Cabin with balcony, 28 sq.m from 16 851 USD
Suit, 44 sq.m - 25 461 USD
Premium Suit, 49 sq.m - 29 634 USD
Estimated cost of a flight to Buenos Aires: €1,500 - 1,700.
TRAVEL PROGRAM:
tour antarctica
Day 1, December 28, 2023. Buenos Aires
The journey begins on December 28, 2023 with a meeting at the Buenos Aires airport by a representative of Swan Hellenic. An organized transfer will take you to your hotel. The first night before the start of the cruise will take place at the Alvear Icon 5 * hotel, which is part of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group. Located in one of the most prestigious areas of Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero, on the shores of La Plata Bay, within walking distance of the main waterfront restaurant area and within walking distance of the Costanera Sur Natural Reserve.
Buenos Aires is an elegant and cosmopolitan city with a European flair and a friendly atmosphere. In the active cultural and social life of the country, a special place is occupied by tango, nightlife, sports at its best: football, polo and horse racing, the famous Argentine beef and excellent wines. The myth of Evita, the traditions of the Gauchos and the Pampas, the River Plate, beautiful parks, monuments, great museums, art galleries and art shows, a wonderful opera house, good shopping, street cafes and excellent restaurants, all combined with unrivaled Argentinean hospitality. Buenos Aires is a special city that enchants to the core, where you want to return again and again to feel its old-fashioned, sophistication and sensuality, stroll through its streets once again, enjoy the sounds of tango, the most delicate meat and virtuoso service in restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel Alvear Icon 5*
Meals Included: No
Day 2, December 29, 2023. Ushuaia
The next morning, you will be transferred from the hotel to the domestic airport for a comfortable flight to the capital of Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Located on the very edge of Argentina, surrounded by the majestic mountains of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia will captivate you with its landscapes from the window of an airplane. A Swan Hellenic representative will meet you at the airport. The transfer will take you to the port for check-in on board the SH Diana.
The realization that you are on the edge. The earth does not come immediately. Meanwhile, you are 16,000 km from Moscow and only 1,000 km from Antarctica! Landing on the expedition ship SH Diana will go unnoticed. During the welcome cocktail, you will get to know the team and crew. You will be invited to the upper deck by speakerphone, from where you can take photos of Ushuaia, which is somewhat reminiscent of an alpine town with amazing views of the picturesque snowy peaks. You are going towards the White Continent!
Accommodation: cabin on SH Diana
Meals included: breakfast at the hotel, lunch, dinner
Days 3 and 4, December 30 -31, 2023. At sea, crossing the Antarctic Convergence
Days at sea are the ideal time to observe seabirds and marine mammals from a ship. Viewpoints offer stunning views of the ocean. En route to Antarctica through the Drake Passage, you cross the Antarctic Convergence, a unique confluence of different water masses. The waters, abundant in plankton, rise from the depths to the surface of the sea. This phenomenon attracts a variety of seabirds and animals, including several species of albatrosses, petrels, skuas, as well as whales and dolphins. From here, the temperature drops significantly within a few hours, which serves as an indicator of the imminent arrival of Antarctica. A rich educational program awaits you on board. The expedition team of polar experts will introduce you to the history of Antarctic exploration, the origin of glaciers, the world of flora and fauna of the White Continent, and many other informative and interesting facts. You will also receive a safety briefing during the landings on the Zodiac boats.
And of course, days at sea are a time to relax and enjoy your time on board. Visit a spa or gym, connect with like-minded people, share your travel experiences, or head to a library filled with themed books and reference books.
These days you will find a welcome cocktail with the captain, officers and expedition team, a bright festive program and a New Year's dinner.
Accommodation: cabin on SH Diana
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 5 - 9, 1 - 5 January 2024. Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula
Mighty glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy fjords... here your Antarctic dream comes true. You will be amazed by the picturesque landscape of the so-called "resort zone" of Antarctica, the most accessible part of the continent, where the abundance of wildlife and most scientific stations are concentrated. Vegetation in the polar region is literally not dense: coastal stones are covered only with green mosses and multi-colored lichens, but the animal world is unusually diverse. As soon as you reach the continent of Antarctica and its nearby islands, active exploration of the region will begin. Twice a day you will land on the coasts of the Sixth Continent and the Antarctic Islands. This is a completely different primeval world, and landings take place with the help of special Zodiac expedition boats. Penguins literally meet us on the shore. While hiking, you will even have the opportunity to climb to the top of the hills,
According to the conservation rules of Antarctica, only a limited number of people can be on the coast at the same time. Therefore, the expedition members will be divided into groups, some will go on a boat trip, some will go to the coast, then you will change places. On Zodiac boats you will reach the most remote and unexplored bays
As you approach the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands will be the first to appear before you, on which the snow melts in the southern spring in November. The temperature is higher here, which means that the fauna is also different from what you will see in Antarctica itself. Mosses and multi-colored lichens - in general, the local flora seems to have more in common with Patagonia than with Antarctica. Kerguelen fur seals, leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, elephant seals, chinstrap penguins, Adélie penguins and subantarctic penguins bask on the beaches here. The southern giant petrel, Antarctic tern, Antarctic cormorant and members of the Skua family are permanent residents of the islands.
The largest colony of subantarctic penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula, with over 6,500 individuals, is located nearby on Cuverville Island. In turn, Portal Point is a well-known resting place for Weddell seals, while penguins are usually few here due to abundant snow cover. During landings and trips on expedition boats among icebergs, you can meet crabeater seals and sea leopards. And sometimes even whales! You will be as close to the wildlife of the Antarctic Islands as ever.
Accommodation: cabin on SH Diana
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 and 11, 6 and 7 January 2024. In the sea to the shores of Tierra del Fuego
After busy days of active Antarctic exploration, the ship will head back to Ushuaia. Antarctica is separated from the continent of South America by the widest and deepest strait on Earth. The All Inclusive system aboard the SH Diana is the perfect way to celebrate your successful passage through the Drake Passage.
Don't forget to look at the captain's bridge. The open captain's cabin allows you to visit the ship's main helm station. The holy of holies of the liner is open for you! Do not miss the opportunity to ask questions to the crew members or, if possible, even chat with the captain.
These days you will find a Christmas gala dinner and a farewell captain's cocktail. The final days of the cruise are the best time to communicate with like-minded people, you can share your impressions of the trip and plan the dates of the next joint expedition.
Accommodation: cabin on SH Diana
Meals included: breakfast
Day 12, January 8, 2024. Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
The cruise ends, the ship returns through the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia, the very starting point of an unforgettable journey through Antarctica. You can already see the very edge of the continent of South America in the Argentine part of the island of Tierra del Fuego. The mountains rise majestically above the harbor of Ushuaia.
After breakfast, you will say goodbye to the crew and crew of the ship and go ashore. The expedition members will be transferred to the Ushuaia airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Upon returning home, a pleasant surprise awaits you. As per tradition, the Swan Hellenic team will send each guest a link to download the film, which will include a photo report and a video report of the perfect expedition cruise for a long memory.
* Please don't purchase tickets without our prior approval.
** Warning! Please keep in mind that this is a long-distance cruise to a remote region. All cruise activities depend on the ice and weather conditions and are decided by the expedition leader and the captain on the spot. The actual cruise itinerary can vary. Animal encounters are likely but not guaranteed.
SH Diana
A new-generation polar-class ice-strengthened expedition cruise ship
SH Diana is a true luxury floating boutique hotel amidst the Antarctic Ocean.
Amenities offered on board include an open-air infinity pool overlooking the ocean and icebergs, fine dining restaurants offering specials from acclaimed chefs, an open observation deck, SPA
Amenities offered on board include an open-air infinity pool overlooking the ocean and icebergs, fine dining restaurants offering specials from acclaimed chefs, an open observation deck, SPA
Available in all cabins:
- Interactive TV
- Mini bar
- Safe
- Air conditioning system
- Pillow Menu
- Hair dryer Babyliss
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Coffee machine
- Service 24/7
- 24-hour self-service laundry on deck
- Cabin with windowArea 19 sq.m. Maximum capacity 2 people
5 cabins with a window are additionally equipped with a sofa and have a max. capacity 4 people. - Cabin with balconyArea 28 sq.m., including a panoramic balcony of 6 sq.m. Maximum capacity 2 people
- SuitThe area is 44 sq.m., including a panoramic balcony of 12 sq.m. Maximum capacity 4 people.
Up to 5 people are allowed upon request.
The suite can be combined with a cabin with a balcony, while the total area of the two combined cabins will be 72 m2.
The bedroom is fitted with a Superking bed.
Cost includes:
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
To take with:
!The temperature ranges from -2 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius. The Ross Sea can be significantly colder, with temperatures dropping to -20 degrees Celsius.
Get ready for temperatures of -5 degrees Celsius, but cold winds will make the weather feel cooler.
For shore excursions and landings on the Zodiacs, you have been provided with:
- Return regional flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (chosen by Swan Hellenic);
- Group return transfers in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia on the day prior to embarkation, on the day of embarkation and the day of disembarkation;
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast at Hotel Alvear Icon 5* in Buenos Aires;
- Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category;
- All meals onboard;
- 24-hour room service;
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day;
- Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers;
- All land excursions, hiking and cruising by Zodiacs;
- Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions;
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes;
- Standard WiFi.
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
- International flight to Buenos Aires and back;
- Compulsory health insurance;
- Travel insurance;
- Private Zodiac Boat Tours & Kayaking During the Cruise
- Alcoholic beverages of premium brands,
- Spa and beauty services, laundry services, shopping at retail stores on board
To take with:
!The temperature ranges from -2 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius. The Ross Sea can be significantly colder, with temperatures dropping to -20 degrees Celsius.
Get ready for temperatures of -5 degrees Celsius, but cold winds will make the weather feel cooler.
- Shoes and clothing for arrival and departure cities;
- Waterproof (necessarily!);
- A wool jumper or fleece jacket;
- A bodywarmer or sweatshirt;
- Two sets of thermal underwear;
- A turtleneck jumper and a shirt;
- One or two t-shirts;
- Jeans or other comfortable trousers;
- Sports clothing for the onboard fitness centre;
- Swimwear for visiting the spa and pool;
- Two pairs of mittens, gloves, and glove liners;
- A warm windproof hat;
- A warm shawl or scarf;
- A balaclava;
- Warm socks (several pairs);
- Comfortable, moisture-resistant boots with ribbed soles (hiking boots);
- Trainers or comfortable shoes that make you feel comfortable on board;
- Waterproof backpack for shore drop-offs;
- A waterproof, airtight case for your camera and other electronic gear;
- UV-protective sunglasses;
- Sunscreen for face and lips, and hand cream;
- Camera, extra memory cards and flash drives, removable batteries, and lenses;
- Laptop or tablet for uploading photos;
- Charges for electronics, adapters, and power banks as required;
- An extra pair of eyeglasses;
- Medical supplies prescribed by your doctor, with a few extra days to spare
- Documents
For shore excursions and landings on the Zodiacs, you have been provided with:
- Swan Hellenic Expeditions warm waterpoof and windproof parka (you can take it home as a souvenir)
- Water bottle
- Life vest
- Muck Boot Rainboots
KEY FEATURES:
Тур в
ANTARCTICA
The best season: January - February
The choice of travel dates is not accidental - this period accounts for the most comfortable weather of the Antarctic summer, the whale season, the period of nesting and the appearance of penguin chicks.
ANTARCTICA
The best season: January - February
The choice of travel dates is not accidental - this period accounts for the most comfortable weather of the Antarctic summer, the whale season, the period of nesting and the appearance of penguin chicks.
- Experience incredible penguin encounters as you get up close to these polar inhabitants
- Keep an eye out at sea for fluking whales
- Pay homage to explorer Ernest Shackleton as we discover the island where he spent his last days
- Take in this vast frozen wilderness as it changes colour from glassy white to turquoise and green
- Listen to our engaging polar experts and learn tips from our on-board photographers
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - 5LOW PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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