Overview
Experience the raw and pure beauty of the Great White Continent on an 11-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Why February?
January & February is the best time in the season to see penguins, seals and whales! Wildlife is wild for a reason so there are no guarantees but from past experience we see penguin babies with their parents, whales EVERYWHERE and Seals are plentiful. I like to call it “whale soup” as its the best time of year for whale watching in this part of the world.
Why Polar Latitudes & Ocean Victory?
This will be my 4th time traveling to Antarctica, the Ocean Victory is one of the newest expedition ships in the region. From comfortable accommodations on board, no lack of food (you literally will never go hungry), In fact in 2023 when I first sailed to Antarctica I saw the ship type I said “one day Ill be back and sail on this ship”.
What Room Type SHOULD I book?
I personally think having a balcony is an EPIC way to do Antarctica as most people only experience this trip once in their life time. Watching whales and wildlife from your balcony while sipping a coffee is magical. There honestly isnt a bad room on board either.
During this magical time, landscapes are at their most pristine as the thawing of sea ice draws you into an unspoiled polar wilderness. Icebergs are at their greatest mass, penguins are busy courting, nest building, having babies & squabbling over pebbles.
Everyday on board the ship is different once we’re in Antarctica from land excursions to zodiac cruises, we have an expert expedition leader & team on board along with a very experienced captain navigating the Antarctica waters and picking the best sites available to us for the most wildlife possible.
Looking for more information? Message Rachel on Instagram! @RachelLikesTraveling
I am always open to answering questions about Antarctica!
For more information about this expedition: Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer’s Expedition
Ship information: Ocean Victory

Itinerary
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Welcome to Ushuaia Argentina!
If you do not book the pretrip travel plans then we will meet you on February 21st at the Hotel in Ushuaia! There are plenty of things to keep you busy today once you land. From the train to the end of the world, hikes, museums and shops to restaurants and cafes. There’s even a local National Park you can go explore!
Included: Overnight in Ushuaia Hotel, Welcome gathering with the group
Note: 99% of flights to Ushuaia come from Buenos Aires, you will most likely need to book your round trip international flights to BA (EZE airport) then from either AEP or EZE down to USH airport.Â

We’re off to Antarctica today! We will drop our luggage in the morning and the ship will be boarded in the afternoon. Have lunch in town then get settled in for an amazing time these next 10 days. Today we’ll set sail down the Beagle channel. Explore the ship, check out the spa, get to know your shipmates, and get ready for an amazing time!
We’ll all meet up for a drink and social hour after everyone gets settled in.
Included: Breakfast at Hotel, Afternoon snacks & dinner on Ship

Famed for its wild nature, the Drake Passage is unpredictable and always changing. Be sure to spend some time out on one of the Ocean Victory’s many outer decks soaking up the fresh sea air and feeling the breeze of the roaring forties and furious fifties.
Your expedition team will provide insights into your exciting adventure that lies ahead. During these two days on the sea, you will have plenty of time to gaze out at the Southern Ocean, capture photos of the birds circling the ship and get to know your fellow travellers and expedition team.
Included: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners, Planned group activities & fun theme nights as the expedition teams schedule allows for, Daily Briefings and Recaps, Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Extras: Onboard Spa treatments (paid onboard)

Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once you have left the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands come into view, a region that has long captured the attention of explorers.
Antarctica is truly an expedition! Everyday is completely different and depends on the weather in the region. You may be marveling at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. or visiting the active volcanic region in the shetland islands. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel.
Even more exciting will be your first land excursion – something you will never forget! Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Walk on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries and search for southern seal species, including the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal.
Optional (free): Polar Plunge! If conditions are right – we’ll have a chance to jump into the Antarctic ocean!! Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!
Included: All Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners, up to 8 Guided Excursions & Landings, Zodiac Excursion/Cruising, Daily Briefings and Recap, Onboard Lecture Program

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Optional Extras:
- Photography program (paid onboard)
- Polar Plunge – Free
- Kayaking program (paid onboard)
- Ice Camping (paid onboard)
- Onboard Spa treatments (paid onboard)
Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once you have left the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands come into view, a region that has long captured the attention of explorers.
Antarctica is truly an expedition! Everyday is completely different and depends on the weather in the region. You may be marveling at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. or visiting the active volcanic region in the shetland islands. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel.
Even more exciting will be your first land excursion – something you will never forget! Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Walk on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries and search for southern seal species, including the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal.
Optional (free): Polar Plunge! If conditions are right – we’ll have a chance to jump into the Antarctic ocean!! Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!
Included: All Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners, up to 8 Guided Excursions & Landings, Zodiac Excursion/Cruising, Daily Briefings and Recap, Onboard Lecture Program

Optional Extras:
- Photography program (paid onboard)
- Polar Plunge – Free
- Kayaking program (paid onboard)
- Ice Camping (paid onboard)
- Onboard Spa treatments (paid onboard)
Your journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the Antarctic air.
We spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards.
During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer – the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure!
Included: All Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners, Onboard Lecture Program, Daily Briefings and Recap

After 11 Days of adventure, today is the last day of our journey. We arrive in the port of Ushuaia in the morning and the expedition team will gather on the deck to farewell you as you disembark the Ocean Victory after breakfast.
Note: If you are leaving today, please do not book your flight home until after 12 noon in case of any delays caused by unfavorable weather conditions. The airport is only 15 minutes from the port.
Included: Breakfast, Transfer to airport

Inclusions
Everything Included
- 11-day cruise with accommodation in a shared stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
- Pre-trip night in hotel in Ushuaia (included!)
- 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
- Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
- Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
- All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
- Expedition parka
- Rubber boots loan
- Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
- English-speaking Expedition Team
- Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
- Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner
- Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
- Taxes and landing fees
- Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
- Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage
Exclusions
- International Flights
- Travel Visas - If Required
- Travel Insurance - Required
- Ice Camping Excursion
- Kayaking Excursion
- Photography Program Excursion
- Alcohol and Food not listed on inclusions
- Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal expenses (e.g. Spa services, Boutique purchases)
- Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
- Optional Pre-Trip Add-Ons (Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires Experience)
FAQs - READ ME
Due to the nature of this trip, the refund policies are quite different from our other trips.
The $500 Deposit is Non-refundable for all pre-trip packages. The deposit paid for Antarctica is mostly non-refundable, please refer to below about current PLX policies.
If you want further details on the refund policies with Polar Latitudes please reference their website, under #4 “Cancelations”: https://polar-latitudes.com/terms-and-conditions/
As of January 2025 their Cancelation policy states:
All cancellation requests must be in writing. Cancellation fees apply from date PLX receives notice:
- 181+ days before departure: $1,250 USD per person
- 120-180 days before departure: Loss of deposit (20%)
- Less than 120 days before departure: 100% of total cost
Full payment for the entire main trip to Antarctica is due 120 days before departure.
The payment plan for the pre-trip packages is flexible and can be modified but all payments are due 90 days prior to February 21st, 2028.Â
We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance be purchased as soon as you book the trip so you can cover your Antarctica cruise purchase if any medical or unexpected issues arise.
Yes – Travel Insurance is required for this trip with a minimum coverage of USD150,000. This protects you before & during the trip, if anything causes you to not be able to come or you get sick during the trip. As this trip does not offer a refund on your deposit, travel insurance is also beneficial for this.
Rachel recommends getting a quote from Aardy and reviewing the options – Travel Guard by AIG is her favorite.
Rachel will send out a roommate matching form as we get closer to the trip. If you want to room with someone, just put their name on your form and you're good to go. Otherwise Rachel will do her best to match you with someone compatible to make for the best trip possible. While this trip is co-ed you will not be randomly matched with someone of opposite sex. Remember you MUST book the same cabin type as the people you want to room with.
Absolutely you can – there are single cabins available on the ship.
Although the ice-strengthened ships are big and sturdy, the Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings, so please be prepared with medications to combat this. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.
Believe it or not, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing. And yet it can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It’s best to dress in layers when you journey outside and we’ll provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the trip notes for information about what to bring.
Depending on the weather, you’ll be zipping around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. Waterproof protection and camera strap or wristband are highly recommended for your camera or phone whilst on the Zodiacs. A minimum level of mobility is required and sturdy sea legs are preferable for wet and dry landings from the Zodiacs. The expedition team will assist people with mounting or dismounting the zodiacs for landings. Should people wish to remain closer to shore, we will have a range of walking speeds and thus distances explored available for all. The Ocean Victory has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.
A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. 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. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands; 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 ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.
In between our landings and activities we offer three hearty daily main meals. Albatros Expeditions always have allergy flexible options, healthy selections as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
There are multiple Breakfast options, served in a buffet style, including a cooking station where eggs are made to order. At Lunch we are also met with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering choices. Safe to say you will have the energy for your next outing!
When it is Dinner time, you can choose to eat at the main Beagle Restaurant or book a table at the Antarctic Panorama Specialty Restaurant. Your evening meal is served a la carte, with fresh new options daily and always a selection of fixed items. There is always a vegetarian and pescatarian option available. Albatros Expeditions are known for our delicious menus and a variety of exquisite wine pairings. Dinner has a selection of wine, beer & soda included as well.
Onboard you will also have the option to join Afternoon Tea with sweets, cakes or snacks served each afternoon. Albatros Expeditions have tea and coffee freely available all day throughout the vessel, while specialty coffee, alcoholic beverages and hand-crafted cocktails are available at the ship’s bars.Breakfast will always be buffet style with lots of options to choose from (eggs, bacon, sausage, bread, fruits, salads, pastries etc.)
The ship can accommodate vegan & vegetarian diets for all meals with a variety of options .
Prior to the trip please share any specific dietary needs/restrictions so theres enough time to prepare for the requests.
Full payment is due 120 days before departure (around October 2027). You can pay as you like until then!
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date, we will require your passport information a few months prior to departure, so please ensure you sort any replacements that may be required asap.
No visas are required for Antarctic at the time of writing this, however, port authorities will need to see your passport so ensure you always know where it is.
The waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world, although at other times they are so smooth that it is referred to as the 'Drake Lake'!
Although our vessel is among the most stable ships in its class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.
There is no currency in Antarctica, but onboard the ship they accept USD.
During your time onboard, you will accrue a tab that will need to be paid off at the end of the trip, and this can be done via card.
Although tips are not required, the team onboard are the hardest working crew on the seas, and spend most of their time ensuring everything is absolutely perfect for you, so we would like to suggest a tip of $15-20 per person per day, however this is at your discretion.
As you may have seen from our previous Antarctica trips, Rachel wore a dress in Antarctic, so anything you're comfy in! The ship is well heated, and does not require anything special to lounge around in. Prior to the trip beginning, we will send you a full recommended packing list, so make sure to keep an eye out for all the tips and tricks we have!
However, should you want to go exploring the outside, or do some incredible whale or penguin spotting, we do recommend packing some warmer clothes handy to throw on in a minute's notice! If you're looking to keep your luggage light, you could just layer some of your thinner layers when going outside, or pack up some bulkier warmer clothes for those times ashore. We would also recommend bringing some wet weather gear to protect you from the Zodiacs and any rough weather we may encounter.
There are many cabin types but I have picked the top 3 cabins that I think will be best for our group.
Lets start with the most exciting option this year! There are Balconies on the boat! This is a new and very exciting option that we haven't had in past years. There are two ways you can book the Cat C Balcony Cabins – either a room with 2 twin beds or a Cat C Superior room that has 2 twin beds and a 3rd sofa turned into a bed.
3 beds + 3 people with a balcony and a massive savings on what the regular price is too! This might sound "too tight" to you but honestly in Antartica we spend more time outside the cabin on the decks looking at wild life and mingling with the group then you would think. The Cabins are good for just sleeping and changing clothes if Im going to be honest which is why I think this cabin time is great for anyone trying to save money!
If having 3 people in a room sounds like too much – you can book the Cat C standard room that has 2 beds + is for 2 people.
There are other options available too – The Cat D room with a port hole and two beds
The final cabin type os the Cat F Triple, this is an interior cabin with 3 separate twin beds + a bathroom. After the initial 15% off sale ends this will be the most economical way to join us in Antartica.
Iguazu Falls Pre-Trip:
- Land on February 17th
- 2 nights in Iguazu Falls (Argentina side)
- Tour of the falls on both sides
- Flight to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires Pre-Antarctica Experience (2 Nights):
- Land on February 19th
- 2 nights in Buenos Aires
- Hosted welcome dinner
- Guided city exploration
- Argentine cooking and wine experience
- Flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia included









