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Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey from Ushuaia

Experience an unforgettable round-trip luxury expedition from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula, where breathtaking icy landscapes, wildlife encounters, expert-led activities, and immersive Zodiac adventures reveal the pristine beauty of Earth's last great wilderness.

Ushuaia → UshuaiaDecember 29, 2025 — January 8, 202610 nights
Drake Passage Crossing

Drake Passage Crossing

Journey across one of the world's most storied waterways — a rite of passage for every true polar explorer.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Get up close with Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins, Weddell seals, and migrating whales in their untouched natural habitat.

Majestic Glaciers & Icebergs

Majestic Glaciers & Icebergs

Witness towering ice walls, blue sculpted bergs, and dramatic frozen landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.

Iconic Antarctic Landmarks

Iconic Antarctic Landmarks

Sail through the Gerlache Strait, Antarctic Sound, and other legendary polar waterways known for breathtaking scenery.

Expedition Activities

Expedition Activities

Explore by Zodiac, hike snowy shorelines, join expert lectures, or enhance your journey with optional kayaking or snowshoeing.

Photographer's Paradise

Photographer's Paradise

Capture once-in-a-lifetime scenes of wildlife, ice formations, and ethereal polar light with guidance from onboard photography pros.

Return to Ushuaia

Return to Ushuaia

Conclude your adventure back at the "End of the World," carrying memories of the most pristine and powerful landscapes on the planet.

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Ushuaia – Ushuaia

From

Route infographic

Dates

December 29, 2025 — January 8, 2026

Duration

10 nights

Ship

SH Minerva

Embark on a round-trip expedition from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula — a journey into Earth's last great wilderness. Cross the legendary Drake Passage, then enter a world of towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and thriving wildlife. Explore the serene bays and icy channels of the Peninsula, encounter penguin colonies and seal haul-outs, and search for whales in pristine polar waters. With Zodiac cruises, expert-led lectures, and optional adventures like kayaking or snowshoeing, this is the ultimate immersion into the beauty and raw power of Antarctica.

Drake PassageAntarctic PeninsulaBuenos AiresUshuaia
Ushuaia

Ushuaia

Set between the Andes and the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world — a frontier of adventure and discovery. Here, the spirit of exploration thrives, marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

Expedition Highlights

A once-in-a-lifetime journey from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula and back — exploring pristine ice landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and the raw beauty of Earth's last great wilderness aboard our boutique expedition ship.

4
Days in Antarctica
Explore majestic glaciers, towering icebergs, and iconic sites like the Lemaire Channel and Mikkelsen Harbour.
3
Penguin Species
Encounter Gentoo, Adélie and Chinstrap penguins up close in their natural habitat.
2
Landings per Day
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula with up to two immersive landings each day — giving you more time on shore and deeper encounters with wildlife and landscapes than on traditional routes.
Towering icebergs and glaciers in Antarctica

The Sound of Ice

Listen to the symphony of nature as towering icebergs and colossal glaciers crack and calve.

Penguin colonies in Antarctica

Penguins Up Close

Meet Adélie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguin colonies up close.

Whales in Antarctic waters

Whales in the Wild

Marvel at the sight of whales fluking gracefully in the icy waters.

Expedition Itinerary

10 nights exploring the Antarctic Peninsula — from the legendary Drake Passage to towering glaciers, pristine icy bays, and thriving wildlife colonies.

Ushuaia

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia's colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world's southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its 'end of the world' reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Before embarking, guests enjoy a seamless start to their journey with a Swan Hellenic–organised charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition to the edge of the world. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions on the planet.

Ushuaia
Ushuaia

Wildlife

Meet thriving penguin colonies, wandering albatrosses with immense wingspans, and majestic whales in their natural habitat.

Penguins

Penguins

Witness lively penguin colonies during the breeding season — with adults gathering in rookeries, tending their nests, and bringing Antarctica's shores to life.

Whales

Whales

Observe majestic whales in coastal waters

Albatrosses

Albatrosses

Wandering albatrosses with wingspans up to 4 meters.

Discover Swan Hellenic

Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.

Explorer on ship deck
Swan Hellenic ship at sunset

See What Others Don't

Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.

Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.

Best in Cruise

Best in Cruise

Cruise Critic 2024

Excursion & Collaboration Winner

Excursion & Collaboration Winner

Sailawaze 2025

What our guests say

SH Minerva

Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Minerva features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you're taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Minerva has you covered.

152 guests & 117 staff

Exclusive boutique experience

PC5 Polar class

Designed specifically for polar regions

Fine Dining

Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, Pool Bar & Grill

Launched in 2021

Brand new expedition vessel

Wellbeing

Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna

Enrichment

Library, Laboratory, Stargazing Deck

SHIP BROCHURE
SH Minerva
Ship Interior
Ship
Ship Interior
SH Minerva
Ship Interior
Ship Interior
Ship Interior
SH Minerva
Ship Exterior
Ship Exterior
Ship Exterior

Staterooms

Bright and spacious staterooms — your cozy home away from home.

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Oceanview

20 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • Two single beds or a double bed
  • Bedroom with living room area
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious bathroom
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Balcony

25 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • 5 m² private balcony
  • Two single beds or a double bed
  • Bedroom with living room area
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious bathroom
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Junior Suite

32-36 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • 6 m² private balcony
  • King size bed
  • Separate living room area
  • Luxurious en-suite bathroom
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Suite

41 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • 5-10 m² private balcony
  • King size bed
  • Separate living room
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower
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Premium Suite

41 m²

FROM

Price on request

FEATURES

  • 8-12 m² private balcony
  • King size bed
  • Separate living room
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and shower
  • Walk-in wardrobe

Expedition Team

Mariam Pousa

Mariam Pousa

Expedition leader

Mariam, an Argentine Conservator of Cultural Heritage and expert in Nautical Archaeology, holds a Master's in Preservation of Artifacts. A history enthusiast, she teaches for the UNESCO Foundation, focusing on archaeological site preservation. Raised in the stunning landscapes of Ushuaia, Mariam is a skilled mountaineer with a passion for exploration. She has sailed in Patagonian fjords, summited the Alps and Central America Andes, and worked on adventure film crews in the UK and Spain. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, she is also an enthusiastic skier and climber.

Lizelle Naude

Lizelle Naude

Historian

South African-born Lizelle has over 22 years of experience in hospitality and customer service—and a lifelong passion for all things outdoors. Her love for nature began as a child, visiting wildlife reserves and exploring the wild coastlines of her home country. She spent most of her youth outside: camping, kayaking, and traveling. Lizelle has worked on ships for over 20 years and has visited over 120 countries. She has a particular fondness for diverse cultures and remote, historically rich destinations.

Jacqueline Windh

Jacqueline Windh

Geologist

Jacqueline is passionate about the early mariners who explored and settled the Pacific. A captivating speaker, she shares her knowledge of geology, anthropology, and traditional navigation both in lectures and informally — whether on a hike, over dinner, or during a zodiac cruise.

Start Your Journey

For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.

Penguins in Antarctica
Swan Hellenic ship