Spirit of Antarctica Polar Adventure Cruise

Your Antarctic adventure begins in Ushuaia, where a representative from Aurora Expeditions will greet you and assist with your transfer to the pre-voyage hotel. After check-in at 03:00 pm, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk between 03:00 pm and 07:00 pm to collect your luggage tags, confirm participation in the optional Lake Escondido pre-embarkation tour, and receive final embarkation details. Guests arriving later will find a welcome pack at reception and can visit the desk the next morning between 08:00 am and 08:45 am. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Ushuaia at your own pace, with meals at your own expense.

After breakfast and check-out, ensure your cabin luggage is tagged with your name and cabin number, and leave it at hotel reception for transfer directly to the ship. Keep your valuables and personal items with you for the day. Guests joining the Lake Escondido tour will meet in the hotel lobby at 08:45 am for a scenic drive through the Andes, passing glacial valleys, forests, and waterfalls, before reaching Garibaldi Pass for panoramic views of Lake Escondido and, weather permitting, Fagnano Lake. Continue to a local ranch to enjoy a traditional Fuegian Lamb barbecue before returning to Ushuaia for embarkation. Those not joining the tour can spend the day at leisure before being transferred from the hotel or designated meeting point to the pier. Once onboard, settle into your cabin and attend mandatory briefings before gathering on deck to admire Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego as the ship departs. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your expedition team and fellow travelers, marking the official start of your Antarctic journey.

As the voyage begins across the legendary Drake Passage, settle into the rhythm of the sea while the Expedition Team conducts essential briefings on wildlife guidelines, biosecurity procedures, and Antarctic history. Attend engaging lectures to deepen your understanding of the region’s unique environment and wildlife. During the crossing, enjoy watching majestic seabirds like albatrosses and giant petrels glide effortlessly alongside the ship. Spend your sea days relaxing in the observation lounges, visiting the wellness centre, or working out in the gym. By the afternoon of Day 4, as we approach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, anticipation builds; everyone gathers on deck to witness the breathtaking sight of the first iceberg. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the ocean transforms into a surreal world of drifting ice sculptures. If time and weather permit, you may even experience your first Antarctic landing by late afternoon, marking an unforgettable milestone in your expedition.

Arriving in Antarctica is a feeling beyond words - spotting your first iceberg and breathing in the crispest air on Earth is an unforgettable moment. Once we reach the western Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, the days stretch long under nearly 24 hours of daylight, allowing endless exploration. Guided by our seasoned Expedition Team, each day’s route is carefully planned based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife activity. Expect up to two landings or Zodiac excursions daily - cruising past spectacular ice cliffs, spotting whales and seals, or landing onshore to visit penguin rookeries and historic sites. Wander along snow-covered ridges or pebbled beaches framed by towering mountains and icy seas. Optional adventure activities may be available, and for the bold, the Polar Plunge offers an exhilarating dip in icy Antarctic waters. Between landings, enjoy scenic ship cruising through dramatic straits and serene bays, watching for whales and listening to the distant rumble of calving glaciers. Take time to simply absorb the breathtaking stillness of this pristine white wilderness.

Spend your final morning exploring the South Shetland Islands before setting course once again across the Drake Passage on the return journey to South America. As the voyage winds down, enjoy engaging lectures and film presentations that deepen your understanding of Antarctica’s wonders. Take time to reflect on the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and experiences shared throughout the expedition. Many travellers find this the perfect moment to exchange stories and cherish new friendships. As we near the tip of South America, our Captain may, weather permitting, navigate close to the legendary Cape Horn - a fitting finale to this unforgettable polar adventure.

In the early morning, your ship glides peacefully through the Beagle Channel before docking in Ushuaia, where disembarkation begins around 08:00 am. Bid farewell to your expedition team and fellow travellers, carrying with you lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Antarctica’s raw beauty. Upon disembarkation, transfers will be arranged for guests with accommodations booked through Aurora or those staying in nearby downtown hotels. Travellers with flights before 12:30 pm will be taken directly to Ushuaia Airport, while those departing later can enjoy time exploring the city before their afternoon transfer.