Crossing the Antarctic Circle | Discoverer
2027/2028 Season Departures:
Up to 15% Off on Select 27/28 Dates & Select Cabins as listed in the 'dates & prices' tab
Valid on select cabin categories (excludes Solo Vista Staterooms)
Available until 31 Aug 2026 unless Sold Out, varied or withdrawn prior
See additional T&Cs below*
13 Days
Save Up To 15%
WAS From AUD 26,756 Now From AUD 22,742 STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACPLCAC
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
SHIP: Discoverer
Destination
Antarctic Circle, Antarctica
Meals
Breakfast at hotel & All meals & beer/wine with lunch & dinner onboard the ship, 24/7 coffee, tea and cocoa onboard the ship
Transport
Expedition Cruising in Antarctica, group transfers in Ushuaia from airport to hotel* & group transfers in Ushuaia to/from the ship/hotel
Accommodation
Cabin on board ship & Hotel
DEPARTURE DATES
Enquire Now
Included Sightseeing
Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
OVERVIEW
Travel beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and venture towards the legendary Antarctic Circle. Beginning in Ushuaia, this expedition crosses the Drake Passage before exploring the sheltered waterways, islands, and glaciated coastlines of Antarctica. Daily Zodiac excursions and landings provide opportunities to get closer to the landscape, observe penguin rookeries, search for seals and whales, and experience the continent beyond the ship.
The journey aims to push further south than many traditional Antarctic cruises, hoping to reach the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South, a destination that has evaded many of the great and ambitious explorers of the past. With no set itinerary, the flexible routing of this expedition is designed to maximise exploration opportunities. Supported by a knowledgeable expedition team, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the region through onboard presentations while experiencing some of the planet's most untouched environments firsthand. For travellers seeking immersive wildlife encounters and true polar exploration, this voyage delivers an unforgettable Antarctic experience.
ITINERARY
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to your included hotel, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.
Our evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.
Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we begin to see the breathtaking outline of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife sightings, including penguins, whales, and fur seals, become more frequent, as do dramatic sculptural icebergs. With an extra day to explore, possibilities abound. We’ll look to visit historic sites like the huts at Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and continue our twice-daily outings until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, hoping to enter the jaw-dropping Lemaire Channel by New Year’s Eve. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S, an achievement that will put you in rare company. We’ll raise a glass of bubbly to celebrate the achievement, before heading onward toward any number of historic and rarely visited British Survey bases, after which we turn back north.
This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. And despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow, passenger photo contest, and a final celebratory meal together.
Congratulations, explorers!
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
You will undertake this voyage on board the Discoverer, this state of the art vessel features the highest degree of comfort and luxury to provide an incredible cruising experience.
Experience the history as you become some of the very few adventures that travel this far south, just like historical figures of the past.
Cruise deeper into the Antarctic Circle, offering incredible icy scenery and wildlife opportunities. Wildlife such as whales, seals, skuas and of course several species of iconic penguins.
Discoverer
The Discoverer brings together everything we value in a small expedition ship – intimate scale, strong ice capability, and a true focus on exploration, all enhanced by refined interiors, expanded comfort, and a more contemporary onboard experience. This intimate ship, with space for 140 adventurers is designed to take you to the planet’s most remote corners in style. An ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising, and expansive outer decks - including a wrap-around outer deck on Deck 6, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography - make the ship perfectly suited for exploring remote polar environments. Its small size offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hotel at sea than a traditional cruise ship. Comfortable lounges, inviting gathering spaces, and panoramic views throughout the ship create a relaxed environment for connecting with fellow travellers and the expedition team. A Boutique Expedition Ship Built for Real Adventure - The Discoverer is the ideal choice for travelers who want the authenticity of a true expedition vessel with the comfort of a boutique hotel at sea. Its intimate size, limited guest capacity, strong ice‑strengthened hull, expansive outer decks including a wrap‑around deck ideal for photography and a full fleet of Zodiacs creates the perfect balance for immersive polar exploration. Allowing guests to enjoy flexible landings with more time off the ship, close wildlife encounters and a friendly onboard atmosphere. Comfort Designed for the Polar Regions - Life on board feels relaxed, friendly, and community‑driven, with comfortable lounges and panoramic gathering spaces that encourage conversation and connection. Fresh refurbishments give the Discoverer a contemporary, inviting feel, with brighter cabins, upgraded bathrooms, and stylish public spaces that enhance every moment between landings. After a day exploring glaciers and wildlife, guests can unwind in the spa, sauna, steam room, or fitness center — a rare level of comfort on a true polar expedition ship. Innovative Expedition‑Forward Design The Discoverer is built for serious polar capability, featuring an Ice Class 1A hull, Polar Code compliance, and a full Zodiac fleet that supports frequent landings and wildlife cruises. Its wrap‑around Deck 6 and open viewing areas make it exceptionally well‑suited for photography, wildlife spotting, and immersive Antarctica exploration. Efficient, Durable Construction Originally built in Finland and modernized through major refurbishments in 2018 and 2023, the Discoverer benefits from high‑quality engineering and updated systems that support efficient, reliable performance in polar environments. Its ice‑strengthened structure ensures safe navigation while minimizing energy strain in challenging conditions. Thoughtfully Designed Staterooms with Modern & Luxurious Amenities Recent refurbishments have transformed the ship with bright, contemporary interiors, upgraded bathrooms, and refined finishes that elevate the onboard experience. Suites and staterooms aboard the Discoverer offer a relaxing retreat with layouts designed for comfort after a day of exploration. From private‑balcony suites to spacious window staterooms, every cabin includes modern amenities such as marble bathrooms, sitting areas, minibars, and climate control. Immersive Public Spaces The ship’s public areas are thoughtfully designed spaces that blend comfort with the excitement of expedition travel to keep guests connected to the landscapes around them with panoramic lounges, a stylish restaurant, an enriching Lecture Theater and outdoor jacuzzis that overlook the polar scenery. Whether relaxing, learning or socializing, guests enjoy spaces that enhance both the expedition experience and the sense of community on board. Enhance your immersive experience with an optional activity in Antarctica whilst travelling on the Discoverer. Kayaking & Camping are at an extra cost but, due to their popularity, are limited in space and can book out quickly. 
WHY WE LOVE THE DISCOVERER
FEATURES OF THE DISCOVEREROPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Ice Class: Length: 108 m (354 ft)
Breadth: 16 m (52 ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14 Knots
Electricity: 110 / 220V AC power outlets Passenger
Capacity:140
View Ship Details
Included ACTIVITIES
These are included in your cruise fare. Activities vary by itinerary and destination and are subject to regulations, weather conditions and other factors.
Expert Lectures
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Polar Plunge
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Shore Excursions
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Zodiac Cruises
Learn MoreOPTIONAL ADVENTURES ADD ONS
These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary and destination.
Kayaking
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn More
Day Paddling
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Photography
Learn More
Citizen Science
Learn MorePricing per person & date
| Crossing the Antarctic Circle | Discoverer from AUD 22,742 | ||
| Departing | Ending | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Jan 2028 | 10 Feb 2028 | 13 |
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Important Information
* Early Bird Discount - Save Up To 15% on 2027/28 Season Departures -
Valid for Select 2027/28 season departures (as listed in the 'dates & prices' tab)
No Discount valid for Category Solo Vista Stateroom cabin categories.
For Single & Solo Travelers - pricing will vary from advertised 'from price' - please enquire for more information and availability
Discount is valid until 31 August 2026 unless withdrawn, sold out or varied prior
Not combinable with other promotions and valid on new bookings only
Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica Experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.
Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for single, triple cabins)
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
In rare and unforeseen situations, an operator may apply a fuel surcharge after your booking has been confirmed and paid. This is outside our control and uncommon, but transparency with our travelers is important to us.
INCLUSIONS
1 nights pre night accommodation in Ushuaia including breakfast
All meals onboard the Discoverer including snacks
Beer/wine with lunch & dinner onboard the ship and 24/7 tea, coffee and hot cocoa
In-room mini-bar refilled once daily with non-alcoholic beverages
Accommodation onboard the Discoverer in booked cabin category
Onboard lecture program from Expeditions Team and Naturalist Guides
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)
New 3-in-1 expedition jacket for you to keep* (Waterproof, windproof, breathable outer layer that can be worn as a shell jacket, or combined with: An inner puffer jacket, that can be worn with the shell or as a standalone garment.)
Complimentary use of rubber Muck boots, on loan for the duration of your expedition (exclusions apply - see below)
Transfer from Ushuaia airport to hotel (on arrival in Ushuaia if arriving on Day 1 of itinerary, and providing we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
Transfer from Ushuaia hotel accommodation to the ship for embarkation
Transports to Ushuaia airport or city centre on return to port
All port taxes
All landing fees
Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi
EXCLUSIONSInternational or internal flights other than specified
Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
Pre or post cruise travel expenses other than specified
Visa (if applicable) and passport fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
Tobacco, or selected premium beverages
Miscellaneous extras
Laundry and communication charges on board
Gratuities for Expedition team and crew
Smaller puffer jackets, outer parka jackets and muck boots may not be available for minors, depending on size requirements. Additionally, a lifejacket that meets our safety standards is mandatory for all minors 15 years and under and must be provided by the parent/guardian. Please contact your booking agent for details.
- 2 (light adventure)
Contact Us for details. Single occupancy cabins are available with a surcharge or for those willing to share you can be matched with someone of the same gender in selected cabins and pay the twin share price. Subject to availability.
Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.