Highlights of Antarctica
Cruise Overview
Experience a mesmerising expedition cruise that’s all about the frozen continent | HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
A concentrated expedition cruise with five days exploring the highlights of Antarctica.
Witness incredible wildlife scenes as we spot seals, penguin colonies and whales against a backdrop of staggering natural beauty.
Join the Expedition Team as they lead you on a journey of learning and adventure.
Breathtaking icescapes
Marvel at colossal glaciers and icebergs on this incredible Antarctica expedition cruise. Experience nature's majesty as we navigate ever-changing icescapes on our hybrid-powered ship. Your Expedition Team will bring you close to your stunning surroundings on ice-cruising and landing activities.
Antarctic wildlife
It's a busy time for the wildlife of Antarctica between November and March. In October and November, penguins court and nest, while December and January are when penguins hatch. February and March offer peak whale-watching opportunities.
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The beat of Buenos Aires
Day 1
The beat of Buenos Aires
Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires
Start your Antarctic adventure with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires.
Home to a proud and diverse community of ‘porteños’, or ‘people of the port,’ this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache.
There are plenty of places to explore, including many ‘parrillas’ serving authentic Argentine steak. This is the renowned hometown of the tango, so maybe you’d like to practice your dance moves.
We recommend arriving a few days early to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer with our optional Pre-Program.
Early start in Ushuaia
Day 2
Early start in Ushuaia
Setting off from the bottom of the world
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll meet our hybrid electric-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters.
This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia is a contender for the title of the world’s southernmost city.
After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.
Get ready for Antarctica
Day 3-4
Get ready for Antarctica
Cross the Drake Passage
On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with everything you need to make the most of your polar expedition.
Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen as experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. Learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible and discover the Citizen Science projects you can join.
There’s plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy delicious cuisine, and meet fellow travelers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Antarctica: another world
Day 5-9
Antarctica: another world
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Antarctica will fill you with wonder, surrounded by looming glaciers and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. The stillness that reigns is broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife.
Whales begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. This is also when the first penguin chicks hatch. Seeing those clumsy clumps of feathers running around is always a charming sight. February and March are peak whale watching months, when huge amounts of krill lure whales to the area.
Nature is king here and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured that each day will offer something different and thrilling.
Join the Expedition Team on landings and while ice cruising. You may even have the chance to kayak among the icebergs.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping expand your insight into the frozen continent. Over five magical days, experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Returning to warmer waters
Day 10-11
Returning to warmer waters
Heading back north across the Drake Passage
After five incredible days, you’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica. Your head will likely be filled with a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and impressions. The next couple of days will be a chance to reflect on your adventure to the seventh continent.
As your mind tries to conjure up the magical Antarctic scenery, now could be a good time to sift through your photos and videos to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Why not take the chance to unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a few relaxing spa treatments in the wellness area.
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
Day 12
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.
Why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.
What's included
Hotel
- Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Flights
- Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks
- Meals and takeout available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX gear
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that streaming is not supported.
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Center
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Solo Traveler Benefit!
For a limited time, solo travelers pay no single supplement* on select expedition cruises to Alaska, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and more!
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Exclusive Member Offers
Save an additional 5% on your next expedition
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Save up to 25% on your 2026-2027 expedition
Get a head start on your next adventure to Antarctica, the Galápagos, Greenland, & more!
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39 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee
Chart Your Next Course! Save up to $3,500 on 2024-2025 departures
Through March 15th 2025, save up to $3,500 on select 2024-2025 sailings to Antarctica, Galápagos and more.
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Beat the Heat! Save up to $3,500 on 2025-2026 Expedition Cruises!
Through November 10, save up to $3,500 on select 2024-2026 sailings to Antarctica, Galápagos, Greenland, Iceland, Northwest Passage, Svalbard, and more. Ensure your best rate with our Price Promise! Exclusions apply.
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Set sail in style with our limited time suite offer
Save up to $5,500 when you book a suite before 23 December 2024.
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Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages