The 2028-2029 Antarctic expedition season will feature 37 scheduled voyages, including four new itineraries connecting travelers through Buenos Aires, Argentina. The new departures include pre-voyage accommodation, domestic charter flights and transfers, with routes focused on whale watching, wildlife photography and outdoor adventure.
The season offers expeditions ranging from eight to 23 days, along with seven special-edition departures. The four new itineraries will operate aboard Greg Mortimer, visiting different parts of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Early booking discounts of up to 25% are available on selected departures, subject to eligibility and availability. According to Seatrade Cruise News, travelers must complete their booking and pay a deposit by January 31, 2027, to qualify for the promotional offer.
Four New Antarctic Expeditions for 2028 and 2029
South Georgia & Antarctica Active
Departing October 31, 2028, this 21-day expedition combines visits to South Georgia and Antarctica with a range of outdoor activities. The published program includes paddling, snorkeling, snowshoeing and overnight camping.
Participation in these activities may depend on weather, sea conditions and operational requirements. Travelers should confirm which experiences are included in the fare, whether advance reservations are necessary and how cancellations caused by unfavorable conditions are handled.
Antarctica: Behind the Lens
Scheduled to begin January 17, 2029, this 11-day expedition focuses on wildlife observation and visual storytelling. Wildlife filmmaker Ian McCarthy and production coordinator Anne McCarthy are scheduled to join the voyage.
The itinerary is particularly relevant for travelers interested in wildlife photography, filmmaking and Antarctic ecosystems. The guest program is associated with this specific departure and should not be assumed to apply to other voyages during the season.
The Edge of Wild Frontiers
Beginning February 27, 2029, this 17-day itinerary concentrates on South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Its geographic focus distinguishes it from expeditions primarily centered on the Antarctic Peninsula.
The longer schedule provides an alternative for travelers seeking to explore these South Atlantic destinations. Those whose main priority is reaching the Antarctic Peninsula should examine the published route carefully before selecting this departure.
Gentle Giants of the Antarctic
The fourth new expedition is scheduled for March 2029 and focuses on whale watching around the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife observation is a central feature of the voyage, with opportunities to encounter marine animals during the expedition.
The available information does not specify the exact departure date or duration. As with other wildlife-focused expeditions, sightings will depend on animal movements, weather and local conditions.
Buenos Aires Becomes a Gateway for the New Voyages
One of the main changes introduced for the four itineraries is the inclusion of travel arrangements through Buenos Aires. Each package covers pre-voyage hotel accommodation, round-trip charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, and associated transfers.
This arrangement brings several domestic travel services into a single package, reducing the number of separate reservations travelers need to organize. International passengers should still verify their required arrival date, hotel arrangements and baggage allowances for the charter flights.
The included flights operate between two Argentine cities and do not replace the sea journey from Ushuaia to Antarctica. Travelers concerned about crossing the Drake Passage should distinguish these departures from fly-cruise programs that use flights to bypass part of the crossing.
International flight schedules and potential overnight connections also need to be considered. The advertised expedition duration may not represent the total number of days required for the journey from a traveler's home country.
Additional Ships and Destinations Across the Season
Beyond the four new Greg Mortimer departures, the 2028-2029 program also includes voyages aboard Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson. The wider season covers destinations such as Patagonia, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica.
Travelers can compare itineraries according to their preferred destinations, available travel time and planned activities. Photography-focused and adventure-oriented departures may have different requirements for equipment, activity reservations and participation.
Expedition schedules remain subject to environmental and operational conditions. Shore landings, outdoor activities and wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed on every departure.
What Travelers Should Check Before Booking
- Voyage duration: the season includes expeditions lasting eight to 23 days, excluding any additional international travel time.
- Destinations: the new itineraries offer different combinations of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
- Travel connections: all four new departures include pre-voyage accommodation, charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, and transfers.
- Activities: paddling, snorkeling, snowshoeing, camping and wildlife-focused experiences may depend on weather, availability and advance reservations.
- Early booking discounts: savings of up to 25% apply to selected departures, with a booking and deposit deadline of January 31, 2027.
- Total costs: travelers should confirm cabin prices, included services, deposit requirements and cancellation conditions before committing.
Early Booking Deadline and Remaining Details
The published information does not provide final cabin prices or specific deposit amounts for every itinerary. It also does not establish that all 37 voyages qualify for the maximum advertised discount.
Comparing total fares rather than discount percentages will be particularly important for travelers choosing between shorter Antarctic Peninsula voyages and longer expeditions that include South Georgia or the Falkland Islands. Additional activities, cabin categories and international connections may affect the overall cost.
The next confirmed booking deadline is January 31, 2027, for eligible early reservations requiring a deposit. Travelers considering the 2028-2029 season should verify their preferred departure, included activities and applicable booking conditions before that date.
