Highlights of the Southern Spring | Ocean Victory Expedition Ship

Highlights of the Southern Spring

Journey from the southern tip of South America to the heart of Antarctica on this unforgettable expedition. Departing from Ushuaia, cross the legendary Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Encounter vast penguin colonies, towering glaciers, and surreal icy seascapes as you travel deeper into the white wilderness. This immersive adventure blends discovery, nature, and comfort aboard a state-of-the-art expedition vessel, offering the chance to witness one of the last untouched places on Earth.

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, embarkation

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city and your gateway to Antarctica. Spend the morning exploring this scenic Patagonian hub or venture into the pristine wilderness of Tierra del Fuego for a taste of the region’s rugged beauty. In the afternoon, board your expedition ship and settle in. After a safety briefing, set sail through the Beagle Channel, a stunning waterway filled with marine life and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The adventure officially begins as the ship heads into open water toward the infamous Drake Passage.

Day 2 - 3: At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Southbound

Brace yourself for the legendary Drake Passage, known for its untamed seas and dynamic weather. While the ocean may be wild, the ship offers stability and comfort as you begin your polar education. Engage in expert-led lectures covering Antarctic history, wildlife, and environmental preservation. Complete biosecurity procedures to protect the pristine ecosystems you’re about to visit. As you cross into the Antarctic Convergence, wildlife sightings increase—look out for soaring albatrosses, playful dolphins, and even your first penguins or whales. If weather allows, you may step ashore in the South Shetland Islands by the end of Day 3.

Day 4 - 6: South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula

Day 7 - 8: At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Northbound

Day 9: Back to Ushuaia and disembarkation

Deception Island | South Shetland Islands | Antarctica

+12

Cruise Includes

Stateroom accommodation on board during your voyage

Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre

Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport

All Zodiac excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team

Expedition parka

Rubber boots loan scheme

Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team

English-speaking Expedition Team

Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks

Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)

Free tea and coffee available 24 hours

Taxes and landing fees

Special photo workshops

Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties

Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!

Cruise does not include

International or internal flights

Extra excursions and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades

Meals not on board the ship

Beverages (other than coffee and tea)

Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)

Personal expenses (e.g. Polar Spa services, Ocean Boutique purchases)

Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landings and excursions

Laundry, bar, and other personal charges, unless specified

Travel and medical insurance (compulsory)

Pre or post cruise travel expenses

Visa (if applicable) and passport fees

Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings

Highlights

Experience the thrill of sailing the wild Drake Passage both ways.

Encounter vast colonies of penguins and stunning icy landscapes.

Visit remote islands and volcanic sites like Deception Island.

Explore the iconic Gerlache Strait and its majestic glaciers.

Participate in unique polar activities like snowshoeing and camping.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography