Meet Antarctica's wildlife!

South Shetland Islands and Antarctica: Ocean Victory

Antarctic Peninsula

Onboard this strong, ice-classed expedition vessel, you are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling you to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding islands. Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, make Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts. Continuing southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water

  • Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica.
  • Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Be aboard a state-of-the-art, polar 6 class vessel
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
  • Witness the abundant wildlife - penguins, elephant seals, whales and more!
With the patented X-BOW design, the vessel will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessel, a first landing or activity in the South Shetland islands may be possible on Day 3 late afternoon.

Early Booking rates

Early Booking rates 2025/26 apply until 31st August 2024
READ THE CUSTOMER REVIEWS
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Jan 19 2023
 
The Ocean Victory vessel is fantastic. The hotel staff, and expedition teams were very helpful and knowledgable. They kept us comfortable and informed about all upcoming events and activities.
Jan 19 2023
 
Fantastic crew. Capable, experienced and diverse backgrounds
Jan 12 2023
 
The tour is excellent. The ship is excellent. But being lower decks/younger solo traveller/minorities gets you a lower grade service. There was an inadequate supply of popular sized boots and walking poles. Plates often dirty and hair in food. But hotel staff always apologised and made things right. Some expedition staff were permitted to break rules and treat passengers poorly despite reporting issues to senior expedition staff.
Apr 05 2022
 
Die Kreuzfahrt war super, sowohl was den Service an Bord betraf, als auch die besuchten Orte. Insbesondere die extrem kompetenten und freundlichen Guides machen das Ganze zu einem Highlight!
Feb 10 2022
 
Good, under the chaotic circumstances, i.e., covid. Loved the expeditions, guides were very good. Would have liked more time off the boat. Food was mediocre, although ice cream, yogurt and baked goods were very good. Coffee was terrible. Room with balcony was great, especially during our 2 day quarantine. If we couldn't have opened the door for fresh air and watched the scenery, it would have been miserable. Staff were very nice. Overall, had a really nice time. Would have liked some live music or movies at night, even bingo was a nice change . And more talks by the guides.

Stewart's Take

A state-of-the-art Antarctic adventure!

Overview

Onboard this strong, ice-classed expedition vessel, you are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling you to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding islands. Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, make Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts. Continuing southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water.
DAY 1 - USHUAIA Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship. Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. DAY 2-3 - AT SEA - CROSS DRAKE PASSAGE Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice! In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds. DAY 4-5: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS Over the next two days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins. The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings. DAY 6-7 - ANTARCTIC PENINSULA As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more. The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings. Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff. For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, our ships offer excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. Our ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife. DAY 8-9 - DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time. DAY 10 - USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.

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M/V OCEAN VICTORY

Ocean Victory

The brand-new luxury infinity vessel Ocean Victory is one of the most modern small ship vessels in the world. This stylish cruise ship is ideally suited to small-ship expeditions, with a total of 93 comfortable cabins for guests, all with a view of the ocean, 90% with a balcony, even a suite with a French balcony! Ocean Victory is deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctica voyages. With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-BOW® – Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification, which facilitates a safe return to port. Part of a brand new generation of low energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption, the Ocean Victory will also be environmentally friendly onboard, with the implementation of the Green Initiative Program. Amenities onboard include a Nordic Bar Lounge, Ocean Shop, various restaurants, including an open deck dining facility, and a highly new and modern lecture lounge.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included
  • 10-day cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boot rentals
  • Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
  • Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
  • Taxes
  • Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition leader and team
  • Special photo workshop
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails
  • Digital visual journal link post-voyage
Excluded
  • Extra excursions and 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 14 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses
  • Transfers to/from the ship
  • Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
Deposit Reservations require a 25% deposit at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Balances are due 90 days prior to departure and can be paid by bank transfer. Balance payments may be made by credit card however subject to a 2% surcharge. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administration fee of minimum USD 1,000 per person. Cancellations received From 179 days to 91 days prior to departure 25% of the total cruise tariff. From 90 days until departure: 100% of the total cruise tariff. Insurance Adequate trip cancellation insurance is required for this expedition, including emergency medical evacuation coverage. Pricing, Sharing and Single Occupancy Prices shown are per person on a shared basis. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with someone of the same gender and pay only the share rate. Single occupancy is available in dedicated category G sole use cabins or by supplement. Booking Terms Please read carefully the general Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Albatros Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Personal information forms will be required to be completed, as well as separate waiver and information forms for swim participants. More information will be sent to you at the time of booking.
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