SMALL SHIP EXPEDITION CRUISE
16-Day Antarctica Cruise with Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Flights
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What's included
- Accommodation based on twin share room
- Activities as per the itinerary
- Cruise as per itinerary
- Cruise meals and non-chargeable entertainment
- Cruise transfers
- Escorted tour
- Expert local guides
- Internal flights
- International flights from Australia
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Wildlife viewing
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Cruise gratuities
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
- Visa arrangements and fees
Antarctica Cruise Package Overview
If you’re into wildlife viewing, history and photography – there’s so much that you’ll love about this Antarctica and Argentina adventure!
Fly to Buenos Aires for a luxe overnight stay, then head to Ushuaia to embark on an epic 11-day voyage to experience the raw beauty of the Great White Continent.
During the expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, landscapes are at their most pristine, icebergs are at their greatest mass, penguins are busy courting, nest building and squabbling over pebbles. As the Ocean Endeavour edges its way through the fractured ice, maybe entering the narrow, sheer-sided Lemaire Channel, you’re invited onto the bow to witness the unspoiled polar wilderness. Scan for Leopard seals on ice floes as you follow the continent’s inhabitants further south into the untouched snowscapes of pristine Antarctica.
Upon return to Ushuaia, fly to Iguazu Falls for a jaw-dropping experience at the awesome falls that lie split between Brazil and Argentina. After two amazing days, fly back to Buenos Aires and complete this spectacular journey with a highlights-packed tour of the colourful city and a professional tango lesson!
SEE THE BROCHURE
Antarctica sale
With this special deal, if you book by 31 August 2023 you can save as much as $3700 per person – that’s $7400 per couple that you get to keep in your pocket!
For cabin options, current prices and availability, please call 1300 168 910 or email [email protected] to talk to our expert travel designers.
Inclusions at a glance
- Flights – Return economy class airfares to Buenos Aires
- Fly from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane (contact us for other cities)
- Internal flights: Buenos Aires-Ushuaia, Ushuaia-Buenos Aires-Iguazu, Iguassu-Buenos Aires
- Hotel accommodation – Standard rooms, based on twin share
- 3 nights Buenos Aires
- 1 night Ushuaia
- 2 nights Iguazu
- Meals – 15 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
- Cruise – 10 nights aboard Ocean Endeavour expedition cruise ship
- Zodiac excursions
- Meals & activities on board the ship
- Waterproof boots (on loan)
- Warm inner jacket is yours to keep
- Tour – Escorted tour of Iguazu & Buenos Aires (post-cruise)
- Sightseeing as per itinerary in modern air-conditioned coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager
- English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
Special features
- Penguin populations in the rookeries are thriving and the birds are busy nest-building and courting. Albatross, fulmars and petrels fly the Drake Passage and blue-eyed shags reappear in Antarctica.
- It’s an incredible time for photographers – lengthening days are concluded with fantastic evening light, noctilucent clouds and beautiful rose-coloured sunsets.
- Experience daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings, and take advantage of a range of paid adventure options during your voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
- Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology and participate in our citizen science program, all led by an expert expedition team.
- Tour cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the sophisticated “Paris of South America”
- Stand in awe at majestic Iguassu Falls, one of nature’s most impressive achievements
Life aboard Ocean Endeavour
The Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable and spacious expedition ship with a gym, library and wide range of cabin types carry up to 200 passengers.
With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar regions. It’s designed for adventure travellers who want to get off the ship and onto the ice, with a wide range of expedition activities, citizen science research programs, and opportunities to learn about Antarctica’s history and biology from passionate guides.
The ship carries 20 zodiacs for exploration and remote landings and offers additional activities such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ice camping and hiking plus a photography program, all designed to enhance your polar experience. This small, well-appointed expedition ship allows you to explore the world’s remotest regions while enjoying the class and comfort of a hotel.
There are spacious lounge and bar areas and a top deck observation room with panoramic windows, as well as lecture theatres, a library and a polar boutique. The ample deck areas are equipped with comfortable lounge chairs and feature a saltwater pool, saunas and even a hot tub. Travellers can also enjoy health and fitness amenities including a gym, spa treatments and yoga classes designed to enhance your personal wellness.
Onboard, the extensive range of cabin options includes dedicated single cabins for solo travellers, suites and triple cabins that feature two bathrooms. The ship offers an unmatched sense of space with plenty of both interior and exterior areas, where you can enjoy the company of your fellow travellers or enjoy Antarctica in quiet solitude. It’s a truly immersive Antarctic adventure for explorers of any age.
Phenomenal staff, excursions and opportunities to see the landscape and wildlife in Antarctica. The polar plunge is a must do! Kayaking is brilliant and the number of treks available to see the penguins is exceptional. Would recommend this trip to all. Certainly a life changing experience!
- DAY 01
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAYS 4-5
- DAYS 6-9
- DAYS 10 - 11
- DAY 12
- DAY 13
- DAY 14
- DAY 15
- DAY 16
Fly to Buenos Aires
Fly from Australia to Buenos Aires. Arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Its beauty is apparent with its elegant architecture, wide tree-shaded boulevards, striking monuments and sprawling parks. Make your own way to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure to get acquainted with the “Paris of South America” and its distinct European flavour. This evening, you might like to treat yourself to an Argentinean beef dinner at one of the city's many superb steak restaurants.
Overnight:Buenos Aires at 725 Continental Hotel or similar
Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. On arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel for your pre-cruise night. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia boasts many shops, museums, restaurants and cafes that you can enjoy before your voyage. This Argentine town is the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your cruise. If you feel adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park offers plenty of outdoor activities.
Overnight: Ushuaia
Embarkation in Ushuaia
Following your embarkation onto the Ocean Endeavour in the late afternoon, begin your Antarctic journey south, passing through the infamous Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds.
Accommodation - Expedition cruise ship
Meals included - Breakfast, dinner
At Sea, Drake Passage
Famed for its wild nature, the Drake Passage is unpredictable and always changing. Be sure to spend some time out on one of the Ocean Endeavour's many outer decks soaking up the fresh sea air and feeling the breeze of the roaring forties and furious fifties – waters not yet tamed even by the most intrepid of explorers. Your expedition team will provide insights into your exciting adventure that lies ahead. During these two days on the sea, you will have plenty of time to gaze out at the Southern Ocean, capture photos of the birds circling the Ocean Endeavour and get to know your fellow travellers and expedition team. There is always great excitement on board when the first sighting of land appears, which with favourable sea and weather conditions will be early evening on day four.
Accommodation - Expedition cruise ship
Melas included - Breakfast (2), lunch (2), dinner (2)
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once you have left the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands come into view, a region that has long captured the attention of explorers. Every visit to Antarctica reveals something unexpected or new, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other – a unique and personal experience. During your time aboard the Ocean Endeavour, your expedition team and captain will scout for whales and seabirds and alert you to any new sightings. Enjoy in-depth explanations and lectures from your expedition team on the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region as you explore.
Even more exciting will be your first land excursion – something you will never forget! Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to explore local bays, channels and landing sites with wildlife opportunities always at the forefront of your expedition team's mind. Walk on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries and search for southern seal species, including the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal. Each day and each landing is different, but every day presents new photo opportunities and sightings, so it won't take long until you know the difference between an Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins.
You might hike to a penguin rookery one day and take a Zodiac cruise among towering icebergs the next. From coming eye to eye with a humpback whale to the sound of a calving glacier, you will wake up excited each day with a desire to explore this icy wilderness. If you can't get enough and find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an overnight ice camping experience on land, a snowshoeing excursion to explore further afield, or a hit the water for a day paddle excursion.
An average day onboard begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.
Accommodation - Expedition cruise ship
Melas included - Breakfast (4), lunch (4), dinner (4)
At Sea, Drake Passage
Your journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the Antarctic air. Be sure to spend some time on the outer decks scouting for whales, watching seabirds, or enjoying a presentation by your expedition team on a wide range of topics. Celebrate the experiences you have shared with your fellow passengers exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.
Accommodation - Expedition cruise ship
Melas included - Breakfast (2), lunch (2), dinner (2)
Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Fly Ushuaia to Iguazu Falls
You arrive in the port of Ushuaia in the morning and your expedition team will gather on the deck to farewell you as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast. Your transfer to Ushuaia airport is included for the flight to Iguazu Falls via Buenos Aires.
One of the planet’s most awe-inspiring sights, the Iguazú Falls are simply astounding. A visit is a jaw-dropping, visceral experience, and the power and noise of the cascades – a chain of hundreds of waterfalls nearly 3km in extension – live forever in the memory. An added benefit is the setting: the falls lie split between Brazil and Argentina in a large expanse of national park, much of it rainforest teeming with unique flora and fauna. If you would like to take an optional tour of Iguazu Falls on arrival, please let your travel consultant know.
Overnight:Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast
Iguazu, the Argentinean Falls
Your adventure continues this morning at Iguazu Falls. A rail car takes you to the top of the Falls on the Upper Circuit, and you will walk to the Lower Circuit where the power of nature surrounds you.
Continue along the catwalks to Devil's Gorge - stand in amazement as you gaze at spectacular "Devil's Throat" the most magnificent of all of the cataracts. View, photograph and feel the spray of the thundering waters, one of nature's most impressive achievements and a unique experience for your senses. Spend the rest of the day exploring the natural treasures of Iguazú National Park, designated a World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered flora and fauna
Overnight:Iguazu
Meals:Breakfast
Fly to Buenos Aires
This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, with its ornate architecture, grand boulevards and striking monuments. The remainder of the day and evening if free to continue exploring the vibrant city
Overnight:Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast
Buenos Aires City Tour
Discover the city's highlights this morning on a tour that includes the Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace); see the balcony where Eva and Juan Peron made their speeches. Then, to the colourful La Boca neighbourhood, a working-class barrio, and the old quarters of San Telmo and Caminito, a mix of colonial style homes, narrow lanes, artists' lofts and very trendy cafes. Drive to the Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of many of the wealthiest and most important Argentine historical figures. The grounds here cover more than four city blocks, filled with tombs adorned by works of local and international sculptors, and more than 6400 mausoleums including the tomb of Eva "Evita" Peron. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some of Buenos Aires neighbourhoods and fabulous collection of shops before this afternoon's tango lesson with professional Argentinean Tango Dancers.
Overnight:Buenos Aires
Meals:Breakfast
Depart Argentina, Fly to Australia
The time has come to check out of the hotel this morning and make your way to Buenos Aires airport for flights home. Journey ends & great memories begin.
More about Antarctica
More about Argentina
My Travel Experience Review
Expedition cruising aboard a small ship is the only way that you can get up close to the true wonders of Antarctica. Cruises are always filling fast, so book quickly to take advantage of this incredible deal with Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and flights included.
More about this tour
See the brochure
CLICK HERE to view, download or print a copy of this cruise and tour package brochure.
The brochure includes details of the inclusions, full itinerary and other relevant travel information. Information contained in the brochure is subject to change and at the time of booking you will be provided with an updated copy that includes the current details for your reservation.
Departure Dates
This cruise package includes flights from Australia and departs on 01 & 10 November 2023 and 08 March 2024*.
Dates are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Price may vary depending on when you book.
Please contact us for cabin availability and current prices.
*Please note that March itinerary will vary slightly from the itinerary shown on this website - please contact us for details.
Is this trip right for you?
The Ocean Endeavour is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.
Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.
Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.
Important to remember...
The day-by-day itinerary descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, sea conditions, land accessibility, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client's benefit. It is essential that travellers are flexible and open minded in this regard.
Speak to a travel specialist
The My Travel Experience team are travel experts and we're here to help you enjoy the best holiday - from the time you start to plan your trip until the day you return home. We are only a phone call or email away whenever you need us, so please contact us today with any questions.
Email [email protected]. Phone 1300 168 910 (in Australia) or +61 400 226 454 (from overseas or via mobile).
New safety measures and greater peace of mind.
The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority, especially as we adjust to a new world for travellers. My Travel Experience is committed to ensuring your peace of mind with customer-friendly booking practices and enhanced health and safety standards on our trips.
To help you book with confidence, we will assist you if any unexpected situations arise and My Travel Experience also offers clients as much flexibility as possible when making bookings.
How to make a booking:
This special deal is valid until 31 August 2023 and can be withdrawn without notice. Please contact us for current rates.
Advertised price is based on lead-price departure(s) and rates will be advised for your preferred travel date prior to any payment being required. Prices were correct on 20 July 2023.
All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). The package is subject to confirmation at the time of booking and prices may change without notice. Booking conditions and cancellation fees apply.
Please read My Travel Experience Booking Terms & Conditions prior to making a reservation. By booking any travel service with us, you have agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.
To make a booking please call My Travel Experience on 1300 168 910 or email [email protected].
You can also select a trip and request it via this website - please enter your preferred departure date (if known) and the number of people travelling. If you wish to submit an enquiry, please let us know your travel dates plus any other information that will help us provide a quote, such as departure city and travel preferences.
No payment is required to submit an online booking request - your booking is pending confirmation and no place is being held. Your reservation status will be advised when you hear from our travel consultants. Bookings are normally actioned within 24 hours - Monday to Friday.
Words can never fully articulate this frozen land. Your senses will be overwhelmed and your best storytelling skills will never do justice to the scale, the wildness, the contrasts, the sounds, the smells – to be immersed in the pure, raw magic that is Antarctica will change you.
Rating: 5 / 5
Rating for:Cruise 5 / 5
Wonderful experience with a great team who were supportive and knowledgeable. Taught us lots, kept us safe and allowed us to experience the true awesomeness of Antarctica.
Rating: 5 / 5
Rating for:Cruise 5 / 5
This trip was by far my best trip ever, I have seen a few corners of the world but never something like this, I don’t have much words to describe it but what I feel now on my way back home and processing what I have seen and felt here, brings me in tears and makes my heart jump of happiness, gratitude for have had the chance to be in this magic, mysterious and unique place on earth.
I feel this trip has changed me for ever. I’m going to be a great ambassador of Antarctic and for sure I’m going to share this experience with every single person I know. Because now I feel responsible and part of it, we all have to do something for and protect Antarctic.
Rating: 5 / 5