Christmas is a time for magic, and nowhere is that more true than here in nature’s last magically untouched continent – Antarctica. We’ll share the holidays peacefully coexisting with Mother Nature herself, in the form of spectacular icebergs, colonies of Adelie and other penguin species, and an array of seals, while always on the lookout for a likely sighting of Orca whales on the hunt. The Antarctic Sound is renowned for its giant tubular icebergs, while the Weddel Sea offers a geography unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Antarctica
Christmas in Antarctica
12 Days aboard MS Seaventure. From NZD $24,009$21,609pp.
Details
Overview
Save 10%
Itinerary Highlights
- A magical Christmas Day exploring the beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula
- A journey through the otherworldly landscape of the Weddell Sea
- Wildlife encounters with penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds
- Zodiac cruising through the Antarctic Sound amongst colossal tabular icebergs
- Visits to numerous historic landing sites and working research bases
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
- Day 2: Embarkation
- Day 3-4: Drake Passage
- Day 5-6: Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea
- Day 7-8: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 9: South Shetland Islands
- Day 10-11: Drake Passage
- Day 12: Disembarkation
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.
Our evening briefing at the Arakur is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2: All Aboard Seaventure!
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Day 3 and 4: Drake Passage
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program, or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely-seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures, your cue to get ready for that first iceberg sighting, an unforgettable moment on every journey.
Day 5 and 6: Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea
We maneuver through the mysterious channels and wildlife-rich waters of the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea, the perfect place to ensure an unforgettable holiday adventure. The Antarctic Sound is well known for its huge tabular icebergs and the Weddell Sea offers a unique geography unlike anywhere else on earth. Here we’ll take in the abundant wildlife such as Adélie penguins and seals as we keep on the lookout for hunting Orca.
Day 7 and 8: Merry Christmas, Antarctica!
Time to put our explorer’s spirit to full use. Antarctica offers astounding images and wildlife encounters at every turn, as the last truly unspoiled place on earth, populated only by its original wild inhabitants. Prepare yourself to encounter numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, who will be there to share the holidays with us along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. We’ll also take full advantage of every opportunity to visit some of the several active scientific bases and historic landing sites on the peninsula. This voyage promises to be a holiday memory you’ll cherish forever. Our team always
has something fun planned for Christmas Day
Day 9: South Shetland Islands
Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins; and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as well. So, we’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend most of our day exploring. And kayakers, it’s time to get your first taste of gliding just inches off the pristine Antarctic water. Whether on land or sea, in zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.
Day 10 and 11: Drake Passage
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 12: Ushuaia Disembarkation
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Next Departure Date: 18 Dec 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Dec 2025 - 29 Dec 2025 | NZD$21609pp | ||
| Triple Stateroom | Save 10% | ||
| Porthole Stateroom | Save 10% | ||
| Window Stateroom | Save 10% | ||
| Veranda Stateroom | Save 10% | ||
| Owner's Stateroom | Save 10% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Stateroom
Extra single bed
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
Porthole Stateroom
Porthole window
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
Window Stateroom
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
Veranda Stateroom
Private Veranda
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
Owner's Stateroom
Private balcony
Exterior views
Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
Complimentary Mini-Bar
Flat Screen TV
Telephone
Safe to store your valuables
Independent temperature controls
Luxury toiletries
Hair dryer
MS Seaventure Deckplan
Specifications
- Passengers: Capable of carrying 164 people however limited to 139 for passenger comfort.
- Crew: 90
- Built by: Mitsubishi Shipyard, Kobe (Japan)
- Built in: 1990
- Reimagined: 2019
- Refurbished: Spring 2021
- Manager: RsR Nemo Ship Management, Cyprus
- Registered in: Nassau, Bahamas
- Length: 111,5 m
- Width: 17,0 m
- Tonnage: 6 752 GRT
- Class: B.V. Ice Class 1A Super (highest available)
- Stabilization: Retractable-type Fin Stabilizers (11 m2 ea)
Whats included?
- Pre-voyage hotel with breakfast in Ushuaia (see specific itinerary for details)
- Transfer from airport in embarkation city to group hotel if arriving on Day 1 of itinerary, and providing we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure
- Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation
- Shipboard accommodations
- All meals on board
- Beer/wine/soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
- All scheduled landings and excursions
- Our Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
- Expedition jacket (yours to keep)
- A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
- 500 MB WiFi for personal devices
- All port fees
- All landing fees
- Digital Voyage Log
What’s not included?
- Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival in Ushuaia other than those listed above
- Transfer from airport to group hotel, unless arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary
- Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Argentina
- Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
- Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board
- Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided
- Staff gratuities
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Antarctica
On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
Downloadable travel guide
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