Sail deep into Antarctica’s furthest reaches on this adventure of a lifetime. The ice on the Weddell Sea is too thick to navigate for most of the year, so only the lucky few get to experience this corner of Antarctica. Immerse yourself in polar history sailing where Ernest Shackleton’s ship became trapped in the ice in 1915. Watch giant tabular icebergs float past, and lookout for emperor penguins – a rare sight on any other Antarctic cruise.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Dare to brave the notoriously rough two-day Drake Passage sea crossing
- Compare monumental icebergs in the Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Sound as you head to the Weddell Sea
- Get up close to hundreds of penguins as they gather in their thousands in their natural habitat
- Keep an eye out at sea for breaching whales and huge albatross overhead
- Listen to our engaging polar experts and learn tips from our team of experienced photographers
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Buenos Aires
- Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and embark
- Day 3 and 4: Day at Sea
- Day 5 to 10: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 11 and 12: Day at Sea
- Day 13: Ushuaia
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: Buenos Aires
You will be met by a cruise representative on arrival at your hotel in Buenos Aires and updated on the schedule for the following day. The evening is free for you to explore.
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and embark
After an early breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia. On arrival you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation.
Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3 and 4: Day at Sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 5 to 10: Antarctic Peninsula
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 11 and 12: Day at Sea
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 13: Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range in Argentina's Patagonia region, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. Often described as 'the End of the World', the city carries the reputation well - the moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help.
After breakfast you will disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.
Breakfast included.
Next Departure Date: 05 Jan 2026
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Jan 2026 - 17 Jan 2026 | NZD$15444pp | ||
| Triple Oceanview M4 | NZD$15444pp | Contact us | |
| Oceanview D4 | NZD$17644pp | Contact us | |
| Triple Balcony M5 | NZD$18408pp | Contact us | |
| Oceanview M4 | NZD$18533pp | Contact us | |
| Balcony D5 | NZD$21089pp | Contact us | |
| Balcony M5 | NZD$22089pp | Contact us | |
| Balcony D6 | NZD$22978pp | Contact us | |
| Quadruple Suite | NZD$23150pp | Contact us | |
| Suite | NZD$30867pp | Contact us | |
| Premium Suite | NZD$35311pp | Contact us | |
| 25 Jan 2026 - 06 Feb 2026 | NZD$17297pp |
- Please note that cabins Balcony D6, Premium Suite and some Balcony D5 can also be converted into Triples. The Third person will pay only 50% off fare.
- Triple Cabins can also be converted into Quads for 2 children.
- Children under 18 years of age at time of travelling only pay 10% of fare when sharing a room with 2 full fare paying adults.
Ask us for specific pricing.
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Oceanview D4
20 m2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.
Oceanview M4
20 m2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.
Balcony D5
25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.
Balcony M5
25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.
Balcony D6
25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.
Suite
40 m2
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.
Premium Suite
47 m2
Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.
Triple Oceanview M4
19 m2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, a bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1860 X 1230 mm
Triple Balcony M5
28 m2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
Quadruple Suite
44 m2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
To make it a Quad room, the third and fourth guests will sleep on a Double Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
SH Vega Deckplan
Specifications
CREW: 120
GUESTS: 152
DECKS: 9
LENGTH: 337 ft (115 m)
DRAFT: 18 ft (5.5 m)
BREADTH: 75 ft (23 m)
REGISTERED: Panama
CRUISING SPEED: 15.5 knots in open water
LIFEBOATS: 2 fully enclosed
PROPULSION DIESEL-ELECTRIC ENGINES: 4x Medium speed, Polar code Cat A
Whats included?
- Regional flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel in Buenos Aires
- Four group transfer: from Buenos Aires Airport to hotel, from hotel to Buenos Aires airport, from Ushuaia airport to port and from port to Ushuaia airport
- All meals onboard
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
- Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Standard WiFi
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
- Up to 2 shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (weather and itinerary dependant)
- Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
- Itineraries are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change
What’s not included?
- Flights not mentioned
- Any items not mentioned as included
- Visas, if required
- Travel Insurance
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry or souvenirs
Notes
- Please note that cabins Balcony D6, Premium Suite and some Balcony D5 can also be converted into Triples. The Third person will pay only 50% off fare.
- Triple Cabins can also be converted into Quads for 2 children.
- Children under 18 years of age at time of travelling only pay 10% of fare when sharing a room with 2 full fare paying adults.
Ask us for specific pricing.
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
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
