Today you arrive in Ushuaia. The city has a nice feel to it and make sure you check out some of the lovely shops and cafes that can be found throughout. If you arrive quite early you may wish to take a trip to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park .

Today your cruise begins! You board your ship in the late afternoon whereby you meet and greet your fellow passengers and crew members. There will be a big welcome meal on-board as your cruise ship heads out through the Beagle Channel. Your crew will also go over mandatory safety precautions.

Pray for calm weather as the Drake Passage is infamous for its rough seas! This is the perfect thresher though for you to find your sea legs. The crossing gives passengers the chance to get to know each other a little better and begin to look out for some wildlife. Your crew will go over the optional extra activities available to you and discuss zodiac and landing procedures. Keep a sharp eye out for whales and seabirds!

Reaching Antarctica cannot really be put into words. The general reaction is one of awe. The beautiful desolate landscape is harsh environment of ice and many people are entranced by its foreignness.

Your captain will make berth at the most notable destinations along the peninsula and you’ll be given daily zodiac and whale watching trips, hikes and photography opportunities. Your guides will always keep you informed as to what you are seeing and you’ll get the chance to have a polar plunge!

You’ll never want to leave this dazzling landscape of blue-hued icebergs, towering glaciers and floating sea ice. Keep your eye out for leopard seals and minke whales.

Today you cross back across the Drake Passage back towards South America and the infamous Cape Horn! Your lectures will continue as you make the crossing.

One of the most mythical places on earth, Cape Horn is the southern most tip of South America. Before the Panama Canal was constructed, sailors were forced to sail around Cape Horn to reach the other side of South America. If weather permits your cruise will make berth and you will go ashore to explore.

Today your cruise enters Patagonia proper. You will sail through the Magellan Strait and the Beagle Channel, all the while marveling at the incredible landscape around you. The Chilean Fjords are some of the most beautiful on the planet ans the tall snow-capped mountains offer a marvelous contrast to the stark white environment of Antarctica.You’ll make several shore landings to explore the region further and naturalists will be in their element as you will have the chance to spot sea lions and Andean condors!

Torres Del Paine is one of the most beautiful national parks on earth and you’ll sail down Puerto Natales to reach the stunning area. Isolated bays and hidden islands make up the landscape and your guides will give you the chance to hike and kayak around the region to explore it in depth. Torres Del Paine means ‘Towers of Paine’ and the park is known for its towering and unique rock formations that few people ever witness. The flora and fauna of the park is simply stunning and hikers will have the chance to see  llamas, pumas, chilla foxes, skunks and over 100 species of bird!

After departing the amazing Patagonia archipelago, your next stop is the village of Puerto Eden. The isolated village only has 250 inhabitants and holds the last 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people. You’ll have the option to explore the village further or take a hiking or kayaking session with your guides.

Today you can relax as you spend another day in the Chilean Fjords. Spend the day on-board or take a hike in the picturesque countryside.

Puerto Montt is a coastal city in Chile with great views over the local region. Exploring the city with your guide will give you some fantastic insights into the Chilean culture, history and architecture.

Today is spent at sea. You can relax on the sun deck or spend you times listening to lectures by the expert guides.

Today is the last day of your cruise. Valparaiso is a vibrant city known for its artistic influences and your guides will give you a personal tour of the city before you part ways. After you say your goodbyes you will be transferred by car to your hotel in the city of Santiago.

The Antarctica Peninsula and Coastal Patagonia Cruise is a fairly long journey and the price obviously reflects this. For a basic quad or triple room you should expect to pay in excess of US$11,000 and for a double or suite you will be looking at $16,000 plus. For a top suite look to pay in the region of $23,000 per person.

Always remember to do your research on operators and vessels. Operators are often very different and you want to make sure you get exactly what you want. When it comes to Antarctica cruises, you generally get what you pay for. Price should not be the main factor when choosing the right cruise.

Many people talk of securing last minute deals. Whist these are available, the Antarctica Peninsula and Coastal Patagonia Cruise is not run frequently and generally fills up quickly.

Please see our detailed page on Antarctica cruise costs.

Please note that all Antarctic operators offer varying packages and weather conditions will often hinder certain landings and activities. The list provided below is what we believe should be included as standard for this particular cruise.

•1 night hotel stay in Ushuaia before departure

•17 nights on-board the ship

•Ratio of at least 1 expedition member per 10 guests

•Arrival and departure transfers to and from Ushuaia airport and Santiago Airport

•Expert on-board lectures

•Daily zodiac excursions in Antarctica and Patagonia

•Waterproof boots for shore landings

•Expedition parka

•18 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 17 dinners (food should be included in price)

•Optional extra activities offered for additional cost – kayaking, hiking etc.

The Antarctica Peninsula and Coastal Patagonia Cruise is run throughout the summer period – from early November through to late March. The cruise itself will be incredible whenever you choose to sail, however, choosing a certain period definitely has its advantages in terms of what you want to see.

For instance, if you desperately want to see whales then your best chance is seeing them is later in the season around February and March. However, if you want to see towering icebergs and glaciers, then your best bet is to sail early in the season before the ice has had much time to melt.

By sailing in the high part of the season around December and January, you will be able to enjoy Antarctica at her warmest. Temperatures on the Peninsula regularly exceed 10 degrees Celsius during this period! This also the best time to see penguin chicks and seal pups.

Please see our detailed page on when to visit Antarctica.

Camera gear and cold weather gear are your two main considerations for the Antarctica Peninsula and Coastal Patagonia Cruise. Weather on the peninsula can get very cold and you’ll want appropriate cold weather gear. This includes thermal layers, parka, gloves, beanie and waterproof jacket. Good operators will provide you with an expedition parka to keep!

The weather often play hazard with photographic equipment and you’ll need to bring some zip-lock bags to keep your gear in. Remember to bring filters, batteries and a steady tripos also. detailed page on Antarctica photography tips, click here!

Please read our full Antarctic packing list.

Absolutely. Travel insurance is mandatory on Antarctica cruises and your operator will need to see proof of purchase before allowing you on-board. Emergency evacuation is expensive in these wilderness regions and you’ll need to make sure you are properly covered for all medical evacuation expenses. You’ll also need to read your travel insurance policy carefully as some policies do not actually cover you when on shore landings!

Please see our detailed article on Antarctica travel insurance.