Embark on the journey of a lifetime on an extraordinary 12-day / 11-night Antarctic cruise. This immersive adventure takes you deep into one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions on Earth, where vast landscapes, towering icebergs, and untouched wilderness create a truly otherworldly setting. From the moment you step aboard your expedition vessel, you’ll be surrounded by expert guides, naturalists, and a like-minded group of travelers, all eager to explore the wonders of the White Continent in comfort and style.

Your voyage begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, as you depart for a scenic crossing of the legendary Drake Passage, where anticipation builds as seabirds glide alongside the ship and the first ice formations come into view. Upon reaching Antarctica, each day brings unforgettable experiences—cruising through dramatic fjords, setting foot on remote shores, and encountering remarkable wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat.

Guided Zodiac excursions and optional kayaking opportunities allow you to get up close to the pristine environment, while onboard lectures and presentations deepen your understanding of the region’s history, ecology, and exploration, with a focus on the Gerlache Strait area.

Throughout the journey, enjoy the perfect balance of adventure and luxury. Your expedition ship offers well-appointed cabins, exceptional dining, and inviting common spaces to relax and take in panoramic views of the ever-changing scenery.

Evenings are spent reflecting on the day’s discoveries, sharing stories with fellow travelers, and watching the Antarctic light dance across the horizon. This once-in-a-lifetime expedition with is more than a trip—it’s a transformative experience that leaves you with a profound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our planet.

What's Included?

• Accommodations:
  12 days/ 11 nights in highly rated accommodations, including 1 pre-voyage night at the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa Hotel

• Airport Transfers

  Round Trip Airport Transfers

• Ship Transfers

  Transfers to and from the ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation

• Entrance Fees

  Entrances fees for activities and excursions

• Meals & Beverages
  All meals during the voyage, including an all-inclusive beverage package

• Tea & Coffee
  24-Hour Tea and Coffee Station aboard the ship

• Shore Excursions

  Scheduled landings and excursions (weather permitting) to explore breathtaking landscapes

• Digital Voyage Log

  With photos and a memorable video from our expedition photographer

• Voyage Gift

  Stylish parka to take home as a cherished memento

• Taxes & Fees

  All IAATO fees, governmental taxes, and port fees are included for a worry-free experience

What's not included?

• Airfare

  International Airfare to and from Ushuaia, Argentina

• Additional Items

  Souvenirs, optional activities, or other personal items

• Gratuity
  Gratuities for tour guides, ship staff, restaurant staff, and drivers

• Insurance

  Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation is required.

• Travel Fees

  Any travel-related fees (visas, passports, baggage, etc.)

Arrival & Welcome to Ushuaia!

Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to your hotel. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Meals: On your own

Overnight Stay: Local Hotel

Welcome Aboard!

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear.

Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come.

After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

Meals Included: Dinner

Overnight Stay: M/V Sea Spirit

Across the Drake Passage

After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. We watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies.

We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Stay: M/V Sea Spirit

The South Shetland Islands & The Antarctica Peninsula

Within the next days, we explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty.

Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife.

We will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We hope to show you the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

Impressive colonies of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins can be found throughout the islands, sometimes side by side. In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure.

Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Stay: M/V Sea Spirit

Back Across the Drake Passage

It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters.

This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: M/V Sea Spirit

Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure! 

Note for booking your return flight: Disembarkation typically takes place between 8:00 and 9:00 AM (following breakfast). We recommend scheduling your return flight from Ushuaia for 12:00 noon or later.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Before You Go:

• Passports & Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel dates. Bring photocopies of your passport, tickets, and important documents.

• Travel Insurance: REQUIRED - Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation is required.

• Currency: Argentinian Pesos are used in your embarkation and disembarkation city of Ushuaia. Bring some cash for small purchases; credit cards are likely accepted at your hotel and in restaurants. U.S. dollars, may be used for onboard purchases and gratuities.

Health & Safety:

• Stay hydrated, despite the cooler weather it is important to remain well hydrated

• Pack in layers: base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell are essential for rapidly changing conditions

• Seasickness can be common—especially crossing the Drake Passage—so bring medication or motion sickness bands

• Follow ship guidelines and safety measures

Onboard Etiquette:

• Be on time for briefings and landings—zodiac groups run on strict schedules

• Listen carefully to safety instructions before each excursion

• Be considerate in shared spaces like observation decks and common rooms

• Take advantage of onboard lectures—they make the experience much more meaningful.

Sightseeing & Tours:

• Be respectful of the environment—the Antarctic region has very strict conservation rules

• Always follow the expedition team’s wildlife rules—never touch or approach penguins, seals, or birds

• Keep a safe distance (usually at least 5 meters) even if animals come close to you

• Never leave anything behind—not even food crumbs or tissues

• Clean boots and gear carefully before and after landings to protect the fragile ecosystem

• Stay quiet and calm around wildlife—sudden movements can disturb nesting animals

Technology & Connectivity:

• Wi-Fi is available via Starlink satellite internet access, included in the cruise package. The service is generally available in all cabins and public areas, designed for light data traffic such as messaging, emails, and browsing, though it may not be guaranteed at all times due to remote locations

• No traditional cellular service is available. Voice calls and text messages may be made possible with use of the onboard satellite Wifi service.

• The M/V Sea Spirit primarily features 110-volt, 60 Hz American-style two-flat-pin sockets in its cabins, so no special adapter is needed.

Flexibility & Expectations:

• Be prepared for early mornings and flexible schedules, as daily excursions depend on weather and ice conditions

• Itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions.

Preparing for a trip to Antarctica, requires thoughtful packing to ensure comfort for onboard your vessel, and readiness for snow and ice-filled excursions and unique experiences.

Temperatures average from 28-34 degrees (Fahrenheit), but strong winds can make the temperature feel much colder. ). While days are shortening, they still provide 12–14+ hours of daylight, often featuring dramatic sunrises/sunsets and higher chances of snowfall, making it excellent for whale watching.

Here's a comprehensive packing list to help you prepare:

Essentials

• Passport

• Copy of passport (both in physical and digital form)

• Medications, with copies of your prescriptions

• Wallet, cross-body bag or money belt with ID, credit cards and cash

• Cell phone and charger

Clothing

• Thermal base layers

• Insulating mid-layers

• Waterproof/windproof outer shell

• Mid to heavy weight casual clothing while on board the ship

• Waterproof boots

• Casual shoes for interior areas of the ship

• Sun protective clothing (UPF)

• Athletic clothing (if desired)

• Polarized Sunglasses

• Warm accessories: hat, waterproof gloves (plus a backup pair), neck gaiter, and wool socks

• Sleepwear

• Swimsuit (for on board jacuzzi or Polar Plunge)

Other Items

• Toiletries

• High SPF Sunblock & Lip Balm

• Hand cream, and face moisturizer for wind and cold protection

• Power bank (don't forget to pack it in your carry-on luggage)

• Camera, memory card, spare batteries

• Dry bag or waterproof backpack for cameras, phones, and personal items during zodiac landings

• Reusable water bottle

• Personal items (reading material, journal, etc..)

Payment Policy

All Walker Wellness Retreats require a 25% non-refundable deposit of the total retreat price to secure your booking. Should you need to cancel your trip, your deposit will not be refunded regardless of the reason for cancellation.

For International Destinations, the next 25% is due 120 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 90 days before departure.

Trips can be paid in full at any time. If booking after the final payment deadline, trip payment in full is due at time of booking.

Invoices NOT paid in full within 7 days of the above-mentioned deadlines are subject to trip cancellation. No refunds will be issued for trips canceled due to lack of payment.

Cancellation Policy

BEFORE the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation before the final payment deadline, any additional payments made beyond the non-refundable 25% deposit will be refunded. However, the 25% deposit remains non-refundable. 

AFTER the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation after the final payment deadline, all payments made (including the deposit and any additional amounts) are non-refundable due to financial commitments with our retreat venues, guides, and service providers. 

In the unlikely event that Walker Wellness Retreats cancels a retreat, you will be given a 100% full refund. 

** Please note all passengers are required to carry adequate travel insurance that includes medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage.

• The policy must specifically cover cruise travel in polar regions and provide minimum evacuation and repatriation coverage of USD 200,000 per person (for Arctic and Antarctic cruises). For additional details on travel insurance coverage and pricing, click the link below.

We also strongly recommend that you purchase travel cancellation and interruption insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances or force majeure events that could result in trip cancellation, delay, or interruption, as well as lost baggage or after-departure issues.

For additional details on travel insurance coverage and pricing, click the link below.

Travel Insurance Details