Ultimate Antarctica Adventure
32 Nights Luxury Expedition from Ushuaia, South America to Dunedin, NZ
There are very few frontiers left that can still be described as truly "uncharted," but the vast stretch of ice and ocean between South America and New Zealand is one of them. While most Antarctic voyages merely touch the tip of the peninsula, this 32-night semi-circumnavigation is a rare invitation to go further—to cross the legendary Ross Sea and witness the colossal ice shelves that have guarded the continent for millennia.
This is the ultimate homecoming. Starting in the rugged frontier of Ushuaia and finishing on the familiar shores of Dunedin, you’ll spend over a month navigating a realm of monumental icebergs and unheralded landscapes. It is a journey for those who don’t just want a holiday, but who are ready to disappear into the quiet of the high latitudes and emerge with a completely new perspective on the planet.
Your ship SH Minerva
When a journey spans 32 nights, your ship must be more than just a vessel; it becomes your sanctuary. Swan Hellenic’s SH Minerva is purpose-built to balance rugged polar capability with refined, boutique comfort
A 115-metre boutique expedition ship built at the Helsinki Shipyard. Featuring a PC5 ice-strengthened hull and advanced stabilisers, she is engineered for smooth sailing in remote polar waters. With just 158 guests and 122 crew across nine decks, the atmosphere is intimate and personalised. The Scandinavian-inspired interiors offer a calm, elegant retreat from the rugged world outside. Sophisticated havens featuring private balconies, flame-effect fireplaces, and Illy espresso machines. Every cabin is equipped with luxury toiletries and Nikon binoculars for spontaneous sightings.
Highlights
Penguin Colonies Expect plenty of activity as you head ashore to meet the locals. You'll get a close-up look at thriving Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguin colonies in the heart of their natural habitat.
Icebergs and Glaciers Get up close to the massive scale of the Antarctic landscape. You’ll navigate past towering icebergs and see colossal glaciers calving directly into the sea.
Whales in the Wild There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing whales fluking and feeding right alongside the ship in the glassy polar waters.
Albatross all around These iconic birds are your constant companions on the open ocean. Watching majestic albatross soar effortlessly in the ship’s wake is a highlight that makes the sea days just as exciting as the landings.
Exclusive Bonus Receive USD300 per person onboard credit plus a Gold Wi-Fi package valued at USD450 per person when you book by 30 June 2026.
Oceanview D4 Stateroom from AU$40,780pp share twin or Balcony D5 Stateroom from AU$45,030pp share twin based on the travel date 02 February 2027 to 08 March 2027.
Cruise Itinerary
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Your journey begins with a complimentary charter flight to Ushuaia, followed by a shared group transfer to your premium 4 or 5-star hotel for a one-night pre-cruise stay, including breakfast.
Known as the 'end of the world,' Ushuaia is nestled between the snow-capped Martial Range and the Beagle Channel. Its colourful, mismatched streets offer a dramatic setting for your arrival. After a morning at leisure, a group transfer will take you to the port to board your boutique ship. As you set sail through the Beagle Channel, you'll begin your voyage into one of the most captivating wilderness regions on Earth.
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The initial days at sea offer a sophisticated interlude to settle into life on board. Guests can enjoy the panoramic views from the observation decks or retreat to the well-stocked library for a quiet moment. Complimentary lecture programmes led by our expert expedition team provide fascinating insights into the journey ahead, while our onboard professional photographers are available to help you refine your technique. These days are a perfect opportunity to socialise with fellow travellers and prepare for the adventures to come.
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The voyage reaches the Antarctic Peninsula, a realm of captivating glaciers and majestic icebergs where the Antarctic dream truly comes to life. Guests will navigate through some of the continent's most iconic scenery, including the photogenic Lemaire Channel.
Complimentary shore excursions and Zodiac landings offer intimate encounters with the region’s wildlife. You may find yourself exploring Mikkelsen Harbour, where gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills, and skuas share the landscape with Antarctic Weddell seals. Throughout these days, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to one of the most pristine wilderness areas on Earth.
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As we leave the Peninsula behind, the focus shifts to the deep Southern Ocean. These days are far from idle; they are an opportunity to lean into the complimentary enrichment programme as our experts detail the historic race for the South Pole. Use this time to curate your gallery with our photography pros or find a quiet corner in the library with a nautical map. The vast, shifting blues of the Bellingshausen Sea offer a meditative backdrop as we venture toward the most remote reaches of the West Antarctic ice shelf.
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Often described as the 'Galápagos of the Poles', South Georgia hosts a staggering concentration of wildlife. Travellers go ashore to witness tens of thousands of king and gentoo penguins alongside formidable elephant seals. A highlight of the visit is Grytviken, a historic whaling station and the final resting place of the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, offering a poignant connection to the heroic age of Antarctic exploration.
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As we traverse the Amundsen Sea, the scale of the Southern Ocean truly reveals itself. These days are dedicated to the spirit of exploration, offering a complimentary deep dive into the glaciology and heroic history of West Antarctica through our lecture series. It is a prime time to enjoy the ship’s amenities, perhaps a spa treatment or a quiet afternoon in the library, while keeping a keen eye on the horizon for pelagic birds and the Great Whales that frequent these nutrient-rich waters. The shifting ice-scape provides a constant, dramatic theatre from the comfort of the observation lounges.
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Savour the complimentary luxuries of your boutique ship. Indulge in the spa, join an expert-led lecture, or enjoy panoramic views from the Observation Lounge as we transit the remote Southern Ocean.
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Experience time travel as we cross the 180th meridian. In keeping with maritime tradition, we mark the passage into the Domain of the Golden Dragon. You will lose a day during this transpacific transit, a rare milestone celebrated as we bridge the gap between the eastern and western hemispheres.
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Enter one of the world's last untouched saltwater wildernesses. This vast region supports incredible biodiversity, from Emperor penguins and massive Adélie colonies to orcas and Southern right whales.
Complimentary landings offer a rare look into polar history, with remarkably preserved huts from the heroic age of exploration. Between wildlife sightings and historical sites, you will experience the raw, quiet power of Antarctica’s most remote frontier.
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The Balleny Islands, 2,000 km south of New Zealand near Antarctica, remain mostly untouched since their discovery in 1839. The Ross Sea surrounding them is a biologically rich area in the Southern Ocean, still under research. These dramatic coastal landscapes are home to humpback, fin and minke whales, along with crabeater, Weddell, elephant and leopard seals. Some islands host significant Adélie and chinstrap penguin colonies.
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Enjoy a final stretch of complimentary enrichment as we steer toward New Zealand. Rejuvenate in the sauna and hot tub, maintain your routine in the gym, or attend a farewell series of expert talks to recap the highlights of your 32-night odyssey.
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Campbell Islands (Cruising Campbell Islands)
Auckland Island (Cruising Auckland Islands)
Snares Islands (Cruising Snares Islands)
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Your 32-night odyssey concludes in Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of New Zealand." Set within a picturesque bay and framed by bush-covered hills, this city boasts the finest Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.
Following a complimentary group transfer to the airport or your post-cruise hotel, take time to explore Dunedin’s quirky charm at your leisure. Wander through funky street-art-filled alleyways, visit the nation's only castle, or discover the region's rich heritage at the Toitū Otago Early Settlers Museum before your journey home.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change.
Inclusions
Charter flights to and from your port of embarkation ((Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk)
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included - please enquire)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (where included - please enquire)
All meals onboard and 24-hour room service
Inclusive selection of coffees, teas, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
Engaging lecture programmes led by expert expedition team and guest speakers
Complimentary standard Wi-Fi
All onboard gratuities and port taxes
A selected shore excursion or expedition activity at every port of call (excluding kayaking, which may be pre-booked)
In polar regions: Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka to take home and use of rubber boots for wet zodiac landings
Exclusions
Kayaking, private tours, and bespoke Zodiac arrangements are available on request, and are subject to availability
Beyond the one complimentary pre-selected excursion per port, further outings are available at an additional cost (excluding polar regions, where all Zodiac-based landings are included)
Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu are available at an additional charge
Ship’s boutique purchases, laundry services, premium Wi-Fi upgrades, and spa treatments
Required visas, comprehensive travel insurance, international and domestic flights, and any accommodation or transfers not explicitly stated in the itinerary
*All cruise departures are subject to availability at the time of booking. all pricing is per person in australian dollars. international airfares are additional. Travel agent & credit card service fees may apply. For full terms & conditions and to get a price for your individual travel dates, please contact our Travel Experts for details. The itinerary provides general information about each destination. Please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day of visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Travel Expert closer to your departure date.Interested in this deal? Mention this Deal Code: 1197 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.