In Shackleton’s Footsteps
Falklands to Antarctic Peninsula 18 Night Ushuaia Round Trip Expedition
There are journeys that take you somewhere new—and then there are those that stay with you long after you return.
There is a point, somewhere far south of the Tasman, where the air changes. The world becomes quieter, the light turns a brilliant, piercing blue, and the scale of the landscape makes everything else feel very far away.
To visit Antarctica is a dream for many, but to follow in Shackleton's footsteps is something else entirely. This 18-night journey doesn't just "see" the ice, it takes you into the heart of the story. From the windswept beauty of the Falklands to the incredible wildlife of South Georgia and the massive glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula, this is a deep dive into the world’s last great wilderness. It’s a trip for those who want to see the earth in its purest, most untouched form. Live out your Antarctica dream on this exceptional voyage aboard a luxury ice-class expedition ship from Swan Hellenic, SH Minerva.
About SH Minerva
A 113-metre boutique luxury expedition vessel, SH Minerva is designed for those who value comfort, safety, and sustainable exploration. Built at the Helsinki Shipyard, she features a Polar Class PC5 ice-strengthened hull and hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, allowing for quiet and efficient navigation through the world's most sensitive environments.
Accommodating 152 guests in 76 modern staterooms—the majority of which feature private balconies—the ship offers a sophisticated "Scandi-chic" atmosphere. Guests enjoy spacious public areas with unobstructed views, from the panoramic sauna and heated infinity pool to the elegant Observation Lounge. With a high staff-to-guest ratio and a fleet of 12 Zodiacs for seamless landings, SH Minerva ensures an intimate and highly personalised experience at the edge of the map.
Highlights
Extended Wildlife Viewing Longer cruise durations offer more opportunities to see Antarctica’s wildlife, including multiple penguin species, seals, whales, and albatross, in their natural habitat.
The Falkland Islands & South Georgia Explore Port Stanley’s British heritage and visit West Point and Saunders Islands to see Rockhopper, Gentoo, and Macaroni penguin colonies.
Historical Exploration Follow the route of Sir Ernest Shackleton, including a crossing of the Drake Passage and visits to key sites from the heroic age of polar discovery.
Polar Circle Crossing Sail beyond 66°33′S to reach the Antarctic Circle, a region defined by its extreme ice conditions and unique daylight hours.
Active Discovery Participate in daily Zodiac excursions and landings to view colossal glaciers and icebergs up close, led by an onboard team of polar experts.
Citizen Science Program Join real-world environmental research projects and attend specialist workshops in the ship’s dedicated laboratory facilities.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change.
Exclusive Bonus Receive USD 300pp onboard credit plus a Gold Wi-Fi package valued at USD450pp when you book by 30 June 2026.
Oceanview D4 Stateroom from AUD$28,925pp share twin or Balcony D5 Stateroomfrom AUD$34,700pp share twin based on the travel date 19 November 2026 to 08 December 2026
Cruise Itinerary
-
The journey begins in Buenos Aires, where guests meet their fellow travellers at the hotel. Following an overnight stay, a transfer to the airport facilitates the charter flight south to Ushuaia.
Known as the city at the ‘end of the world’, Ushuaia is a striking assembly of colourful streets framed by the Martial Range and the Beagle Channel. Upon arrival, travellers transfer to the harbour to board the boutique vessel. The expedition commences this evening, departing for one of the world’s most captivating wilderness regions.
-
A day at sea offers a relaxed pace to enjoy the vessel’s amenities and the vast ocean views. Travellers may choose to attend expert-led lectures, consult the well-stocked library, or refine their photography skills with guidance from the onboard professional. Whether socialising with fellow guests or finding a quiet spot on the observation deck, the transition toward the Falklands is as enriching as it is serene.
-
Birdlife is the primary allure of West Point, a lush island where thousands of sheep roam amidst rugged landscapes. Travellers can observe black-browed albatross nesting on cliffs, alongside colonies of rockhopper and Magellanic penguins. The island is also a haven for rare flora, including the silvery buttercup and hairy daisy.
On Saunders Island, the site of the first British settlement in 1765, golden beaches teem with gentoo penguins and imperial cormorants. While Commerson’s dolphins frequently play in the surrounding waters, hikers can explore the moss-covered terrain to find the delicate, pink-petalled Felton’s flower tucked beneath the peaks of Cliff Mountain.
-
A distinct British influence is felt in Port Stanley, the charming capital of the Falkland Islands. Small enough to explore easily on foot, the town features the Historic Dockyard Museum, which offers a deep dive into the region’s maritime and exploration heritage. At nearby Gypsy Cove, Magellanic penguins gather along the shoreline, while sea lions and dolphins are frequently seen playing in the harbour waters.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The transit south provides a sophisticated interlude to reflect on the wonders of South Georgia. Guests may choose to attend expert-led lectures, consult the library’s collection of reference works, or refine their photography skills with guidance from the on-board professional. Whether socialising in the lounge or enjoying the ocean views from the observation deck, the day offers a relaxed pace before the next landfall.
-
The voyage reaches the Antarctic Peninsula, a realm of captivating glaciers and majestic icebergs. As the most accessible region of the White Continent, it offers a dramatic landscape of scientific outposts and iconic passages, such as the photogenic Lemaire Channel.
Shore excursions provide opportunities to encounter the peninsula's residents, including gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills, and skuas. Guests may also observe Antarctic Weddell seals hauled out amidst the pristine scenery of Mikkelsen Harbour, truly bringing the Antarctic dream to life.
-
As the vessel begins its final crossing, these days provide a sophisticated conclusion to the expedition. Guests can reflect on their journey while attending final lectures, browsing the library, or reviewing their photography with the on-board professionals. The observation decks remain a focal point for socialising and taking in the vast, powerful beauty of the Drake Passage as the ship returns north.
-
The voyage concludes as the vessel returns to Ushuaia, the colourful gateway at the ‘end of the world’. Framed by the snow-capped Martial Range and the Beagle Channel, the city’s dramatic setting provides a fitting backdrop for the final morning.
After breakfast, travellers disembark and transfer to the airport for the charter flight back to Buenos Aires, marking the end of an extraordinary expedition.
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: 1196 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.