Swan Hellenic | Antarctic Wonders: Roundtrip Cruise From Ushuaia [11 Days 10 Nights]

The cost includes the domestic flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Ushuaia, and the voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Quark Expeditions' mid-sized 198-passenger World Voyager or 199-passenger Ultramarine, with a 1:6 guide-to-guest ratio, a guaranteed 2 landings per day, exploration of the ice areas, and three meals a day. You may also join additional activities at your own expense, such as camping on the snow, kayaking, and sea canoeing. The flight from your home to Argentina is at your own expense.

Departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, you cross the Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Quark Expeditions' mid-sized 198-passenger World Voyager or 199-passenger Ultramarine, equipped with stabilisers and 24-hour medical support. If you are departing from Hong Kong together with the DeWonder team, the recommended flights are as follows:

Outbound:

• AF185 Hong Kong HKG 2240 – Paris CDG 0550 (+1)
• AF412 Paris CDG 1030 – Buenos Aires EZE 2025

Return:

• AF411 Buenos Aires EZE 2245 – Paris CDG 1540 (+1)
• AF188 Paris CDG 2320 – Hong Kong HKG 1830 (+1)

The Antarctic travel season falls mainly during the Southern Hemisphere summer from November to February, with November offering the following features:

• Temperatures are relatively comfortable, ranging from about -5 to 5 degrees
• It is the season when penguins mate and build their nests
• There are fewer visitors, giving you more time to admire the glaciers and various wildlife

To help you cope with the changing weather, we provide:

• Polar parka
• 24-hour medical support on board
• The ship is equipped with stabilisers to reduce the impact of wind and waves

The Drake Passage is indeed one of the roughest stretches of ocean in the world, as it lies where the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans meet. However, the Quark expedition fleet we use takes the following measures to reduce the chance of seasickness:

• They have safely crossed the Drake Passage more than 300 times and are highly experienced
• The ship is fitted with stabilisers to reduce rolling
• A 24-hour medical team is on board to provide immediate assistance in easing discomfort if you become seasick

We recommend consulting your doctor before departure and preparing anti-seasickness medication. Do note, however, that not every crossing of the Drake Passage is rough — sometimes it can be very calm.

There are comprehensive medical support arrangements on board:

• A medical team is on duty 24 hours a day and can provide immediate assistance in easing seasickness discomfort
• Before departure, we recommend:
• • Consulting your personal doctor first
  • Prepare seasickness medication

We spot penguins on almost every voyage, so there's no need to worry—though of course there are seasonal factors at play. Please note, however, that as we are observing wildlife, while we do our best to arrange the optimal viewing opportunities, we cannot fully guarantee that any specific penguin species will definitely be seen.

During the Antarctic summer (the travel season), temperatures range from about -2°C to 8°C. The World Voyager or Ultramarine cruise ships are heated, keeping the interior warm, so guests can wear comfortable casual clothing such as lightweight shirts, trousers or jeans. In addition, for safety reasons, closed-toe, non-slip shoes with good coverage must be worn on board (flip-flops, sandals or loose-fitting footwear are not permitted) to ensure safety while walking.

No visa is required for Antarctica, but the journey begins in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Travellers holding a Hong Kong SAR passport (HKSAR) may enter Argentina visa-free and require no additional visa. Travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months and have a return ticket ready for immigration inspection.

Antarctica has no official currency. On board the World Voyager or Ultramarine, transactions are generally conducted in US dollars (USD), and the ships also accept credit cards, though we recommend bringing an appropriate amount of cash for unexpected needs.

Yes. Both the World Voyager and Ultramarine provide 5 GB of free data; usage beyond 5 GB requires an additional purchase (USD 30-40 per GB). Please note, however, that we are sailing to one of the most remote regions in the world, so internet connectivity relies on satellite equipment and may experience weakened signals or brief interruptions.

Information regarding the socket types and voltage specifications available on board will be provided at the pre-departure briefing—please refer to it at that time.

Antarctic voyages do not follow a fixed itinerary, becauseEach day's itinerary is adjusted according to weather conditions and wildlife activity. The captain and expedition team plan the day's activities flexibly to ensure travellers enjoy the best possible polar experience.

Travellers can take part ina wide variety of enriching activities, including:

• Daily Themed Lectures: Experts from various fields deliver fascinating talks, delving into the history, geography, ecology and wildlife of Antarctica.
• Polar Plunge: Each traveller hasoneopportunity to take on Antarctica's icy waters and experience an unprecedented, exhilarating thrill.
• Hiking on Land: Set foot on the Antarctic continent and explore magnificent glaciers and polar landscapes.
• Zodiac Adventure: Ride a Zodiac boat weaving between icebergs and glaciers, admiring wildlife up close.
• Onboard relaxation experience: The cruise ship features a Spa and sauna, where travellers can enjoy warm and cosy moments of rest after a day of exploration.

Each day brings a brand-new Antarctic adventure. Travellers can adjust their itinerary at any time and choose the activities they love, fully embracing the unique charm of Antarctica!