White Continent Classic: 9-Night Atlas Antarctica Voyage

This is the classic way to reach Antarctica: a 9-night round trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Traveller, departing February 1, 2027. It suits travelers who want the full sense of the journey, including the crossing itself, and who are comfortable with a few days at sea in exchange for four days along the Antarctic Peninsula. February is high summer in the far south, with long daylight hours and penguin chicks growing fast in the colonies.

The voyage begins in Ushuaia, the Argentine city on the Beagle Channel often called the southernmost city in the world. From there, two days crossing the Drake Passage bring you to the Peninsula. Those sea days are part of the experience: expedition lectures, time on deck watching for albatrosses and petrels, and the first icebergs appearing on the horizon.

The four days in Antarctica are Captain’s Choice, which means the captain and expedition leader choose landing sites and cruising areas day by day based on ice, wind and wildlife. Depending on conditions, that can mean Zodiac landings near gentoo and chinstrap penguin colonies, cruising among icebergs in sheltered bays, and watching for humpback and minke whales feeding in summer waters. No two departures look exactly alike, and that flexibility is how expedition teams find the best conditions. Two more days on the Drake return you to Ushuaia on February 10.

World Traveller is one of Atlas’s small, yacht-style ships, which means fewer people ashore at each landing and an easy, social feel on board. Atlas is known for an all-inclusive approach, with fares generally covering beverages, gratuities and Wi-Fi, and polar sailings include expedition gear and Zodiac landings. Ask us exactly what your fare includes, since details can vary by promotion.

If Antarctica has been on your list for years, we’d love to help you plan it well, from flights into Ushuaia to a buffer night before sailing. Send us your dates and cabin preferences and we’ll check current fares, availability and any promotions for this departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How rough is the Drake Passage in February?
The Drake can be calm or rough, and conditions are impossible to predict far ahead. Plan for two days each way, bring motion-sickness remedies you trust, and know that the crew adjusts onboard routines when seas are lively.

Do I need a visa to fly to Ushuaia for an Antarctica cruise?
You’ll need a valid passport, and entry requirements for Argentina depend on your citizenship. We’ll confirm the current rules for your passport when you book.

Should I arrive in Ushuaia a day early?
Yes, we strongly recommend arriving at least one night before embarkation, since flights to Ushuaia usually connect through Buenos Aires and delays happen. A spare day also lets you see nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park.