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Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Antarctica on an expedition cruise aboard a revolutionary hybrid-powered ship
- Sail the Explorer's Route to South Shetland Islands, Antarctica Sound, and Gerlache Strait
- Witness the resilience and diversity of Antarctic wildlife, from penguins to whales
- Explore with an expert Expedition Team and participate in onboard Citizen Science projects
Trip Details
- Departs
- 22 November 2027
- Returns
- 3 January 2028
- Ship
- MS Fridtjof Nansen
- Operator
- HX Expeditions
14-night Antarctica expedition cruise aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen
The 14-night Antarctica voyage aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen sails round trip from Ushuaia, calling at South Shetland, Antarctica Sound, Weddell Sea, Deception Island, Danco Island and Penola Strait, with 2 days at sea.
You sail aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen. One of two revolutionary hybrid-powered expedition vessels with battery packs that store electric power. The ship has more efficient engines, lower fuel usage, reduced C02 emissions, and the ability to sail almost silently. On board: All cabins and suites enjoy outside views; Science Center with advanced microscopes; Wellness Center with massage and spa treatments; Expedition Team; Three restaurants; Indoor and outdoor gyms with on-deck running track; Outdoor infinity pool and two hot tubs; Sauna with a panoramic outside view.
Departures & Pricing
- 22 Nov 2027 - 06 Dec 2027
from $14,900 pp twin share / $21,605 pp sole use * - 20 Dec 2027 - 03 Jan 2028
from $16,605 pp twin share / $24,077 pp sole use *
- Polar Outside from $14,900 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $16,538 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $20,891 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
MS Fridtjof Nansen
One of two revolutionary hybrid-powered expedition vessels with battery packs that store electric power. The ship has more efficient engines, lower fuel usage, reduced C02 emissions, and the ability to sail almost silently.
- Guests
- 490
- Gross tonnage
- 20,889
- Speed
- 15 knots
- Length
- 140 m
- Launched
- 2020
- Beam
- 23.6 m
- Deck plans
- 9
Deck 11
Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Heading south
Set sail from the capital of Tierra del Fuego
The morning begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia. This port city is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province, and it’s set against the magnificently rugged backdrop of the Andes mountains. Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city, and it’s from here that many adventures to Antarctica set out – including ours.
You’ll be welcomed aboard your hybrid-powered expedition ship – specially designed for exploring polar waters – and after a briefing from your Expedition Team there will be time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board. Your adventure has truly begun!
- 2
Crossing the Drake Passage
Days 2–3Get into adventure mode and learn about the nature and science of Antarctica
On the two-day crossing over the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your upcoming adventure.
Visit the onboard Science Centre and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the serious effects of modern-day environmental concerns. You'll discover how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and learn about the onboard Citizen Science projects which help protect the environment and that you can be a part of.
There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine in the ship’s restaurants, and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
- 4
Antarctica: another world
Days 4–12Experience all the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula as we enter expedition mode
Nothing quite prepares you for it. Silence and serenity infuse your soul as we sail through the deep blue waters past looming glaciers and cathedral-sized icebergs. Every moment in Antarctica will fill you with wonder.
Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them, and majestic, migrating whales glide past pristine icebergs as they feed on shoals of krill. Look skywards and you may spot some of the many species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, including skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns.
Here, nature reigns, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for adventure, and we’ll spend nine action-packed days exploring several of the many possible landing sites. Each day promises something different and soul-stirring.
Where most journeys to Antarctica end, yours only intensifies, offering unprecedented access to some lesser-explored areas. Remember, this is an expedition voyage! This means we’ll be able to adapt our itinerary depending on the sea and ice conditions, and we’ll endeavour to spend at least one day – or possibly several – in each of the following regions:
South Shetland Islands: Typically, the first glimpse of Antarctica for travellers, the South Shetland Islands boast a dramatic landscape across the 20-island archipelago. These rugged isles are not just strikingly beautiful, they are also teeming with wildlife, offering a vibrant, up-close encounter with nature's resilience and diversity.
Antarctica Sound: A lesser-visited gem in the region, Antarctic Sound serves as a grand gateway to the Weddell Sea and is home to some of the largest tabular icebergs. This striking corridor of ice and water is also a prime habitat for observing the rarer Adélie Penguin and offers a unique snapshot of the grandeur of Antarctica.
Gerlache Strait:
A centrepiece of Antarctic exploration, the Gerlache Strait, offers sheltered waterways ideal for up-close encounters with some of the continent's most iconic sights. This is the area where our ship’s namesake, Roald Amundsen, in 1898 sailed aboard the Belgica before he and the crew became the first humans to overwinter in Antarctica. Frequented by humpback whales and other cetaceans, this area mesmerises visitors with 360-degree views of snow-covered alpine landscapes, providing a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for adventure.
The Penola Strait (South of the Lemaire Channel):
The Penola Strait, accessed via the French Channel offers a spectacular maze of penguin-covered islands set against the massive glacier-clad peaks of the continental shoreline. This remote area, often beyond the range of standard voyages, teems with wildlife and presents boundless exploration opportunities. The abundant sea ice not only enhances the beauty but also increases the chance of observing seals and other wildlife. If ice and sea conditions allow, the Expedition Team may choose the breathtaking Lemaire Channel instead of the Penola Strait. The former is often hailed as the world's most picturesque channel, for good reason.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, enlightening and entertaining with their insights into the wonders of the frozen continent.
- 13
Back through the Drake Passage
Days 13–14Reflect on your adventure
Today, our ship begins to head back north after our exhilarating time in Antarctica. As we make the return trip across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this time at sea.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre to delve into areas of interest and contribute your observations to Citizen Science projects. Enlist the help of the Expedition Team to help identify species captured in your photos.
Relax with a treatment in the spa and wellness area or take in the fresh sea air from the on-deck hot tubs. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.
- 15
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires
Your expedition cruise ends back where we set out from in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but if you’re still in the mood for some more experiences it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.
Buenos Aires is a city rich in culture, with some amazing architecture and dining options. If you fancy lingering a while longer, why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests.
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home.
- Wind and waterproof expedition jacket.
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
Accommodation
MS Fridtjof Nansen
One of two revolutionary hybrid-powered expedition vessels with battery packs that store electric power. The ship has more efficient engines, lower fuel usage, reduced C02 emissions, and the ability to sail almost silently.
On board: All cabins and suites enjoy outside views; Science Center with advanced microscopes; Wellness Center with massage and spa treatments; Expedition Team; Three restaurants; Indoor and outdoor gyms with on-deck running track; Outdoor infinity pool and two hot tubs; Sauna with a panoramic outside view; Explorer Lounge and Bar; Indoor and outdoor observation decks; Expedition launch/Tender pit; On board shop; Lecture hall and group room; 50% of all cabins are suites with a private balcony.
Polar Outside
- RR – Outside cabin: window, double bed, optional twin, sofa bed, 19–23 m².
Arctic Superior
Arctic Superior cabins are comfortable and spacious.
These cabins feature a double bed that can be divided into two single beds in some cabins on request at the time of booking. Some also have a sofa bed, and many have a private balcony.
All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, a minibar (charges apply), European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. A bathrobe and slippers are also available free of charge.
- XT – Outside cabin with balcony: private balcony, double bed, optional twin, sofa bed, 18 m².
- TT – Outside cabin: window, double bed, optional twin, 27 m².
- XTD – Outside cabin with balcony: private balcony, double bed, 15–19 m².
- XY – Wheelchair-accessible outside cabin with balcony: private balcony, double bed, 19 m².
- XTJ – Outside cabin with balcony: private balcony, limited view, double bed, optional twin, sofa bed, 18 m².
- TY – Wheelchair-accessible outside cabin: window, double bed, optional twin, 24–26 m².
Expedition Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites.
Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and hot tubs.
Suites feature a double bed that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, and some have a sofa bed.
All have a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, a single-serve coffee machine, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities as well as a minibar (charges apply), daily turn-down service, and laundry.
Complimentary fine dining in our Lindstrøm restaurant is part of the experience, and a takeaway service means you can also enjoy dinner exclusively. Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.
- MA – XL Suite with balcony: private balcony and large windows, double bed, optional twin, 46–48 m².
- MB – XL Suite: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 44 m².
- MC – Corner Suite with balcony: private balcony, double bed, optional twin, sofa bed, 20–30 m².
- MD – Large Suite with balcony: private balcony and large windows, double bed, optional twin, 35 m².
- ME – Suite with balcony: private balcony, double bed, optional twin, sofa bed, 22–28 m².
- MF – Corner suite: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 22 m².
Common questions about this voyage
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Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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