Small Ship Cruising

Antarctica

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Year

Select the year you would like to travel.

Days
13
From (per Person)
$14,990 USD
Includes On-Tour Air
Journey Type
Small Ship
Time of Year
Jan - Feb, Nov
Cities & Landmarks
Antarctic Archipelago, Drake Passage, Buenos Aires, Ushuaia
Antarctica

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Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

 

Cruise aboard the sleek Le Boréal, accompanied by onboard naturalists who share their expert insights

 

Tauck provides you with a special, water-repellent hooded parka that you will receive aboard ship; this parka is yours to keep

 

We are pleased to welcome wildlife filmmaker Peter Bassett aboard the January 5, 11 and 31 departures; he'll be sharing his expertise both onboard the ship and ashore

 

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

 

All gratuities to Tauck Directors, local guides, naturalists and ship staff

 

Your cruise may be a shared ship experience with non-Tauck guests onboard as well; all Tauck guests will be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests, and your itinerary will always be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions

 

Shore Excursions to islands in the Antarctic Archipelago that are guided by expert naturalists, ornithologists, historians or oceanographers

 

Two nights in a premium hotel in Buenos Aires in the heart of the city

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

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Most days involve walking in the 2–3.5-mile range (~4,000–7,000 steps), with frequent stairs, cobblestones, and standing for 90+ minutes. Activity is consistent across consecutive days, requiring stamina and balance throughout the itinerary.

Pace

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A steady daily tempo with 2–3 guided activities. Most days include early departures balanced with rest periods or scenic downtime. Transitions between cities occur every 2–3 days.

View Full Itinerary

Cultural journeys and expeditions

Floating castles of ice glisten in the warmth of the austral sun... glacial mountains rise from the sea, framed against a radiant sky... in an instant, a bright sun illuminates a floating regatta of ice formations... Explorers throughout the centuries have been captivated by the ice... Today, you are that Antarctic explorer.

Few experiences can compare to the feeling you'll have as you head off on an expeditionary Antarctica cruise. Your adventure begins with two nights in amazing Buenos Aires, Argentina, then begin an amazing 10-night cruise. The locals, from penguins and seals to seabirds, welcome you ashore with friendly curiosity; learn about their life and icy habitats from onboard naturalists who educate and inspire. And at night, enjoy informal chats, onboard lectures, documentary films and warm camaraderie with fellow explorers, captain and crew. Read Less

See for yourself what Small Ship Cruising is all about

Exploring Antarctica's Archipelago

A magical place whose mystical allure fascinates and forever beckons to return...

The magnificent great white continent of Antarctica, the most remote place on Earth, astounds with glacial landscapes and Arctic wildlife that defy description… and you enjoy a rare opportunity to view them up-close with on-board experts who have spent a lifetime studying these natural wonders in extraordinary detail. Due to changing weather and shifting glacial patterns of this remote region, your day-by-day itinerary will vary and may include Zodiac excursions to Antarctic Peninsula islands. Penguins, seals, whales and myriad species of seabirds are often seen on land and at sea; our on-board naturalists can help you identify them during your cruise.

Cruise with producer and wildlife filmmaker Peter Bassett in 2028

Cruise with producer and wildlife filmmaker Peter Bassett in 2028

Three of our 2028 departures, January 5, 11 and 31, will be joined by multi-award winning producer and wildlife filmmaker Peter Bassett, with a 20+ year track record in world class natural history productions.

Embark in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city

Day 3

Ushuaia, Argentina's "gateway to Antarctica"

Your Antarctic cruise begins in the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, an Argentinian frontier town located on the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago and the Beagle Channel. Known as "the end of the world," Ushuaia is also the only Argentine city that sits on the other side of the Andes. Sightseeing takes you up and down the hilltop streets that preside over this waterfront town...

Our visit to Antarctica left us spellbound! The ruggedness of the Peninsula landscape was unexpected and the sheer beauty was magnificent!

Tauck Traveler Review

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Deck Plans

Welcome Aboard

Deck 7

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Deck 6

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Deluxe Suite

Prestige Stateroom

(Contain either a shower or a bathtub as indicated on deck plan)

Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms; they offer a bathtub and shower)

Deck 5

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Prestige Stateroom

(Contain either a shower or a bathtub as indicated on deck plan)

Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms; they offer a bathtub and shower)

Deck 4

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Prestige Stateroom

(Contain either a shower or a bathtub as indicated on deck plan)

Deck 3

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Deluxe Stateroom

Superior Stateroom

Deck 2

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Deck 7

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Deck 6

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Owner's Suite

Grand Privilege Suite

Grand Deluxe Suite

Privilege Suite

Deluxe Suite

Deck 5

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Prestige Stateroom

Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms; they offer a bathtub and shower)

Deck 4

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Prestige Stateroom

Deck 3

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Superior Stateroom

Deluxe Stateroom

Deck 2

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Your Journey

Pricing & Availability

About Booking This Tour

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Trip Prep & Essentials

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How do I book this journey?

You can call us at 800-468-2825 or contact your travel advisor.

A $1,700 deposit will be due at the time you book this journey. When you call, please let us know the tour name and your preferred departure date, and have the following information ready for all travelers:

  • Full name (as it appears on passport or driver's license)
  • Address
  • Email address
  • Phone number(s)
  • Emergency contact (name and phone number of someone not traveling with your group)

Final payment is due to Tauck 120 days before departure for all journeys.

For more information, please visit our Travel Terms & Conditions page.

What's included in the price?

The price of this journey includes:

  • All accommodations
  • Meals (as detailed in the itinerary)
  • Airport transfers and land transportation (as detailed in the itinerary)
  • Basic internet in hotel rooms and aboard ships (where available; service not guaranteed)
  • Entertainment and special dinners arranged by Tauck
  • Sightseeing and shore excursions on cruises
  • Standard luggage handling
  • The services of and gratuities to hospitality staff, housekeeping, ship crew, local guides, safari guides and trackers
  • All appropriate gratuities for drivers, Tauck Directors, and Tauck Cruise Director

Are gratuities included?

All appropriate gratuities for hospitality staff, housekeeping, ship crew, local guides, drivers, Tauck Directors, and Tauck Cruise Director are included.

Is airfare included?

Airfare to and from your tour's starting and ending point is not included in the price. However, if your itinerary includes on-tour flights during your journey, those are included. To make your travel plans even easier, Tauck can also help you book international airfare.

Do I need a passport, visa, or any other travel documents?

Passports:

A passport is required to enter Antarctica and Argentina. It must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the ship, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Visas:

You do not need a visa for the short duration of this journey.

Traveling with children as a guardian:

If you are traveling as the guardian of children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents authorizing emergency treatment in case of an illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling without BOTH parents. Tauck is not responsible for travel disruptions caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Are there any recommended vaccinations?

Currently, there are no vaccinations recommended for the countries visited during this journey. For the most up-to-date health and vaccination information, we recommend you consult with a travel medical specialist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the embassies of the countries you'll visit.

How physically demanding is this journey?

Tauck journeys are designed for guests in good health. Depending on your destination, you may walk longer distances, climb stairs, and navigate uneven terrain. To help you choose the experience that suits you best, we've created a rating system for the activity level and pace of each itinerary. You can find the ratings for this journey in the overview section above. For more details about what to expect on tour, visit our Activity & Pace page.

To fully enjoy a Tauck cruise, you should be able to:

  • Walk up and down gangways (which can be steep depending on water level)
  • Navigate uneven or sloped docks
  • Walk through other riverboats with additional gangways and stairs (known as double-docking) on some river cruises
  • Board a tender, a smaller boat used to transport passengers to and from the shore on some small ship cruises
  • Reach pedestrian-only town centers (up to 1 mile from dock)
  • Walk up and down stairs, as not all decks are accessible via elevator and not all ships have elevators
Our riverboats features four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun.
  • On the Esprit and Treasures, the elevator travels between the Ruby Deck and Diamond Deck only. There is no elevator access to the Emerald Deck on these ships.
  • On the Grace, Joy, Savor, Inspire, Lumière, Serene, Harmonie, Saudade and Andorinha, the elevator travels between the Emerald Deck and Diamond Deck.
  • On all ships, the elevator does not access the Sun Deck.
  • Elevators provide access to the Reception area and the Compass Rose dining room.
  • There is no chair lift between any decks.

 

Can Tauck accommodate mobility limitations?

The responsibility of your Tauck Director is to ensure the larger group enjoys a relaxing and seamless journey; therefore, he or she cannot provide ongoing assistance to any one guest. 

Accessibility Accommodations: Guests who require accessibility accommodations must notify Tauck at the time of booking, or as soon as the need for accommodation arises. Guests are also responsible for promptly notifying Tauck if there is a material change in their mobility, accessibility, cognitive, or other participation-related needs after booking and prior to departure that may affect their ability to participate in the Trip or require accommodations, special arrangements, or reassessment of participation. Tauck will make reasonable efforts, in coordination with our suppliers, to attempt to accommodate such requests. Unfortunately, not all requests can be fulfilled. We are not responsible for denial of service by carriers, hotels, or other independent suppliers.

Personal Assistance: Tauck regrets that it cannot provide special assistance for walking, wheelchairs, dining, or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you. 

Mobility Requirements: Due to operational constraints, including limited cargo space, stairs, and uneven or difficult terrain, we regret that some itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs or electric scooters. 

For more information on mobility expectations, please visit our Activity & Pace page.

What's the minimum age to travel on this journey?

This journey has the following age restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 5+
  • Recommended age: 8+
The following activities on this journey have additional age restrictions:
  • Hot air balloon ride: 15+
On all Tauck journeys:
  • At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 or older to make a reservation
  • All travelers under the age of 18 must share a room or cabin with, and be accompanied by, an adult age 18 or older
  • All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian

We encourage families to be thoughtful when traveling with children, as our itineraries may include activities, pacing, and experiences that that aren't well suited to very young guests. It is for that reason we created Tauck Bridges – journeys for the whole family to enjoy together.

If a child is unable to participate in a scheduled activity, a parent or guardian is responsible for staying with them, as childcare is not provided during the journey.

With consideration for all fellow travelers wanting to enjoy their vacation to its fullest, it is important to know and understand that Tauck has the right to ask any tour member who is disruptive to a group to leave the tour whether they are 6 or 96 years of age.

Does Tauck offer Travel Protection?

Yes! Tauck's Travel Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins, as well as benefits while you are traveling. The cost of Travel Protection for this itinerary is $999 per person. If you wish to take advantage of this coverage, it must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit.

For complete details, visit our Cancellations & Travel Protection page.

What if I need to cancel?

You may cancel your reservation without penalty within 10 days of your initial deposit.

After 10 days, cancellations – regardless of reason – may involve fees from travel and hotel providers, which vary by tour.

For complete details, visit our Cancellations & Travel Protection page.

The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Uncommon Access

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Sophisticated, Intimate Ambiance Onboard Ship

All Inclusive

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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