South Shetlands Cruise from King George Island Antarctica to Ushuaia — 8 Days

7 nights · South Shetlands · Departs King George Island Antarctica · Visiting Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Ushuaia · Aboard Lindblad Expeditions on the National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer
iceberg and water Antarctic Peninsula Cruise Port Drake Passage Cruise Port Ushuaia Cruise Port: Shore Excursions & Expert Guide

Image courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions ©

Cruise lineLindblad Expeditions
ShipNational Geographic Explorer
Duration7 nights
Port calls4
Departures10 sailings
From fare$12,912 per person
Year built1982
Guests162
Cabins81
Crew70
Length112 m
Beam17 m
Cruising speed18.0 kn
  1. Day 1

    King George Island Antarctica

    King George Island, in the South Shetlands, is one of Antarctica’s most accessible gateways. At Fildes Bay, expedition ships can bring you ashore among research stations, stark headlands and wind-shaped beaches. Look for gentoo and chinstrap penguins, along with seals resting near the waterline. Here, the scale of the continent becomes tangible: ice, ocean and weather set the terms of every visit. This is no town to browse; it is a rare landing on a working scientific frontier.

  2. Day 2

    Antarctic Peninsula

    The Antarctic Peninsula brings you within reach of Antarctica’s most dramatic scenery: mountain-backed glaciers, blue icebergs and sheltered bays. Most voyages cross the Drake Passage from Ushuaia, then explore by expedition ship and Zodiac, weather permitting. Watch for gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, seals and whales. Shore visits follow strict environmental rules, and plans can change with conditions. Expect few comforts ashore; the reward is a rare encounter with a continent still governed by ice and weather.

  3. Day 6

    Drake Passage

    Few sea crossings carry the weight of the Drake Passage. Here, the Atlantic and Pacific meet between Cape Horn and Antarctica, and conditions can change quickly. Some voyages pass in calm water; others encounter the swells that made this route legendary. Watch from deck for albatrosses and petrels, then settle into the ship’s routines. The passage is no mere transfer: it is the first clear measure of Antarctica’s scale and remoteness.

  4. Day 8

    Ushuaia, Argentina

    Ushuaia sits between the Beagle Channel and the snow-streaked Martial Mountains, at Argentina’s far southern edge. Its harbor has long served as a gateway to Antarctica, while the town itself rewards a slower look. Ride the End of the World Train into Tierra del Fuego National Park, or tour the former prison museum. Here, wild landscapes begin just beyond the last streets.

National Geographic Explorer Cruises

Published September 23, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard

Cruise Disclosure

Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.

We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 0 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 0 ships visiting 0 ports across 0 unique cruises, creating 0 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!