Club

Antarctic Expedition | December 2027

Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable getaway — limited availability remains. Call to learn more.


13-Day Cruise | Round Trip From Buenos Aires

December 8, 2027–December 20, 2027

Set foot on the seventh continent with an unforgettable cruise to Antarctica. Sail to the Antarctic Peninsula and enjoy the advantages of a small, intimate ship that maximizes opportunities for guests to venture ashore and explore when conditions allow. Your journey includes helicopter flightseeing, a crossing of the iconic Drake Passage and the chance to experience polar landscapes by Zodiac, kayak or on foot.

Embark on a remarkable polar adventure with Quark Expeditions aboard the Ultramarine. The knowledgeable, passionate and seasoned expedition team will lead you on thrilling excursions and offer enriching onboard learning throughout your voyage. Marvel at towering icebergs and dramatic Antarctic scenery as you keep watch for abundant wildlife — including penguins, seals, whales and the majestic wandering albatross.



Call To Learn More
US/Canada: 800-579-6178
International: +44 1524 386423

Our hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.

Tour Snapshot

Stay

13 Days
12 Nights

Meals

12 Breakfasts
10 Lunches
12 Dinners

Activity Level

Activity Level: 4
Pace Level: Leisurely
Learn More

Travel Style

Cruise



Trip Information

Trip Highlights
  • Drake Passage crossing
  • Helicopter flightseeing
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities — penguins, seals, whales and wandering albatross
  • Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Kayaking, hiking and Zodiac cruising
  • Visit to the South Shetland Islands
  • Glaciers, ice fields and snow-capped mountains
  • Small expedition ship capable of navigating off the beaten path and avoiding crowded landing sites
  • Transit through Tierra del Fuego
  • Sail along the historic Beagle Channel
  • Onboard photography guide
  • Immersive onboard education
Tour Inclusions
  • One 10–15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion
  • Official Quark Expeditions parka
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as outlined in the itinerary
  • All shore excursions as outlined in the itinerary
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices onboard
  • Beer, wine and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • Coffee, tea and cocoa available 24/7
  • Expert–led presentations on history, biology and glaciology
  • Photographic journal documenting your expedition
  • Waterproof expedition boots on loan for all excursions
  • Wi-Fi
  • Round-trip charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
  • Gratuities
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
  • Experienced expedition team throughout the voyage
  • HGV host

Daily Itinerary

This itinerary embraces the spirit of expedition travel. In such remote regions, sea, ice and weather conditions shape your route and activities. While your expedition team will use their expertise to seek out wildlife and ideal landing sites, specific excursions, routes and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Take a detailed look at what’s included in your expedition and explore optional add-ons HERE.

Day 1: Wednesday, December 8, 2027 | Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Welcome to Buenos Aires. In the evening, meet your HGV host and fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Accommodations: 4-Star Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Thursday, December 9, 2027 | Private Charter Flight to Ushuaia, Argentina and Cruise Embarkation
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Antarctica Cruise

After breakfast, board a private charter flight to Ushuaia. Located in Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia sits between the snow-capped Andes and the Beagle Channel. Enjoy free time in the quaint downtown area before embarking on your Antarctic adventure. As you sail along the historic channel, keep an eye out for sea lions, seals and penguins.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


Day 3: Friday, December 10, 2027 | Crossing the Drake Passage
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Begin your journey across the legendary Drake Passage, known for its thrilling and unpredictable swells. This colossal waterway — about 800 km wide (500 miles) and 1,000 km (600 miles) long — serves as your gateway to Antarctica. As the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific meet the polar Southern Ocean, the passage becomes a dynamic and exciting crossing. Watch for the magnificent albatross, the largest family of seabirds, often spotted here.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Saturday, December 11, 2027 | Crossing the Drake Passage
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Take in the fresh sea air on the wraparound deck, watch for wildlife, attend an onboard presentation and get to know your fellow travelers. The glass-domed Observation Lounge provides stunning views and a peaceful place to relax, while the gym, outdoor track and pool offer ways to stay active while onboard.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Sunday, December 12, 2027 | South Shetland Islands — Begin Your Antarctic Adventure
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Seal Sighting

The next few days are dedicated to exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Each journey through this untouched wilderness will offer a unique and personal experience. Your seasoned expedition team has crafted a variety of excursions to showcase the extremely remote and diverse regions. Sea, ice and weather conditions may impact your daily activities, and no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. While your team will seek out wildlife in known habitats, specific sightings cannot be promised. The excursions listed at the bottom of this webpage are tentative.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Monday, December 13, 2027 | South Shetland Islands and Antarctica Expedition Day
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Antarctica Helicopter

Visit remote sites only accessible by heavy-duty inflatable Zodiac vessels. Cruise among icebergs, whales and seabirds, and land directly on ice-strewn beaches. Zodiacs are specially designed for polar exploration, allowing access to penguin rookeries and potential sightings of humpback and minke whales — and even elusive leopard seals. The Ultramarine features two helicopters for deeper exploration of the polar regions. A 10–15-minute flightseeing experience is included in your voyage.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Tuesday, December 14, 2027 | South Shetland Islands and Antarctica Expedition Day
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Antarctica Glaciers

Discover diverse landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and glaciers. The South Shetland Islands are home to numerous species of Antarctic wildlife, including colonies of penguins, seabirds and seals, set against a stunning mountainous backdrop.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner




Day 8: Wednesday, December 15, 2027 | Antarctica Expedition Day
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Antarctica Peninsula

Set foot on the seventh continent and experience the profound silence of the Antarctic Peninsula. Walk on pristine snow, take in panoramic views and be inspired by the beauty of calving glaciers and shimmering icebergs.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


Day 9: Thursday, December 16, 2027 | Last Day of Antarctica Expedition
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Antarctica Drake Passage

Savor your final day exploring the Antarctic region.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner





Day 10: Friday, December 17, 2027 | Crossing the Drake Passage
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Cross back through the Drake Passage. Enjoy sweeping views of the Southern Ocean, look for whales and seabirds or attend a presentation by the expedition team. Relax and unwind in the library or Observation Lounge and reflect on your extraordinary Antarctic experience.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner




Day 11: Saturday, December 18, 2027 | Crossing the Drake Passage
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The Ultramarine is designed for polar exploration while offering the comfort of a luxurious floating hotel. Attend lectures, enjoy onboard amenities or watch wildlife while taking in panoramic views.

Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard the Ultramarine by Quark Expeditions

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Sunday, December 19, 2027 | Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
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Antarctica Ushuaia

Arrive early in Ushuaia and enjoy breakfast onboard before boarding a chartered flight back to Buenos Aires. Celebrate your Antarctic adventure with a farewell dinner and evening entertainment with your host and fellow travelers.

Accommodations: 4-Star Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner





Day 13: Monday, December 20, 2027 | Journey Home from Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before beginning your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast




Points for Travel

Any combination of permitted points and cash or credit card may be used towards a Hosted Trip vacation.

  • HGVClub Members, Members of The Club, Embarc and Extraordinary Escapes Members, click here to learn more.
  • Bluegreen Vacation Club Members, click here to learn more.

Trip Cost

From $19,999/£14,780 per person, based on double occupancy

  • Balcony Suite from $19,999/£14,780

Book by February 26, 2027, to secure your spot.


Call To Book Your Hosted Trip
US/Canada: 800-579-6178
International: +44 1524 386423

Our hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.


HOSTED TRIPS POINTS FOR TRAVEL: Reservations must be booked by February 26, 2027. Nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit of $5,000/£3,700 per person is due at the time of booking. Final payment due by May 14, 2027. Any combination of permitted points and cash or credit card is an applicable form of payment towards a Hosted Trip vacation. Point values applied under this benefit are subject to change and may vary based on tier level. All trips are subject to availability and will be conducted in English. All participants are required to sign the General Activity Release and Indemnification Agreement acknowledgement. All Guests booked on this tour agree to the Quark Expedition Contract. Medical forms will be sent to you via email link. These medical forms must be completed and submitted by you no later than 90 days before the start of the Expedition. Children aged 9 or above may travel on this tour provided that they are accompanied by a parent at all times. Price is per person based on double occupancy, cruise and land tour only, for select sailing date and stateroom category. Fares shown are in U.S. dollars and British pounds for new reservations only and are subject to availability. Prices, additional fees, itineraries and availability are subject to change without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions may apply. Please call us at 800-579-6178 or +44 1524 386423 for additional information.

Hosted Trip package includes all Quark Expeditions inclusions plus these additional inclusions: all meals aboard ship; one ticket per paying passenger for included excursions as noted in itinerary which may require an extra waiver to participate and have other restrictions/qualifications based on height, age and weight; Farewell Cocktail Reception aboard ship for first and second guests in cabin; gratuities for Quark Expedition representative, tour guides, drivers and cruise stateroom and main dining staff; port and security fees and taxes; and airport transfers. Buenos Aires arrival transfers are included on the tour start date of December 8, 2027, and Buenos Aires departure transfers are included on the tour end date of December 20, 2027, provided that Guest arrival and departure flight or alternative travel details are received at least 90 days prior for domestic travelers and 120 days prior for international travelers before tour commencement. Not included: airfare; airline baggage fees; airport or departure taxes; travel insurance; car rental; gratuities for hotel housekeepers; alcohol, beverages and food outside the contracted Quark Expeditions or shore excursion menu as presented at a dining venue; optional excursions; and all other items of a personal nature.

Tour itinerary activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. Average elevation is 8,200ft (2500m). Weather on this tour can change in an instant, potentially exposing Guests to extremely cold temperatures or unfavorable weather conditions. It is essential that Guests have a high level of mobility to get in and out of Zodiac boats and for off-ship activities such as hiking on uneven terrain. Destinations on this tour are remote. This tour is not suitable for Guests who have difficulty walking or require an assistive device to move about. Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions are required. Apart from the basic ship infirmary, it could take up to 72 hours to reach adequate medical facilities. Due to the remoteness of the destinations on this tour, emergency evacuation and/or search and rescue may be delayed or unavailable. Your tour includes charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia and strict luggage restrictions apply. One checked bag and one cabin bag is included per Guest. There are no options to pay for additional luggage. Limit of 50 lbs. (23 kg) checked luggage and 18 lbs. (8 kg) cabin baggage on each flight — subject to change in case of any aircraft change. Some internal flights have a strict maximum Guest weight limit of 265 lbs. / 120 kgs. Any Guests weighing more than the limit may be required to purchase an additional seat. Hilton Grand Vacations must be advised of any Guests weighing more than the limit prior to final payment to ensure space can be confirmed. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators prohibits the use of recreational drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Antarctica.

At date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 9 years must be met. Participation in adventure options is limited for Guests 16 years of age or above. Personal mud boots, waterproof and warm outer gear, and Personal Flotation Devices may not be available in children’s sizes. If the child does not have appropriately sized boots or waterproof outer gear, they will not be permitted to go ashore, and one parent or guardian will need to stay onboard with the child. If the child does not have an appropriately sized Personal Flotation Device, they and their parent or guardian may be denied boarding the vessel and no refund or compensation will be given. Children must be identified when booking with date of birth, and a waiver must be signed at time of booking. Alcoholic beverages are only available to travelers who are 21 years or older. Hotels may differ from those listed by the tour provider, but the accommodations selected are of equivalent standard. Your hotels will be available in your final documents approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. No compensation is provided for alternative hotel stays not listed in the tour provider’s documentation. A passport valid for six months past the end date of this trip is required for all Guests. Entry requirements may vary for passport holders from other countries. Entry visas are not required for US citizens. Entry visas for other nationalities may be required. Visa requirements are subject to change at any time. International visitor entry requirements are subject to change at any time. In addition to passport and visa requirements, some countries may have additional requirements. It is the traveler's responsibility to obtain and pay for all required entry documents prior to travel. U.S. citizens, please refer to the travel.state.gov website for additional information, and non-U.S. citizens, please refer to your country's authority. Any requirements imposed by countries visited or travelled through are the responsibility of each traveler, and Great Vacation Destinations, Inc. cannot be held responsible for failure to comply or qualify for entry.

PICK YOUR EXPERIENCE: One excursion per person unless otherwise noted. No refunds on unused excursion(s). At least one excursion choice will be included at no additional cost, some excursion choices will be available with a surcharge beginning at $50. Excursion choices will vary based on the tour and specific excursion details will be available 60–90 days prior to the tour departure date. Tour providers may require an extra waiver to participate and have other restrictions/qualifications (“Qualifications”) based on height, age and weight. Failure to meet applicable Qualifications may result in ineligibility for this offer with no credit or refund issued. Visiting and participating in excursions in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. Inclement weather and/or other factors beyond the control of the tour operator may result in excursion cancellation such that this benefit will be lost and not substituted or replaced and no credit or refund will be issued.

QUARK EXPEDITIONS: This is a Quark Expeditions provided tour being sold by Great Vacation Destinations, Inc. Please visit Quark Expeditions’ website for full terms and conditions.

GREAT VACATION DESTINATIONS, INC. (“GVD”) is a full-service travel agency that is a Seller of Travel providing vacations to Hilton Grand Vacations Members and Guests located at 6355 Metrowest Blvd., Suite 180, Orlando, Florida 32835. GVD is a licensed Seller of Travel in Washington registration no. 602-283-711; Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST37755; ARC registration no. 15-72225-4; and California registration no. CST# 2068362-50 (registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California). Void where prohibited or restricted by law and/or where state registration requirements have not been met.