There are trips, and then there are transformational journeys. Antarctica falls firmly into the latter. An adventure across the Drake passage and on to Antarctica and the white continent is truly life changing.
I’m inviting my readers to join me aboard HX Expeditions on their Highlights of Antarctica sailing, departing November 19–30. If Antarctica has been sitting on your “someday” list, this is exactly the kind of trip that turns someday into something real.
View the itinerary and details
Why This Itinerary Works
This 12-day expedition is one of HX’s most popular trips and for good reason. It’s a streamlined, immersive introduction to Antarctica that hits all the right notes without overcomplicating the journey. You get 5 full days in Antarctica and get to experience the vast beauty of the Antarctic peninsula. Penguins, Whales, and Seals Oh My, this is going to be an adventure!
You’ll begin in Buenos Aires before flying to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where the expedition truly begins. From there, it’s the legendary Drake Passage crossing followed by several days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Once you arrive, this is where HX really shines.
- Daily Zodiac landings and ice cruising through Antarctica’s best sculpture gardens
- Close encounters with penguin colonies, seals, and potentially whales
- Massive glaciers, towering icebergs, and constantly shifting polar landscapes
- An onboard expedition team leading lectures, landings, and real-time route adjustments
- All Inclusive. Pay once and forget. From Wi-Fi to Open Bar and gratuities, your trip is complete
This isn’t a cruise, it’s a dynamic expedition that evolves based on weather, wildlife, and ice conditions. A perfect trip for those who hate cruising, but want to see Antarctica with like minded travelers.
Why Travel with HX
HX has been doing polar exploration for over a century, and their modern ships reflect that heritage. These are purpose-built expedition vessels with hybrid technology, expert-led programming, and an emphasis on sustainability and science. HX is a great option to travel with, while reducing the environmental impact. More importantly, HX is the only Hybrid-electric ships operating in Antarctica.
HX also has by far one of the best citizen science programs and science labs of any ship in Antarctica. Get involved with Science and learn while we are traveling. This isn’t your grandmother’s cruise. This is an expedition full of exciting moments.
Plus travelers who travel with HX and me will not only pay less, but you’ll get to do more! Enjoy daily landings and multiple hours per day off the ship. You can also have the opportunity to camp in antarctica! Something you cannot do with Seabourn or Silversea Expeditions! Unlike Swan Hellenic and many other operators HX offers more. Guests can also choose to add on sea kayaking. Imagine paddling around icebergs or near humpback whales! Want to venture further away from the main landing sites? Consider booking a snowshoeing adventure, taking you to higher locations and even more remote areas of Antarctica. Really HX offers guests more opportunities than most expedition companies.
Early Season Antarctica: The Insider Advantage
Most people assume peak season (December–February) is best. But those who know Antarctica understand that early season, especially late November is something special. Only in November can you enjoy truly Pristine, untouched landscapes. You’re among the first ships of the season and arrive before the masses. Snowfields are fresh, unmarked, and spectacularly white. Perfect for photography and for experiencing Antarctica in its purest form.
November brings Massive, dramatic ice. Icebergs are at their largest after winter, creating surreal, sculptural scenery that you simply won’t see later in the season. Which makes zodiac cruising and sea kayaking even more dynamic and special.
In the early season, Wildlife at the beginning of its story for the summer. November is when the continent wakes up. Penguins are courting and building nests, seals are active on the ice and seal pups are being born, and the seabirds return in force. Whales are arriving and the continent is alive with life and excitement.
Instead of seeing the middle of the lifecycle, you’re witnessing the beginning. November offers a quieter, more intimate, and often more fascinating perspective. I cannot wait for this trip!
Why Join Me
I’ve been to Antarctica multiple times, and I’ll say it plainly: no two trips are ever the same and that’s exactly the point. Each month, each landing site, each adventure is uniquely different. I CANNOT WAIT TO RETURN! This will be my 4th season in Antarctica, there’s a reason why I keep going back.
Traveling with a group brings a different dynamic. Shared sightings, spontaneous moments, and that collective sense of “we just saw that. Plus it’s fun to travel with like minded aviation geeks, point collectors and new friends. It really elevates the entire experience, as we reflect by the bar at night and recap the day.
I’ll also help guide expectations, prep you for the reality of expedition travel, and ensure you get the most out of the entire trip. Not to mention you will get a great deal! Each guest will enjoy a 90 euro onboard credit + a 10% savings on the fare. Trip begins and ends in Buenos Aires making getting there and home easy. Plus you enjoy 1 night hotel in Buenos Aires, offering you a base to explore the city before heading to the 7th continent.
- Polar Outside (Oceanview) from $9,132
- Arctic Superior (Balcony) from $14,312
- Expedition Suites (Balcony) from $14,312 – FREE UPGRADE
Expedition suites enjoy bonus perks including all meals in the fine-dining Lindstrom restaurant (usually an upcharge), Daily laundry and turn down service, Premium drinks and signature cocktails, a welcome bottle of champagne, larger rooms, in room coffee machines and upgraded bathrobes and slippers. Plus you can relax at the 5 star Arakur spa & Resort in Ushuaia during the day before departure.
Traveling solo? Rooms start at just $12,629 for a full size double occupancy room. Traveling with children? They too are allowed and discounts are available for them. Just contact me to book.
Final Thought
Antarctica is one of the last places on Earth where you still feel small in the best possible way. Towering ice, complete silence, wildlife on its own terms. If you’ve been waiting for the right trip, the right timing, or the right group the time is now! I hope you will join me, Let’s go. This trip is over Thanksgiving, which also means less time away from work, or less PTO days. A perfect time to escape family obligations and make new memories.
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