OBJECTIVE 66°33” : THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
from
02 March 2025
to
15 March 2025
14
days,
12
nights on board
Ushuaia – Ushuaia (via Buenos Aires, Argentina)
From
11 990 €
8 990 €*
- Your expedition
- Itinerary
- Activities on board
- Staterooms & Fares
- Your crew
- Extension Tours
- Special Guests
- Gallery
YOUR EXPEDITION
66°33” SOUTH OF THE EQUATOR: THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
At the heart of the southern summer, when the pack ice finally breaks up, Exploris One sails away from the well-trodden paths and takes you further south. This is the only time of year you can try your luck and cross the Antarctic Circle. An indescribable experience, it is beyond anything you would typically experience on a cruise. This mythical frontier has been surpassed by only the most daring of explorers: James Cook many moons ago, Jean-Baptiste Charcot a mere two centuries ago, and now, you.
Perhaps again in the future, too. Once you’ve has such an exceptional experience, it’s hard not to want to come back…
Why choose this expedition?
The mythical crossing of the Antarctic Circle, which runs 66°33” south of the Equator
Sailing at the heart of the broken summer pack ice
Exploring the French Antarctic expedition team’s winter base camps
Disembarking on the Antarctic continent
Seeing the many glaciers that surround Detaille Island
Itinerary
01
Day 1 Sunday 02 March 2025
Buenos Aires, Argentina
You will stay at the 5* Palladio MGallery Hotel (or equivalent). Check-in from 4 pm.
Free evening
02
Day 2 Monday 03 March 2025
Ushuaia, Argentina
In the morning, you will take a domestic flight to Ushuaia.
Before boarding Exploris One, you’ll have the chance to go on an excursion to discover the Tierra del Fuego, after which you’ll make your way back to the ship which will be docked off Ushuaia’s shore. Its captain and crew will welcome you aboard for the first night of your Antipodean stay. Being at “land’s end” allows us to shift perspectives: the city looks tiny in contrast to the never-ending horizon. On our first night aboard the ship, we will begin our navigation on the Beagle Channel, one of the most important maritime routes of the Tierra del Fuego, second only to the Magellan Strait.
Day 2
Tierra Del Fuego , Ushuaia
Duration of excursion : Half day
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
Upon your arrival to Ushuaia, you will be greeted by a French-speaking guide.
Thus will begin your adventure for the day, as you discover Patagonian landscapes, jagged peaks, and the forest of the Tierra del Fuego. Lunch will be provided during the excursion.
The Tierra del Fuego region spreads over the entirety of the Argentinian South-West and spreads over the border with Chile. You’ll admire diverse flora as you follow the hiking trail and stop to take photographs. With nature at its most splendid, you’ll think you’re admiring a painting…
At the end of the excursion, we will make our way back to Ushuaia and board Exploris One in the late afternoon.
03
Day 3 Tuesday 04 March 2025
At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica
As we sail through the Drake Passage, our crew will be hard at work deep cleaning our expedition material to make sure that no foreign elements (such as dust or micro-fragments) enter Antarctic waters. This is the perfect occasion to get to know our expedition crew as they work towards a common goal: preserving this beautiful white continent and minimizing our impact on it.
They’ll also be delighted to share the details of the itinerary with you. Part of what makes this expedition so exciting is that our day-to-day stopovers are always subject to change: sailing through ice means accepting the uncertain nature of adventure travel…
04
Day 4 Wednesday 05 March 2025
At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica
05
Day 5 Thursday 06 March 2025
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
During seven days, Exploris One will sail from one wonder to another. Weather and sea conditions will dictate which decisions the commander and expedition chief make regarding our disembarkations.
In the Gerlache Strait, on our Zodiacs, we will observe whales feeding up close. In Paradise Bay, we’ll spot blue-eyed cormorants flapping their winds in their nests, hidden deep within the cliffs. At Neko Harbour, ice detaches from a glacier in front of our very eyes. We’ll hear the sound of the ice as it melts into the sea, a fizzling not unlike that of champagne…
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions, and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may vary.
06
Day 6 Friday 07 March 2025
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
The French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot had winter base camps on Booth Island and Petermann Island between 1905 and 1909. At the time, expedition crews would leave objects behind to indicate their presence: the French crew left a cairn, a heap of rocks, on a hill on Booth Island.
This island is home to an iceberg “graveyard”, where hundreds of them lay abandoned on the bay’s shoal. A Zodiac trip is the best way to explore this icy labyrinth. Petermann Island used to contain the southernmost colony of Gentoo penguins since the species was well accustomed to these lower latitudes; climate change has provoked a shift in the penguin’s habits. Antarctica may seem eternal, yet it is incredibly sensitive to global warming. Seeing these shifts under our very eyes encourages us to do all that we can to curb these changes once we are home.
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions, and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may change.
07
Day 7 Saturday 08 March 2025
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
Is it possible that Gentoo penguins might one day migrate beyond the Antarctic Circle? It’s best to hope not. For now, we cross this mythical line, this oft dreamed-of frontier beyond which the South pole seems to be almost within reach… although it’s almost 3000 kilometres away! Exploris One sails through the Crystal Sound, which is divided in two by the Antarctic Circle. There’s ice everywhere here, crystalline and not: glaciers between valleys, icebergs…
This “peaceful cohabitation” with the icebergs is made possible by the work of our deck crew, who keeps a constant watch on the weather and sea conditions. Their intense work is essential in this environment, which is as hostile as it is beautiful.
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions, and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may change.
08
Day 8 Sunday 09 March 2025
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
Today we reach the southernmost point of our journey. Although Exploris One is specially designed to sail through the ice, a labyrinth of islands and icebergs impedes us from proceeding any further. Our ship’s commander and expedition chief know that the main priority is always passenger safety.
The British station W at Detaille Island has not been in use since 1966, but it is well-conserved, and still contains equipment typical of that era’s scientific bases. Only a few researchers in geodesy made it this far south. Surprisingly, Prince Philip once played tennis there – he was the first royal to cross the Antarctic circle in 1956.
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions, and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may change.
09
Day 9 Monday 10 March 2025
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
Sooner or later – unfortunately – we have to head back up north, bit by bit. Our next stop is Prospect Point, at the 66th parallel south. The site, on Graham Land, is the perfect place for us to stretch our legs on the Antarctic continent. The peninsula here is only 80 kilometres in width but it is covered in peaks reaching up to 3000 metres in altitude, making it impossible for us to go across it. The British station J was operative here in the 1950s. There are no remnants of the station, however, since the Antarctic Treaty requires sites to be completely removed when they are fully out of operation.
Everyone has to make efforts to protect Antarctica, from us occasional visitors to large international institutions.
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions, and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may change.
10
Day 10 Tuesday 11 March 2025
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
Port Lockroy, “base A”, has a certain French flair to it despite being a British station. Indeed, “Lockroy” is pronounced à la française, “locroua”, and is named after a minister who was a long-time supporter of Charcot.
You might think you’re hearing chickens crowing, but these sounds are those of young gentoo penguins and snowy sheathbills asking for food – they are part of the background noises you’ll hear during this escapade. They are fed right in front of us, on the steps of the British stations. Here you’ll also find a shop, a post office, and a museum.
We’ll go for a Zodiac ride in this little protected harbour so that we can get near a cormorant colony, and perhaps even spot a leopard seal snoozing on a snowy rock. It’s probably best to see him when he’s resting – when awake, he’s usually busy hunting for a meal. His favourite dish? Penguin. Bon appétit!
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions, and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may change.
11
Day 11 Wednesday 12 March 2025
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
In addition to chinstrap penguins and whaling sites, the South Shetland Islands allow us to brush up on our volcanic knowledge. Deception Island is an ancient collapsed volcanic cone, whose crater has been filled up with seawater. As Exploris One enters into this sheltered harbour, we admire needle-like formations made of igneous rocks, which are remnants of ancient volcanic conduits.
The same type of rock formation can be found on Half Moon Island. There, a long beach in the shape of a crescent moon spreads far and wide, a spectacle of black and white. The beach’s monochrome beauty is interrupted only by a singular orange cabin, an Argentine research station, which is open some summers. The building’s vivid colour is complemented by the greenery of the lichen strewn on the nearby rocks, and the bright vermilion spots on the kelp seagull’s beaks.
12
Day 12 Thursday 13 March 2025
At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica
Two whole days at sea are needed for us to return to our starting point, and to transition back towards everyday life. Luckily, Exploris One’s many onboard amenities make this transition extremely pleasant! Our crew members will take care of you and offer you only the best services, whether it be in your cabin, in our lounges, at the spa, or in our fitness centre, as we cross the Drake passage. They’re just as dazzled as we are by this Antarctic experience: together, we have crossed the almost mythological Antarctic circle.
13
Day 13 Friday 14 March 2025
At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica
14
Day 14 Saturday 15 March 2025
Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembarkation in the morning, followed by transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Buenos Aires.
Activities on board
Zodiac© Cruises
Explore inaccessible zones, admire spectacular glaciers and icebergs. Our Zodiacs© allow you to get as close as possible to nature, in complete safety.
Sea Kayaking
Silent, discreet, and easy to handle, kayaks are perfect to explore less accessible areas and to get closer to places of incredible beauty.
Guided Hikes
Hikes for all levels will be offered during your expedition. Explore historic landmarks, walk on gorgeous sandy beaches or pack ice. Admire the fauna and flora and take in the spectacular sights.
Photography Workshop
Our photography experts will offer conferences and workshops on board the ship and on dry land so you can get the best out of your camera and capture the most incredible landscapes.
Polar Plunge
The polar plunge is a rite of passage for daring explorers. Dive into waters reaching -3 degrees Celsius for a (brief) swim that you’ll never forget. This activity is available on a limited number of expeditions, weather permitting.
Birdwatching
Observe the most beautiful species of birds in their natural habitat, alongside renowned ornithologists and wildlife specialists.
Informative lectures
Our experts, scientists, naturalist guides, historians and special guests will offer unique lectures on the fauna, flora, history and biology of the regions we visit
Staterooms & Fares
Select your cabin on board Exploris One
L'Exploris One
The best an expedition cruise has to offer
Exploris One, which sails under the French flag, has been especially designed to navigate the world’s most demanding waters, both in open water and in the polar regions. Equipped with a reinforced hull, it is the ideal ship for exploring glacial regions in a completely safe environment: in fact, it is regarded as a global benchmark in terms of safety.
Thanks to its recent renovations (2018 & 2023), Exploris One is able to offer both adventure and comfort, along with an excellent personalised service, making our expeditions truly unique. It features 60 cabins and 12 suites, among the most spacious available on board any expedition ship today. It boasts a fitness and wellness area, panoramic decks and lounges, as well as outdoor Jacuzzis, so that our passengers may relax in between calls.
The ship is also equipped with twelve Zodiacs©, which allow all of our passengers (depending on weather and sailing conditions) to disembark at the same time, several times a day, on territories which are not usually accessible.
Ice class
Class 1A
Tonnage
6,158 GT
Length
108 meters
Breadth
16 meters
Average speed
12,5 knots
Zodiacs
12
Passenger decks
5 decks
Crew
102
Maximum number of passengers
144 (120 in polar regions)
Flag
French Flag (2023)
Officers
French & International
Classification
Lloyd's Register
Cabine PREMIUM , Au pont 3, à l'avant du navire
Au pont 3
- 14-15 m²
- 2 hublots
- Deux lits séparés ou un lit queen-size
- Coin salon avec bureau
- Penderie avec coffre-fort
- Salle de bain en marbre avec douche
- Mini bar
- Peignoirs et chaussons de bain
- Coiffeuse et sèche-cheveux
- Réveil avec station d’accueil
- Sélection de produits de bain
- Bureau et papier à lettres
- Ligne téléphonique directe par satellite
- Prises 110/220V
- Accès internet WIFI illimité (réception satellite aléatoire en fonction de la navigation et de la latitude)
- TV écran plat, chaînes internationales (aléatoire suivant la zone de navigation) et vidéos à la demande avec contenu interactif
- Room service 24H/24
- Climatisation individuelle
Cabine SUPERIEURE , Au pont 4, à l'avant du navire
Au pont 4
- 16-18 m²
- Fenêtre - Sabord (80cm x 80cm)
- Deux lits séparés ou un lit queen-size
- Coin salon avec bureau
- Penderie avec coffre-fort
- Salle de bain en marbre avec douche
- Mini bar
- Peignoirs et chaussons de bain
- Coiffeuse et sèche-cheveux
- Réveil avec station d’accueil
- Sélection de produits de bain
- Bureau et papier à lettres
- Ligne téléphonique directe par satellite
- Prises 110/220V
- Accès internet WIFI illimité (réception satellite aléatoire en fonction de la navigation et de la latitude)
- TV écran plat, chaînes internationales (aléatoire suivant la zone de navigation) et vidéos à la demande avec contenu interactif
- Room service 24H/24
- Climatisation individuelle
OCEAN Stateroom , Deck 3
On deck 3
- 18 m²
- Window - porthole (80cm x 80cm)
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
DELUXE Stateroom , Deck 4
On deck 4
- 18 m²
- Large window - porthole (120cm x 110cm)
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
BALCONY Stateroom , Deck 5
On deck 5
- From 19 to 20 m², including a 1.5 m² French-style balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
NAVIGATOR Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 37 m², including 1 large 8 m² balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
DISCOVERY Suite , Deck 5
On deck 5
- 39 m² including two french balconies (1,5 m² each)
- Two Sliding panoramic bay windows
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
- Dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Coffee machine
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
GRAND Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 57 m² including a large 8m² private balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
- Dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
SHIPOWNER'S Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 67 m² including a large 15m² private terrace
- Two sliding panoramic bay windows
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with large lounge equipped with a sofa bed
- Large dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
* This price is per person based on double occupancy, including our “Discovery Offer -25%” - Limited time offer.
Gallery
