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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

21% OFF THE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED PRICE

** Our contracted group rates are lower than the ship’s publicly available direct booking price. **

DATES:  14 February - 4 March 2028 (20 days)

STARTS AT / ENDS AT:  Ushuaia, Argentina (Tierra del Fuego)

PRICES:.

LIMITED TIME: prices below are valid for bookings made by 30th March 2026

• Any person booking before 30th March 2026 will also enjoy a $500 discount on any other CNH Tours trips booked before 31 December 2026.  
  
  

Triple Suite: US$21,555 / person

Veranda Stateroom:  US$25,585 / person (1 stateroom remaining)

Veranda Suite:  US$27,027 / per person

Penthouse Suite:  US$37,750 / person (1 suite remaining)

Owner's Suite:  US$39,925 / person (1 suite remaining)

Travelling solo?  Contact us for options - very few solo cabins available, or consider sharing a cabin. 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (CNH Tours offer these at a 10% discount from published rates)

1. SEA KAYAKING:  US$1,796.   For experienced kayakers, several outings during the course of the trip (when conditions allow).  
2. DAY PADDLING:  US$356.  For beginners, an opportunity to experience ocean paddling (once during the trip).  

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

• A 25% deposit is required to confirm your booking
• The balance is due on Friday, 15 September 2027.  

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS:

Once you've booked your trip, you can take some time to consider a wide variety of extensions while in the southern hemisphere.  From wild nature in Tierra del Fuego / Patagonia, to culturally rich Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and more.   Reach out to us to discuss options. 

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STANDARD INCLUSIONS:

• Transfer from the airport to the group hotel in Ushuaia on February 14, 2028
• Pre-departure group hotel in Ushuaia on February 14, 2028
• Transfer from the hotel to the pier for embarkation on the Ocean Explorer on February 15, 2028
• Transfer from the pier to the airport or designated area upon disembarkation of the Ocean Explorer in Ushuaia on March 4, 2028
• Leadership throughout your voyage through our experienced Expedition Leaders.
• Experienced Expedition guides including on all shore landings and other activities.
• All Zodiac transfers, shore landings and cruising as per the daily program.
• Helicopter transfers if offered (aboard Ultramarine only).
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• Any welcome and farewell cocktails aboard.
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks, and juices on board throughout the voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.
• Complimentary Coffee and Tea.
• Complimentary beer, standard wine.
• Complimentary spirits, and cocktails during bar service and dinner aboard.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic internet browsing, email posting and social media and voice applications. Any additional service can be purchased onboard.
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
• A photographic journal documenting the expedition.
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions.
• An official 3-in-1 Quark Expeditions® parka to keep.
• Hair dryers and bathrobes in every cabin.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• All guests’ luggage is handled aboard the ship.
• An electronic copy of our final joining instructions emailed to the agent 30 days prior to departure.

** BONUS INCLUSIONS EXCLUSIVE ONLY TO CNH TOURS GUESTS **

• Complimentary US$200,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation insurance
• Carbon offsets - mitigating the effects of your trip's carbon emissions
• Live trip preparation webinar with the CNH Tours Antarctica expert, Kathy Haesevoets.
• Personalized attention from your dedicated trip concierge (Kathy Haesevoets of course!) - on hand to answer your questions / resolve any concerns, help plan extensions, from the day of your first contact to after you return home.
• Your personalized digital "Voyage Guide" with a detailed trip itinerary and all other info considered critical and useful to your journey.
• Up to two dedicated tour leaders, focused on ensuring your trip goes as swimmingly as possible (subject to sufficient number of bookings).
• US$500 / person credit for any other CNH Tours trip booked before 31 December 2027.
• CNH Tours group dinner in town on day 1 (subject to a minimum number of bookings).

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED   

• International airfare.
• Passport and visa expenses.
• Government arrival and departure taxes that are not mentioned above.
• Meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance, beyond the complimentary US$200,000 medical evacuation insurance provided by CNH Tours (strongly recommended).
• Excess baggage fees on international flights.
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned.
• Laundry, bar, beverage, and other personal charges unless specified.
• Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary depending on location).
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew (recommended $25 per person per day).
• Additional overnight accommodation.
• Polar Boutique store charges.
• Adventure options offered on this voyage

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CANCELLATION POLICIES

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations cannot be made online.

• Free Cancellation - Within 15 days after booking confirmation (Booking must be confirmed 180 days or more prior to Day 1 of the start of the program).
• Cancellation fee of $1,500 USD per guest applies - 15 days after booking confirmation up to 179 days prior to Day 1 of the start of the program.
• Loss of Deposit (25%) - 119 to 90 days prior to Day 1 of the start of the program.
• 80% Cancellation Fee - 89 to 60 days prior to Day 1 of the start of the program.
• 100% Cancellation Fee - 59 to 0 days prior to Day 1 of the start of the program.

Cancellation fees apply to the entire Expedition booking, including expedition fare, air add-ons, ground transfers, pre- and post-expedition hotel, and tour packages.

If any non-expedition components are canceled, you will be responsible for any cancellation fees imposed by the airlines, other transportation carriers, other tour and ground operators, and other hotel properties.

GRAND TOUR ITINERARY

(finer itinerary details may vary depending on weather and sea ice conditions)

The sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands and South Georgia are home to some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth. With beaches absolutely covered in fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins, it’s one of the most jaw-dropping nature scenes you will ever experience. We’ll also explore the fascinating history of the area, dating back to the grandiose times of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exploring the remote British outpost port of Stanley
• Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds on South Georgia
• Zodiac cruising amongst colossal icebergs
• Potential encounters with orca, humpback and minke whales
• A visit to Grytviken, a former whaling station, and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton

DAY 1 (14 Feb):  Arrival Ushuaia

It is always a good idea to arrive at least 1 day prior to your ship's sailing date.  There is nothing planned beyond checking into your hotel (included) and relaxing a bit after your long journey.  Arrive even earlier if you like - let us know if you'd like to discuss options for activities in the region if you do.

CNH Tours Group Dinner in Town: Let CNH Tours host you to a tasty group dinner in town tonight.  We'll arrange for transport as well.  This is a great opportunity to start getting to know your fellow travellers (subject to a minimum number of bookings).

Day 2 (15 Feb):  Ushuaia / Embarkation

Breakfast at the hotel. Free lunch. Spend your morning exploring Ushuaia.  You can of course choose to unwind at the hotel until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. The ship's Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, show you to your cabin and will follow that with a safety and orientation briefing and a Captain’s welcome dinner.

Day 3 (16 Feb):  Southern Ocean

As we sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held, and you won’t want to miss our experts as they begin their informative and entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the area.  You’ll be able to enjoy the seascapes look for seabirds and marine life.

Day 4 (17 Feb):  West Falkland Island

We’ll be exploring some of the westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands, where you can take in the beautiful countryside and look for Black-Browed albatross or Rockhopper, King, and Magellanic penguin rookeries.

Day 5 (18 Feb): Stanley, East Falkland

Stanley is a lively hub of activity nestled in a sheltered harbor. Head out on foot to explore the museum, shops and services centered on the port, or look for sea lions, dolphins, and bird life along the shores.

Days 6-7 (19-20 Feb): Southern Ocean

Things really start to ramp up with plenty of wildlife identifying to do as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence (see footnote below) and officially enter Antarctic waters. Shipboard presentations continue, featuring topics such as the captivating history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia.

Days 8-11 (21 - 24 Feb): South Georgia

South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and it’s easy to see why as you take in vast numbers of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Magnificent mountain scenery, glaciers galore, icebergs, a rich historical tapestry, and an incredible array of wildlife will astound you as we travel down South Georgia's leeward coast. We’ll also visit historic Grytviken whaling station, featuring the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.

Days 12-13 (25-26 Feb): Scotia Sea

Heading farther south, we’ll continue our informative presentations and wildlife spotting as the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful.

Days 14-17 (27 Feb - 1 Mar): Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Here we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as we travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. 

Days 18-19 (2-3 Mar): Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the famous Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 20 (4 Mar): Ushuaia disembarkation

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning.  Most flights to Buenos Aires depart in the afternoon.  Let your CNH Tours trip concierge know if you’d like to spend more time in the region, either in Southern Argentina or Chile, or further north, and we would be happy to help you put together a wonderful itinerary.

FOOTNOTE: The Antarctic Convergence is a curve continuously encircling Antarctica, varying in latitude seasonally, where cold, northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet the relatively warmer waters of the Subantarctic.  It’s a zone very high in marine productivity, especially for Antarctic krill. 

Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.  

Spacious cabins feature a modern, custom Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.  

Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines. 

AMENITIES

• High Observation Outdoor Decks

  Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray.

• Quiet and Comfortable

  Spacious and luxurious cabins ensure your quiet ambience with no sound disturbance from adjoining cabins—and almost all cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing.

• The Latitude Bar

  A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully-lit Latitude Bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends.

• Library

  Located on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase, this beautiful Library with floor-to-ceiling glass, accommodates up to 47 people

• Dry Sauna

  After a day of exciting off-ship adventure, guests can relax on the sauna’s traditional wood benches while gazing at the polar wilderness just outside the large sauna windows. Accommodates 15 people on Deck 7.

• Fitness Center

  Stay fit with the latest work-out equipment in the Fitness Center on Deck 7.

• Jacuzzis

  Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views.

• Observation Lounge

  This stylish lounge at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. Seats 63.

CABINS

There are several cabin types.  We highlight the most commonly reserved ones below.  Contact us if you'd like to consider more spacious options. 

VERANDA STATEROOM

VERANDA SUITE

JUNIOR SUITE

DECK PLANS

 Deck 3

Deck 4

Deck 5

Deck 6

Deck 7

Deck 8

(CNH Tours owners Heather Blenkiron and Marc Patry hope to join this trip as tour leaders - we need 20 participants to make it a go)

CNH Tours firmly believes that you have to be very comfortable in your decision to participate in any trip.  You should be asking yourself: "Why am in considering this trip?  What are my expectations?  Is it worth my time / effort / money?".  We shouldn't be the ones trying to convince you - but rather, you should be coming to your own conclusion.    

What's the Appeal?

People are drawn to Antarctica for all kinds of reasons.  It is beyond dispute THE the most remote region on Earth and THE most inhospitable.  Those two factors alone account for a large part of the draw for many people.  But you must also factor in the singular biodiversity of the region, from abundant and varied marine mammals (orcas, all kinds of whales, leopard and elephant seals...) to myriad birds (the flying kind and of course the penguins).

And for some, land and icescapes and the unique play of light on these alone can justify making an effort to witness this part of the world, while the added cultural and historical dimensions one is exposed to on the Grand Tour often comes as a fascinating and often unexpected bonus.  

....But one needs to balance all of that with one's available resources - again... time, effort, money. 

The Grand Antarctica trip is for those who:

1. Have the time: It's a 20 day expedition, not counting the travel time getting to and from our embarkation/disembarkation port of Ushuaia. At a bare minimum, you'll need to carve out 24 days out of your calendar. 
   
   
2. Are willing to make the effort: Getting there and back is a long trip, and to make the most of this trip, you'll be off the ship, on zodiacs, on beaches, land and snow, often at temperatures not much above freezing.  This is not a tropical beach holiday!
   
   
3. Are willing to allocate the funds:  The longer your trip to Antarctica, the pricier it gets - and this is a 20 day trip (though we are enjoying a hefty group/early bird discount). 

But above all, the Grand Antarctica trip is for those who want to go "all the way".   Not only will you experience the wonder of the Antarctic Peninsula, stepping onto this 7th continent, but you'll have the chance to spend quality time on South Georgia island - home to the greatest concentration of penguins and of other Antarctica wildlife and setting for fascinating tales of human industry and dogged determination.  You'll get to explore the Falkland Islands - remote British outpost (twice visited by Charles Darwin) - one the UK has been determined to keep.  

Extra Benefits with CNH Tour

1. The best price available: We are in close touch with the ship and are ensured the best prices available. 
2. Participation of CNH Tours owners Heather Blenkiron & Marc Patry (subject to a minimum number of bookings)
3. Your dedicated trip concierge:  From your first contact with CNH Tours to the moment you return home after you journey, our trip concierge, Kathy Haesevoets, will be there to provide all the assistance possible in organizing and preparing for your trip.  
4. Travelling with a CNH Tours group: Our guests invariably are a curious, open-minded and engaging bunch of people and a real pleasure to have as travel companions. 
5. A US$200,000 complimentary emergency medical evacuation coverage
6. Your trip carbon emissions mitigated through our purchase of carbon offsets with the Gold Standard carbon emissions retirement program.  
7. Many other bonuses available to CNH Tours guests only (see our INCLUSIONS section).

Let us know if you have any questions. 

SOME TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• See 150,000 pairs of king penguins at St. Andrew’s Bay, the largest rookery on South Georgia
• Wander the historic British town of Stanley on the Falkland Islands
• Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages to South Georgia
• Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac, kayak and foot
• Enjoy presentations by our onboard polar experts / optional kayaking excursions
• Marvel at the abundance of marine mammals

CNH Tours applies the terms and conditions imposed by the ship owner on this trip.  Consult them by clicking the link below:

Antarctica "Grand Tour" on the Ocean Explorer:  Terms and Conditions