Across the Antarctic Circle
A deeper Antarctic expedition on Aurora’s modern X-Bow ships, combining the Peninsula with an attempt to cross latitude 66°33′ south.
Why we picked it
We picked Across the Antarctic Circle because it adds a meaningful southern objective without becoming an exceptionally long voyage. The route explores the Peninsula before pushing into the narrower channels, island groups and heavier ice farther south. Aurora’s Antarctic operations are capped at about 130 guests, while its modern X-Bow ships offer strong deck space, cabin choice and an active expedition atmosphere.
Travellers who want a modern small ship, an active expedition style and more range than a standard Peninsula voyage.
The journey through the southern Peninsula’s channels and island groups, with an attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle.
Crossing the Circle is always subject to weather and ice. Even if conditions stop the ship short, the southern Peninsula remains one of the voyage’s most beautiful sections.
The Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other Antarctic options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our polar guiding experience helps you understand the crossing, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Your trip overview brings together recommended flight routes, buffer days, travel and packing tips. You can also book a hotel and transfer package through us.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Voyage overview
This is an expedition itinerary rather than a sequence of guaranteed ports. The captain and expedition leader shape each day around weather, ice and wildlife. The aim is to cross the Antarctic Circle, but the real value is the full southern journey: increasingly dramatic ice, quieter waterways and a maze of islands and channels beyond the usual Peninsula range.
Day-by-day plan
Arrive in Ushuaia
Begin with Aurora’s stated pre-voyage arrangements. We recommend allowing a sensible arrival buffer and will confirm the hotel, transfer and embarkation details for the selected departure.
Embarkation
Meet the expedition team, settle aboard and sail through the Beagle Channel.
Drake Passage
Wildlife watching, briefings and lectures introduce the expedition while albatrosses and petrels often follow the ship south.
Antarctic Peninsula
Landings and Zodiac cruising are chosen daily around ice, weather and wildlife. Expect sculpted ice, penguin colonies and steep glaciated scenery rather than a fixed port schedule.
Southern Peninsula and Antarctic Circle
The ship pushes south through beautiful channels and archipelagos, attempting to cross latitude 66°33′ south when conditions permit. This is often the most remote and visually dramatic part of the voyage.
Drake Passage northbound
Return towards South America with final lectures, wildlife watching and time to enjoy the ship.
Ushuaia
Disembark after breakfast. Fly/sail variants differ, so we confirm the exact operating schedule before flights are booked.
The operating difference
Across the Antarctic Circle is operated by Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. Both have Aurora’s distinctive X-Bow – an inverted, curved bow that parts the water more gradually instead of meeting each wave with a flat impact. This can reduce slamming, vibration and loss of speed in head seas. It does not remove motion, but many travellers find the ride quieter and more comfortable than on a conventional bow.
Inside Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle
Both ships are modern expedition bases rather than conventional cruise ships, using the inverted X-Bow design for a smoother and more efficient passage through waves. Sylvia Earle has the brighter two-level glass atrium and an especially strong connection to marine conservation; Greg Mortimer has a more traditional observation-lounge layout and its distinctive fold-out viewing platforms.
Greg Mortimer
Comfortable dining and lounge spaces, excellent outside access and multiple observation points keep the ship focused on what is happening beyond the windows.
Sylvia Earle
A light-filled library, glass atrium lounge and inviting public areas create a slightly more contemporary onboard feel while retaining Aurora’s active expedition culture.
Cabins and suites
Most travellers compare the entry-level Aurora Stateroom with the Balcony Stateroom categories. A balcony is valuable for private scenery and evening wildlife watching, while the ships also provide extensive public deck access if cabin value matters more.
Cabin layouts and availability vary by departure. We compare the practical differences, deck position and the live solo or twin-share fare before recommending a category.
Why Aurora stands out on conservation
No expedition voyage is impact-free, but Aurora is unusually open about testing practical ways to reduce that impact and investing in ocean restoration. It is also a certified B Corporation, giving its environmental and social commitments an independently assessed framework.
Working with the ocean
Aurora is trialling CounterCurrent technology across its fleet. AI modelling, satellite information and onboard sensors study wind, waves and currents to help identify safer, more efficient routes that can reduce fuel use and emissions – effectively helping the ships work with currents rather than push against them.
One guest, measurable action
For every passenger who travels, Aurora funds the planting of one unit of marine life – such as kelp, seagrass or coral – and the removal of one kilogram of ocean-bound waste. It is a tangible addition to the voyage rather than a vague promise of awareness.
Ships designed for efficiency
Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle combine the X-Bow with efficient engines, streamlined hull design, onboard desalination and energy-saving systems. The X-Bow is not only about comfort in the Drake; reducing slamming and speed loss can also lower fuel consumption.
Aurora reports these initiatives through its Ocean Regeneration programme and 2025 Impact Report. Technologies and trials continue to evolve, so we treat them as evidence of direction and investment rather than claiming the voyage is impact-free.
Antarctica and the ships
Departures and availability
January and February 2028 departures
Sylvia Earle
12 days · Punta Arenas to Ushuaia · Fly/sail
Voyage ANC025S
Ask us to confirm current cabin availability, pricing and booking terms for your preferred departure. There is no obligation to book.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Greg Mortimer
13 days · Ushuaia return · Sail/sail
Voyage ANC026G
Ask us to confirm current cabin availability, pricing and booking terms for your preferred departure. There is no obligation to book.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Greg Mortimer
13 days · Ushuaia return · Sail/sail
Voyage ANC028G
Ask us to confirm current cabin availability, pricing and booking terms for your preferred departure. There is no obligation to book.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Greg Mortimer
12 days · Ushuaia to Punta Arenas · Sail/fly
Voyage ANC030G
Ask us to confirm current cabin availability, pricing and booking terms for your preferred departure. There is no obligation to book.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
The 13-day sailings cross the Drake Passage both ways. The 12-day variants include a flight across the Drake in one direction. Dates include the operator’s pre-voyage arrangements; confirm the exact embarkation and flight schedule before booking travel. The Circle crossing and all outings depend on weather and ice.
Optional activities
Sea Kayaking
A guided programme for exploring at water level.
Paddling
An occasional outing for travellers seeking a shorter paddling experience.
Polar Snorkelling
Explore the polar underwater environment with specialist guides.
Scuba Diving: a paid option on the 9 January 2028 departure, with experience and qualification requirements.
Guided landings, walks, Zodiac cruising, wildlife watching, photography and the polar plunge form part of the included expedition programme, conditions permitting.
Optional activities are subject to availability and conditions and should be confirmed before booking.
Ask us to confirm current cabin availability, pricing and booking terms for your preferred departure. There is no obligation to book.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
What the voyage includes
- Accommodation and all meals aboard
- Planned landings and expedition-boat cruising
- Lectures and expedition programme
- Expedition jacket and loan of rubber boots
- Port charges and standard transfers stated by the operator
Optional activities, hotels, flights and transfers vary by departure. We separate inclusions from paid extras and confirm the current operator terms.
Let’s find your expedition
Tell us your wishes, dates and questions. We’ll help you choose with confidence.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees