CRUISE ID # TERRANOVA_0494_POLARCIRC_TNA_20270214
Ushuaia TO Ushuaia
Polar Circle Quest
Embark on the ultimate journey to the frozen frontier—an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and even beyond the legendary Antarctic Circle.
Aboard the iconic Terra Nova Adventurer, you’ll explore one of the planet’s last true wildernesses, where towering icebergs drift silently through glassy waters and wildlife thrives against a backdrop of raw, untamed beauty. Over 12 incredible days, this voyage blends breathtaking scenery with thrilling adventure activities designed to immerse you fully in the spirit of exploration. Paddle alongside curious seals on a guided kayaking excursion, crunch across untouched snowfields on snowshoes, or glide into remote bays on Zodiac cruises, where every turn might reveal penguin colonies, breaching whales, or dramatic ice formations.
This is more than a cruise, it’s an expedition in every sense, where the challenges of nature meet the comforts of a boutique vessel, and each day offers new opportunities to connect with the magic of the White Continent.
$14,250
WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED
FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST
Suites & Fares
CHOOSE START DATE
: February 14, 2027
Itinerary
Board the iconic Terra Nova Adventurer in the afternoon and meet your expert expedition team and lecturers. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets sail through the Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass. Take in the breathtaking scenery of rugged coastlines and sea cliffs as your Antarctic adventure begins.
Cross the legendary Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake. This biologically rich region, where cold polar waters meet warmer currents, supports a thriving ecosystem that attracts seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters.
Take advantage of the Ocean Adventurer’s open bridge policy, joining the officers to learn about navigation, scan for whales, or simply enjoy the vast horizon. Meanwhile, the lecture team will share insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, and wildlife.
By Day 3, the first sight of the South Shetland Islands will appear—remote islets first discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith. Weather permitting, you may step ashore for your first encounters with penguins and seals.
Continue your journey across the Drake Passage as excitement builds. Keep your eyes peeled for more seabirds and the occasional spout of a whale as you draw nearer to the Antarctic Peninsula. The lecture program continues, offering enriching talks and workshops to deepen your understanding of the region.
By late in the day, you may spot the first rugged peaks of the South Shetland Islands on the horizon—remote islets first charted in 1819 by Captain William Smith. If weather and conditions allow, you may even make your first landing ashore for an unforgettable introduction to Antarctica’s wildlife, such as curious penguins and lounging seals.
Wake up to your first sight of Antarctica—icebergs drifting by, dramatic peaks rising from the sea, and penguins porpoising along the shoreline. Step ashore for your first landing or cruise among sculpted ice in a Zodiac. The adventure truly begins here.
Today’s landings may bring you to the volcanic landscapes of the South Shetlands, where Gentoo penguins nest and seals haul out on black-sand beaches. Optional kayaking or snowshoeing adds a new layer to your polar experience.
Cruise through storied waterways such as the Gerlache Strait or Errera Channel, framed by glaciers and snow-draped peaks. Watch for whales breaching nearby and seabirds wheeling overhead as you glide through mirror-like waters.
Sail through the breathtaking Lemaire Channel, nicknamed the "Kodak Gap" for its cinematic beauty. Weather and ice permitting, cross below the Antarctic Circle—a major expedition milestone few travelers reach.
Explore remote southern reaches seldom visited by most ships. Towering ice cliffs, quiet bays, and curious wildlife await. With fewer vessels in this region, each landing feels like true exploration at the edge of the world.
Spend your last day on the Peninsula soaking in Antarctica’s magic. Zodiac cruise past sparkling icebergs, search for orcas and humpbacks, and bid farewell to the penguin colonies before beginning your journey northward.
Begin your return across the Drake Passage. Take time to relax, swap stories with fellow travelers, and join final lectures on Antarctic science and history. Watch for seabirds gliding alongside the ship.
Your last full day at sea. Reflect on your journey, edit photos, and enjoy the final moments of ocean solitude. A farewell dinner marks the end of your expedition, celebrating the adventure you’ve shared.
Arrive back in Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast, disembark Terra Nova Adventurer, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey to the southernmost corners of the Earth.
About the Ship
Name
Terra Nova Adventurer
Operator
Terra Nova Expeditions
A true veteran of the polar regions, Terra Nova Adventurer has spent decades taking explorers into some of the most remote places on Earth. With more than 600 polar voyages behind her and thousands of guests carried through Antarctica and the Arctic, she is a proven expedition ship built around what matters most: getting out there and exploring.
Now beginning a new chapter with Terra Nova Expeditions, the 98-guest Terra Nova Adventurer combines serious polar capability with the intimacy and character of a classic small expedition vessel. Refreshed cabins and public spaces bring a renewed sense of comfort onboard, while her ice-strengthened hull, expansive observation areas and expedition-focused design make her an exceptional platform for exploring Antarctica.
Step aboard a polar classic, reimagined for a new generation of adventure.
At Terra Nova, we believe expedition cruising should be adventurous, immersive and accessible. Terra Nova Adventurer brings that philosophy to life, combining exceptional value with a full suite of included adventure activities, expert-led exploration and meaningful opportunities to engage with the places we visit.
About Terra Nova Adventurer
Purpose-built for exploration, Terra Nova Adventurer is an ice-strengthened expedition vessel with an extraordinary history of operating across Antarctica and the Arctic.
After more than 600 polar voyages, she knows these waters incredibly well. Over the years, thousands of guests have explored the polar regions from her decks, building a reputation as a much-loved expedition ship with the capability, character and practical design that genuine polar exploration demands.
Today, she begins a fresh chapter as Terra Nova Adventurer. Carrying approximately 98 guests, she offers the intimacy of small-ship expedition cruising alongside generous public spaces, excellent outdoor viewing areas and the facilities needed for active days ashore.
Her cabins and public areas have been refreshed for Terra Nova, while retaining the character and proven expedition design that have made her such an enduring polar vessel. From her spacious mudroom and direct Zodiac boarding areas to her lounge, library and extensive open decks, the ship is designed to make exploring easy.
Onboard highlights include:
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A small-ship experience carrying approximately 98 guests
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A proven polar vessel with 600+ voyages across Antarctica and the Arctic
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Comfortable, refreshed cabins across a range of categories
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Expansive outdoor decks and excellent wildlife viewing areas
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Spacious lounge and library for briefings, presentations and relaxing between landings
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Dedicated expedition mudroom with convenient Zodiac access
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Restaurant and bar with relaxed, social dining
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Onboard gym, spa, sauna and Jacuzzi
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Expert-led lectures, workshops and expedition programming
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A full suite of adventure activities, including kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, photography, yoga and the polar plunge
Above all, Terra Nova Adventurer is a ship made for exploration. Capable, comfortable and full of polar character, she gives us the freedom to focus on what an Antarctic voyage should really be about: spending less time worrying about the ship and more time experiencing the extraordinary world beyond it.
