Antarctica’s Weddell Sea Luxury Cruises

WEDDELL SEA & LARSEN ICE SHELF LUXURY CRUISE

Weddell Sea luxury cruises offer an incredible opportunity to witness Antarctica’s iconic wildlife and landscapes by visiting the quickly disappearing Larsen Ice Shelf. The adventure begins in Santiago, Chile’s modern capital city. Then, travel to Argentina to begin your Weddell Sea and Larsen Ice Shelf luxury cruise aboard the Commandant Charcot by sailing across the Drake Passage. During your time cruising in Antarctica, you will embark on daily hiking, zodiac, or kayaking excursions to discover the dramatic landscapes of the far south. During your downtime aboard, attend lectures by expert naturalist guides, participate in discussion groups, and enjoy the amenities of the luxurious ship. After passing the South Shetland Islands, you will encounter the regal icebergs and massive ice plates that mark the entrance to the Weddell Sea. Cruise through the eerily still area, glimpsing the seals and seabirds that call the Weddell Sea home before arriving at the Larsen Ice Shelf, which is breaking apart at an alarming rate. After discovering the importance of this impressive site, you will reverse course and return northward, crossing the Drake Passage and arriving in Ushuaia once more.

LUXURY CRUISE TO WEDDELL SEA AND LARSEN ICE SHELF ABOARD THE COMMANDANT CHARCOT

Note: This private tour to Antarctica is an example, as all of our luxury journeys are custom-made.

Note: This private tour to Antarctica is an example, as all of our luxury journeys are custom-made.

Santiago (1 night)

Upon your arrival in Santiago, Chile’s modern metropolis, your personal host will take you by private transfer to your luxury hotel. Once settled into your luxury accommodation, enjoy lunch and time at leisure to explore independently or relax at your hotel. Upon request, Blue Parallel can organize a discovery tour of Santiago’s bohemian neighborhoods and historical highlights. In the evening, savor dinner with your fellow cruise members as you get to know one another before departing the next morning.

Luxury Cruise to the Weddell Sea, Antarctica (12 nights)

In the morning, fly to Ushuaia where you will board your luxury vessel to begin your Antarctic adventure. This luxury vessel features elegantly designed common areas and staterooms that will provide a comfortable journey toward the South Pole in the days to come. In addition, the ship boasts an indoor pool, spa, and fitness area, along with indoor and outdoor lounges and multiple dining options.

The adventure begins as your captain steers you across the Drake Passage. As you cruise further and further south, your expert naturalist guides will organize lectures to provide you with interesting facts and background about the enigmatic Antarctic region that you’re about to experience. 

Continue across the Antarctic Sound to arrive at the North Antarctic peninsula. There, you will marvel at the enormous drifting icebergs and plates of floating ice that mark the gateway to the Weddell Sea. It is also home to leopard seals, Adelie penguins, and even Emperor penguins.

The following day, you will cruise across the unearthly Weddell Sea. This area is characterized by a stark, silent landscape of towering ice punctuated by the Weddell seal calls, which congregate in the area alongside penguins and wandering albatrosses. Finally, on the seventh day of the cruise, arrive at the Larsen Ice Shelves, which are critical in preventing erosion of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. However, cracks in the ice shelves have become more common over the past few decades, and large portions have separated from the main ice mass. After you explore the Larsen Ice Shelves, you will return northward, passing once more through the ice floes of the Weddell sea and the Drake Passage before disembarking Le Commandant Charcot in Ushuaia.

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DESTINATIONS			TRAVEL TIME
SANTIAGO		USHUAIA	9 hrs
USHUAIA		USHUAIA	12 nights / 13 days
USHUAIA		BUENOS AIRES	4 hrs

TRAVELING BY LUXURY CRUISE

Travel effortlessly through the Weddell Sea aboard a luxury cruise, moving seamlessly between the most iconic destinations in the region. Your journey prioritizes privacy, flexibility, and comfort, creating a sailing experience that feels both relaxed and deeply immersive as you explore Arctic waters at your own pace. Our luxury cruise journeys feature customized experiences and exclusive access, perfect for travelers seeking refined adventure, authentic wildlife encounters, and exceptional moments at sea without compromise.

MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOURS

Contact us to tell us more about your preferences and your ideal trip to the Weddell Sea.
We will create a tailor-made itinerary for your review.

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