Expedition to Antarctica
on the SH Vega
Aboard the 152-Guest SH Vega
Expedition to Antarctica
on the SH Vega
Aboard the 152-Guest SH Vega
Visiting Antarctica is almost like stepping back in time, to an era when the world was new. There are no human sounds, only the wild cries of birds, seals, and whales echoing across a vast expanse of land and sea. During the long days of Antarctica’s austral summer, you will enjoy superb observation and photographic opportunities of abundant wildlife, including hillsides teeming with penguins. Admire blue Antarctic waters and the dramatic play of light on icebergs, glaciers, and towering mountains.
During this extraordinary journey to the bottom of the world, retrace sea lanes navigated by storied explorers Amundsen, Scott, and Shackleton. Enjoy the company and fascinating insights of a seasoned team of expedition leaders and naturalists who will share their firsthand knowledge of Antarctica.
Our vessel for this voyage is Swan Hellenic’s Vega, the state-of-the-art, new-generation expedition cruise ship. Accommodating only 152 guests in beautifully appointed staterooms and balcony suites, Vega will feature several lounges, a restaurant, outdoor cafe, spa, library and beauty salon, and will be equipped with the latest safety and environmentally-friendly technology. The Vega is designed specifically for polar exploration and a fleet of Zodiac landing crafts will bring you into intimate contact with this incredible continent.
We hope you will join us on this once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure to the “Seventh Continent.”
Cruise Overview
Countries Visited: Argentina, Antarctica
Starts In: Buenos Aires (EZE)
Ends In: Buenos Aires (EZE)
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Cruise Date: January 10–25, 2024
Group Size: Max: 152
Accommodations: Luxury (5 ★)
Activity Level: Moderate
Experiences: Expedition, Natural History, Scenery
Int'l Air Route: USA–Buenos Aires (EZE)...Buenos Aires (EZE)-USA
Highlights
- Coda Tours signature small group size
- Coda Tours signature comprehensive sightseeing programs
- Coda Tours signature inclusive meal plan of culinary delights
- Coda Tours signature deluxe accommodations
- Cruise aboard the new, SH Vega, a 152-guest luxury vessel
- Enjoyment enrichment lectures from a staff of experience, professional naturalists & guest lecturers
- Explore ashore with biologists, geologists and undersea specialists
- Get up close to icebergs, wildlife and hard-to-reach places using our fleet of kayaks and Zodiacs.
- Observe a range of penguin and whale species, as well as seals and seabirds.
About SH Vega
Cabins & Prices
| Cabin Category | Double/Twin | Single | Cabin Square Footage |
| Cat. E - Oceanview staterooms with two large oval windows. Deck 4. Staterooms 401 – 404. | $SOLD OUT | $SOLD OUT | 206 sq. ft. |
| Cat. D - Oceanview staterooms with two large oval windows. Deck 4. Staterooms 405 – 416. | $SOLD OUT | $SOLD OUT | 206 sq. ft. |
| Cat. C - Suites with balcony & living room area. Deck 5. Suites 501 – 504, 530 – 533. | $SOLD OUT | $SOLD OUT | 300 sq. ft. |
| Cat. B - Suites with balcony & living room area. Deck 5. Suites 505 – 514, 517 – 529. | $SOLD OUT | $SOLD OUT | 300 sq. ft. |
| Cat. A - Suites with balcony & living room area. Deck 6. Suites 601 – 614, 617 – 627. | $15790 | $23685 - 2 left | 300 sq. ft. |
| Cat. AA - Suites with large balcony, separate bedroom & living room. Decks 5 & 6. Suites 515, 516, 615 & 616. | $SOLD OUT | $SOLD OUT | 474 sq. ft. |
Deposit:
A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment can be made by personal check or charged to a credit card.
Special Notes:
- Single Occupancy rates can be avoided if you wish to be matched with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
- Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour online.
- Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made. Rates are based on a minimum participation and if the minimum participation is not met rates may need to be revised.
Do these dates not fit in with your schedule?
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!
Tour Map
Itinerary
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WED., JAN. 10, 2024 | DEPART HOME
Depart home for Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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THU., JAN. 11 | BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Arrive in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Transfer to the Alvear Icon Hotel. Remainder of day is at leisure.
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FRI., JAN. 12 | BUENOS AIRES
Day on your own.
In the evening, meet fellow travelers and your trip director at an evening cocktail reception. (D) -
SAT., JAN. 13 | BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA/SHIP EMBARKATION
Transfer to the airport for the group flight to Ushuaia, claimed to be the world’s southernmost city, located in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, between the famed Beagle Channel and the mountains. On arrival, transfer to the pier to embark the Diana, which will begin cruising early this evening. As the ship cruises the Beagle Channel, enjoy a spectacular vista of glaciers and misted mountains. (B, D)
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SUN., JAN. 14 | AT SEA
Attend lectures and briefings on what lies ahead and enjoy the ship’s facilities as Vega navigates the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Keep a lookout for the albatrosses, Cape petrels, and whales that may accompany the ship as we make our way to the White Continent. (B, L, D)
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MON., JAN 15 - SUN., JAN 22 | EXPLORING THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Eleven-night voyage aboard Vega.
During these days, we will explore the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. The Peninsula is a narrow finger of land that separates the Bellingshausen and Weddell Seas. As Vega cruises through scenic waterways, witness breathtaking panoramas of blue glaciers and jagged, snow-capped mountains. Aboard the ship’s Zodiacs, we cruise among ice floes and explore penguin rookeries. The exact nature of our daily activities will depend on ice and wind conditions, but we expect to make landings at such places as Paradise Harbor, where humpback and minke whales are often sighted offshore; Petermann Island, the habitat of Gentoo and Adelie penguins; and Deception Island, known for its volcanically-heated hot springs and for the remains of abandoned whaling huts and extraordinary wildlife, including the largest colony of Chinstrap penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula. Navigating through the magnificent Lemaire, Neumayer and other protected channels is also planned. Also attend briefings with the ship’s expedition staff.
(B, L, D) -
MON., JAN. 23 | AT SEA
As Vega makes her way back across the Drake Passage toward Ushuaia, treat yourself to the amenities aboard and attend final lectures. (B, L, D)
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TUE., JAN. 24, 2024 | USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/SHIP DISEMBARKATION/BUENOS AIRES/USA
After breakfast aboard ship, transfer to the airport in Ushuaia for our charter flight to Buenos Aires, where we connect to flights homeward. (B)
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WED, JAN 25, 2024 | Arrive USA
Arrive USA after overnight flight,
What's Included
What's Included
- 2 pre-voyage hotel nights in Buenos Aires.
- Welcome meal at the hotel restaurant.
- Full breakfast at the hotel.
- Round-trip flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.
- 11-night voyage aboard the Vega, as described in the itinerary.
- Complete program of tours and excursions and other activities ashore, with professional English-speaking guides.
- Program of lectures by Swan Hellenic’s expedition team.
- Airport/hotel/pier transfers and handling of luggage abroad.
- All meals aboard ship, including wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
- Open bar aboard ship throughout the voyage.
- Port, embarkation, and all other local taxes.
- Gratuities to guides, drivers and porters.
- Coda representative on minimum participation
- Experienced Thalassa Journeys trip director.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance is available through Coda Tours, upon request.
- International airfare; expenses of a personal nature; any items not mentioned in the itinerary or the above inclusions.
Travel Prep
Please request a quote if you would like Coda Tours to assist with international airfare bookings. We often can offer favorable rates for Business or Economy class at a standard fee of $35 per ticket.
Intra-tour flights between Buenos Aires & Ushuaia are included in the cost of the trip.
AMERICAN PASSPORTS: No visas or vaccines are required for a trip to Argentina or Antarctica. Covid-19 policies will be reviewed closer to the departure date.
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
Details about clothing for being ashore in Antarctica will be sent to you closer to departure.
The cruise is guaranteed. A Coda representative will accompany Coda clients if 12 or more book through Coda Tours.
A portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed approximately three weeks prior to departure.