Embark on an Antarctic expedition cruise with Atlas Ocean Voyages and sail along the continent's incredible coasts, admire its unique wildlife — from penguins to whales — and navigate through immaculate white scenery, where icebergs glimmer and shine in an explosion of blue tones. A legendary land with a history of attracting great explorers, the White Continent continues to exert a strong fascination and figures high on most travel bucket lists. In Antarctica, the season runs from November to March and each month offers different experiences. November is the beginning of the Austral summer: the icebergs are massive, and the birds are courting and mating. In December, penguins sit on their eggs which start hatching in late December and into January. In February and March, whale sightings are more common, and the penguin chicks moult. For the rest of the year, Antarctica is not open to visitors as it is dark most of the time and temperatures are too low to bear.

December is a great time to visit as the days are becoming warmer and up to 22 hours of daylight each day give visitors maximum wildlife watching time. Humpback whales begin to arrive, having made their long migration from the tropics in search of rich feeding grounds. The first Gentoo, Adélie and Chinstrap penguin chicks start to hatch, a crowd-pleasing spectacle, seabird nesting and young-feeding is in full force and seal sightings become common. The access to the Zodiac landing sites is easier and ice breakup allows wider explorations. December weather in the Drake Passage offers an increased chance for calmer seas, and the much desired Drake Lake conditions make the passage so much more pleasant. Watch out for Blue Petrels, as they call out to each other overhead and guide the ship’s way. Among the most popular months for visiting Antarctica—not least on account of holidays and school vacations—December includes the austral summer solstice, with maximal daylight shining down on spectacular scenery, the opportunity to see and hear calving glaciers, and the temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula commonly get above freezing, with an average high of 3.8°C. All of that summertime daylight provides visitors many hours for recreation (kayaking is very popular), wildlife-watching, and last but not the least, photography.

In 2025, exchange the traditional holiday experience for a magical one when you join Atlas Ocean Voyages on one of their yuletide sailings, with A White Christmas Guaranteed!

9-night Antarctic Discovery
Ushuaia Roundtrip aboard the World Voyager®
December 18 and December 27, 2025

Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. You will find tranquility as you glide a paddle between ice floes on a sea kayaking excursion guided by an expert expedition team. Watch for whales while sitting just 30 feet above the sea line at Water's Edge Lookout, keeping your binoculars and camera ready when an expedition team member calls out wildlife sightings. While on a Zodiac safari, curious and friendly Gentoo penguins may hop out of the water near the vessel, welcoming you into their world.

After a day of roaming, venturing and exploring, indulge in the comfort of your balcony stateroom or modern suite. Every room features a spacious bathroom with L’OCCITANE amenities, plush bedding designed for dreaming, wall-mounted TVs with on-demand entertainment for downtime and sitting or living areas to unwind. Gaze at the horizon from the comfort of your own balcony or panoramic window as you replay the adventures of the day. Awaken fully refreshed and begin your day by pouring yourself a cup of Nespresso Coffee or Kusmi Tea.

World Voyager’s onboard dining options bring you extraordinary culinary adventures with globally inspired gourmet cuisine crafted to awaken your senses one delectable morsel at a time. Just like your adventures ashore, your culinary explorations on board are designed to engage all of the senses. Relaxed, unhurried, each meal becomes another memorable experience to savour with your travel companions and new found friends, accompanied by unlimited fine wines, spirits and craft beers included in your fare.

Atlas Ocean Voyages encourages a holistic approach to life that incorporates mind, body and spirit. Aboard Antarctica Expeditions, expedition leaders, naturalists, kayak guides, photographers, scientists and other experts guide and educate you through your explorations on board and on shore. There will be something for every member of your family to enjoy.

INCLUSIONS EXCLUSIVE TO POLAR EXPEDITIONS
• Private charter jet service with private group transfers*
• 1-night pre-expedition hotel stay*
• 1-night post-expedition hotel stay on select Antarctica expeditions
• Enrichment lectures and destination briefings
• Shore landings led by expert field guides
• Escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
• Polar plunge
• Atlas Ocean Voyages parka, vest and water bottle
• Use of knee boots
*Available on all Antarctica expeditions

Ready to celebrate Christmas or toast the New Year in a stress free way with no cooking and cleaning involved? Contact your Travel Professional or visit here.