Blog / Cruise News, published , Tim Cruise Travel Agency Team
Seabourn Antarctica 2026-2027: Expedition Planning Guide
Seabourn's 2026-2027 Antarctica season runs from November 2026 to March 2027 on two expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, with 19 departures. Most are 10- to 12-day roundtrips from Ushuaia, Argentina, and selected 20-day voyages add South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. For this season Seabourn includes a pre-cruise charter hotel stay in Buenos Aires and roundtrip charter flights to Ushuaia. That charter benefit does not cover your international flights to Buenos Aires; ask whether a separate air package is offered for your voyage. The right choice comes down to how many total days you can travel, how much wildlife variety you want and how you handle cold, wet, physical days.
Choose between the 10- to 12-day voyages and the 20-day voyages
The shorter roundtrips focus on the Antarctic Peninsula after crossing the Drake Passage each way. They suit travelers who want Antarctica itself and have a limited vacation window. The 20-day departures add South Georgia and the Falklands, which many travelers choose for the wider range of wildlife and landscapes, at the cost of more days at sea and a significantly larger budget.
Ask for the exact itinerary of each departure you are considering. Seabourn publishes a planned route, but in Antarctica the expedition leader and Captain decide each day's landings and Zodiac cruises based on ice, weather, sea state and wildlife regulations. No specific landing, animal sighting or calm Drake crossing can be guaranteed.
Count the trip door to door, not just the voyage
A 10-day voyage is longer than 10 days of travel. A realistic plan includes your international flight to Buenos Aires, the included charter hotel stay, the charter flight to Ushuaia, the voyage itself, and the return charter and flight home. Build your dates from the actual international flight times and the hotel and charter timings Seabourn confirms for your departure, then add a buffer for delays rather than relying on a general estimate.
The included Buenos Aires hotel and Ushuaia charter apply to this season's Antarctica voyages as described by Seabourn. Do not assume the same arrangement for future seasons or other expedition regions; we confirm what your specific voyage includes in writing.
What is included and what costs extra
| Item | How it works for this season |
|---|---|
| Zodiac cruises and guided walks ashore | Included, led by the expedition team, when conditions allow. |
| Buenos Aires charter hotel and Ushuaia charter flights | Included for 2026-2027 Antarctica voyages. |
| International air to Buenos Aires | Not included; book with enough buffer for delays. |
| Kayaking and Image Masters photography | Optional, for a charge, with limited capacity; not offered on every voyage. |
| Expedition parka and waterproof daypack | Included, according to Seabourn's Antarctica page. Bring your own layers and footwear per the current packing list. |
| Travel insurance | Not included unless your quote includes it; check the insurance requirements for your voyage. |
The expedition team, and what to ask about it
Seabourn says each 2026-2027 Antarctica voyage carries a dedicated 21-member expedition team covering polar science, wildlife, conservation, geology and history. That team leads the landings, Zodiac cruises and onboard talks. Individual team members change between voyages, so choose a departure for its dates and route rather than for one named expert.
Physical readiness and participation
Antarctic days involve stepping between a moving ship and a Zodiac, walking on uneven, snowy or rocky ground, and spending time in cold, wind and spray. Seabourn has requirements for boarding Zodiacs, and mobility needs vary by activity. Ask for the current requirements, medical forms and any age or fitness rules before you book, and talk to your own doctor about anything specific to your health. If a family member has limited mobility, ask how Zodiac transfers work and what happens on days they prefer to stay aboard.
How to compare Antarctica quotes
Compare the same ship, departure date and suite category, with the included charter and hotel listed, the deposit and cancellation terms, and the cost of the optional activities you actually want. Add the international flight and insurance to reach a real total. A cheaper voyage with a more expensive flight connection is not always the better buy.
Questions travelers ask
Are flights to Antarctica included on Seabourn?
For the 2026-2027 season, Seabourn includes roundtrip charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia plus a pre-cruise charter hotel stay in Buenos Aires. Your international flights to Buenos Aires are not included.
How long are Seabourn's 2026-2027 Antarctica voyages?
Most departures are 10- to 12-day roundtrips from Ushuaia. Selected 20-day departures add South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Are Zodiac landings guaranteed?
No. Zodiac cruises and guided walks are included, but the expedition leader and Captain decide each day's activities based on ice, weather, sea conditions and regulations.
Is kayaking included?
No. Kayaking is an optional activity for a charge, with limited capacity, and it is not offered on every voyage. Confirm it for the departure you choose.
Ask about one specific departure
See our Seabourn guide and live Seabourn rates, then send us one ship and departure date with the number of travelers, suites and suite type you want, and your total budget including flights. We will confirm what that voyage includes and what to budget on top.
Sources reviewed October 8, 2026: Seabourn announcement of its 2026-2027 Antarctica season and expedition team; Seabourn Antarctica destination page; Seabourn expedition shore excursions FAQ. Flights and extras are not included unless your quote or package says so. Inclusions and departures can change; confirm current terms for your voyage.