Antarctic Circle Christmas Expedition Micro Cruise by Air
Micro Cruise
Antarctic Circle Christmas Expedition Micro Cruise by Air
Rates from
£18,500
€23,500
US$23,500
CA$34,995
AU$36,500
pp
Duration
11 days
Dates
Dec
Guests
36
Spending Christmas Day here is not a concession to your calendar; it is choosing the most extraordinary place on earth to spend it.
With 36 guests, six Senior Polar Guides and four Zodiacs in the water at once, all guests explore the Peninsula at its most alive together, with time and space to take it in.
In this dazzling spectacle, the season itself feels like nature’s own festival. With Christmas in the air, penguin colonies bustle as gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie chicks take their first wobbly steps. Crabeater and Weddell seals lounge on drifting ice while leopard seals prowl nearby shores. Humpback and minke whales arrive in greater numbers, drawn to the season’s sparkling krill blooms.
The expedition follows the same route as every Antarctic Circle by Air departure: a Patagonian asado on arrival before the charter flight from Puerto Natales to King George Island. The aim is seven full days on the Peninsula, with a push south toward 66°33'S on every voyage.
Enter a realm few have reached and join an elite circle of Antarctic explorers.
Journey to the edge where ice and wildlife converge in pristine wilderness.
The charter flight from Puerto Natales removes the Drake Passage crossing, placing all 36 guests directly on the Peninsula with more time on the ice. Weather and conditions permitting, this departure aims to place guests on the Antarctic Peninsula for Christmas Day.
Where we go is shaped by conditions and opportunity. Our objectives include the South Shetland Islands and Deception Island. We may navigate south through the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, aiming for wildlife-rich sites at Paradise Bay and Cuverville Island, where gentoo penguins and Antarctic shags nest against a backdrop that has no equivalent elsewhere.
The summer solstice brings perpetual daylight to the Peninsula: golden light at midnight, penguin colonies at the height of their nesting season, humpback whales in channels that carry no crowds. Blue glaciers shimmer in the evening alpenglow, and pack ice drifts through glittering channels as Antarctica returns to life and light.
In this frozen, awakening world, nature leads — and we follow, quietly and respectfully.
Expedition highlights
Christmas with the people who matter most, at the end of the world. There is no place more extraordinary to share the season. 36 guests means the ship feels like yours; the guides know every name before your flight; and Christmas Day on the Antarctic Peninsula, however conditions shape it, is unlike anything conventional can offer.
Micro enough to access. Subtle enough to stay. Together, we explore farther south, spending more time where wildlife is most active and the ice is at its most spectacular. That's what the right scale feels like on an Antarctic Circle expedition.
Midsummer solstice timing. The December departure catches Antarctica at its most active. Penguin colonies at the nest, humpback whales in the channels, the Peninsula in full summer. The light at midnight is something most have never experienced anywhere.
A push for the Antarctic Circle on every departure. 66°33'S. The threshold where the sea ice ecosystem begins and the light at midsummer barely fades at all. We attempt it on every voyage; how far south conditions allow varies, but the intention does not.
Sea ice exploration. South of the Circle, the landscape changes register. Cathedral sized icebergs and frozen channels with a silence of a different weight. In the right conditions, guests go ashore onto the ice itself, walking among icebergs that have not moved in weeks, months, or years.
Fly to Antarctica, explore for longer. A 2.5-hour charter flight between Puerto Natales and King George Island replaces the Drake Passage in both directions, giving you seven full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the Gerlache Strait, the Lemaire Channel, and as far south as conditions allow.
Wildlife of the deeper south. Gentoo, chinstrap, and Adelie penguins. Leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals. Humpback whales in the channels. Further south: a small chance of Ross Seal and, rarer still, Emperor Penguin.
The Expedition Micro Cruise concept
Transformative small-group experience
Disconnect from modern life on a small-ship expedition. Just you, your crew, and the world at its wildest.
World-class expedition leaders and guides
Our polar superstars. Tap into their knowledge and passion, with the best guide-to-guest ratios in both polar regions.
Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings
Out in the field is our happy place. We explore as one, with no queuing or waiting for excursions.
Open-ended exploration
We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents us with.
Comfortable accommodations
Our fleet of ships are decked out to be your home-from-home. The biggest luxury we offer? The time and freedom to explore.
Transformative small-group experience
World-class expedition leaders and guides
Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings
Open-ended exploration
Comfortable accommodations
“Take it all in. This is the last great wilderness. This is what the world looked like before humans.”
— George Llano, Polar Explorer and Botanist
Stories from the Ice
Every expedition leaves a mark. Discover honest reflections, unforgettable moments, and personal highlights shared by guests who have explored the polar regions with us.
We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us. After all, the thrill of adventuring into the unknown is more rewarding than a journey that runs on tracks.
Our listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Landings are subject to site availability and permissions, and always in line with IAATO guidelines and Antarctic Treaty regulations. We pledge to follow the strictest environmental protocols.
For even more flexibility, get in touch about making this a private yacht charter.
What your expedition could look like
Depart
Day 01
Arrive at Weskar Lodge in Puerto Natales, Chile
Check-in between 15:00 and 17:00.
Pre-Antarctic briefings from the expedition team, followed by a Patagonian asado at the Weskar Lodge club house marking the official start of your expedition.
Day 02
Fly from Puerto Natales to King George Island, Antarctica
From day two, we are ready to depart as soon as conditions allow. The charter flight to King George Island takes 2.5 hours. The timing is determined by the Captain based on the safest available weather window.
If the flight window does not open on day two, the expedition continues at Weskar Lodge. The lodge, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Natales itself are a destination. The longer voyage duration is specifically designed to provide a wider operational window for the crossing.
Day 03-09
Dramatic coastlines and penguin colonies
Seven full days on the Peninsula. Where we go is shaped by conditions and opportunity, not a fixed timetable.
The range covers the South Shetland Islands including Deception Island. The Gerlache Strait, Wilhelmina Bay, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay, and Cuverville Island: the core of the Peninsula's most extraordinary geography. When the ice opens south, we push toward the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.
Day 03-09
Into Antarctica’s hidden places
South of the Circle, the landscape changes. Locked bergs in frozen channels. A silence with a different weight. In the right conditions, guests go ashore onto the sea ice itself, walking among icebergs that have not moved in weeks. This is where Ross Seals and Emperor Penguins live. Neither is guaranteed, and in fact very uncommon to encounter; however, both are possible here and almost nowhere else on this itinerary.
With only 36 guests, there are crowds. Our expert guides respond to conditions as they develop whether that's extending a landing, spending longer at a remarkable wildlife encounter, or adapting the plan to make the most of every opportunity. On a Expedition Micro Cruise, this flexibility is the norm, not the exception.
We aim to explore Antarctica’s wildest corners. Possible locations include: Cierva Cove, Trinity Island, Mikkelsen Harbour, Hydrurga Rocks, Hughes Bay, Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island, Errera Channel, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Almirante Brown Station, Dallman Bay, Melchior Islands, Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy, Lemaire Channel, Port Charcot, Petermann Island, Argentina Islands (Wordie House), Crystal Sound, Detaille Island, Lallemand Fjord, The Gullet, Marguerite Bay, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Whalers Bay, Baily Head, Deception Island.
Day 10
Fly back to Puerto Natales from King George Island, Antarctica
Aureum holds at Maxwell Bay until the return flight window opens. When it does, the crossing back takes 2.5 hours.
If the flight window shifts, the expedition continues. There is no shortage of Antarctica to explore. Every additional day on the Peninsula is unplanned time in one of the most extraordinary places on earth.
The final night is at Weskar Lodge: farewell dinner, the expedition settling.
Day 11
Enjoy your last day in Puerto Natales, Chile
Checkout and onward travel, weather permitting. The itinerary includes a buffer of up to three additional nights at Weskar Lodge on a bed-and-breakfast basis, at no extra cost; there to absorb any delay to the return flight. If the flight departs on schedule, this is your time in Patagonia to use as you wish. If it does not, the buffer is what keeps your expedition on schedule instead of your travel plans home.
For those continuing their adventure, there’s the opportunity to join our Torres del Paine extension package, Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve: glaciers, granite towers, turquoise lakes, wildlife that answers to no one. It is also one of the most reliable places on earth for puma tracking and photography.
Puerto Natales rewards time. A frontier town with genuine character, local seafood, an unhurried pace, and an atmosphere that is entirely its own. After days at the edge of the world, it is the place to reflect on your last 11 days.
Return
What your expedition could look like
Day 01
Arrive at Weskar Lodge in Puerto Natales, Chile
Check-in between 15:00 and 17:00.
Pre-Antarctic briefings from the expedition team, followed by a Patagonian asado at the Weskar Lodge club house marking the official start of your expedition.
Day 02
Fly from Puerto Natales to King George Island, Antarctica
From day two, we are ready to depart as soon as conditions allow. The charter flight to King George Island takes 2.5 hours. The timing is determined by the Captain based on the safest available weather window.
If the flight window does not open on day two, the expedition continues at Weskar Lodge. The lodge, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Natales itself are a destination. The longer voyage duration is specifically designed to provide a wider operational window for the crossing.
Day 03-09
Dramatic coastlines and penguin colonies
Seven full days on the Peninsula. Where we go is shaped by conditions and opportunity, not a fixed timetable.
The range covers the South Shetland Islands including Deception Island. The Gerlache Strait, Wilhelmina Bay, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay, and Cuverville Island: the core of the Peninsula's most extraordinary geography. When the ice opens south, we push toward the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.
Day 03-09
Into Antarctica’s hidden places
South of the Circle, the landscape changes. Locked bergs in frozen channels. A silence with a different weight. In the right conditions, guests go ashore onto the sea ice itself, walking among icebergs that have not moved in weeks. This is where Ross Seals and Emperor Penguins live. Neither is guaranteed, and in fact very uncommon to encounter; however, both are possible here and almost nowhere else on this itinerary.
With only 36 guests, there are crowds. Our expert guides respond to conditions as they develop whether that's extending a landing, spending longer at a remarkable wildlife encounter, or adapting the plan to make the most of every opportunity. On a Expedition Micro Cruise, this flexibility is the norm, not the exception.
We aim to explore Antarctica’s wildest corners. Possible locations include: Cierva Cove, Trinity Island, Mikkelsen Harbour, Hydrurga Rocks, Hughes Bay, Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island, Errera Channel, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Almirante Brown Station, Dallman Bay, Melchior Islands, Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy, Lemaire Channel, Port Charcot, Petermann Island, Argentina Islands (Wordie House), Crystal Sound, Detaille Island, Lallemand Fjord, The Gullet, Marguerite Bay, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Whalers Bay, Baily Head, Deception Island.
Day 10
Fly back to Puerto Natales from King George Island, Antarctica
Aureum holds at Maxwell Bay until the return flight window opens. When it does, the crossing back takes 2.5 hours.
If the flight window shifts, the expedition continues. There is no shortage of Antarctica to explore. Every additional day on the Peninsula is unplanned time in one of the most extraordinary places on earth.
The final night is at Weskar Lodge: farewell dinner, the expedition settling.
Day 11
Enjoy your last day in Puerto Natales, Chile
Checkout and onward travel, weather permitting. The itinerary includes a buffer of up to three additional nights at Weskar Lodge on a bed-and-breakfast basis, at no extra cost; there to absorb any delay to the return flight. If the flight departs on schedule, this is your time in Patagonia to use as you wish. If it does not, the buffer is what keeps your expedition on schedule instead of your travel plans home.
For those continuing their adventure, there’s the opportunity to join our Torres del Paine extension package, Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve: glaciers, granite towers, turquoise lakes, wildlife that answers to no one. It is also one of the most reliable places on earth for puma tracking and photography.
Puerto Natales rewards time. A frontier town with genuine character, local seafood, an unhurried pace, and an atmosphere that is entirely its own. After days at the edge of the world, it is the place to reflect on your last 11 days.
Fly & Cruise
This convenient fly-and-cruise expedition cuts down time at sea with a private charter flight between Chile and Antarctica.
Flying aboard a British Aerospace 146, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over South America and the Southern Ocean.
Flight departure times depend on the weather, with contingency plans in place.
Flight time
Approx 2.5 hours
Plane
British Aerospace 146
Baggage
25kg checked luggage, 5kg carry-on
Aureum
Purpose-designed for only 36 guests, the first ship of this size in Antarctica. Four Zodiacs mean every guest is ashore within minutes, no queue. An ice-class vessel built for safety, with fin stabilisers for comfort at sea and hybrid propulsion that cuts both emissions and underwater noise, in waters where marine mammal behaviour is the reason for being there. With 32 crew and six senior polar guides for 36 guests, a 1:6 ratio, service here is personal by design. Open decks, a forward observation deck, and the bridge lounge each offer their own vantage point on the wildlife.
Torres del Paine 3-Night Extension: Discover Patagonia’s Wonders
Extend your Antarctic adventure with a 3-night Torres del Paine Patagonia trip - Venture into Patagonia’s stunning UNESCO-listed Torres del Paine National Park, where you'll have the extraordinary opportunity to track pumas, watch guanacos graze, and witness Andean condors soar amid turquoise lakes, granite peaks, and glaciers
Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.
What's Included?
Lectures, workshops on board, and daily exploratory activities
Free use of ship’s Wi-Fi powered by Starlink
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) beverages served during meals, while on board our micro cruises
Rubber polar standard boots for shore landings
IAATO and operational fees and permits included
Provision of an onboard basic medical clinic and an expedition doctor
Charter flight & contingency plan
Included in Puerto Natales to begin your expedition
Private charter flight to and from Antarctica
Transfer airport-lodge on arrival to Puerto Natales, and en route to Antarctica
Complementary night & welcome dinner at a classic Patagonian Lodge
Included in Puerto Natales to conclude your expedition
Complementary night & farewell dinner at a classic Patagonian Lodge
Transfer airport-lodge on arrival from Antarctica, and departing Puerto Natales
Not included
International flights – we recommend booking early. For excellent service and support, consider using our partner Exito Travel
Travel and cancellation insurance – we strongly recommend securing coverage to protect your expedition. For guidance, see our Travel Insurance Checklist
Additional expenses outside of what is included in the voyage or optional activities
Gratuities
Additional purchases or services on board
Other transfer or hotels unless specified as included as part of the voyage description
Travel solo, not alone
Solo travellers join every departure.
Three ways to travel solo:
A single cabin. 36% of Aureum cabins are single occupancy
A twin cabin, shared with another traveller of the same gender
A twin cabin for your sole use, at 1.8 times the twin per-person rate
Get in touch and we'll confirm what's available for your dates.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Antarctica?
The Antarctic season runs from November through March. Each month offers unique conditions—Antarctica in November is pristine, Antarctica in December and January brings peak wildlife activity, and Antarctica in March is golden and whale-rich.
Can flights to King George Island be delayed?
Yes. Antarctic weather is unpredictable, and flights can be postponed until it is safe to travel. Secret Atlas builds flexibility into itineraries to accommodate these potential delays.
What if the outbound flight is moved forward or delayed?
Outbound Flight – Moved Forward
At times, outbound flights may be rescheduled to the afternoon or evening of Day 1. To help your journey begin smoothly, we ask that guests plan to arrive in Puerto Natales by 5pm (check in from 3pm) on the first day of the itinerary. Arriving later than this may mean we’re unable to board you onto the flight, and we want to avoid anyone missing the start of their adventure.
Outbound Flight – Delayed
If weather delays the outbound flight, the group will remain in Puerto Natales, with accommodation, meals, and, when possible, guided excursions to local attractions.
With Secret Atlas, our micro fly cruise voyages extend the flight window, giving you a much higher chance of reaching Antarctica. By contrast, while most operators set a cut-off on Day 4 (afternoon), we extend ours to Day 5 evening, increasing the operational flight window by over 45%.
What if the return flight is moved forward or delayed?
Return Flight – Moved Forward
To avoid prolonged delays in Antarctica, the return flight may be moved forward. Accommodation and all other inclusions remain as per the original itinerary. No refund will be extended in this scenario.
Return Flight – Delayed
If weather delays the return, the group will remain in Antarctica with meals and accommodation provided on board. Should delays exceed two days with no improvement forecasted, the captain may choose to sail back to South America for safety. The trip concludes at Puerto Natales airport, and guests are responsible for any onward travel adjustments.
When is penguin breeding season in Antarctica?
Penguin breeding begins in spring (November–December) with courtship and nesting, while by January and February chicks hatch and colonies are at their busiest.
Is Antarctica colder in spring, summer or autumn?
Spring and autumn are cooler than midsummer. Antarctica weather in November and December is crisp and snowy, while Antarctica in March is milder but with shorter days and golden light.
Can you visit Antarctica in winter?
No. Antarctic cruises only run November to March. Winter brings extreme cold, darkness, and impassable sea ice.
What is the warmest month in Antarctica?
January is typically the warmest, with highs between 0°C and 5°C (32–41°F). Wildlife is at its most active, with penguin chicks hatching and whale sightings increasing.
When is the best month for whale watching in Antarctica?
Whales can be seen throughout the season, but Antarctica in February and March offers the richest encounters, with humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and sei whales gathering in large numbers.
How long does it take to fly to Antarctica from Puerto Natales?
The flight from Puerto Natales to King George Island takes just two to two and a half hours, compared to the two full days required to cross the Drake Passage by sea.
How much luggage can I bring?
We recommend bringing a soft-sided luggage bag that can be easily stored in your cabin. It’s important to check with your airline about luggage size or weight restrictions.
Do you cater for specific dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies)?
Yes, we can accommodate all dietary requirements. After you make your booking, we’ll ask you to provide details about your specific needs.
Will I be the only solo traveller on board?
No. Solo travellers join every Aureum departure. You are one of several, not the only one.
What if I want a single cabin but it's fully booked?
Single cabins make up 36% of Aureum's cabins and go quickly. If none are left for your dates, you can share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender, or book a twin cabin for your sole use at 1.8 times the twin per-person rate. Contact us to check current availability.
How much more does it cost to travel solo versus with a companion?
A single cabin carries no supplement, it's priced as its own cabin category. If you'd rather have a twin cabin to yourself, that costs 1.8 times the standard twin per-person rate.
Do solo travellers eat and explore separately, or with the whole group?
With the whole group. Meals, briefings and Zodiac cruises are shared across all guests, solo or not.
How does the same-gender twin share work, do I get to know who I'm paired with before departure?
Twin cabin shares are paired at the booking stage, matched by gender. Many of our guests tell us their cabin mate became one of the best parts of the trip, expeditions like ours tend to bring similar people together.
What's Included?
Lectures, workshops on board, and daily exploratory activities
Free use of ship’s Wi-Fi powered by Starlink
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) beverages served during meals, while on board our micro cruises
Rubber polar standard boots for shore landings
IAATO and operational fees and permits included
Provision of an onboard basic medical clinic and an expedition doctor
Charter flight & contingency plan
Included in Puerto Natales to begin your expedition
Private charter flight to and from Antarctica
Transfer airport-lodge on arrival to Puerto Natales, and en route to Antarctica
Complementary night & welcome dinner at a classic Patagonian Lodge
Included in Puerto Natales to conclude your expedition
Complementary night & farewell dinner at a classic Patagonian Lodge
Transfer airport-lodge on arrival from Antarctica, and departing Puerto Natales
Not included
International flights – we recommend booking early. For excellent service and support, consider using our partner Exito Travel
Travel and cancellation insurance – we strongly recommend securing coverage to protect your expedition. For guidance, see our Travel Insurance Checklist
Additional expenses outside of what is included in the voyage or optional activities
Gratuities
Additional purchases or services on board
Other transfer or hotels unless specified as included as part of the voyage description
Travel solo, not alone
Solo travellers join every departure.
Three ways to travel solo:
A single cabin. 36% of Aureum cabins are single occupancy
A twin cabin, shared with another traveller of the same gender
A twin cabin for your sole use, at 1.8 times the twin per-person rate
Get in touch and we'll confirm what's available for your dates.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Antarctica?
The Antarctic season runs from November through March. Each month offers unique conditions—Antarctica in November is pristine, Antarctica in December and January brings peak wildlife activity, and Antarctica in March is golden and whale-rich.
Can flights to King George Island be delayed?
Yes. Antarctic weather is unpredictable, and flights can be postponed until it is safe to travel. Secret Atlas builds flexibility into itineraries to accommodate these potential delays.
What if the outbound flight is moved forward or delayed?
Outbound Flight – Moved Forward
At times, outbound flights may be rescheduled to the afternoon or evening of Day 1. To help your journey begin smoothly, we ask that guests plan to arrive in Puerto Natales by 5pm (check in from 3pm) on the first day of the itinerary. Arriving later than this may mean we’re unable to board you onto the flight, and we want to avoid anyone missing the start of their adventure.
Outbound Flight – Delayed
If weather delays the outbound flight, the group will remain in Puerto Natales, with accommodation, meals, and, when possible, guided excursions to local attractions.
With Secret Atlas, our micro fly cruise voyages extend the flight window, giving you a much higher chance of reaching Antarctica. By contrast, while most operators set a cut-off on Day 4 (afternoon), we extend ours to Day 5 evening, increasing the operational flight window by over 45%.
What if the return flight is moved forward or delayed?
Return Flight – Moved Forward
To avoid prolonged delays in Antarctica, the return flight may be moved forward. Accommodation and all other inclusions remain as per the original itinerary. No refund will be extended in this scenario.
Return Flight – Delayed
If weather delays the return, the group will remain in Antarctica with meals and accommodation provided on board. Should delays exceed two days with no improvement forecasted, the captain may choose to sail back to South America for safety. The trip concludes at Puerto Natales airport, and guests are responsible for any onward travel adjustments.
When is penguin breeding season in Antarctica?
Penguin breeding begins in spring (November–December) with courtship and nesting, while by January and February chicks hatch and colonies are at their busiest.
Is Antarctica colder in spring, summer or autumn?
Spring and autumn are cooler than midsummer. Antarctica weather in November and December is crisp and snowy, while Antarctica in March is milder but with shorter days and golden light.
Can you visit Antarctica in winter?
No. Antarctic cruises only run November to March. Winter brings extreme cold, darkness, and impassable sea ice.
What is the warmest month in Antarctica?
January is typically the warmest, with highs between 0°C and 5°C (32–41°F). Wildlife is at its most active, with penguin chicks hatching and whale sightings increasing.
When is the best month for whale watching in Antarctica?
Whales can be seen throughout the season, but Antarctica in February and March offers the richest encounters, with humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and sei whales gathering in large numbers.
How long does it take to fly to Antarctica from Puerto Natales?
The flight from Puerto Natales to King George Island takes just two to two and a half hours, compared to the two full days required to cross the Drake Passage by sea.
How much luggage can I bring?
We recommend bringing a soft-sided luggage bag that can be easily stored in your cabin. It’s important to check with your airline about luggage size or weight restrictions.
Do you cater for specific dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies)?
Yes, we can accommodate all dietary requirements. After you make your booking, we’ll ask you to provide details about your specific needs.
Will I be the only solo traveller on board?
No. Solo travellers join every Aureum departure. You are one of several, not the only one.
What if I want a single cabin but it's fully booked?
Single cabins make up 36% of Aureum's cabins and go quickly. If none are left for your dates, you can share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender, or book a twin cabin for your sole use at 1.8 times the twin per-person rate. Contact us to check current availability.
How much more does it cost to travel solo versus with a companion?
A single cabin carries no supplement, it's priced as its own cabin category. If you'd rather have a twin cabin to yourself, that costs 1.8 times the standard twin per-person rate.
Do solo travellers eat and explore separately, or with the whole group?
With the whole group. Meals, briefings and Zodiac cruises are shared across all guests, solo or not.
How does the same-gender twin share work, do I get to know who I'm paired with before departure?
Twin cabin shares are paired at the booking stage, matched by gender. Many of our guests tell us their cabin mate became one of the best parts of the trip, expeditions like ours tend to bring similar people together.
Explorer's Handbook
Everything you need to know to help you plan your polar expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…
The Classic Twin sits on Main Deck, port side, cabins 218 and 220, with a porthole window, double or twin beds, and an ensuite bathroom in 17.5m².
Available for two guests travelling together, a same gender share, or single occupancy at a supplement.
Low and central on the ship, it's one of the calmer places to rest. Well suited to guests who'd rather put their time into the ice than the cabin.
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi (fair use)
Multiple 220v outlets, plus USB charging points
Generous in-cabin storage for expedition gear and layers
Complimentary toiletries
Upgraded bedding and a throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
Signature Twin
The Signature Twin sits on Upper Deck, cabins 301, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314, port and starboard, with a window looking out to sea. 18m², double or twin beds, ensuite bathroom, desk, and storage.
Available for two guests travelling together, a same gender share, or single occupancy at a supplement.
Comfortable, well-proportioned, and designed for two people who want space to move in it.
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi (fair use)
Multiple 220v outlets, plus USB charging points
Generous in-cabin storage for expedition gear and layers
Complimentary toiletries
Upgraded bedding and a throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
Classic Single
Two single cabins on Main Deck, starboard side, cabins 219 and 221, each with a porthole, 12.5m², a single lower berth with an upper bunk for stowing gear, and an ensuite bathroom.
Low and central on the ship, it's a settled, private base to return to after a long day ashore. Ideal for solo travellers who'd rather have their own space than share a twin.
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi (Fair Use)
Multiple 220v outlets, plus USB charging points
Generous in-cabin storage for expedition gear and layers
Complimentary toiletries
Upgraded bedding and a throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
Signature Single
Six single cabins on Upper Deck, starboard side, cabins 303, 305, 307, 309, 311, and 315, each with a window, 12.5m², a single bed, and an ensuite bathroom.
Solo explorers are not an afterthought on Aureum, with dedicated single cabins across two decks
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi
220v 2-pin European plug socket
Complimentary toiletries
Towels
Bedding and throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
Signature Suite
The Signature Suite sits on Bridge Deck, cabins 410, 408, and 406 to port, and 405 to starboard, 24.5m², with a panoramic window that frames the landscape from your bed.
Double or twin configuration, a sitting area, and a full ensuite.
Room to spread out, and a window that keeps the polar landscape close.
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi (fair use)
Multiple 220v outlets, plus USB charging points
Generous in-cabin storage for expedition gear and layers
Complimentary toiletries
Upgraded bedding and a throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
Classic Twin
The Classic Twin sits on Main Deck, port side, cabins 218 and 220, with a porthole window, double or twin beds, and an ensuite bathroom in 17.5m².
Available for two guests travelling together, a same gender share, or single occupancy at a supplement.
Low and central on the ship, it's one of the calmer places to rest. Well suited to guests who'd rather put their time into the ice than the cabin.
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi (fair use)
Multiple 220v outlets, plus USB charging points
Generous in-cabin storage for expedition gear and layers
Complimentary toiletries
Upgraded bedding and a throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
Signature Twin
The Signature Twin sits on Upper Deck, cabins 301, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314, port and starboard, with a window looking out to sea. 18m², double or twin beds, ensuite bathroom, desk, and storage.
Available for two guests travelling together, a same gender share, or single occupancy at a supplement.
Comfortable, well-proportioned, and designed for two people who want space to move in it.
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi (fair use)
Multiple 220v outlets, plus USB charging points
Generous in-cabin storage for expedition gear and layers
Complimentary toiletries
Upgraded bedding and a throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
Classic Single
Two single cabins on Main Deck, starboard side, cabins 219 and 221, each with a porthole, 12.5m², a single lower berth with an upper bunk for stowing gear, and an ensuite bathroom.
Low and central on the ship, it's a settled, private base to return to after a long day ashore. Ideal for solo travellers who'd rather have their own space than share a twin.
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi (Fair Use)
Multiple 220v outlets, plus USB charging points
Generous in-cabin storage for expedition gear and layers
Complimentary toiletries
Upgraded bedding and a throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
Signature Single
Six single cabins on Upper Deck, starboard side, cabins 303, 305, 307, 309, 311, and 315, each with a window, 12.5m², a single bed, and an ensuite bathroom.
Solo explorers are not an afterthought on Aureum, with dedicated single cabins across two decks
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi
220v 2-pin European plug socket
Complimentary toiletries
Towels
Bedding and throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
Signature Suite
The Signature Suite sits on Bridge Deck, cabins 410, 408, and 406 to port, and 405 to starboard, 24.5m², with a panoramic window that frames the landscape from your bed.
Double or twin configuration, a sitting area, and a full ensuite.
Room to spread out, and a window that keeps the polar landscape close.
In your cabin
Starlink Wi-Fi (fair use)
Multiple 220v outlets, plus USB charging points
Generous in-cabin storage for expedition gear and layers
Complimentary toiletries
Upgraded bedding and a throw
Hairdryer
Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
Slippers
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