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3 December 2027 – 11 days from £11,852 with up to 13% early-bird discount

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Journey into one of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth, guided by a team of seasoned experts, from naturalists to historians, who will share their knowledge of this extraordinary region. Encounter diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals and whales, while learning about the rich history of Antarctic exploration.

Cross the famed Drake Passage, a rite of passage for any polar explorer, and set sail towards the frozen wilderness of Antarctica. Immerse yourself in a range of enriching experiences designed to deepen your connection with this remote region. Attend informative lectures by the on-board team of experts on Antarctic ecology, wildlife and history, gaining a deeper understanding of the environment you’re about to explore. Discover the on-board Citizen Science Centre, where interactive exhibits and engaging discussions bring the science of the polar regions to life.

A polar cruise that goes beyond awe

At New Scientist Discovery Tours, we create intelligent expeditions that move beyond wonder into deep understanding. Inspired by the world-renowned magazine, we make cutting-edge science engaging and accessible – no expertise required, just curiosity.

This voyage includes three major talk programmes:

• How the ocean shapes life – How currents, ecosystems, wildlife and climate interconnect to shape our planet, placing the polar regions in a dynamic global context.
• The latest in scientific thinking – Connect with the latest and most interesting developments in science and technology.
• Eight steps to a better you – A science-backed programme blending talks, workshops and demonstrations to help you live a healthier, happier life.

From a new, state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, the Douglas Mawson, you will experience the serenity and grandeur of the most remote place on Earth, where penguins nest, whales feed and captivating seals frolic in ice-speckled seas. With only 130 guests, amazing viewing space and a ship designed to minimise negative environmental impacts, the Douglas Mawson guarantees a far more enjoyable guest experience than the other older and larger expedition ships.

You will be accompanied throughout by New Scientist’s Catherine de Lange and marine biologist and oceanographer Dr Russell Arnott. You will also have the opportunity to participate in on-board workshops with Russell, expert talks and guided Zodiac cruises with Catherine and Russell that bring you closer to the natural world, and engaging on-board sessions exploring the latest in the oceans, science and health.

In addition to Catherine and Russell, hear from the on-board expedition team about topics including glaciology, botany, marine biology and the history of polar exploration, deepening your connection to this remote and rugged archipelago. Unlike standard expeditions, this journey offers deeper access to expert knowledge, more meaningful interactions and a front-row seat to the wonders of science in action.

Travel with like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world and the wonder of science. This is an ideal environment for curious-minded couples, friends and solo travellers to relax. Your expedition is a carefully curated mix of daytime activity off board, designed to immerse you in your polar surroundings, and talks while on board. During the day, the itinerary remains flexible as the captain and expedition leader will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for wildlife encounters.

In partnership with AE Expeditions and Discover The World.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, the End of the World

Ushuaia is set on a bay off Isla Grande between the Beagle Channel, the towering glacial peaks of Cerro Martial and Monte Olivia, and is the principal gateway to Antarctica. It is fondly known as El Fin del Mundo â€“ the End of the World.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of AE Expeditions and transferred to your group hotel. In the evening, you can meet some of the ship’s team, who will prepare you for boarding the next day.

Day 2: Explore Ushuaia or optional tour to Lake Escondido, then board the Douglas Mawson

The morning is at your leisure to explore the port town of Ushuaia.

There is an optional tour to visit Lake Escondido. This tour offers us an unforgettable panoramic drive through big valleys of glacial origin, evergreen and deciduous forests, waterfalls and rivers, in the vastness of the Andes mountain range. You will leave Ushuaia city to the north-east of Tierra del Fuego, driving through peat bog valleys to reach Garibaldi Pass, only accessible by a winding road that will take you to a panoramic point. From here you will have amazing panoramic views of Lake Escondido and, if weather conditions allow, of Lake Fagnano. You will start your descent towards the north-east to reach Lake Fagnano’s shore, where you will visit a local ranch. After appreciating the landscape, you will have the chance to enjoy the typical Fuegian lamb barbecue. Enjoy some free time there before returning to Ushuaia for ship embarkation.

Alternatively, enjoy the day at your leisure and meet in the afternoon to be transferred to the pier for embarkation.  

Once you have been transferred to the Douglas Mawson, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before a passenger briefing. 

As the ship pulls away from port, you’ll gather on the deck to commence your adventure with spectacular views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.

In the evening, get to know your fellow travellers and friendly New Scientist and expedition teams at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.

Days 3-4: Drake Passage crossing

As you commence the Drake Passage crossing, the expedition team will prepare you for your first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and start the lecture programme to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. Plus, there will be additional talks throughout from Russell and Catherine.

The wildlife experiences begin as you enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel. Throughout the voyage, you can enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym, sauna and spa, or relax in one of the observation lounges. 

Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable, with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for your first iceberg.

The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, the expedition team may attempt your first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

Days 5-8: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on Earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.  

Once you arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore, and you have a host of choices available. You will experience approximately 18 to 24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.

Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. The expedition team will help you experience a range of activities centred on daytime exploration via Zodiac boat safaris (investigating coves, glaciers and wildlife), guided hikes (exploring pristine beaches and stunning wildernesses) and photography (helping you improve your skills with a camera).

You will generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to warmly wrap up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historical huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.

While ashore, stretch your legs and wander along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. Speaking of the oceans below, keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters – conditions permitting! The polar plunge can take place at any time during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement from the expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your life! 

In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, the ship cruises some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or lingers in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they calve into the sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.

Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics to suit every interest. These lectures will cover polar science, wildlife, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology, exploration, history, photography and research, including specialist New Scientist talks. Regardless of the topic, they all have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate, entertain and turn you into an ambassador for the planet. Plus, both on board and in the Zodiacs, the expedition crew will give you introductions to and commentary on many of the Antarctic phenomena you are experiencing. 

You will have the opportunity to participate in the unique citizen science program offered throughout the voyage. It is designed to be a hands-on, immersive and transformative experience that helps you protect the beauty of our planet. Various sampling and data collection projects will be conducted on your voyage and a citizen science coordinator will be on hand to introduce and assist you. This expedition provides a unique platform to help collect high-quality data. With extended access to these remote regions and our expedition teams equipped with scientific backgrounds, you will have the potential to participate and engage in citizen science projects to provide valuable data to the global scientific community. For a greater understanding, visit the world-class Citizen Science Centre on board. You will be rewarded for your thirst for knowledge with one of the best views on the ship.

Days 9-10: At sea

Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before you re-enter the Drake Passage for your return journey to South America. 

With lectures and film presentations to complete your Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and experienced. 

As you approach the tip of South America, your captain may sail close to the legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting. 

Day 11: Arrive in Ushuaia, disembark and departure

During the early hours, you will cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where you will disembark and be transferred to Ushuaia Airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires.

Note: Please note that it is not recommended to book flights departing Ushuaia before 12pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.

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Booking information

The cruise is operated by AE Expeditions while all bookings and travel arrangements are managed by Discover The World on behalf of New Scientist Discovery Tours. Please note that all pre-departure communications, documentation and customer service relating to your booking will be provided by Discover The World.

Highlights

• Gain a deeper understanding of Antarctica on this special departure
• Clean, pristine conditions allow for postcard-perfect photographs
• Observe busy penguin colonies building their nests and perhaps catch a glimpse of penguin chicks as they hatch
• Immerse yourself in polar science workshops and enriching talks led by marine biologist Dr Russell Arnott
• Hosted throughout by New Scientist‘s Catherine de Lange with talks on the latest in scientific thinking and 8 steps to a better you
• Complimentary twice daily zodiac and shore excursion programme during your time in Antarctica
• Enjoy interesting talks from onboard expedition crew covering an array of topics including polar exploration, glaciology, marine biology and geology
• With a maximum of just 130 guests, you are guaranteed a far more intimate and personalised experience than larger vessels
• Explore the region through Zodiac cruises, gliding through secluded bays and quiet coves filled with brash ice

Pricing details

Route map

Meet the experts

Catherine de Lange – New Scientist host

Catherine is New Scientist’s editor. An award-winning science journalist, she has spent the best part of a decade at New Scientist, working in numerous roles including head of the features department and coronavirus editor, as well as editing features and news. Her specialism is biomedical science with a particular interest in nutrition, exercise, genetics, neuroscience and psychology. Prior to joining New Scientist, she worked as a freelance journalist, editor and video and audio producer. Her work has also been published in Nature, The Observer, The Telegraph, BBC Future, BBC Science Focus and more. She is the author of two books. Her latest is Brain Power: Everything you need to know for a healthy, happy brain. She has a BSc in human sciences from University College London and an MSc in science media production from Imperial College London.

Dr Russell Arnott – New Scientist guest expert

Russell holds a combined master’s degree in oceanography from the University of Southampton, UK, and a PhD in marine ecology from the University of Bath, UK, where he studied plankton dynamics. He has previously conducted oceanographic surveys to the Southern Ocean with the British Antarctic Survey, measuring ocean currents and sea water chemistry in deep ocean trenches.

Russell is the founder of Incredible Oceans CIC, a marine education non-profit, and has appeared on TV, radio and at science events across the world. His ocean explainer videos on the New Scientist YouTube channel have been viewed over 6 million times. He is an associate lecturer in ocean science at the University of Exeter, UK, where he has lectured modules on sea ice, the Southern Ocean and science in Antarctica.

As a New Scientist Discovery Tours marine expert, Russell has joined us for two Arctic voyages and three whale-watching trips to the Azores. As well as evening presentations, Russell leads citizen science workshops allowing guests to get firsthand experience in gathering oceanographic data that subsequently used to better understand the locations we are visiting and how they are changing.

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On-board expedition team

Alongside your dedicated New Scientist Discovery Tours experts, you will benefit from the knowledge and experience of the ship’s on-board expedition team.

On-board expedition team talks

Throughout the voyage, members of the expedition crew will present a fascinating programme of talks and briefings, providing deeper insights into the regions’ geology, glaciology, marine wildlife, history, environment and other topics. These engaging presentations will enrich your understanding of the landscapes and wildlife encountered during the expedition, adding valuable context to your polar adventure.

What’s included

• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on day 1
• 10 nights’ accommodation aboard the Douglas Mawson, including daily cabin service
• Lake Escondido tour in Ushuaia, on day 2
• All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary
• All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
• Soft drinks and juices throughout all meals
• Beer and house wine with dinner 
• Captain’s farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages 
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
• Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team 
• Complimentary 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
• Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
• Comprehensive pre-departure information 
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
• Wi-Fi (connection can be limited in some of the more remote regions)
• All zodiac cruising and landing activities led by the expedition team
• Digital photo log book
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
• 24-hour support

What’s not included

• Travel insurance
• International flights to and from Ushuaia
• Visa/ETA (if applicable)
• Premium drinks available to buy on board
• You can choose any of the double cabins for solo use at a supplement. If you would prefer, we can try to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender who is willing to share a cabin
• Gratuities
• Items of a personal nature including but not limited to alcohol and soft drinks outside of dinner, laundry, medical expenses and phone charges
• Further appointments with the ship’s doctor including any prescribed medication

Accommodations

The Douglas Mawson

The newly launched Douglas Mawson is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed to provide unparalleled comfort and exploration in the polar regions. Named after the renowned explorer Douglas Mawson, this advanced ship combines cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly features to navigate the most remote polar regions. The impact-reduction features include hybrid engines, efficient hull design, low sulphur fuels, energy recovery systems, optimised waste management and the CounterCurrent route optimisation system to reduce fuel usage.

With spacious, modern cabins, exceptional dining options and an on-board team of expert guides, the Douglas Mawson offers a luxurious yet intimate experience.

Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes a maximum of 130 guests. It is equipped with advanced ice-breaking capabilities and a fleet of Zodiac boats, allowing passengers to explore the icy wilderness up close while ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the journey.

Cabins

Balcony staterooms (Categories B and C) – Bright, contemporary staterooms offer floor-to-ceiling balcony access, inviting in natural light and spectacular vistas. With thoughtful layouts and modern finishes, they’re perfect for guests who want to stay closely connected to the environment while enjoying a comfortable private sanctuary.

Staterooms (Twin, Triple and Single) – Providing cosy accommodation with clever use of space, modern bathrooms and either porthole or window views. Ideal for solo travellers, friends or families, these cabins offer excellent value without compromising comfort or convenience.