Atlas spotlights Antarctica holiday cruises for 2025

Published on Aug 29, 2025, 2:37 pm CDT

5 min read

Atlas Ocean Voyages is promoting a trio of Antarctica holiday cruises for late 2025, giving travelers a way to mark Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year amid penguin rookeries and iceberg-lined channels. Departures range from nine to eleven nights, sailing roundtrip from Ushuaia aboard World Traveller, World Navigator, and World Voyager. Fares include a pre-cruise hotel night in Buenos Aires, private charter air to the ship, enrichment programming, and guided Zodiac operations. Select sailings attempt a Crossing of the Antarctic Circle, conditions permitting. Capacity is under 200 guests per yacht, which supports frequent landings and small-group exploration.

Key Points

Why it matters: Limited-capacity Antarctica holiday cruises sell out early, and Atlas adds multiple late-2025 options.
Travel impact: Packages include hotel night and charter jet, simplifying long-haul trip planning to Ushuaia.
What's next: Circle-crossing sailings on December 17 and December 28 target peak wildlife and midsummer light.
Guest perks: Unlimited premium beverages, festive menus, and polar-plunge bragging rights.
Policy context: Atlas operates under IAATO guidelines for responsible polar travel.

Snapshot

Atlas's Thanksgiving program features 11-night Exploring the Last Continent sailings on November 18, 2025, aboard World Traveller, and November 20, 2025, aboard World Navigator. Christmas and New Year options include an 11-night Crossing the Antarctic Circle on December 17 aboard World Traveller, and December 28 aboard World Navigator. Nine-night Antarctic Discovery voyages on World Voyager depart December 18 and December 27. An additional nine-night holiday sailing on World Traveller departs December 28. Each expedition includes private charter air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night, shore landings and Zodiac safaris, and expert briefings. Expect flexible daily operations based on weather, wildlife, and ice.

Background

Holiday demand for expedition cruise peaks from late November through early January, when daylight hours are long and wildlife activity increases. Itineraries typically traverse the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, with landings staged by small groups to comply with environmental rules. Atlas is an IAATO member operator, which governs site access and biosecurity protocols across the region. Travelers comparing lines can also consider Svalbard or Arctic programs for future seasons, such as our coverage of Hurtigruten 2026 itineraries. Atlas expeditions add convenience with charter flights and a bundled hotel night, reducing self-planning in Buenos Aires. Onboard, small-ship capacity, enrichment talks, and expedition gear simplify the experience for first-time polar travelers.

Latest Developments

2025 holiday departures across three expedition yachts

Atlas confirmed six late-2025 holiday voyages, split across World Traveller, World Navigator, and World Voyager. Exploring the Last Continent runs November 18 and November 20, positioning for a Thanksgiving feast at sea. Crossing the Antarctic Circle is slated for December 17 and December 28, targeting the 66th parallel during peak austral summer. For shorter options, Antarctic Discovery departs December 18 and December 27 on World Voyager, with a nine-night World Traveller holiday departure on December 28. All voyages are roundtrip from Ushuaia and include charter air from Buenos Aires, a pre-cruise hotel night, and guided Zodiac operations. Atlas highlights open bars, festive décor, and enrichment programming alongside landings and the polar plunge, subject to weather and ice.

Analysis

For North American travelers, these Antarctica holiday cruises bundle key logistics that often complicate polar trips, notably the pre-night in Buenos Aires and the private charter to Ushuaia. That reduces connection risk, simplifies luggage handling, and helps you arrive rested for Drake Passage crossing days. The schedule strikes a balance between classic peninsula landings and Circle-crossing ambitions, an appealing mix for photographers seeking low-angle midsummer light and wildlife variety. November sailings catch earlier-season scenery and nesting behavior; late December typically brings milder temperatures, more chicks, and higher whale activity. Atlas's sub-200-guest yachts align with IAATO limits that favor smaller landing groups, which can translate to more time ashore. Pricewise, nine-night options can trim total vacation time, appealing to holiday-bound professionals. The tradeoff is that Circle-crossing success is weather-dependent, and expedition routes remain flexible by design. As with any polar trip, comprehensive insurance, realistic seasickness prep, and schedule wiggle room are wise.

Final Thoughts

If spending the holidays among penguins and pack ice is on your list, Atlas's late-2025 program offers multiple dates, yacht choices, and inclusions that streamline a complex journey. The bundled charter and hotel night reduce friction, while small-ship operations maximize shore access. Book early if you want Circle-crossing dates, a specific suite category, or a shorter nine-night option. For travelers comparing lines and seasons, these Antarctica holiday cruises deliver peak daylight, abundant wildlife, and celebratory touches without sacrificing expedition rigor.