January 29 – February 9, 2027
ANTARCTICA 2027 GROUP TRIP
Key Info | Cost | Is this trip right for me? | Itinerary| Testimonials | Why go with us? | What’s Included | FAQS
A fully supported Antarctica expedition led by experienced group trip hosts. An experience designed for travelers who want a once-in-a-lifetime adventure without the overwhelm of planning it alone.
This will be our third time leading a group to Antarctica, and we’re returning with the same expedition company and itinerary we’ve successfully run before with HX Expeditions. From flights and logistics to packing support and on-the-ground guidance, we handle the hard parts so you can focus on the experience (and the penguins!).
Limited cabin availability
There’s nowhere on this planet quite like Antarctica, something about it truly feels like you’ve gone to space! Amanda Monique Brown (@amandamoniquebrown) & Amanda Meeks (@amanda_wanders) have scoped out the best itinerary on the best ships possible for the trip of a lifetime.
Key Info
- 12 Days: January 29 – February 9, 2027
- 1 Night in hotel in Buenos Aires
- 10 Nights onboard MS Roald Amundsen by HX Expeditions
- Get yourself to Buenos Aires and we’ll take care of the rest
- Solo-travel friendly
Cost
| Cabins (Double Occupancy) | Cost Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Polar Outside Cabin | $11,769 per person |
| Arctic Superior Balcony | $14,199 per person |
| Expedition Suite Balcony | $16,589 per person |
A 25% deposit is due at booking, then you’ll have until October 15, 2026 to pay the remaining balance on a schedule that works for you. Many travelers book with the deposit first and finalize payment plans over time, you don’t need every detail figured out to secure your spot.
Once you book, you’ll receive a timeline guide so you’re never wondering what comes next throughout the year. We stay in touch via email and a private WhatsApp group.
Is this trip right for me?
This Antarctica group trip tends to be a great fit for travelers who:
- Have had Antarctica on their bucket list for a while and are ready to make it real
- Want a fully supported experience without needing to plan every detail themselves
- Enjoy meaningful travel experiences and connecting with like-minded people
- Are comfortable with adventure travel where plans can adapt to weather and wildlife
- Prefer calm, organized leadership in remote or unfamiliar destinations
- Want something extraordinary but not chaotic or extreme
Our groups tend to be social without being overwhelming. You’ll always have people to connect with when you’d like to, but just as much space to do your own thing.
You don’t need to be outgoing, athletic, a photographer, or an experienced expedition traveler to join. Our groups have included a wide range of personalities and travel styles. Most of our travelers had never done a trip like this before.
This Trip May Not Be the Best Fit If You:
- Need rigid schedules or guarantees that every activity will happen exactly as planned
- Feel stressed when plans shift due to weather or natural conditions
- Want a party-focused or nightlife-heavy travel experience
- Prefer fully independent travel without group coordination
- Are looking for the cheapest possible way to visit Antarctica
Antarctica rewards travelers who show up with curiosity, patience, and a willingness to let nature lead.
Why go with us?
Antarctica is not a trip you casually book on a whim. Between charter flights, expedition rules, picking an expedition company, weather-dependent itineraries, and packing requirements, it can feel intimidating to plan, even for the most experienced travelers.
That’s exactly why we host this trip as a fully supported group experience.
When you travel with us, you’re not just booking a cabin, you’re joining a thoughtfully curated expedition where the logistics are handled, the prep is clear, and the group dynamic actually enhances the experience.
What traveling with us means:
- A proven Antarctica itinerary we’ve already run successfully
- Support before you go, including packing guidance, prep materials, and flight help
- A thoughtful group of travelers who genuinely want to be there
- Hosts who are present, organized, and experienced in remote destinations
- Less stress, fewer decisions, and more space to actually enjoy Antarctica
Many travelers tell us the group aspect is what made the trip feel less overwhelming, and far more meaningful, than doing it alone!
Your Hosts | The Amandas
Amanda Monique Brown
Amanda worked as a pension actuary for 9 years, during which she took a 1 year break to travel the world. Sharing everything she learned during that year she developed a deep love of travel content and sharing how to do the things she did online. She ultimately left her job again to pursue content creation full time in 2023. Since her first international trip in 2015, she’s visited 6 continents (just Australia left!) and 40+ countries. She has a strong passion for hosting group trips to places people may feel intimidated to plan and/or book themselves, which is why her group trips so far have been to Antarctica, Zimbabwe, Amazon Rainforest, Galapagos Islands, and Egypt!
Amanda Meeks
Amanda Meeks works remotely full time in IT consulting and is also a travel blogger, group trip host, and avid fantasy reader as well. She’s been to all 7 continents, around 30 countries, most of the states in the USA, and her favorite types of trips feature amazing scenery and wildlife in their natural habitat. Her lifelong bucket list had trips like Antarctica, an African safari, and the Galápagos Islands on it, so it’s no surprise she started hosting group trips to those places so others can fall in love like she did. She aims to make bucket list travel destinations more accessible for the everyday travel, and help eliminate the stress out of travel planning.
“can’t imagine experiencing with anyone else”
It’s one thing to get to go on the trip of a lifetime to Antarctica… it’s a completely different — and even more magical experience — to get to do it with the Amandas and the group they bring together. From logistics and concerns upfront, to bringing together a group of people that truly feel like family, and being the fun humans that they are, I can’t imagine having experienced this trip with anyone else! Thank you both and I can’t wait to join on a future trip one day 🙂
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Antarctica 2026
“Nothing short of a dream”
My trip to Antarctica was nothing short of a dream come true. I’ll admit I was nervous that booking a group trip with 2 influencers would mean constant content creation that might be annoying but I was so wrong. Amanda Brown and Amanda Meeks are both amazing humans and were great trip hosts! They really brought the group together, were there for us if we needed anything, and facilitated us all having an amazing time. I’m so glad I chose to go with the group trip because we all had a blast together and it definitely made the whole experience just that much more special. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend group trips with the Amandas to anywhere but especially to Antarctica!“
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Antarctica 2024
“one of the best decisions I’ve made”
Booking the Antarctica trip with Amandas is one of the best decisions I’ve made. Antarctica on its own is definitely worth the visit for its unique nature and amazing wildlife. And I was blown away with the stunning scenery and the whole experience. Booking with Amandas also meant that I didn’t need to worry about anything except showing up at the right place at the right time. And on top of all that the group they gathered was great and I made lifelong friends with whom I’ve travelled several times since. Can highly recommend!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Antarctica 2024
“normally wouldn’t have chosen this”
I typically only travel with very close friends or immediate family. Going on a group trip felt like going to summer camp, making new friends in an exciting place, and traveling with whatever flexibility I chose to have. I normally would not have chosen this mode of trip in the past, but I will never regret or forget it now!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Antarctica 2026
“Nervous to join”
I was a little nervous to join the group trip because I didn’t know anyone other than my husband, and hadn’t met either Amanda in person. But right from the start, we were immediately welcomed and made to feel part of the family and that never changed. The trip was amazing – the itinerary, the guides, the activities, the food, the list goes on and on. I doubt I ever would have attempted to organize an itinerary like this on my own, and as someone who always plans our trips, it was really nice to sit back and have someone else take the wheel. The Amandas handled everything and made it so easy for us to just enjoy the trip. We saw so much, did so much, ate so much, we feel so incredibly lucky! We made several new friends over the course of our time together and by the time we all had to say goodbye, we were really sad to have to part ways. But we’ll see you on the next trip for sure!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ecuador 2025
“help with what to expect”
I have now gone on two group trips with the Amandas and both were incredible. The groups on both trips have been full of fun, adventurous people who are a joy to travel with. The Ecuador trip I did most recently Included two dream destinations the Amazon and the Galapagos. I couldn’t have asked for anything more honestly, we had a great group, great food, great adventures and most importantly two great hosts for the trip. The Amandas built an awesome itinerary, setup the group chat beforehand, sent out a miniguide to help with what to expect and what to pack and we’re always there for any questions, or concerns we had. Overall I just love them both and they are so fun to travel with.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Antarctica 2024 & Ecuador 2025
Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires Day
Jan 29 – Arrive in Buenos Aires, stay overnight in a hotel (included), meet the rest of the group for a happy hour.
Day 2: Ushuaia Day & Board Ship
Jan 30 – Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. We’ll spend the day exploring Ushuaia, one of the world’s most southernmost cities and the capital of the Tierra del Fuego region, before we board the MS Roald Amundsen. From there, we’ll meet our hybrid electric-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters.
After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.
Days 3 – 4: Cross the Drake Passage
Jan 31 & Feb 1 – Spend 2 days crossing the infamous Drake Passage! These days are full of as much or as little activity as you want. There’s dozens of interesting informative lectures (which can be watched in the lecture room, or streamed from the comfort of your bed), a gym, sauna, spa (subject to additional costs), hot tubs, and plenty of lounge areas to hangout in.
These days will also include mandatory safety briefings, sessions on the sustainability measures and rules of Antarctica through The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), and scheduled time slots to pick up your loaner boots.
Day 5-9: ANTARCTICA!
Feb 2-6 – After making it across the Drake Passage you’ll set foot in Antarctica. The first time you step outside in the frozen continent will be a moment you’ll remember forever.
The days in Antarctica vary by weather, location, and time but generally you have two activities a day: a landing and a cruising. Each activity lasts around an hour to an hour and a half.
Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured that each day will offer something different and thrilling. The landings give you a chance to get closer to penguin colonies (& their smells!) and observe them in their natural habitats. While everyone keeps a safe distance from the penguins, sometimes the penguins don’t follow these rules and may walk right past you! The cruisings allow you to zip around icebergs on zodiac boats looking for penguins, seals, and if you’re really lucky – whales! These small inflatable boats give you a chance to experience Antarctica from the water in a way you just can’t on the ship.
There are additional activities that are available on a lottery basis (as space is limited) with an extra cost, these include things like: kayaking, camping, snow shoeing, and a photography cruise.
Day 10-11: Return Across the Drake Passage
Feb 7 & 8 – Sadly time to return back to the real world. The journey back across the Drake Passage includes relaxing days with entertaining ship events, lectures, and a recap video of everything we saw on the trip!
Day 12: Ushuaia > Buenos Aires
Feb 9 – We will arrive back to Ushuaia and will board our flight back to Buenos Aires.
About the Ship • MS Roald Amundsen
We will be traveling on the stunning luxury HX Expedition ship, the MS Roald Amundsen. The MS Roald Amundsen was built in 2019, and brings top of the line amenities and beautiful Scandinavian interior designs. With less than 500 passengers on board it’s a relaxing and intimate way to explore the planet’s most remote continent. To learn more about the MS Roald Amundsen you can read about it here. (Photos below are from the MS Fridjof Nansen, the sister ship of the MS Roald Amundsen which has the same layout and design.)
Restaurants
There are 2 standard restaurants onboard that are included in all fares. There’s a third restaurant, the Lindstrøm, which has an additional fee to dine in (unless you are in an Expedition Suite room, then it’s included).
Additionally, alcoholic drinks such as wines, beers and spirits are also available throughout the day and evening in the restaurants and bar, and are included in your all-inclusive voyage (excluding premium drinks).
Amenities
Our ship features a large walk in sauna with glass windows where you can relax while watching penguins swim by, a full service spa (additional fees apply), a gym, hot tubs, and pool. There are also multiple bars on site with areas to relax with a glass or wine or hot chocolate and a book after a day spent watching penguin chicks.
Cabins
All have a private bathroom with a shower as well as a double bed that can be divided into two single beds.
Polar Outside Cabins – Stylish and comfortable room with large window:
Arctic Superior Outside Cabin with Balcony – Polar outside cabin with a private outdoor balcony for stunning views:
Expedition Suite with Balcony – Luxury room with spacious interiors, this room also includes meals in the Lindstrøm restaurant and laundry:
What’s Included
- Hotel Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Transfers from the hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
- Charter Flights to/from Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, including a checked bag up to 23kg
- Transfers between Ushuaia airport and the ship
- Expedition Cruise:
- All meals
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks
- Meals and takeout available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
- A wind and waterproof expedition jacket
- Loaner boots for landings
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (expect to be able to keep up with email at best, nothing at worst)
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).
- Landing Activities and Zodiac Cruises (all planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions)
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance – mandatory, we can help you find affordable insurance based on your needs
- Optional additional activities (kayaking, camping, show shoeing, photography cruise)
- These are available on a lottery system once we are on the ship; you will pick one or two activities you’d like to participate in. The ship does their best to try to get everyone into at least 1 activity they sign up for, but there is no guarantee you will get it.
- However, almost everyone in our 2024 and 2026 trips was able to do AT LEAST one optional activity that they signed up for.
- Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
If Antarctica has been on your list for a while, this is a rare chance to experience it fully supported.
FAQ’s
How many days are we actually in Antarctica?
We will have 5 full days in Antarctica (weather permitting). Every day we will move to a different area meaning if conditions are right we will have 5 landings and 5 zodiac cruisings.
What is a zodiac boat?
It is a small inflatable boat that fits around 12-18 people usually. You use a zodiac boat to get from the ship to land, as well as for cruisings.
How bad is the Drake Passage?
It’s not *as* bad as you might think! And with the proper medications it’s very doable, especially since once you actually get to Antarctica you have virtually calm waters and can barely tell you’re on a boat! Drake’s Passage is famous for being one of the most difficult waterways to pass, which is why you can only visit in the Antarctic summer when the waters are calmer. The time of year we are going provides the best conditions, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel any movement.
The ship we are on has massive stabilizers that extend under the water, taking away a lot of the movement and providing a much more comfortable passage. I’d highly recommend you bring plenty of motion sickness medications (we will talk more about which ones in the packing list we provide before the trip!).
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free can all easily be accommodated. Most other dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but if you have any specific concerns just let us know and we will talk with the ship to confirm we can meet those needs.
What type of animals can I expect to see?
AHHHH!! The best part! Antarctica is basically an ice safari, in what feels like outer space to me. While we cannot guarantee any animal sightings since nature is the one in control, we can expect to see LOTS of penguins, while looking out for various Antarctic birds, seals (like Antarctic fur seals and leopard seals), and whales! February and March are the best months to see whales in Antarctica and we can look for humpbacks, orcas, fin whales, minke whales and more.
Where do I fly in and out of?
You will fly in and out of Buenos Aires, Argentina. There are 2 major airports, AEP and EZE. Most flights will be in and out of EZE (and the charter flight is typically in and out of EZE, but will not be fully confirmed until a few weeks before the trip). But you can fly in and out of either AEP or EZE.
On the return flight home after the trip, if the charter flight flies into EZE but you need to head straight to the AEP airport to fly home, we will help you arrange a transport between the airports.
If I come alone, will I be assigned a roommate?
Yes! If you are traveling solo you will be assigned a roommate of the same gender. If there is not someone of the same gender in your cabin type, you will be offered a full refund or the option to upgrade to a solo cabin (subject to availability with HX).
Do I need trip insurance?
Yes, trip insurance is mandatory on all HX Expeditions to Antarctica, and are required to cover medical evacuation and repatriation. If you have any questions, reach out and we will be happy to help you. Amanda Brown used this company before for Antarctica trip insurance and Amanda Meeks uses this company to compare rates and decide what works cost and coverage-wise.
Are there any age restrictions?
There is no maximum age limit. The minimum age allowed for children is 5 to go to Antarctica, and children must be 12 to go on the ice walks for liability purposes.
Are there any mobility restrictions?
The ship is fully accessible. To be able to get in the zodiac boats for landing activities you’d need to be able to get yourself in/out of a bathtub with minimal assistance.
Why will I have to do a medical screening?
(https://www.travelhx.com/en-us/support/faq/)
On this expedition we explore some of the world’s most remote areas and as such sophisticated medical services are few and far between. Medical care at sea is limited, and often emergency sea and air services may also be inaccessible, particularly in the polar regions. It is therefore vital that you make us aware of any current or past health issues, and as such we require a Medical Screening Form to be completed for Expeditions to Antarctica.
What food and drink is included?
All meals are included in your package (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks). There is a fine dining restaurant on board, the Lindstrøm, for an additional fee if you choose to dine there. Wine, beer, and spirits are available at meals and throughout the day. All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks are also included.
How cold is it?
It’s probably not nearly as cold as you think! The temps tend to be around 32 F (0 C). When the sun is out it’s wonderful, but it can also be quite chilly when the wind starts to blow. When we went in February 2024 it was colder in Atlanta than Antarctica!
How much gear do I need to buy before the trip?
Probably a lot less than you’d think! You’ll need a few good base layers, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, waterproof pants and a cozy middle layer jacket. But our ship provides a warm outer shell that keeps your body heat in and the wind out (that you get to keep and take home!), and you will be given loaner boots that are warm and waterproof for activities. We will provide an in-depth packing list ahead of time to help you pack efficiently! Here’s a packing list for reference!
Is there Wifi on board?
Yes, but please keep in mind we will be in remote areas and access to WiFi can be unreliable. But it is free which is amazing because some other ships charge up to $600 for WiFi access. While we did have some trip attendees working remotely while in Antarctica on our 2024 trip, I’d plan to be okay being completely disconnected from WiFi. Conditions aren’t always right for the WiFi to work well, but generally you can access messaging and emails. Just don’t expect to be able to stream Netflix or scroll TikTok.
Where does the cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Ushuaia, a city on the southern tip of Argentina. A huge perk of this trip is we will all meet up and start together in Buenos Aires, so you don’t have to worry about transport down to Ushauaia. The trip cost includes a 1 night hotel in Buenos Aires, and a round trip charter flight together from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, and of course transport in Ushuaia from the airport to the ship.
Is laundry available?
There is laundry service available on the ship for a fee (unless you are in an Expedition Suite, then it’s included in the room rate). You can also bring travel laundry packets and do your own sink laundry if you’d rather do that!
When is the final payment due?
Final Payment is due October 15, 2026
Are there payment plans available?
Yes! You can pay a monthly payment from the time you book up until the total payment is due October 15, 2026.
What is the cancellation policy?
The deposit to reserve your spot is non-refundable (25% of the total cabin fare).
The additional cancellation policy is as follows:
| Cancellation Timing | Refund Amount of Fare Beyond Deposit |
| >120 days prior to departure (before September 30, 2026) | 100% |
| 119 – 90 days prior to departure | 75% |
| 89 – 60 days prior to departure | 50% |
| 59 – 30 days prior to departure | 25% |
| < 30 days prior to departure | 0% |
No refund will be made for cancellations received within 29 days of sailing, no shows, or for guests who do not complete their cruise.
Are there any size restrictions?
No, all sizes can be accommodated.