Gentoo Penguins in Antarctica
Expedition to Antartica
A Voyage Exploring Icebergs,
Wildlife & Climate Science
December 27, 2025 – January 9, 2026
With Rachel Stanley, Frost Associate Professor in Environmental Science aboard the New Elegant Small Cruise Ship DIANA
WELLESLEY COLLEGE FACULTY LEADER
Rachel Stanley is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Frost Associate Professor in Environmental Science at Wellesley College. She received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry (MIT) and earned a PhD in chemical oceanography (MIT and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution).
At Wellesley, Professor Stanley teaches a variety of chemistry courses and pursues research aimed at understanding the role of the ocean in climate change, with a special focus on using gases as chemical clues to untangle how greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide enter the ocean and what happens next to these gases. Students are involved in all aspects of her research, collecting samples during cruises on the Atlantic Ocean, quantifying rates of photosynthesis and respiration, measuring gases in wind-wave tanks that simulate hurricane conditions, and developing mass spectrometers on campus in Wellesley’s new Science Center. Beyond Wellesley, Professor Stanley chairs the Ocean Atmosphere Interaction Committee and is the U.S. representative to the Surface Ocean Lower Atmosphere Study, an international program aimed at increasing understanding of processes occurring at the boundary between the ocean and the atmosphere.
Humpback whale
ITINERARY
Saturday, December 27, 2025
DEPART USA
Depart home for Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Sunday, December 28
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina
Arrive in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Transfer to the Alvear Icon Hotel (or similar). In the evening, meet fellow travelers, your Wellesley faculty leader, and your trip director at an evening cocktail reception. (D)
Monday, December 29
BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA/SHIP EMBARKATION
Transfer to the airport for the group flight to Ushuaia, claimed to be the world’s southernmost city, located in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, between the famed Beagle Channel and the mountains. On arrival, transfer to the pier to embark the Diana, which will begin cruising early this evening. As the ship cruises the Beagle Channel, enjoy a spectacular vista of glaciers and misted mountains. (B, D)
Tuesday, December 30
AT SEA
Attend lectures and enjoy the ship’s facilities as the Diana cruises through the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Look for Albatross, Cape Petrels, and whales that may accompany the ship on its passage. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, December 31 to Tuesday, January 6
EXPLORING ANTARCTICA
Explore the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands while also venturing into the Weddell Sea. As Diana cruises through scenic waterways and protected channels, witness a breathtaking panorama of icebergs, blue glaciers, and jagged snow-capped mountains. Humpback and minke whales are often sighted offshore. Aboard the ship’s Zodiacs, cruise among ice floes and view penguin rookeries including the habitats of Gentoo and Adélie penguins. Although the itinerary varies according to local ice and wind conditions, we plan to land at such places as Neko Harbor, Port Lockroy, Half Moon Island, and Deception Island, known for its volcanically-heated hot springs, among other sites. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, January 7 & Thursday, January 8
AT SEA
Watch for whales and seabirds – and enjoy onboard lectures and the ship’s amenities – as Diana cruises back to Ushuaia. (B, L, D)
Antarctica Wildlife and Guests
Antartica Peninsula penguins
Port Lockroy
Exploring the Antartica Peninsula
The NEW 192-Guest Expedition
Cruise Ship DIANA
All accommodations aboard DIANA are spacious staterooms and balcony suites, elegantly decorated and designed for comfort. They feature:
● Outside-facing rooms with stunning sea views.
● Queen-size bed (convertible to two twin beds).
● Spacious bathroom for added convenience.
● Mini-refrigerator for personal refreshments.
● Secure in-room safe for valuables.
● Ample closet space for storage needs.
● Climate control for personalized comfort.
● Telephone for onboard communication.
● TV with entertainment options.
● Wi-Fi access for staying connected.
● USB connections for easy device charging.
● Additional thoughtful amenities for an enhanced stay.
All prices are per person, double occupancy
Category E – Oceanview Stateroom | 206 sq. ft. | $11,990
Category D – Oceanview Stateroom | 206 sq. ft. | $12,590
Category C – Suite with Balcony & Living Room Area | 300 sq. ft. | $14,790
Category B – Suite with Balcony & Living Room Area | 300 sq. ft. | $15,490
Category A – Suite with Balcony & Living Room Area | 300 sq. ft. | $16,190
Category AA – Suite with Large Balcony, Separate Bedroom & Living Room | 474 sq. ft. | $21,790
FOR SOLO TRAVELERS | A limited number of cabins are available for single occupants in Category D at 120% of the per-person, double occupancy rate, and in Categories C, B, and A at 150% of the per-person, double occupancy rate.
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
The rates are all-inclusive. There are no hidden costs and no additional charges such as shore excursions and embarkation and port charges. Other than the international airfare and expenses of a personal nature, all else is included.Specifically, the rates include the following:
● One night at the Alvear Icon Hotel (or similar) in Buenos Aires.
● Welcome dinner at the hotel.
● Round trip group flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.
● 11-night cruise aboard the Diana, as described in the itinerary.
● Private lectures by Professor Rachel Stanley.
● Lectures and briefings by expert shipboard expedition leaders and naturalists.
● Group airport/hotel/pier transfers overseas at designated times on the indicated arrival and return dates, and handling of luggage.
● Complete program of shore landings and activities organized by the expedition leaders and naturalists.
● All meals aboard the ship, with a selection of wines, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner.
● Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard the ship hosted by the captain.
● Open bar with select alcoholic beverages.
● Coffee, including espresso and cappuccino, tea and soft drinks throughout the day and night.
● 24-hour room service.
● Gratuities to the ship’s crew, porters and drivers.
● Basic Wi-Fi aboard the ship.
● The services of an experienced Thalassa Journeys Trip Director.
● All local taxes and service charges, including port and embarkation taxes.
● Use of rubber boots for shore landings.
● Complementary expedition parka for you to use and keep.
● Complete pre-departure material.
NOT INCLUDED
International airfare; travel insurance; expenses of a personal nature; any items not mentioned in the itinerary or the above inclusions.
Antarctic icescape