MV Ushuaia

The 1970-built MV Ushuaia cruise ship is an expedition vessel operated by the Argentina-based company and travel brand Antarpply Expeditions. Originally ordered and constructed for the USA’s NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), she served the agency for 20 years under the names “Malcolm Baldrige” and “Researcher.”

The ice-strengthened vessel has been refitted to accommodate up to 84 passengers in 46 staterooms.

MV Ushuaia operates expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula on roundtrip itineraries from Ushuaia (Argentina). Occasionally, voyages to South Georgia Island (British Overseas Territory) and the Weddell Sea (Southern Ocean) are also offered.

The vessel (IMO number 6901907) is currently Togo-flagged (MMSI 671188100) and registered in Lome. Her previous flag state/registry (until 2023) was Comoros/Moroni (MMSI 616836000).

The ship was last refurbished in 2023 (previously in 2018). The full renovation project covered all decks and public facilities, including the bar lounge, restaurant, passenger staterooms, and crew areas.

Antarpply Expeditions specializes in private charters for individual travelers and small groups visiting some of the world’s most remote and pristine destinations. The company aims to conduct at least two landings per day, each lasting around three hours, with optional longer walks available. One landing per cruise is planned as a continental landing, giving guests the opportunity to set foot on mainland Antarctica.

The ship also offers Zodiac cruising (via inflatable motorized boats) and visits at least one scientific research station, providing insight into Antarctic scientific work.

Antarpply Expeditions’ voyages operate within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System, including the Antarctic Treaty, the Protocol on Environmental Protection and its Annexes, and IAATO guidelines. Wildlife protection and preserving Antarctica’s pristine environment are core priorities.

On December 31, 2023, Antarpply Expeditions’ co-owner and director Ute Hohn-Bowen retired and was succeeded by Greg Carter. Carter is the co-founder of Chimu Adventures (established in 2004 and Australian-owned, specializing in Latin America and Antarctica travel) and has previously served as CCO (Chief Commercial Officer) of Albatros Expeditions.

Shipboard Facilities

The polar ship Ushuaia is well appointed and features an open-bridge policy and generous deck space. Inflatable landing craft allow easy shore access and enhance wildlife viewing along remote coastlines. All staterooms offer ample storage space. Public areas include a single-sitting dining room, a well-stocked library, an observation lounge and bar, a conference room equipped with modern multimedia systems, a small infirmary, and a changing room.

The expedition team, officers, and Captain are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation. A specialist team of professional lecturers and tour leaders provide expert guidance and are committed to environmental stewardship. Chefs prepare high-quality meals, including regional specialties. The bar offers a good selection of spirits and wines.

The ship (Comoros-flagged, MMSI 616836000, until 2023) carries seven service boats (Zodiacs and RIBs – Rigid Inflatable Boats). She has a cruising speed of 12 knots (maximum 14 knots), a draught of 5.5 m (18 ft), and is powered by two ALCO RS-3 marine diesel engines (combined output 2.35 MW). Propulsion includes a bow thruster rated at 0.5 MW.

Shipboard Internet computers were removed after the 2022–2023 season and replaced with WiFi, available only in the public lounge/bar area. Access to WiFi and the ship’s two INMARSAT satellite phones can be purchased onboard in USD or EUR.

There is no passenger laundry service.

Decks and Cabins

MV Ushuaia staterooms (46 total) include 4 Suites (2 Double and 2 Triple, Upper Deck), 9 Superior cabins (Upper Deck), 6 Premier cabins (4 Double and 2 Single, Upper Deck), 13 Standard Plus cabins (11 Double and 2 Triple, Lower Deck), and 12 Twin Standard cabins (Lower Deck).

Suites measure 16–22 m² (170–235 ft²) and have two windows (one in the bedroom and one in the living room), an en-suite bathroom, and a separate living area with seating (HDTV/DVD player and mini-bar/fridge). Suite 201 has two double beds, while Suite 202 has one double bed plus a sofabed. Triple Suites (204 and 207) feature three fixed lower single beds and are marketed as family cabins.

Superior cabins measure 9–15 m² (95–160 ft²) and have windows, a writing desk with a chair, an en-suite bathroom, and twin beds. Cabin 301 has one double bed plus one single bed.

Premier Twin cabins measure 9–13 m² (95–140 ft²) and have windows, en-suite bathrooms, and twin beds. Premier Single cabins measure 8 m² (85 ft²) and have a porthole window with a view obstructed by lifeboats.

Standard Plus Twin cabins measure 9–10 m² (95–110 ft²); three of them (633, 635, 637) have porthole windows. All have en-suite bathrooms and twin beds, except cabin 640, which features one double bed. Standard Plus Triple cabins measure 11–13 m² (120–140 ft²).

Standard Twin cabins measure 9–10 m² (95–110 ft²) and have porthole windows, two bunk beds (upper and lower), an en-suite washbasin, and a shared bathroom located between every two cabins.

All staterooms feature international 110V/60Hz power sockets. Complimentary hairdryers, towels, and toiletries are provided.

The ship has four passenger decks, two of which contain cabins.