HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore
the spectacular Antarctic wilderness in a casual atmosphere of
like-minded travelers
- Experience
abundant wildlife including immense penguin colonies and other
seabirds, seals and even some of the great whales at close range
- Cruise
in comfort along towering icebergs, serrated maritime mountains and
luminous glaciers
- Zodiac
landing craft allow visitation on remote shorelines and otherwise
inaccessible areas
- Ship
allows an "open bridge policy" to observe its sophisticated navigation
equipment and provides an excellent location to view wildlife the
landscape (subject to weather and critical navigation maneuvers)
- Expert
naturalist guides
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple Suite | Porthole Suite | Window Suite | Promenade Suite | Deluxe Suite | Veranda Suite | Penthouse Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple Suite | (Mid-range)
Deluxe Suite | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Ushuaia
We’ve
eliminated the anxiety of missed connections and flight delays by
providing a two-night hotel stay at the beautiful Arakur Resort
& Spa. Most flights arrive in Ushuaia in the late afternoon or
early evening. Bring your bathing suit, lounge in the spa, or take a
bath, and then get over your jet lag with good night’s sleep.
You’ll have a full day on day two to relax at the resort or
explore town, before embarkation on day three.
Day
2: Ushuaia
Today
is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer,
from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at
the lovely Arakur. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity
for you to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers. All
guests need to arrive at the hotel no later than the evening of day two.
Day
3: Embarkation
This
morning, you’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the
resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board,
you’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the
ship’s officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing
will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After
dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through
the Beagle Channel, past porpoising Magellanic penguins, Rock
Cormorant, and sea lion colonies.
Day
4-5: Drake Passage
As
we make our way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar
Experts will prepare you with presentations on everything Antarctic,
from wildlife to history. Eventually, we’ll cross the
Antarctic Convergence where we’ll notice a distinct drop in
temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.
Those
interested in Citizen Science can take part in sea bird sighting
surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the
way. We’re likely to witness some spectacular sights, from
icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If we’re
lucky, we may see some of them fully breach from the sea.
Day
6-7: South Shetland Islands
In
the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much
time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up
close at nature’s glory. Our Expedition Leader and Captain
will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and
opportunity. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the
Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies
and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific
interest.
Our
first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands.
These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. We
may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s
eastern shore, or conditions permitting, visit historic Deception
Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly
found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.
Day
8-10: Antarctic Circle
As
we head south across the Bransfield Strait, we sail towards the
Antarctic Circle. From our most southerly point (south of the Antarctic
Circle), we will make our way back north, cruising through the narrow
waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Spectacular
waterways such as Crystal Sound, or the living museums of Detaille or
Horseshoe Island are some of the less visited places of the Antarctic
Peninsula. These waters are significantly further south making sea ice
more common. The ice ultimately directs what adventures we will have in
these lesser travelled waterways.
Day
11-13: Antarctic Peninsula
Heading
north we enter Gerlache Strait and Trinity Coast. Here we may explore
picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale
favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the
wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We
may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s
Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base
such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.
Adelie,
Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins abound, and Weddell and Crabeater seals
are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard seals
and the assertive Antarctic Fur seal. Minke and Humpback whales are
frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.
Day
14-15: Drake Passage
As
we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again
across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, we will
continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. Sailing back to
Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our
expedition with a special slideshow.
Day
16: Ushuaia disembarkation
Morning
disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in
Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Two
night hotel accommodations in embarkation city
- Transfer
from group hotel to ship for embarkation
- Group
transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location
following disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodations
- All
scheduled landings/excursions
- All
meals onboard
- Coffee/tea/cocoa
24 hours daily
- House
wine/beer/soft drink with dinner
- Expedition
jacket (yours to keep)
- A
pair of boots for use during the voyage
- WiFi
from the public computers in the library
- 200
MB WiFi card (for use on your personal devices)
- Daily
international news service
- All
port fees
- All
landing fees
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 895
- Camping:
USD 250
