HIGHLIGHTS
- Fantastic
glaciated scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
- Outstanding
wildlife observation on shore, Zodiac cruising and from the ship
- Visits
to historic sites and science stations
- Learn
about the environment, wildlife, history and ecology from polar experts
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Main Deck Triple | Twin Private | Superior | Superior Plus | Shackleton Suite | One Ocean Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Main Deck Triple | (Mid-range)
Superior Plus | (High-end)
One Ocean Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Ushuaia (Argentina)
Our
journey to Antarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia, in southern
Argentina. We gather at our central meeting point, transfer to the pier
and embark our expedition ship. After settling into our cabins and
exploring the ship, we meet our expedition team and fellow passengers.
Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner and
cast off, bound for Antarctica and the adventure of a lifetime.
Day
2: At Sea – toward the Falkland Islands
Sailing
northeast towards the Falkland Islands we are joined by hundreds of
seabirds, including the wandering albatross, who we come to know well
on this journey. Giant petrels and smaller Cape petrels are also
constant companions. Photographing these magnificent birds from the
deck of the ship takes patience and skill and our photography expert
will be on hand to show you the best techniques. Join the
ship’s Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations
of our modern research vessel. Throughout the day our onboard experts
educate us with a series of presentations about the environment,
wildlife and history of the Southern Ocean and the locations we hope to
visit in the coming days.
Days
3-4: The Falkland Islands
Having
arrived in the Falkland Islands overnight, we launch the Zodiacs and
are excited to make our first shore excursion this morning. Our plan
will be to explore several locations in the West Falkland archipelago.
These remote islands are home to a proliferation of seabirds and
migratory birds including the stunning black- browed albatross. Our
first penguin sightings will be on West Point Island with its bustling
rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island or Saunders Island we may
observe nesting Magellanic penguins as well as oystercatchers, geese
and the striated caracara – a bird of prey. The following
morning we arrive in Stanley, the capital of the Falklands Islands. As
we wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses, we
learn how this quiet harbor was once a major port in the 19th century
for tall ships rounding the fabled Cape Horn. There are several
interesting activities to enjoy today. Stanley has an excellent museum
that outlines the historic events that took place during the conflict
with Argentina in 1982. The waterfront memorial built to commemorate
the lives of the British servicemen killed during the war is a sobering
reminder of recent history. Stanley’s famed philatelic museum
with its impressive collection of historic stamps is another
interesting diversion.
Days
5-6: At Sea – toward South Georgia
We
chart a southeasterly course bound for South Georgia. The seabirds once
again join us in the Southern Ocean. Our educational presentations
continue and are always popular. History is a key theme of this voyage
and the epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endurance
expedition is central to any trip to South Georgia. Perhaps you will
pick up some valuable tips from our onboard photographic guide,
learning about image composition, the subtle polar light and all the
basics of good camera craft. We will also learn about Polar
conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of our One
Ocean Expeditions’ guides and crew.
Day
7-9: Exploration of South Georgia
South
Georgia has often been called the ‘Serengeti of the Southern
Ocean’ – and as we approach the deep bays of this
rugged, rocky outcrop, you will begin to see why. Launching the Zodiacs
we begin our exploration of the island, in the vicinity of Elsehul Bay.
Large numbers of fur seals and the much larger elephant seal will line
the dark sand beaches. Living in the tussock grass, king penguins and
their chicks may number up to 100,000 birds in some locations,
including Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbor. The island
is also home to large numbers of nesting albatross as they fill the
skies above, coming and going from the nest. South Georgia is a
thrilling location for history lovers and the rusting relics of the
early whaling industry are all around us. We hope to observe several of
the old stations at locations including Leith, Husvik and Stromness. A
highlight is a visit to Grytviken – the largest of the
whaling stations, situated at the head of Cumberland Bay. It is here we
visit the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton. For many, being in the
presence of the great explorer will be a highlight of the trip. An
excellent museum at Grytviken, maintained by the South Georgia Heritage
Trust and the restored church built by the original Norwegian whalers
provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Day
10-12: At Sea – toward Antarctica
Weather
and ice will dictate our crossing of the Scotia Sea from South Georgia
to Antarctica, leading us perhaps to the South Orkney Islands or
Elephant Island. As with all of our itinerary planning, our Expedition
Leader and Captain will make a decision based on the conditions at the
time. The South Orkney Islands represent the peaks of a submarine
mountain range called the Scotia Arc, connecting South Georgia to the
South Shetland Islands. Often shrouded in fog and surrounded by ice
much of the year, a chance to visit these islands doesn’t
come often. As we edge ever closer to the frozen continent, large
icebergs announce our arrival in Antarctic waters. If conditions allow,
we will hope to see the dark cliffs of Elephant Island appear on the
horizon. Shackleton and his men were encamped here for many months,
having lost HMS Endurance in the thick sea ice, far to the south in the
Weddell Sea in 1915. From the tiny beach at Point Wild, Shackleton and
five companions set off on the rescue mission to South Georgia, aboard
the tiny lifeboat, James Caird. To this day, the epic ocean crossing is
considered one of the greatest in history. If conditions allow, we will
attempt a landing at Point Wild on Elephant Island.
Days
13-16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Around
60 miles off the coast of the Antarctic mainland we find the South
Shetland Island chain. Possible landing sites could include King George
Island, Half Moon Island or Yankee Harbour. Weather conditions
permitting we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera of
Deception Island. There are some outstanding hikes at these locations
and the old whaling station and aircraft hangar at Deception Island beg
for further exploration. After so much anticipation, we enter the icy
waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour
or Cierva Cove. Snow covered mountains soar from the dark waters. Along
the shoreline in the bays and harbors of the Peninsula lives an
incredible abundance of wildlife. Large rookeries are home to
chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins.
Days
17-18: At Sea – toward Antarctica
After
several busy days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula,
it’s time to return to South America. The educational
presentations continue and we enjoy an entertaining and memorable
voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. Join our photography experts in
the multimedia room and download and back up your precious images. If
weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. This
fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and
early navigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a
wonderful expedition to some of the most remote corners of the planet.
Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light,
we enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.
Day
19: Arrive Ushuaia (Argentina) Voyage Concludes
In
the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is time to say
farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported
to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home. It will be
possible to connect to flights through to Buenos Aires or other
destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoy a night in town or
venture further afield to explore the highlights of Patagonia.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive
pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare
for your trip
- Transfers
to the ship on embarkation day and from the ship to the airport on
disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping.
Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes
- All
breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage with
daily afternoon tea
- 24-hour
tea, coffee, hot chocolate in bar/lounge plus in-cabin tea and coffee
making facilities
- Experienced
Expedition Leader and professional expedition team of marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers
- Daily
off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat breaking into small groups for shore
landings
- Guided
hikes and walks on shore of various durations for guests of all
abilities
- Visits
to wildlife colonies, historic sites, places of outstanding natural
beauty and science stations
- Educational
presentations and talks by polar experts in their field (i.e. marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, etc.). Onboard or on shore
- Resident
photography guide available to assist all guests plus access to
computers in the multimedia lab for image downloads, file back up and
management
- An
emergency-trained medical physician onboard every voyage
- Dedicated
hospitality team including Hotel Manager, four chefs, professional bar
staff and Adventure Concierge staff
- Onboard
sauna, plunge pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center including massage
options (charge applies for massage and treatments)
- Access
to a well-stocked library full of polar reference books
- End
of voyage video, photos and take-home USB
- Port
fees and all permits to access visited areas
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 795 per person
