HIGHLIGHTS
- Travel
to see tabular icebergs in the Antarctic Sound. The Sound is a perfect
place to look for and observe massive continental icebergs, which rise
out of the water like giant white-blue blocks
- Explore
the Antarctic Peninsula on Zodiac cruises, kayaking and via landings to
see seals and penguin colonies. This promontory of land is the
furthest-north extension of mainland Antarctica.
- South
Shetland Islands - several landing sites and remains of whaling
stations can be found here. This grouping of islands is 75 miles north
of the Antarctic Peninsula and holds sixteen research stations run by
Argentina, the US, Chile, Spain and several other countries
- Drake
Passage – We will pass twice through this passage, a 600-mile
wide expanse that marks the convergence of the Atlantic, Pacific and
Southern Oceans. This is an excellent area for whale-watching and
pelagic birding. Look for albatrosses and Southern Giant Petrels, as
well as Cape Petrels, prions and storm-petrels.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Vista Suite | Veranda Suite | Deluxe Veranda Suite | Medallion Suite | Silver Suite | Royal Suite | Grand Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Vista Suite | (Mid-range)
Silver Suite | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
DAY
1: Ushuaia, Argentina
A southerly
frontier - on the cusp of wild nature and extraordinary adventures -
the excitement in Ushuaia is palpable. Prepare for memorable exploits
amid the extremes of this southerly location - as you adventure into
the colossal scenery of the fractured Tierra del Fuego and beyond.
Known as the 'End of the World' Ushuaia looks out across the Beagle
Channel, and is surrounded by the Martial Mountains to the north.
Despite its remote location, Ushuaia is a surprisingly busy and lively
resort, with lots to keep its visitors entertained. For many people,
Ushuaia is their last glimpse of anything resembling a city, before
they jump off the map into the wilderness, to answer the call of
immense national parks or Antarctic expeditions. One of the most
dramatic landscapes on the planet - Argentina's land of fire, National
Park Tierra del Fuego, is a place of titanic natural forces and
limitless beauty. Snow-covered mountains poke the sky, while glaciers
spill down between peaks, and gaping fjords open up. With incredible
wildlife - from penguins to whales - the park offers some of South
America's most amazing hiking opportunities and panoramas. When it
comes to food in Ushuaia, locals cook up fierce flavours using the
freshest ingredients. King crab is one of the most popular dishes,
while sea bass - hauled freshly from the waters - and mounds of meaty
mussels - known as cholgas - are also on the menu here.
DAYS
2-3: Drake Passage
Sailing the
legendary Drake Passage is an experience that few are ever lucky enough
to experience. The southern tip of the Americas already feels like a
wild enough environment – but the sensation of watching the
distant cliffs of the peninsular known as the ‘End of the
World’ fade into the horizon, is one that’s equal
parts epic, eerie and magical. Set sail, to slowly drop off the bottom
of the map from Cape Horn, and voyage on an expedition down into the
icy underworld of Antarctica. Drake Passage is an extraordinary voyage
of romantic ocean faring legend, as you aim for Antarctica’s
icy realm. On arrival, skyscraper sized icebergs salute you, as you
traverse the waters of this continent where snow and ice dwelling
creatures like penguins and whales roam undisturbed. Your first sight
of this most-unexplored place will most likely be the South Shetland
Islands. Walk in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest
and bravest explorers as you explore famed, snow-covered landmasses
like Elephant and Deception Island. If the journey across Drake Passage
sounds daunting, don’t worry – even in rough seas
you’re never alone, and will often be accompanied on this
spine-tingling adventure by soaring albatrosses and maybe even a
protective pod of humpbacks and hourglass dolphins or two. Converging
warm and cool ocean currents attract some spectacular animal life to
the passage. If this is your first visit to this magical continent,
you’ll also want to familiarise yourself with our blog for
first timers to Antarctica.
DAY
4: South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
The
ice-coated Antarctic Peninsula forms perhaps the most accessible region
of mainland Antarctica, lying a mere 480-miles away from South America,
across the fabled waters of Drakes Passage. Lying close to the
northwestern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, separated by the
Bransfield Strait, the South Shetland Islands fall under the
jurisdiction of the Antarctic Treaty, suspending claims on their
sovereignty. Several countries maintain research bases here, and with
plump elephant seals, and crowds of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie
Penguins also calling the islands home, it can even feel a little
crowded at times. King George Island is the largest and most hospitable
island, hosting the majority of the research stations - some of which
are populated all-year-round by tiny, hardy crews. Don’t be
fooled though, these islands offer extraordinary adventure in one of
the most remote locations on earth. The triple peaks of Mount Foster
tower above the archipelago, and you’ll feel your heart
pumping a little quicker, as you sail into the core of Deception
Island’s magnificent collapsed volcano caldera. Hike the luna
landscapes within, and even dip into the improbably warm,
geothermally-heated waters of Pendulum Cove. Elephant Island,
meanwhile, is written deep into the annals of Antarctic expedition
legend, as the site where Ernest Shackleton and the stricken crew of
the Endurance miraculously survived a harsh Antarctic winter, in
1916.
DAYS
5-7: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
The
Antarctic Peninsula unravels upwards towards South America, reaching
out a beckoning finger to the adventurous, who dare to explore this
untamed realm. Stretching up from the heart of the world’s
southernmost continent, the Antarctic Peninsula lies a mere 620 mile
from Tierra del Fuego and, for many, offers a spectacular first taste
of the snow-blanketed landscapes and colossal ice sculptures, which
make up Earth’s least-explored continent. Unseen by humans
until 1820 - a blink of an eye ago in relative terms - this is an
adventure sure to make your hairs stand on end, as you experience the
thrill of the truly unknown and extraordinary. The vast peninsula is
sprinkled with research bases, which are at the frontline of human
scientific endeavour, pushing to study and understand this unique
landscape, its exceptional wildlife, and the impact that humans are
having on this pristine continent. Witness cathedral-sized icebergs up
close, and blue-hued glaciers, slowly slipping from imposing locations
like Hope Bay. Blanched mountain peaks cover the peninsula, and
you’ll find thousands of adorable Adelie penguin pairs
thriving undisturbed in this peninsula’s unique setting.
DAY
8: South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
DAYS
9-10: Drake Passage
DAY
11: Ushuaia, Argentina
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
night pre-cruise and 1 day-use post-cruise
- Transfers
(between airport/hotel and ship)
- In-country
flights when required by itinerary
- Guided
Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the
Expeditions Team
- Parka
- Enrichment
lectures by a highly qualified Expeditions Team
- Spacious
suites
- Butler
service in every suite
- Unlimited
Free Wifi
- Personalised
service – nearly one crew member for every guest
- Choice
of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
- Beverages
in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and
spirits
- In-suite
dining and room service
- Onboard
entertainment
- Onboard
gratuities
