VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Ortelius cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passengers as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for wide ranging activities.
PLEASE NOTE: A Basecamp itinerary to the Antarctic Peninsula is illustrated below. This itinerary is for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities are free of charge.
Departs From
Ushuaia
The journey begins
Location: We embark our vessel in Ushuaia
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.
Highlights
Explore
Location: En-route to the Antarctic Peninsula where we cross the Antarctic Convergence
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Albatrosses, Cape Petrels, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we spot our first icebergs./p>
Highlights
- Wandering Albatross
- Grey - headed Albatross
- Light - mantled Albatross
Explore
Location: Antarctica
We will sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. We will sail to the Neumayer Channel, where we position our ship for the multi activity basecamp. The protected waters around Wiencke Island will become our playground for all activities. In this alpine environment there are great opportunities to scout the region on foot, per zodiac and during kayak trips. Walkers will find opportunities to use snowshoes on hikes near the shore lines and the mountaineers will find their challenge by climbing hills and viewpoints further inland. All climbs and excursions can only be conducted in good weather conditions.
We plan to stay two overnights at anchor in order to implement two camp nights and two full activity days. We will visit the old British research station, now working museum and post office at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. We look out for leopard seals, Crabeater seals and whales.
In good conditions and time allowing we sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Booth Island, Pléneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adélie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. We choose another camp site which is suitable and close to next day’s activity. The opportunities for kayaking, glacier walks or more ambitious mountaineering are excellent in this area.
At Neko Harbour we will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of a huge glacier and enjoy the landscape during zodiac cruises, walks and kayak excursions. A small group of glacier walkers may climb up on higher grounds of the glacier. We will spend the night in Paradise Bay with a camp erected ashore. We will leave early morning after breaking our last camp. We sail via Melchior Islands towards the open sea of the Drake Passage. We have again a chance of seeing many seabirds.
Highlights
- Basecamp
- Humpback Whale
- Port Lockroy
Explore
Location: At sea en-route to Ushuaia
On our way north, we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.
Highlights
- Bird Watching
- Drake Passage
Explore
Location: We disembark in Ushuaia
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast.
Highlights
Location
Ushuaia
TRIPLE / QUAD PORTHOLE
MAX Capacity: 4
Window: Yes
- 1 porthole
- 2 upper & lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone and Internet connection
- Ample storage space
- This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin
TWIN PORTHOLE DECK 3
MAX Capacity: 2
Window: Yes
- 1 porthole
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Hair dryer
- Ample storage space
TWIN PORTHOLE DECK 4
MAX Capacity: 2
Window: Yes
- 1 porthole
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Hair dryer
- Ample storage space
TWIN WINDOW
MAX Capacity: 2
Window: Yes
- 2 window
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Small Sofa
- Hair dryer
- Ample storage space
TWIN DELUXE
MAX Capacity: 2
Window: 2
- 3 windows
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Refrigerator, Coffee and Tea Maker
- Hair dryer
- Ample storage space
SUPERIOR
MAX Capacity: 2
Window: 2
- 2 windows
- 1 Double bed
- 1 Sofa bed
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Hair dryer
- Refrigeratorbr>
- Coffee and Tea Maker
- Ample storage space
Click here for deck plan : MS Ortelius
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop) as well as our standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises) are free of charge.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
EXCLUSIONS
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
