Click to view photos Antarctic Cruise - Peninsula and Polar Circle Ship: Polar Star Days: 12 Passengers: 98 Dates:  1/24/2010,  2/4/2010 Highlights: This voyage explores both the Peninsula and the Antarctic Circle. The ship is an icebreaker, so it should sail smoothly through sea ice enroute to the Circle. Summary: There are several milestones to achieve in an Antarctic expedition. These include crossing the Antarctic Convergence, crossing the Drake and making a continental landing. You can expect to achieve all of these on most expeditions, but this voyage also strives to go farther south to cross the Polar Circle at 66°33’S. From there, you will wander north again to explore the wonders of the stunning landscapes, visit historic and research sites, penguin rookeries and watch for seals and whales.

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Itinerary - In Brief

Day 1: Ushuaia Days 2-3: Drake Passage Days 4-8: Antarctic Peninsula

Day 9: South Shetland Islands Days 10-11: Drake Passage Day 12: Ushuaia/flight home

Itinerary - Detailed

Day 1: Ushuaia
Board the M/V Polar Star to set sail down the Beagle Channel.

Days 2-3: Drake Passage
From the deck or on the bridge, watch for whales, dolphins and seabirds, while a busy lecture program introduces you to the Antarctic.

Days 4-8: Antarctic Peninsula
You will start your landings well south and will try to reach the Antarctic Circle as early as possible. South of the Circle you will reach places such as Detaille and The Gullet. Steaming northward through the fjords, bays and passageways of the Gerlache Straits, you can watch for seals basking on the ice floes, whales surfacing and blowing, and busy penguins in the thousands. The plan is to land at historically significant bases such as Port Lockroy and Vernadsky. You will visit penguin rookeries on Petermann Island, the Fish Islands and Neko Harbour, go on Zodiac cruises at Mutton Cove and Paradise Bay, and sail through passageways such as the Lemaire Channel.

Day 9: South Shetland Islands
Reaching these islands, you will visit Whaler's Bay on Deception Island, an active volcanic island with thermal waters welling up under the black sand. You will also visit Half Moon Island, the crescent shaped remains of an ancient volcanic caldera. This island is home to Chinstrap Penguins, Antarctic Terns, Kelp Gulls, Skuas, Antarctic Shags and Sheathbills, and is usually a haul out are for young fur seals.

Days 10-11: Drake Passage
After several days of amazing wildlife and scenery, you turn north to re-cross the Drake Passage bound for your port of origin.

Day 12: Ushuaia/flight home
Disembark after breakfast and board your flight home.

Notes:

Mandatory Travel Insurance:
Passengers traveling aboard the Polar Star are required to be covered by a travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000. Proof of coverage is required to confirm your trip. We recommend Travelex Travelite insurance, ask your Program Manager for additional details.

Included:
Cruise only; accommodation onboard; meals, coffee, tea and juice throughout duration of cruise; onboard lectures and activities; port charges and all shore excursions unless specifically stated; multi climate expedition jacket; onboard boot rental; service charge (onboard gratuity).

Not Included:
Air transportation and transfers to and from M/V Polar Star; visa, passport, vaccination charges and airport departure taxes; pre and post cruise activities; hotels and meals not included in the ship cruise itinerary; emergency evacuation charges; personal expenses including laundry, postage, personal clothing requirements; medical expenses; personal travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as bar charges (alcohol, bottled water, sodas); communication costs (phone, fax, email) and shop purchases; fuel surcharge may apply.