Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula Ship: Polar Star Days: 11 Passengers: 98 Dates:  12/9/2009 Highlights: This voyage is a well priced "classic" voyage to Antarctica on a comfortable icebreaker. Five days in Antarctica/Shetland Islands, a great amount of time. Summary: It can be a lifelong ambition to reach the Seventh Continent. It is certainly one of the most unique places on earth, where nature rules and where mankind has collectively agreed to manage this vast continent through the Antarctic Treaty in pursuit of peace and science. The scenery is breathtaking and an amazing setting for teeming wildlife that endures and indeed thrives in this harsh land of great white expanses, looming mountain peaks and impressive icebergs. This Classic itinerary cruises the Southern Ocean to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula seeking some of the best historic and wildlife sites of the Continent.

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Itinerary - In Brief

Day 1: Ushuaia Days 2-3: Drake Passage Days 4-6: Antarctica Peninsula

Days 7-8: South Shetland Islands Days 9-10: Drake Passage & Beagle Channel Day 11: Ushuaia

Itinerary - Detailed

Day 1: Ushuaia
Board the Polar Star in Ushuaia to embark on the classic voyage to the Antarctic.

Days 2-3: Drake Passage
As you head south, crossing the Antarctic Convergence you prepare for the adventures ahead with a lecture program and time for wildlife viewing from the decks and ship’s bridge.

Days 4-6: Antarctica Peninsula
These days are spent making land excursions, Zodiac cruises and attending lectures as you have the opportunity to absorb the striking beauty of the landscapes and share this untouched wilderness with penguins, seals, whales and seabirds. You may see Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins, and there is the possibility to see Fur, Leopard, Weddell and Crabeater seals as well as Minke, Humpback, Orca and other whales. Landings may include wildlife, historic or research sites such as Petermann Island, Port Lockroy, Cierva Cove, Mikkelson, Paradise Bay and Neko Harbour.

Days 7-8: South Shetland Islands
This area is well known for spectacular penguin rookeries which are inhabited by Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins. It is also of geological note being volcanic and 80% covered in permanent ice. You may make landings at Whaler’s Bay to feel the effects of the dormant volcano on Deception Island as well as Half Moon Island and plan to also visit Arctowski base and Penguin Island.

Days 9-10: Drake Passage & Beagle Channel
As you head back towards Argentina, keep a constant lookout for whales, dolphins and an array of seabirds while taking time for final lectures, debriefing and a farewell reception.

Day 11: Ushuaia
You disembark after breakfast in the charming town of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego of Argentina.

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.