Click to view photos Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula Ship: Prince Albert II (Nov 2009 - Mar 2010) Days: 12 Passengers: 132 Dates:  11/29/2009,  12/10/2009,  1/7/2010,  1/18/2010,  1/29/2010,  2/9/2010 Highlights: Luxury expedition ship with 5-star service, fantastic cuisine, and experienced naturalist guides. Most cabins have a veranda. A truly beautiful ship! Summary: Experience the wonders of the Antarctic while taking full advantage of the luxurious all-inclusive lifestyle afforded by the world’s best and most uncompromising service including the most spacious suites and comfortable common areas of any expedition ship. A frosted wilderness of glistening white as far as the eye can see. Natural ice sculptures like enormous works of avant-garde art. This is the modern explorer’s final frontier. Hear the cries of penguins multiplied by the thousands, watch leopard seals and sea lions perfectly at ease in the company of visitors, feel the unspeakable magnificence of a whale breaching from beneath cold ocean waters. Astounding animal encounters – opportunities found nowhere else on earth. Charter flight schedules vary with departure; see end of page for details. View a video about the Prince Albert II

Just Released Offer:  Save 30-50% per person on select dates off cruise fare only rates! Lower cabin categories sold out, contact us for availability. To view offer details you must be a member of ExpeditionTrips.com. Click here to Sign up! Prices from: $9,145 to $32,745 Fuel surcharge may apply (subject to change). View:   Rates | Deckplan | Cabin Photos

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Itinerary - In Brief

Day 1: Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Embarkation Days 2-3: Drake Passage Days 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula

Days 10-11: Drake Passage Return Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembarkation / Buenos Aires

Itinerary - Detailed

Day 1: Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Embarkation
This morning in Buenos Aires, transfer independently from your hotel to the airport for your charter flight to Ushuaia (flight included in rate). Tierra del Fuego might well be considered the “Land at the End of the World” but, for today, it is only the beginning. A spectacular jumping off point and return port for your Antarctic expedition. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you are met and transferred to the Prince Albert II for embarkation. This evening, meet your Expedition Leaders.

Days 2-3: Drake Passage
The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flowing northward and warmer equatorial water moving southward mix. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that float in the air currents of the ship’s wake such as the Black-browed albatross, Sooty shearwaters and White-chinned petrels. As you set sail on the first leg of your journey, familiarize yourself with the elegant Prince Albert II as well as getting to know the friendly and welcoming expedition staff through talks and presentations that prepare you for the exciting adventures ahead.

Days 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula
Past the furthest reaches of Tierra del Fuego and beyond your wildest imagination lies the last great frontier – Antarctica’s vast white wilderness. Landscapes formed by the harshest wrath of mother nature, yet blessed by an isolated independence and tranquility await. A place where remarkable natural beauty and wildlife species exist and, in fact thrive despite the harsh climate. Witness the dramatic splendor of spectacular iceberg sculptures, marvel at calving glaciers and experience up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for Humpback, Minke, and Orca whales breaching from below the frigid waters. Each day you will have the opportunity to partake in at least two Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, will visit a variety of penguin rookeries and scientific research stations. Perhaps a Zodiac cruise amidst colorful icebergs or a special excursion with your expert guest naturalist will be the highlight of your day’s agenda.

Days 10-11: Drake Passage Return
Upon your return through the Drake Passage, you will have the opportunity to spot seabirds and wildlife you may have missed on the trip out. Take this opportunity to listen to additional presentations offered by onboard specialists and swap prized photos with new found friends as we make our return journey to Ushuaia.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembarkation / Buenos Aires
After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II. You are then transferred to the airport for your return charter flight (included) to Buenos Aires.

Notes:

Included:
Charter flight, Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & Ushuaia-Buenos Aires ($750 per person); transfers in Ushuaia between airport/pier on day of embark/debark; All ocean-view suite accommodation; complimentary beverages served throughout the ship (a premium assortment of complimentary wines, champagne and spirits are stocked in one of the finest cellars at sea; in-suite beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages; all onboard gratuities; no assigned dining time, no assigned table; complimentary in-suite dining and 24-hour room service; complimentary shore side; a full spectrum of entertainment and onboard enrichment from renowned authors to destination specialists; expedition parka and backpack.

Not Included:
International airfare; government fees and taxes; port charges and handling fees of $100 per person; passport expenses; items of a personal nature; fuel surcharge may apply.