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Itinerary - In Brief
Itinerary - Detailed
Day 1:
Ushuaia
Board your ship in Ushuaia, on Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. In the early evening, set sail charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Days 2-3:
Drake Passage
As you cross the Drake Passage, your team of experts will be out on deck to help us spot whales and identify seabirds. You also have the chance to take part in the onboard presentation series preparing you for your adventures on the “White Continent”. Talks on wildlife, ice and polar history will create enormous anticipation that continues to build as you cross the Antarctic Convergence. Here the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You’ll notice a sharp drop in temperature at this point. Huge icebergs loom up against the horizon and seabirds, such as the wandering albatross and petrels, are regularly in view.
Days 4-8:
South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Cruise among the volcanic South Shetland Islands and the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, travelling ashore as frequently as possible in inflatable zodiac boats. You may make shore excursions to Livingston, Half Moon and King George Islands beginning on day 3 or day 4.
Admiralty Bay, on King George Island, is a favored feeding ground for humpback whales and, with luck, you may see them dining on krill. At crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, observe a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags while at Livingston Island, you discover more flourishing wildlife. Here there are Weddell and elephant seals, skuas, giant petrels, Antarctic terns and rookeries of chinstrap, gentoo and macaroni penguins.
Weather permitting, you may enter the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island, a recently active volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands in the world. Steam rises in places along its shores where the cold Antarctic waters mix with the thermal waters of the bay. Here, the very adventuresome may choose to take a dip, if conditions are suitable.
Your journey continues onto Paradise Harbor or Hope Bay, both situated on the mainland. Here you see some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Observe an impressive array of icebergs in many different shapes and sizes, including those that have eroded into natural ice sculptures as well as city-block sized 'tabular' bergs which break from the thick ice shelves. If the weather is temperate, you'll have the chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent, and even to spend a night camping out on shore if you wish. The lights of the southern sky bath the landscape in an eerie luminescence, making this camping experience truly remarkable.
The days are long, and the short nights are often preceded by a wonderful twilight. On board, you spend ample time on the bridge or on deck simply marveling at the glory of the passing scenery.
Days 9-10:
Drake Passage
Leave the Antarctic Peninsula, heading back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn. Celebrate the conclusion of our adventure and last evening together on board, at the Captain’s Dinner as you make your way down the Beagle Channel.
Day 11:
Ushuaia
In the early morning, you arrive back in Ushuaia where your cruise ends. You’ll be transferred to your hotel, or to the airport for your onward flight.
Notes:
Included:
Airport arrival transfer in Ushuaia; Transfer on day one from meeting point to pier and departure transfer on last day of voyage from Ushuaia pier to airport or hotel; Ship-board accommodation for 10 nights; 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners; Highly experienced expedition leader, crew and lecturers; All meals, afternoon teas most days; Access to public viewing areas; Shore excursions by zodiac boat; Overnight camping (subject to suitable weather); On-board lectures, videos, slide and film shows; On-board medical officer; Comprehensive pre-departure booklet and expedition manual.
Not Included:
All airfares; Visa and passport fees, airport departure taxes; Pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel accommodation; laundry; postage; telephone calls; drinks; medical expenses; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges; gratuities to staff and crew.
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