Click to view photos Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula - 10 Days Ship: Polar Star Days: 10 Passengers: 98 Dates:  12/10/2010,  12/29/2010,  1/7/2011, 12/13/2011, 12/22/2011 Highlights: This voyage is a well priced "classic" voyage to Antarctica on a comfortable icebreaker. 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 / Embarkation Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage Days 4-6: Antarctica Peninsula

Day 7: South Shetland Islands Days 8-9: Crossing the Drake Passage Day 10: Ushuaia

Itinerary - Detailed

Day 1: Ushuaia / Embarkation
Board the Polar Star in Ushuaia to celebrate the greatest
holiday season of the year in the appropriate whiteness of the icy south.

Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
As you cross the Drake, a busy lecture program gives you insight into the uniqueness of the Antarctic. Presentations will cover the flora and fauna and the science and history of this continent. A constant watch is kept for bird, whale and dolphin sightings. As well, each day of this expedition you will celebrate the different holiday traditions of the world.

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, Paradise Bay, Pleneau Island, Neumeyer Channel, Lemaire Channel, and Neko Harbour.

Day 7: South Shetland Islands
At the top of the Antarctic Peninsula, these islands are well known for Chinstrap and Gentoo penguin rookeries and the black lava sands of Whaler’s Bay on Deception Island. Landings may also include Half Moon Island.

Days 8-9: Crossing the Drake Passage
Heading back to Ushuaia, take time while at sea to review recent experiences and learn more during informative lectures.

Day 10: Ushuaia
You disembark after breakfast in the charming town of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego of Argentina.

Notes:

Mandatory Travel Insurance:
As a requirement of participation on any Polar Star Expeditions program, all passengers must purchase full medical and emergency evacuation insurance for the specific areas they will be visiting. The minimum coverage requirement is US$50,000.00 for all Polar Star Expeditions programs. The policy provider, policy number and contact phone number must be provided prior to departure date. We also strongly recommend that all passengers purchase comprehensive travel insurance which would include coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.

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.