HIGHLIGHTS
- Travel
to see tabular icebergs in the Antarctic Sound. The Sound usually shows
massive continental icebergs, which rise out of the water like giant
white-blue blocks. Depending on ice conditions Zodiac cruises and a
landing might be possible.
- Explore
the Antarctic Peninsula on Zodiac cruises and via landings to see seals
and penguin colonies. This promontory of land is the furthest-north
extension of mainland Antarctica.
- Visit
several landing sites and remains of whaling stations in the South
Shetland Islands. This grouping of islands is 75 miles north of the
Antarctic Peninsula and holds sixteen research stations run by
Argentina, the US, Chile, Spain and several other countries.
- Pass
through the Drake Passage, a 600-mile wide expanse that marks the
convergence of the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans. This is an
excellent area for whale-watching and pelagic birding. Look for
albatrosses and Southern Giant Petrels, as well as Cape Petrels, prions
and storm-petrels.
- Enjoy
the opportunity to kayak in a small group under the guidance of
certified kayak instructors. These special excursions are a chance to
appreciate the wilds of Antarctica in peaceful
silence.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Vista Suite | Veranda Suite | Deluxe Veranda Suite | Medallion Suite | Silver Suite | Royal Suite | Grand Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Vista Suite | (Mid-range)
Silver Suite | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Ushuaia, Argentina
At 55
degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the
South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the
capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the
southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is
striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its
mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for
6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf
Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster
its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony,
establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories
and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in
1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former
inmates and prison staff. Read more
Day 2:
At Sea
Days at sea
are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what
you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the
gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or
simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance
to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Day 3: West
Point Island, Falkland Islands
Located
slightly northwest of West Falkland, West Point Island is used for
sheep farming and nature observations. Peale’s dolphins and
the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson’s
dolphin can usually be seen in the waters around West Point Island.
Rolling moorland and steep cliffs make for great photographic
opportunities, but the main attraction is the Devil’s Nose, a
cliffside colony of Black-browed Albatrosses nesting side-by-side with
feisty Rockhopper Penguins. Magellanic Penguins and Magellanic
Cormorants can also be found on the island.
Saunders Island, Falkland
Islands
Meet some of the world’s most incredible wildlife, on the
remote Saunders Island. Sitting to the north-west of the
Falkland’s archipelago, the British established their first
settlement here in 1765, at Port Egmont. Remote, wild and wonderful,
the island now serves as a lush grazing ground for plenty of sheep -
but it's an astonishing place to encounter far rarer animals - from
elephant seals to silvery grebes and Peale’s dolphins.
Connected by sinewy links of beach and sandy dunes, which create some
of the most dramatic scenery in the Falklands, the
archipelago’s fourth biggest island is home to its best
birdlife - including a colony of neatly tuxedoed king penguins.
Saunders Island's topography tightens at The Neck - where you'll find
even more penguin activity. Colonies squark and chatter in huge crowds
here, with Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins dipping into the
water, and clambering over boulders. A gentle hike to the summit of
Mount Richards will take you 457 metres above sea level, offering an
expansive overview, from which you can look out across the tips of the
moody waves to see Carcass Island and West Point Island emerging. The
cliffs to the north of the mountain host rare black-browed albatross -
a sight of sheer grace in flight - but comically clumsy at times when
landing. Elsewhere, wide lakes are home to various water birds -
including the rare black-necked swans.
Day 4:
Stanley, Falkland Islands
Tiny
Stanley, capital of the Falklands, seems in many ways like a British
village fallen out of the sky. Many homes are painted in bright
colours, adding visual appeal to this distant outpost. Not far
offshore, the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth, is one of the many vessels
remaining as a silent testimonial to the region's frequent harsh
weather conditions. The islands, also known by their Spanish name of
Islas Malvinas, are home to arguably more tuxedo-clad inhabitants of
the penguin variety than human residents. Various species, such as
Gentoo, Magellanic and the more elusive King penguins, either live here
permanently or use the Falklands as a stopover on their migration
route. Darwin found the islands' flora and fauna fascinating - no doubt
you will, too.
Day
5: Drake Passage
Sailing the
legendary Drake Passage is an experience that few are ever lucky enough
to experience. The southern tip of the Americas already feels like a
wild enough environment – but the sensation of watching the
distant cliffs of the peninsular known as the ‘End of the
World’ fade into the horizon, is one that’s equal
parts epic, eerie and magical. Set sail, to slowly drop off the bottom
of the map from Cape Horn, and voyage on an expedition down into the
icy underworld of Antarctica. Drake Passage is an extraordinary voyage
of romantic ocean faring legend, as you aim for Antarctica’s
icy realm. On arrival, skyscraper sized icebergs salute you, as you
traverse the waters of this continent where snow and ice dwelling
creatures like penguins and whales roam undisturbed. Your first sight
of this most-unexplored place will most likely be the South Shetland
Islands. Walk in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest
and bravest explorers as you explore famed, snow-covered landmasses
like Elephant and Deception Island. If the journey across Drake Passage
sounds daunting, don’t worry – even in rough seas
you’re never alone, and will often be accompanied on this
spine-tingling adventure by soaring albatrosses and maybe even a
protective pod of humpbacks and hourglass dolphins or two. Converging
warm and cool ocean currents attract some spectacular animal life to
the passage.
Day 6:
Elephant Island, Antarctica
Awesome
glaciers flecked with pink algae can be seen approaching Elephant
Island — so named either for its elephant-like appearance or
for sightings of elephant seals here. Elephant Island is home to
several Chinstrap Penguin rookeries, as well as 2,000-year-old moss
colonies. Weddell seals and Macaroni Penguins can also be spotted. In
1916, when Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance was crushed in
pack ice in the Weddell Sea, the crew was stranded here for more than 4
months finding shelter under two upturned lifeboats on the spit of land
Shackleton’s men named ‘Point Wild’. The
bust of the Chilean captain Luis Pardo has been erected here to
commemorate the successful rescue in the tug Yelcho.
Day
7: Antarctic Sound, Antarctica
The
Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to
have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to
the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and
scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could
be rescued. Sites that have to do with this story - like Hope Bay or
Paulet Island - are sometimes visited. At Paulet, Hope Bay and Brown
Bluff Adelie and Gentoo Penguins breed, as do Kelp Gulls and Cape
Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. The Sound’s main attractions
are the spectacular tabular icebergs that come from the Larsen Ice
Shelf further south.
Days
8-12: Antarctic Peninsula
Remote and
otherworldly, Antarctica is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg
sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close
encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic
Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America
– has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers,
sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually
intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness.
It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast
glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just
as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the
seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas.
Day
13: South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
Some 770
kilometers (478 miles) south of Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands
are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Separated from the
Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, nine major islands make
up the group. The region was the first to be exploited by sealers in
the early 19th century, and because of its proximity to South America,
it still is the most visited by scientists and tourists. Chinstrap,
Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here. In addition,
because it is the warmest part of the continent, large moss beds as
well as orange, black, grey and green lichens grow –even hair
grass and pearlwort manage to survive. Leopard seals, Weddell seals,
crabeater seals, Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals can be
seen in the water and on the beaches.
Days 14-15:
Drake Passage
Day 16: Ushuaia, Argentina
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- One
night pre cruise hotel
- Transfers
(between airport/hotel and ship)
- Charter
flight to/ from Ushuaia
- Guided
Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the
Expeditions Team
- Parka
- Enrichment
lectures by a highly qualified Expeditions Team
- Spacious
suites
- Butler
service in every suite
- Unlimited
Free Wifi
- Personalised
service – nearly one crew member for every guest
- Choice
of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
- Beverages
in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and
spirits
- In-suite
dining and room service
- Onboard
entertainment
- Onboard
gratuities
