HIGHLIGHTS
- The
solar eclipse is just one out of several highlights of this
once-in-a-lifetime voyage
- We
follow in the path of the courageous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton
– just in the opposite direction: From Ushuaia to the
wildlife paradise of South Georgia
- From
here to the eclipse path and onwards to South Shetland Islands and the
Antarctic Peninsula, we will skirt the periphery of the Weddell Sea,
birthplace of the mighty tabular icebergs, and cruise close to
Shackleton’s harsh winter-camp on the shore of Elephant Island
- The
sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctic Peninsula are a nature
photographer's paradise and we will attempt as many shore landings as
possible per day, weather conditions permitting, bringing you close to
Antarctica’s beauty
- During
our days at sea, a variety of onboard edutainment activities, from
lectures to workshops, wildlife spotting and eclipse photography, will
be possible
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Category F | Category G | Category E | Category D | Category C | Category B | Category A | Premium Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Category F | (Mid-range)
Category C | (High-end)
Premium Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
DAY
1: ARRIVAL AND EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA
Arrive
and embark in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost
town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively,
consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago
of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped
mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires.
Afterwards we embark the ship Ocean Atlantic, our home for the coming
days.
DAY
2: AT SEA TOWARDS FALKLAND ISLANDS
While
we make our way towards the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) there
will be plenty of time to get to know the ship as well as participating
in the many activities offered on board. Lectures about wildlife and
the history of the Falkland Islands will be held, and our experienced
expedition team will share stories and lectures that vary based on the
locations we visit and their areas of expertise.
DAY
3-4: FALKLAND ISLANDS, PORT STANLEY
During
the morning we approach Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon
Ocean Atlantic will cast anchor by the sheltered natural harbor of Port
Stanley. Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands (Islas
Malvinas), a remote South Atlantic archipelago. Utilizing our Zodiacs,
we will land in town center, and take a leisurely stroll through the
streets of Stanley.
On
the following day we will make landings – weather permitting
– at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife
spots, where penguins and other sea birds gather.
DAY
5-6: AT SEA TOWARDS SOUTH GEORGIA
Days
at sea are great for participating in lectures, photo sessions and
recaps, reading books in the ship library and watching the ubiquitous
storm petrels and albatrosses from top deck. From photography workshops
to lectures on the regions we visit by our knowledgeable expedition
team and guest lecturers. Additionally, a raffle or auction onboard
usually takes place during this time, to raise funds for charitable
organizations focused on global issues and local environmental
solutions. In this case, for example, South Georgia Heritage Trust,
Whale & Dolphin Conservation, and more. Take this opportunity
to give back to the world while educating yourself on the subjects that
these organizations support in a fun and enjoyable time.
DAY
7 - 11: SOUTH GEORGIA AND SOUTH ATLANTIC
South
Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences with a wealth of breeding
penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals, all seeking shelter in this
oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history pops
up in most of fjords we will explorer – not least in
Grytviken the only inhabited settlement on this mountainous island.
Grytviken is also the last resting place for Ernest Shackleton, after
he died on yet another Antarctica voyage in 1922. We will explore the
fjords in the north coast for 2-3 days and take as many shore landings
as time and the swelling sea will allow us.
DAY
12: DECEMBER 4TH: SOLAR ECLIPSE EAST OF SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS
The
eclipse begins early in the morning east of Falkland Islands. From here
the moon shadow speeds south at 10,000 km per hour towards the South
Orkney Island and Antarctica. Albatros Expeditions has selected the
best possible observation position east of South Orkney, where the sun
is 11 degrees above the horizon. This wondrous phenomenon will last for
almost 2 minutes... but your memory of experiencing it will last a
lifetime!
DAY
13: AT SEA TOWARDS ANTARCTICA
As
the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of
wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively
penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine
mammals.
DAY
14 - 17: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA AND SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Over
the coming days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience at the
very tip of the Continent. During these days in the Antarctic Sound,
named in 1902 after the Swedish vessel Antarctic, the Captain and the
Expedition Team will keep a watchful eye on the mighty tabular
icebergs, born from the floating Larsen Ice Shelf further south. We aim
to have both continental and island landings on the shores of Antarctic
Sound and Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for some of the unusually
large penguin colonies, which have recently been observed.
The
itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and
ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the
Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to the guests through
regularly scheduled briefings.
Wildlife
abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of
Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay;
the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas. Days at sea are great for
enjoying the seascapes, relaxing, or participating on the program
onboard.
DAY
18 - 19: RE-CROSSING DRAKE TOWARDS USHUAIA
Today,
we depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the
calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross
Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark
and the southern tip of South America.
During
our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board and
it provides the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers.
DAY
20: ARRIVAL IN USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
This
morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour,
where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUSIONS
- 20-day
cruise with accommodation in a shared outside double cabin with private
facilities
- Position
on the solar eclipse centerline
- All
Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
- Expedition
parka
- Rubber
boot rentals
- Guiding
and lectures by our expedition leader and team
- English-speaking
expedition team
- Full
board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
- Free
tea and coffee 24 hours’ daily
- Guiding
and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
- Special
photo workshop
- Welcome
and farewell cocktails
- Digital
visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery,
species list and more!
- Taxes
and portfees
EXCLUSIONS
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea)
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 13.5 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses
- Anything
not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Boat
Trips
- Citizen
Science Projects
- Kayaking
- USD 235
- Lectures
- Photography
- Wildlife
Observations
- Zodiac
Cruises
