HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience
the majesty and wonder of Earth's last frontier up close and personal
- Our
state-of-the-art vessels enable us to get closer to nature, with a
fleet of Zodiac landing craft, a team of experienced expedition guides,
and the Antarctic Peninsula as our spectacular destination
- Cross
the mighty Drake Passage en-route to the South Shetland Islands
- The
unique X-Bow design of our expedition vessels offers exceptional
stability at sea, giving you a smoother ride across some of Earth's
most challenging waters.
- Arrive
in Antarctica while wildlife activity is at its peak
- Experience
penguin rookeries, spectacular landscapes and historical sites, and aim
to Zodiac cruise in breathtaking areas filled with giant icebergs,
whales and seals
- Expect
to see adorable freshly hatched penguin chicks being carefully guarded
by a parent, while hundreds of other penguins come and go with
bellyfuls of food for their offspring
- Watch
humpback whales feast on the bountiful summer krill, gorging after
their long migration southward, while orca patrol the waters on their
never-ending hunt for prey
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Cat. F | Cat. G | Cat. E | Cat. D | Cat. C | Cat. B | Cat. A | Polar Premium Suite |
|---|
| Jan 04, 2025 | Jan 12, 2025 | 7,895 | 13,295 | 11,195 | 10,295 | 12,195 | 13,295 | 18,795 | 21,195 |
| Jan 12, 2025 | Jan 20, 2025 | 7,895 | 13,295 | 11,195 | 10,295 | 12,195 | 13,295 | 18,795 | 21,195 |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Cat. F | (Mid-range)
Cat. C | (High-end)
Polar Premium Suite |
|---|
| Jan 04, 2025 | Jan 12, 2025 | 7,895 | 12,195 | 21,195 |
| Jan 12, 2025 | Jan 20, 2025 | 7,895 | 12,195 | 21,195 |
ITINERARY
DAY
1: ARRIVAL IN USHUAIA, EMBARKATION
Arrive
in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city.
Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the
surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten
path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del
Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains,
glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the
afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.
After
our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate
through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles
Darwin's legendary ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern
Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the
jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown of the
deep South. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge
of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.
DAY
2-3: AT SEA - CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE SOUTHBOUND
Sailing
onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - the body of water separating
Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for
rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring
Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest
comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with
stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew.
The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement
- and you will complete the crossing twice!
Our
days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our
arrival in Antarctica - your Expedition Leader will brief you
comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this
precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans
for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife
watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure
your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica's
delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic
exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!
We
will cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of our
voyage - watch the mercury plummet as we sail southwards into Antarctic
waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic
waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As
the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most
biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels,
albatrosses and potentially penguins, seals and whales in abundance.
Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall in the South
Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of
the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of our second day in the
Drake Passage, marking the start of our exploration on the Last
Continent.
DAY
4-6: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS & THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Arrviving
in Antarctica in the height of summer is an unparallelled experience.
Enter a world where the mountains themselves are bright glittering
white, and wildlife has no fear of humans.
We
will begin out time on Antarctica in the South Shetland Islands. This
chain of rugged rocks marks the northernmost point of Antarctica, and
the most exposed to the fury of the Southern Ocean. Because of this, it
is also one of the richest in terms of wildlife, with large Gentoo and
Chinstrap Penguin colonies, and an abundance of large seabirds such as
predatory Giant Petrels. The ice-clad mountains of Livingstone,
Greenwich and King George Islands give us a glimpse of what is to come
as we venture further south.
The
following days will be spent exploring further south on the Antarctic
Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region. This region is typically icy,
so our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the
Expedition Leader and Captain - however we will aim to visit a range of
sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region.
Consisting of the 'spine' of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number
of glaciated and mountainous islands, the Gerlache Strait is what comes
to mind when most people think of Antarctica.
Arriving
at the peak of the brief southern summer, wildlife activity is at its
most frenetic. Watch gentoo penguins squabble over the tiny pebbles
used to build their nests, scamper up snowy hills to their partners and
feeding their tiny freshly hatched chicks. Marvel at the tender care
these birds take over their offspring, carefully guarding them against
frigid Antarctic winds and the perdatory skuas which patrol overhead.
As
the ocean warms during the fleeting summer, gentle giants arrive from
warmer climes. Pods of elegant humpback whales frolic in the
crystalline waters of the Antarctic peninsula, feasting on the krill
which blooms in these waters each summer. And where there are whales,
hunters are not far behind - pods of orcas, intelligent and cunning,
patrol these waters on their never-ending search for prey.
These
krill-rich waters also attract throngs of seals. Weddell seals can
often be seen hauled out on the snow, snoozing after diving deep in
search of prey. Groups of crabeater seals gambol in the shallows,
gorging on krill, while serpentine leopard seals patrol the shoreline
of penguin colonies, waiting for prey to venture nearby.
At
this point in the summer, there is no true night; spectacular sunsets
merge into breathtaking sunrises, and the weather is as kind as it gets
in Antarctica, offering superlative opportunities to explore. While
wind, ice and sea conditions will dictate our precise destinations and
timings, our plans will be explained to guests during regularly
scheduled evening briefings with your Expedition Leader; these nightly
sessions are also an excellent opportunity to hear from your
knowledgeable Expedition Team, who will explain and expand on our
experiences to ensure guests get the most from their voyage.
DAY
7-8: AT SEA - CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE NORTHBOUND
We
eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way
northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more
welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During
our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to
provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax
with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of
new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team
during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of
the albatross which accompany us northwards.
During
your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the
Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video
by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your
Antarctic adventure. Skål!
DAY
9: BACK TO USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
On
the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the
pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem
strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty
breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros
Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories
of the voyage of a lifetime.
Ocean Victory (Luxury Expedition, 184-guests)
With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction.
With a total of 93 comfortable cabins for our guests, almost all with a view of the ocean, we ensure absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 9-day
cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring
ensuite facilities
- Embarkation
shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
- Shuttle
transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or
airport
- All
Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our
Expedition Team
- Expedition
parka
- Rubber
boots loan scheme
- Briefings
and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
- English-speaking
Expedition Team
- Full
board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
- Complimentary
house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served
at our a-la-carte dinners)
- Free
tea and coffee available 24 hours
- Taxes
and landing fees
- Special
photo workshops
- Welcome
and Farewell Cocktail Parties
- Digital
visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log,
gallery, species list and more!
EXCLUSIONS
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea)
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique
purchases)
- Anything
not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Snowshoeing
- Kayaking
- Open-air
Camping
