This succinct 11-day version of our “classic” Antarctic Peninsula voyage offers the same abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities and possible stops at active scientific or historic bases as the original while allowing travellers to complete door-to-door travel within two weeks.
Duration: 11 Days
Today is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at the lovely Arakur. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travellers.
This morning, we’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, we’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, we’ll relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.
As we make our way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts will prepare us with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where we’ll notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.
Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in Sea Bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. We’re likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If we’re lucky, we may see some of them fully breach from the sea.
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.
Our first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. We may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.
As we head south across the Bransfield Strait, we enter the Trinity Coast and Gerlache Strait. Here we may explore picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.
Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell and Crabeater seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.
As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, we will continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.
Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Jan 2020 - 27 Jan 2020 | |||
Cabins 331 & 334, 21 sq. m, located on deck 3, twin bedding converted into one queen size bed, one sofa bed for individuals no taller than 1.70m, private bathroom, sitting area & picture window.
Cabins 252 - 262, 22m², located on deck 2, sitting area with sofa and side chair, flat screen television, telephone, minibar, marble bathroom with toiletries & porthole window.
Cabins 329 & 330, 332, 333, 335 - 344, 347 & 348, 21 sq. m, located on deck 3, twin bedding, can be converted to queen bed, private bathroom, sitting area & picture window.
Cabins 416 - 428, 20 sq. m, located on deck 4, twin bedding converted into one queen size bed, private bathroom, sitting area, en suite champagne & chocolates on arrival, complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks), $100 per person gift shop credit, en suite Nespresso machine & picture window.
Cabins 414 & 415, 22 sq. m, located on deck 4, twin bedding converted into one queen size bed, private bathroom, sitting area, en suite champagne & chocolates on arrival, complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks), $100 per person gift shop credit, en suite Nespresso machine & picture window.
Cabins 505 - 512, 24 sq. m, located on deck 5, twin bedding converted into one queen size bed, private bathroom, sitting area, en suite champagne & chocolates on arrival, complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks), $100 per person gift shop credit, en suite Nespresso machine & private balcony.
Cabins 603 - 606: twin bedding converted into one queen size bed, Cabin 601: one fixed queen size bed, 30 sq. m, located on deck 6, , private bathroom, sitting area, en suite champagne & chocolates on arrival, complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks), $100 per person gift shop credit, en suite Nespresso machine & private balcony.
Cabin 602, 34 sq. m, located on deck 6, two-room cabin, one queen size bed, private bathroom, sitting area, en suite champagne & chocolates on arrival, complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks), $100 per person gift shop credit, en suite Nespresso machine & private balcony.
Kayaking - US$695 per person
Paddling in and among the icebergs. Getting up close to nature. Silently gliding along at the water level. We want as many passengers as possible to experience these very moving and personal moments.
