M/S Hebridean Sky: Antarctic Peninsula Express

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from US$8995

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 travelers to complete door-to-door travel within two weeks

Overview
Itinerary
Dates
Accommodation
Inclusions

Itinerary Highlights
- Cross the Drake Passage and visit the South Shetland Islands along the way to the Antarctic Peninsula
- Witness an abundance of wildlife over your entire journey; whales, seals, orcas and more
- Experience colossal icebergs up close
- Opportunity to have unique experience camp and Kayak in Antarctica!
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 0: Optional complimentary pre-arrival stay in Ushuaia
- Day 1: Overnight stay in Ushuaia
- Day 2: Embark ship
- Day 3-4: Cross the Drake Passage
- Day 5: South Shetland Islands
- Day 6-8: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 9-10: Drake Passage
- Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
Day 0: Optional complimentary pre-arrival stay in Ushuaia

Don’t sweat flight delays or missed connections when you begin your adventure a day early by taking advantage of our optional free pre-arrival night at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Enjoy the spa, wander the trails, or unwind and soak in the surroundings.

Day 1: Overnight stay in Ushuaia

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 travelers.

Day 2: Embarkation
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.

Day 3-4: Drake Passage
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.

Day 5: South Shetland Islands
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.

Day 6-8: Antarctic Peninsula
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.

Day 9-10: Drake Passage
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.

Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia

Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Departs - Selected dates (listed below)
Ship Cabins: M/S Hebridean Sky
All Suites Feature (Window, Porthole & Triple Suite)
- Exterior views
- Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds
- Sitting area with sofa and side chair
- Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player
- Telephone
- Independent temperature controls
- Mini-Bar
- Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
- Hair dryer
- 220 square feet or more
- Sofa can be converted to bed for third person
Promendate, Deluxe, Veranda & Penthouse Suites
Include all of the features above plus:
- En suite Champagne & Chocolates on Arrival
- Complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks)
- $100 per person Gift Shop credit
- En suite Nespresso machine
Window Suite

Porthole Suite
Promenade Suite

Veranda Suite

Penthouse Suite

Owner's Suite
Ship Deck Plan

Ship Information: M/S HEBRIDEAN SKY
Services
- World-Class Cuisine
- Complimentary Wine with Dinner
- Live Entertainment
- Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
- Voyage Photographer
- On-board MD and Facilities
- Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
- Pre-voyage hotel night
- Complimentary Expedition Jacket
Facilities
- Elevator serving all passenger decks
- Upgraded WIFI Internet
- Library with computers
- Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform
- Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment
- Boot Room
- Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities
- DVD Movie Library
Ship Specifications: M/S HEBRIDEAN SKY
- Passengers: 118
- Crew: 75 (includes Staff)
- Manager: Salén Ship Management AB, Sweden
- Registered in: Nassau, Bahamas
- Built by: Nuovi Cantieri Apuania, Italy
- Built in: 1991
- Refurbished: May, 2016
- Length: 90,6 m
- Width: 15,3 m
- Tonnage: 4 200 GRT
- Class: B.V. Ice Class 1C
- Stabilization: Blohm & Voss Stabilization System with wave-anticipation roll technology
What's included?
- 2 free pre-voyage hotel nights in Ushuaia
- On-board accommodation
- Ship transfers
- Activities/shore excursions as specified
- Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
- An expedition polar parka for you to keep
- Waterproof boots on loan
- Welcome & farewell cocktail drinks
- 100 minutes of WiFi usage
- All meals during voyage
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with dinner (excluding premium brands)
- All port fees and taxes
What's not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Post-cruise transfers
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities*
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
*Optional Activities
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.