HIGHLIGHTS
- Outstanding
wildlife observation on shore, Zodiac cruising and from the ship
- Focus
on key historical locations including Shackleton's grave and old
whaling stations
- Onboard
photography symposium
- Learn
about the environment, wildlife, history and ecology from polar experts
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple Classic | Main Deck Suite | Classic Suite
| Superior Suite
| Deluxe Suite
| Premium Suite
|
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Flight
Package
Cost: USD 995 per person
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple Classic | (Mid-range)
Superior Suite
| (High-end)
Premium Suite
|
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Flight
Package
Cost: USD 995 per person
Day
1: Ushuaia
Our
journey to Antarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia, in southern
Argentina. We gather at our central meeting point and transfer to the
pier and embark our expedition ship. After settling into our cabins and
exploring the ship, we meet our expedition team and fellow passengers.
Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner and
cast off, bound for Antarctica and the adventure of a lifetime.
Days
2-4: Southern Ocean
We
chart a course bound for South Georgia. This stretch of the South
Atlantic is rich in its bio-diversity and showcases an abundance of
astonishing wildlife. We will be joined by hundreds of seabirds
including the wandering albatross. Giant petrels and smaller Cape
petrels are also constant companions as we make our way south.
Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of
presentations about the environment, wildlife and history and the
locations we hope to visit in the coming days.
Days
5-6: King Haakon Bay and the Northwest Coast of South Georgia
Majestic
snow-covered mountains greet us on arrival in South Georgia. Weather
permitting, we begin our exploration on the southern coastline. We hope
to navigate the ship into the very historic location of King Haakon
Bay. It was here that Shackleton and his men made landfall in their
small lifeboat – the 'James Caird', after completing the
perilous ocean crossing from Elephant Island, a century ago. This is a
very dramatic place, visited by just a handful of ships each season.
From here, we make our way around to the more protected waters of the
north-eastern coast. We can now indulge in an in-depth exploration,
navigating into the bays and harbors the entire length of the island.
Elsehul Bay allows for great Zodiac cruising and will be a possible
location we will launch the kayakers for a paddle. One of the most
anticipated sites in South Georgia is Salisbury Plain. The black sand
beaches and tussock covered dunes are home to a staggering abundance of
king penguin adults and their young. The rookery is estimated to have a
population of up to 100,000 adult and juvenile penguins. This is just
one of several such king penguin rookeries on South Georgia. At the
height of breeding season, the rookeries are believed to have more
wildlife per square foot than any other place on the planet. The
majestic ‘Kings’ are not the only wildlife on
display as we explore the rugged coastline. Fur seals can be seen
poking their heads above the water, the elephant seals enjoy lazing
around the beach, while the skuas and giant petrels fill the skies
above. Meanwhile, the albatross – our constant companion on
this journey – is never far away.
Days
7-8: Fortuna Bay, Stromness, Grytviken and Central North Coast
Fortuna
Bay is a majestic three-mile long fjord. It was named after the ship
'Fortuna' – one of the original vessels of the
Norwegian–Argentine whaling expedition which established the
first permanent whaling station at Grytviken - further along the coast.
History comes into sharp focus as we continue west to Stromness and
onto Grytviken. From 1912 until the 1930s, Stromness (and nearby Leith
and Husvik), operated as whaling stations and the rusted and ghostly
remnants of these old stations seem out of place in such a pristine
environment. This area is key to the Shackleton story and it was here
in 1916, that Shackleton and his companions, Frank Worsley and Tom
Crean, arrived after their epic mountain crossing from King Haakon Bay
on the south coast. This is after having completed their 800- mile
journey by small boat from Elephant Island in Antarctica. If the
weather cooperates, we hope to hike in Shackleton's footsteps, the last
few miles across the saddle separating Fortuna Bay from neighboring
Stromness. Eventually, we enter the broad expanse of Cumberland Bay,
anchoring off Grytviken – the largest of the old whaling
stations on South Georgia. A highlight of our landing here is a visit
to the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his loyal right-hand man,
Frank Wild.
Days
9-10: St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbor and Eastern Coast
Our
next few days take us to St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbor –
places that are teeming with wildlife including fur seals, elephant
seals and massive colonies of the colorful king penguins. As with all
of our landings, we will exercise every opportunity to explore on foot
with our experienced guides. Gold Harbor is so called because the sun's
rays make the cliffs yellow with their light in the morning and
evening. It’s an exhilarating location. Drygalski Fjord at
the far eastern extremity of the island has been called one of the most
spectacular sites in South Georgia and we think you will agree.
Day
11: Godthul and Prion Island
Our
exploration of South Georgia is not over and we navigate our way back
along the northern coastline. There are a few special locations we have
in mind – including the old whaling depot at Godthul. There
is a terrific hike here up to a beautiful lake. Nearing the end of our
visit to South Georgia, we hope to enjoy a shore landing at Prion
Island – which many consider the jewel in the crown. This
location has been designated as a ‘Special Protected
Area’ by the South Georgia Government due to the breeding
wandering albatross colonies at this location. Boasting the largest
wingspan of any living bird, typically ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 m (8ft
to 11ft), albatross spend most of their life in flight, landing only to
breed and feed. Distances travelled each year are hard to measure, but
one bird was recorded travelling 6000 km in just twelve days. We are
exceptionally lucky to be able to attempt a landing here as the site is
closed to visiting ships between late November and early January, due
to the concentration of fur seals on the beaches. The boardwalks
provide access to several observation platforms where we view nesting
wandering albatross in close proximity. As we depart South Georgia, we
pause to reflect on our time in this spectacular location and chart our
return course towards the Falkland Islands.
Days
12-15: At Sea – Towards Stanley
Our
final days are spent catching up on journal entries, or perhaps
downloading and reviewing photos in the multi-media lab with our
photography expert. For some, it’s a chance to catch some
well-earned rest after a busy ten days of exploration. If the weather
is good for our crossing we will attempt a landing on the East
Falklands on Day 15.
Day
16: Arrive Stanley (Falkland Islands) – Voyage Concludes, Fly
Back to Santiago
This
morning we find ourselves back in the port of Stanley. We say goodbye
to our crew and after some free time in town, make our way to the
airport for our return charter flight to Santiago. On arrival in
Santiago our journey comes to an end.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive
pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare
for your trip
- Transfers
to the ship on embarkation day and from the ship to the airport on
disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping.
Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes
- All
breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage with
daily afternoon tea
- 24-hour
tea, coffee, hot chocolate in bar/lounge plus in-cabin tea and coffee
making facilities
- Experienced
Expedition Leader and professional expedition team of marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers
- Daily
off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat breaking into small groups for shore
landings
- Guided
hikes and walks on shore of various durations for guests of all
abilities
- Visits
to wildlife colonies, historic sites, places of outstanding natural
beauty and science stations
- Educational
presentations and talks by polar experts in their field (i.e. marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, etc.). Onboard or on shore
- Resident
photography guide available to assist all guests plus access to
computers in the multimedia lab for image downloads, file back up and
management
- An
emergency-trained medical physician onboard every voyage
- Dedicated
hospitality team including Hotel Manager, four chefs, professional bar
staff and Adventure Concierge staff
- Onboard
sauna, plunge pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center including massage
options (charge applies for massage and treatments)
- Access
to a well-stocked library full of polar reference books
- End
of voyage video, photos and take-home USB
- Port
fees and all permits to access visited areas
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 795 per person
- Photography:
FREE
