DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Category F | Category G | Category E | Category D | Category C | Category B | Category A | Freydis/Polar Premium Suite | Brynhilde/Family Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Category F | (Mid-range)
Category C | (High-end)
Brynhilde/Family Suite |
|---|
DAY
1
ARRIVAL
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 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. 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
4-9
THE
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
With
no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous
travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be -
flowing with the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best opportunities
Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs in the first half of the
brief Antarctic summer, when sea ice is at its maximum - this offers us
ample opportunities to explore in the icy wilderness of the last
continent. 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.
Marvel
at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a complimentary kayak
excursion in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for
their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville
Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a
snowshoe hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the
Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly
restored and open to all. Awake to the icy wind and the bray of
penguins during one of this voyage's several camping options. Feel the
spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in
Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise
through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs drift
silently past the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever we go on the
Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and
breathtaking natural beauty abound.
This
time of year, expect to see penguins carefully constructing their
pebble nests and fiercely defending their precious eggs from hungry
skuas and Giant Petrels. The start of the Antarctic summer also sees
the return of groups of humpback whales - these ocean wanderers come to
Antarctica to feed on the abundant krill this time of year. With luck,
we may even see the young of these gentle giants.
There
is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to
maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above
are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be
the ultimate adrenaline-fuelled experience on the White Continent.
DAY
10-11
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
12
ARRIVAL
IN 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.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 12-day/11-night 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
- One complimentary kayak excursion per guest
- 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!
Excluded
from this voyage:
- 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 16 per person per day)
- Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services,
Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
- Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking
- Photography
- Lectures
- Zodiac
- Snowshoeing
- Open Air Camping in Antarctica
