HIGHLIGHTS
- Cross
the mighty Drake Passage en-route to the South Shetland Islands
- Delve
deep into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the
famous Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and precipitous
peaks rise straight out of the frigid water
- Witness
icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields that characterise
this wildly beautiful landscape
- Make
Zodiac landings to set foot on land and experience penguin rookeries,
spectacular landscapes and historical sites
- Zodiac
cruise in scenic areas filled with giant icebergs, whales and seals
- Visit
locations which showcase the best of Antarctica; while wildlife
sighting are of course subject to the whims of Mother Nature, a variety
of penguin, whale and seal species can all be found in this
inhospitable wilderness
- See
penguins coming ashore to build their nests, and compete for mates
- Marvel
at the snowy untouched landscapes, and experience the magic of spring
sunsets over the frozen mountains
- Experience
the Antarctic Spring with us!
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 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 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
4-6: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS & THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Over
the next days, we will enjoy a safe and exciting Antarctic experience
explorers of yesteryear could only dream of.
Our
Antarctic adventure begins 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. Landing sites which may be visited in the
South Shetland Islands include the black steaming sands and rusting
ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater), the bustling
penguin colonies of Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or the old sealers'
anchorage of Yankee Harbour.
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.
Visiting
Antarctica in the early Spring offers exceptional experiences. Watch
penguins come ashore and begin to build their nests and compete for
mates. Marvel at the winter sea ice which mantles these frigid seas,
stretching as far as the eye can see, and expereince the power of an
ice-class vessel push through this marine mosaic. Watch miraculous
sunsets (which can't be seen in the height of summer) in an alien
landscape. With heaps of fresh snow, we expect excellent opportunities
for snowshoeing and camping in Antarctica, with springtime offering the
best possible conditions. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula,
endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty
abound.
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.
On
Antarctica, all human activity is subject to the whims of Mother
Nature. While we will make every possible effort to maximise
opportunities for exploration off the vessel, the safety of our guests
and crew is our top priority. We therefore ask all our guests to join
the expedition spirit and be flexible - harsh weather offers the
opportunity to expand your knowledge of Antarctica with lectures from
our expert Expedition Team, or to enjoy the superlative comfort of our
vessels, be it wine-tasting, relaxing in the hot tubs, or recharging
with a relaxing massage in our Spa.
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.
(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 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
- Snowshoeing
- Open-air Camping in the Antarctic
