Departures:
12/29/2013
Ship(s):
Polar Pioneer
Trip Highlights:
Ring in the New Year with a memorable adventure, exploring the majestic beauty and amazing wildlife of Antarctica.
Summary: Soaring snow-capped peaks, sheltered waterways, sculpted icebergs and abundant wildlife characterize the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula. Penguin rookeries bustle with nest building, courtship and egg laying; flourishing plankton attracts krill, fish, seals and whales. Visit working scientific stations, which open the door to fascinating research and interesting people, observe abundant wildlife, and explore the awe-inspiring beatufy of Antarctica.
Enjoy a hearty, late afternoon welcome from your friendly staff and Russian crew. You have time to settle in to your cabin and explore the ship before your evening departure. Watch for dolphins and albatross as you sail down the Beagle Channel.
Day 2: Drake Passage
Your Drake Passage crossing offers excellent bird-watching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from your expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from expedition staff. Enjoy time to meet fellow travelers, chat, read and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 3: South Shetland Islands
You may make your first landing today. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, while sightings of penguins, fur seals and king cormorants announce your approach to the South Shetlands Islands.
Days 4 - 9: Antarctic Peninsula
An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers you to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, land of vast proportions. Aboard robust Zodiacs, explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations. Zodiac cruising brings you close to intricately shaped icebergs and seals basking on ice floes whilst kayakers glide into secluded bays. Immerse yourself in nature, spontaneity and flexibility to make the most of every day. Experiencing the wonder and wildlife of Antarctica will be the focus of these days.
Days 10 - 11: Drake Passage to Ushuaia
As the ship cruises north across Drake Passage, revel in rich Antarctic experiences. Take time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what you’ve seen and learned, and exchange photos and stories. With luck, you may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner.
Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Cruise along the Beagle Channel in the early morning. Disembark after breakfast for onward travel or flights home.
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions – and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.
Mandatory Travel Insurance:
All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. The policy provider, policy number and emergency contact phone number must be provided prior to departure date. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends that the travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation insurance, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage and repatriation. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.
Sea Kayaking Option:
$995 per person (12/29/2013). Traveling in these sturdy, easy-handling, reliable kayaks is an exciting, low impact way to explore the stunning bays and wildlife breeding grounds along the Peninsula. If you wish to take this option, please advise us when you make your booking as numbers are limited. Please note, some sea kayaking experience is necessary.
Camping: Camping is free of charge and subject to weather conditions. Please inquire at time of booking.
Included:
Cabin accommodation on the ship; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; lectures and guide services; boots (for loan onboard); medical service of the resident medical officer onboard; port taxes and service charges.
Not Included:
Airfare; accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; fuel surcharge may apply; optional sea kayaking activities, items of a personal nature; travel insurance; and gratuity to the ship's crew is at your discretion.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.