Departures:
11/09/2013
Ship(s):
Polar Pioneer
Trip Highlights:
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and learn about the research in this region from your scientist shipmates on this science and nature focused adventure.
Summary: Explore the deep bays and fjords of the Antarctic Peninsula where massive glaciers flank a rugged spine of snowy mountains. Witness penguin rookeries, basking seals and reminders of early explorers. The Falkland Islands is a rare mix of wildlife hotspots and a delightful inhabited outpost. Literally millions of petrels, albatrosses, penguins, gulls and cormorants populate the Islands. Share this voyage with scientists from Arctowski (Polish station) and Vernadsky (Ukrainian station), offering you a unique opportunity to learn about life as a scientist or base member in Antarctica.
A friendly welcome aboard your ship precedes your cruise down the Beagle Channel. Scientists from Ukraine and Poland, who will summer in Antarctica at Vernadsky and Arctowski Stations, join you aboard the ship.
Days 2 - 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Cape petrels mesmerize you and majestic wandering albatross take your breath away as you cross the Drake Passage. Your naturalists reveal Antarctica’s natural history while environmental and safety briefings prepare you. The photography education program commences, as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Days 4 - 6: Antarctic Peninsula / Arctowski Station
Drop anchor in front of Poland’s Arctowski Station and you are greeted by fur and elephant seals lounging on the shoreline, inquisitive Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins welcome you to their playground.
Days 7 - 8: Antarctic Peninsula
With rugged coastline from Gerlache Strait to the Lemaire Channel, make your way South across the Peninsula.
Days 9 - 10: Antarctic Peninsula / Vernadsky Station
Drop anchor at Vernadsky Station; the southernmost point on this expedition; as your scientist shipmates disembark and prepare for a summer in Antarctica, you board Zodiacs and explore this historic and wildlife rich area. Make full use of daylight hours, taking every opportunity to explore the Peninsula’s wonders.
Days 11 - 12: At Sea
Bidding farewell to Antarctica, sail north towards the Falkland Islands. Enjoy this time of reflection, entertaining talks and a party or two.
Days 13 - 14: Falkland Islands
Your days in the Falklands will be spent exploring the outer most islands rarely visited. The spectacular cliffs of the islands are home to an abundance of breeding birds; endemic Cobb’s Wren, dark faced ground tyrants and tussac birds, striated cara-caras, southern giant petrels, ruddy headed geese, speckled teal and crested ducks abound. Making the most of your Zodiacs, explore by sea and land the rich natural history of this remote archipelago.
Day 15: Disembark / Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Disembark in Stanley, the Falklands, which features an excellent war museum, welcoming shops and pubs.
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.
Optional Flights: $660 per person (11/9/2013). Optional flight from Falkland Islands to Punta Arenas, Chile.
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.
Photography Option: $250 per person (11/9/2013). Join Josh Holko, a professional photographer who will be conducting outdoor photography workshops. Learn tricks of the trade from the guest photographer who is keen to share knowledge and tips. You will have the opportunity to polish your skills, edit your shots and make the most of your camera equipment. Please enquire at the 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; optional flights from the Falkland Islands to Punta Arenas: $660 per person (11/9/2013); accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; fuel surcharge may apply; optional photography 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.