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Rates:
From $7,290 to $12,900
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Deckplan
Introduction:
The Antarctic Circle Quest is ideal if you desire the
extra time to really experience Antarctica. You fire up
your spirit of adventure and take a few extra days to
work your way south to explore some of Antarctica’s
most pristine and rarely visited areas. There will also
be plenty of time to explore the incredible wildlife colonies
along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the South Shetland
Islands. Aboard an ice-rated vessel, you will navigate
through some of the world’s most scenic waterways
– many littered with colossal icebergs. You will
attempt to land on the Antarctic continent south of the
Circle, and you may visit a couple scientific research
stations as well.
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Trip
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
You board the ship in Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, at the
southern tip of South America. Early in the evening, you set
sail through the Beagle Channel. The long days mean plenty of
evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel,
and to perhaps enjoy your first wildlife sightings.
Days 2-3: Drake Passage
As you cross the Drake Passage, our team of experts is out on
deck to help you spot whales and identify seabirds. There is
also a program of talks, covering the wildlife, the ice, and
polar history. This prepares you for your adventure to the 'White
Continent'. The excitement intensifies as you cross the Antarctic
Convergence, where the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet
the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You feel
the change as the air gets cooler. Huge icebergs loom up against
the horizon in increasing numbers, and Wandering albatrosses,
petrels and other birds which thrive in this cold, remote ocean
are frequently seen.
Days 4-10: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
You'll cruise among the volcanic South Shetland Islands and
the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, traveling ashore frequently
in inflatable 'Zodiac' boats. The itinerary focuses on the areas
with the greatest promise of wildlife and the best scope for
walking, and frequent shore excursions are planned at Livingston,
Half Moon and King George Islands. Admiralty Bay, on King George
Island, is a favoured feeding ground for Humpback whales and,
with luck, you may see them dining on krill. Nearby, around
80,000 Adelie penguins have established one of the largest rookeries,
alongside Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins. As you cruise the waters
of the Antarctic, penguins are often seen “porpoising”
in the water, or resting on ice flows, which pass by the ship,
and the scenery of the Lemaire Channel can be absolutely breathtaking.
South of this channel, we hope that the seas will be clear enough
to take us right down to the Antarctic Circle. The scenery remains
outstanding, and although there’s no “marker on the
sand”, it’s a great feeling to know when we’ve
reached the line. Weather permitting, you may also enter the
flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island, a recently active
volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands in the world.
Steam rises in places from the black sand beaches along its
shores. Here, the intrepid can take a dip where the cold Antarctic
waters mix with the steaming, thermal waters of the bay. If
the weather is kind, you’ll have the optional opportunity
to set foot on the Antarctic continent. You may even spend an
optional night camping out ashore; tents and sleeping bags are
provided. This is a wonderful experience, with the lights of
the southern sky bathing the landscape in an eerie luminescence.
Days 11-12: Drake Passage, Cape Horn
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, you head back across the Antarctic
Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed
with the rounding of Cape Horn.
Day 13: Ushuaia
In the early morning, you arrive back in Ushuaia where your
cruise ends. You are transferred to your hotel, or to the airport,
for your return flight.
Notes:
This voyage sails aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov (sister
ship to Akademik Ioffe) on 12/28/2006 and 2/6/2008.
Included:
Cabin accommodation; expedition leader and lecturers; airport
arrival transfer; all meals including tea/coffee 24 hours a
day; all shore excursions by Zodiac boat; lectures, video, slide
and film shows; resident on-board medical officer; port taxes.
Not Included:
All airfares; 2006/2007 fuel surcharge ($10 per person, per
night); 2008 fuel surcharge may apply; visa and passport fees;
airport taxes; pre-trip or post-trip hotel accommodation; laundry;
postage; telephone calls; drinks; medical expenses; travel insurance;
gratuities to staff and crew are left to the discretion of the
passenger.
Itineraries may be subject to change.
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Deck
Plan - Akademik
Ioffe
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