Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands- Shackleton's Odyssey 20 day Cruise - Prices from $7,990 Departures: 2/28/2007, 2/27/2008

See entire List of Trips Ship: Polar Pioneer Trip Highlights: More like a private expedition than a cruise. Expect an active crowd, many Australian clients and basic cabins. Enjoy an extra day in South Georgia, more focus on Shackelton & an option to retrace his South Georgia crossing (3 days).   Want more info about this trip or other Antarctic travel options?

Day 1: Embarkation
Board your ship Polar Pioneer mid-afternoon, then slip away from the dock in the early evening. The cruise down the Beagle Channel provides a fine view of the mountains and beech forests of Tierra del Fuego.

Day 2: Drake Passage
While crossing the Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross and petrels, you are busy with lectures and briefings.

Day 3: Antarctic Convergence
By mid-afternoon, you should have crossed the Antarctic Convergence cold water boundary to Antarctica, and hope to see your first icebergs near the South Shetland Islands.

Days 4-5: Exploring Antarctica
You make contact with penguins, seals and whales in the beautiful Gerlache Strait, using the Zodiacs to cruise among the ice or make landings.

Day 6: Begin Shackleton's Path
At the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Sound is often choked with icebergs but this waterway provides a wildlife-rich corridor into the Weddell Sea. You begin to retrace Shackleton's path near Paulet Island.

Day 7: Elephant Island
If the weather is kind you will land on the steep slopes of Elephant Island, the unexpected home for Shackleton's men for many months.

Day 8: South Orkney Islands
You cruise among the mountainous South Orkney Islands.

Day 9: At Sea
Cruising the Scotia Sea towards South Georgia.

Day 10: South Georgia
You enter King Haakon Bay on South Georgia, hopefully stopping for a ceremonial landing at Cave Cove where Shackleton made his first landfall after the epic open boat voyage.

Days 11-15: Exploring South Georgia
Exploring the whaling stations, bays and promontories of South Georgia. These will be busy days as you immerse yourselves in South Georgia's extraordinary wildlife diversity -- at places like Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour, where hundreds of thousands of king penguins line the beach, or Albatross Island, where the lords of the Southern Ocean, the wandering albatross, nest among tussock grasses.

Days 16-17: At Sea
While at sea you have time to reflect on your days on South Georgia and enjoy the delights of birdwatching from the outer decks.

Day 18: Falkland Islands
You visit the southern islands of the Falklands, bristling with nesting birds.

Day 19: At Sea
You complete your lecture program during the short hop to the South American coast.

Day 20: Ushuaia, Argentina
You dock in Ushuaia after cruising back along the Beagle Channel in the early morning. Transfer to a city hotel or commence your homeward journey.

Notes:

Alpine Crossing Option:
On May 20, 1916, Sir Ernest Shackleton stumbled into the busy whaling station of Stromness, having completed the first ever crossing of South Georgia from King Haakon Bay. His epic of survival, which began with the sinking of his ship, Endurance, in the Weddell Sea six months before, symbolises heroic Antarctic exploration. On select voyages, a small band of adventurous souls will attempt a repeat crossing -- in up to three days, with favorable weather. The expeditions will be self-contained, each member responsible for personal clothing, sleeping and climbing gear, and a share of the food, fuel and tents. Experience in crevassed alpine terrain is essential.

Included:
Cabin accommodations on the ship; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; lectures and guide services; medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board); port taxes and port charges.

Not Included:
Airfare; accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; visa, passport, and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes; meals not included in ship cruise itinerary; items of a personal nature; gratuities to the ship's crew are left to the discretion of the passenger; fuel surcharge may apply.

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Deck Plan - Polar Pioneer

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