HIGHLIGHTS
- Celebrate
Christmas and new year on this epic Antarctic voyage, visiting some of
the world’s wildest and most remote places with like-minded
adventurers
- Raise
a glass as you join a small club of people to attempt to cross below
the Antarctic Circle (conditions permitting).
- Zodiac-cruise
through glassy waters and gaze at the iridescent blues of gleaming
icebergs.
- In
South Georgia king penguins are sitting on eggs, chicks are hatching,
juveniles are moulting and fledging.
- Hike
along pebble beaches and climb tussock steps with unexpected wildlife
encounters at every turn.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Stateroom Triple | Stateroom Twin | Stateroom Superior | Balcony Stateroom C | Balcony Stateroom B | Balcony Stateroom A | Balcony Stateroom Superior | Junior Suite |
|---|
| Feb 01, 2028 | Feb 23, 2028 | 37,995 | N/A | 41,295 | 42,395 | 44,595 | 47,995 | 52,495 | 62,495 |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Stateroom Triple | (Mid-range)
Balcony Stateroom B | (High-end)
Junior Suite |
|---|
| Feb 01, 2028 | Feb 23, 2028 | 37,995 | 44,595 | 62,495 |
ITINERARY
Day
1 : Ushuaia
Arrive
in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora
Expeditions and transferred with your fellow expeditioners to your
assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, we ask you to
make your way to your hotel. Check-in is from 3.00 pm. This afternoon,
visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the hotel lobby,
between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm, to collect your luggage tags, and confirm
if you wish to join our Lake Escondido pre-embarkation tour tomorrow.
Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer
any questions and provide you with information on where to dine or
purchase last minute items.
Expeditioners
arriving after 7.00 pm will find a welcome pack waiting for them at
check-in. We ask you to visit our hospitality desk tomorrow between
8.00 am – 10.00 am.
The
remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own
expense.
Assigned
accommodation: Arakur
Resort & Spa
Day
2 : Embarkation
This
morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out. Please ensure your cabin
luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and
cabin number. Take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or
at check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to
the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabin ahead of your
arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you
throughout the day.
Those
wishing to join our Lake Escondido tour today, please meet in the hotel
lobby at 8.45 am. This tour offers us an unforgettable panoramic drive
through big valleys of glacial origin, evergreen and deciduous forests,
waterfalls and rivers, in the vastness of the Andes Mountain Range. We
will leave Ushuaia city to the northeast of Tierra del Fuego, driving
through peat bog valleys to reach Garibaldi Pass, only accessible by a
winding road that will take us to a panoramic point. From here we will
have amazing panoramic views of Lake Escondido and, if weather
conditions allow, of Fagnano Lake. We will start our descent towards
the northeast to reach Fagnano Lake’s shore where we will
visit a local ranch. After appreciating the landscape, you will have
the chance to enjoy the typical Fuegian Lamb barbecue. Enjoy some free
time there before returning to Ushuaia for ship embarkation.
Alternatively,
enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby or from the
meeting point at the parking lot near the pier (details will be given
by our ground staff at the hotel), to be transferred to the pier for
embarkation.
Once
onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before
our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port,
we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with
spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del
Fuego.
This
evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition
team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling
adventure to Antarctica.
Days
3-4 : Drake Passage crossing
As
we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time
getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team
prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines
and biosecurity procedures and start our lecture program to help you
learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and
environment.
Our
wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the
many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels
following our vessel. On sea days, you can enjoy the facilities on
board the vessel including the gym, sauna and jacuzzis or relax in one
of the observation lounges.
Nearing
the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on
the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone
converging on one of the observation decks watching for our first
iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below
the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of
floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting
is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather
permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late
afternoon.
Days
5-10 : Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle Crossing
It’s
almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica.
Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the
most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you
forever.
Once
we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South
Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices
available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience
approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as
you wish.
Your
experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this
area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day,
choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice
conditions and wildlife opportunities.
You
will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice
cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and
porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to
land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and
explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While
ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or
perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains
towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an
optional activity, you will have the option to do participate in the
activity whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers
will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters -
conditions permitting! The polar plunge can take place at any time
during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement from the
expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your
life!
In
addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise
some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from
the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or
feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make
your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for
uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for
the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve. Take a quiet
moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the
splendid white continent.
On
this voyage, under favourable conditions, we plan to cross the
Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line located at latitude 66°33'
south. This is certainly a special highlight for many expeditioners,
and the moment will be celebrated with a toast on deck (conditions
permitting). You have earned some boasting privileges, joining a small
group of lucky adventurers who have ventured to this part of the world.
As we approach The Circle, you will notice subtle changes in the
landscape and in the distribution of wildlife. The waters at this time
of year are rich with krill and we hope to see plenty of whales -
particularly humpbacks and minkes. We also hope to enjoy the spectacle
of penguins feeding their ravenous chicks.
Days
11-12 : At Sea
Attend
informative lectures to learn about South Georgia as we sail across the
Scotia Sea. You may want to relax in the sauna or stay active in the
gym; the choice is yours on how you want to enjoy days at sea.
Day
13 : At Sea / South Georgia
Sea
and weather conditions will determine our arrival time into South
Georgia today.
As
you near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for
Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 and believed it to be the
northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small
island only 176 km (110 mi) long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft)
snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest
congregations of wildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South
Georgia is an island of incredible riches.
On
approach, jagged mountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often
spotted soaring around the ship. We will sail down the coast, taking in
the spectacular glaciated scenery. This enchanting coastline is yours
to explore!
If
time and weather conditions permit, en route we could pass close to
Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of jagged rocky islets protruding from
the sea, in the proximity of South Georgia.
Days
14-17 : South Georgia
Your
experienced expedition team will use their local knowledge to plan your
voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the
prevailing weather, sea state and wildlife opportunities.
Remember
to layer up before joining Zodiac excursions that may zip into craggy
coves and along the rocky coastline in search of nesting penguins, seal
haul-outs and bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out for South
Georgia’s kelp forests as well - these remarkable underwater
ecosystems are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on
the water’s surface.
Our
Zodiacs will also transport ashore, where you can visit some of the
largest king penguin colonies on Earth, take a guided walk among fur
seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and
keep your distance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy
glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnants of South
Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to
Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyage of survival is
synonymous with this island. If you have chosen an optional activity,
you will have the option to do that whenever conditions
allow.
In
addition to Zodiac excursions and shore excursions, we may ship cruise
through fjords with towering cliffs of ancient stone, or into deeply
indented bays towards dramatic glacier fronts. This is a great time to
find a comfy spot in the observation lounge or make your way to the
bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) to enjoy
uninterrupted views of South Georgia’s majestic coast.
Days
18-19 : At Sea
Between
the Falklands~Malvinas and South Georgia, you will be enthralled by the
ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow and circle the ship.
Our onboard lecture program will continue with presentations from our
team of experts. You can also enjoy the many facilities on the ship,
borrow a book from our well-stocked library or perhaps stay active in
the fitness centre.
Day
20 : At Sea / Falklands~Malvinas
Sea
and weather conditions will determine our arrival time into the
Falklands~Malvinas today.
The
Falklands-Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West
Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven
of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches
and crystal-clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true
wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife,
including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold,
nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location
for spotting marine life.
Day
21 : Falklands-Malvinas
The
Falklands-Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West
Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven
of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches
and crystal-clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true
wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife,
including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold,
nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location
for spotting marine life.
There
are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands~Malvinas, each
offering a unique perspective on this magnificent archipelago. Your
experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this
area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day,
choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds, weather and
wildlife opportunities.
We
generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Even though
we are north of the Antarctic Convergence it can be quite chilly here,
so you will want to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky
coves or along sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins
and penguins. Zodiacs will also shuttle you from the ship to land,
where you may visit albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps
even have a traditional English 'tea and scones' at a local
cottage.
Conditions
permitting, we plan to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the
Falklands~Malvinas. This charming town has a distinctly British
character, with terraced town houses, pioneer cottages and even an
iconic red telephone box! Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English
pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic
Dockyard Museum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland
Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.
Day
22 : At Sea
As
we sail towards Ushuaia, you may choose to spend your precious time
editing photos, enjoying the onboard facilities, or attend final
lectures. Celebrate the end of an unforgettable voyage with newfound
friends at a special Captain's farewell dinner.
With
lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience,
there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean
and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and
discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become
ambassadors for the Antarctic region, telling your family, friends and
colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its
conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the
region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do
here.
Day
23 : Disembark in Ushuaia
During
the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly
slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark
around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as
we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of
the immense power of nature.
Upon
disembarkation, for those continuing their travels in the region,
transportation to the hotel will be arranged exclusively for guests who
have booked their accommodations through Aurora or for those staying in
downtown areas near the port. Expeditioners departing on flights prior
to 12:30 pm will be directly transferred to Ushuaia Airport, those with
flights after 12:30 pm will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia
before an afternoon airport transfer, and the transfer procedures and
details will be communicated onboard before disembarkation.
Note: At the
conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing
Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there
are delays.
Sylvia Earle (Luxury Expedition, 126-guests)
Due to sail in October 2021 our new ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 - this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia's long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All
airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One
night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia
on Day 1.
- Lake
Escondido tour in Ushuaia, on Day 2.
- Onboard
accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All
meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
- Beer
and house wine with dinner.
- Captain’s
Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house
beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All
shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational
lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary
access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial
consultation).
- One
3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary
use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive
pre-departure information.
- Port
surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- Wi-Fi*.
Note: Please note we
travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
Excluded
from this Voyage :
- International
or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers
– unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport
arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport,
visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel
insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel
accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional
excursions surcharges.
- All
items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic
beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services,
personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
Add-on
Activities
- Sea Kayaking: USD $1745
- Snowshoeing: USD $440
- Paddling: USD $640
- Snorkelling: USD $835
Included
Activities
- Bird watching
- Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and
destinations
- Marine Mammal Spotting
- Photography
- Polar plunge
- Trips ashore
- Walking
- Wildlife Watching
- Zodiac cruising
- Scenic cruising
