HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit
the fascinating Falkland Islands
- Participate
in Zodiac landings and wildlife observations on pristine and sheltered
beaches
- Exxplore
South Georgia Island, one of world's greatest natural wonders
- Visit
wildlife-packed beaches, active research stations, former whaling
stations and Shackleton’s final resting place
- Explore
the South Shetland Islands, and make Zodiac landings at penguin
rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts
- The
Subantarctic islands and Antarctic Peninsula are a nature
photographer's paradiseS
- pend
the last seadays bird watching from the top deck and attending
lectures, workshops and photo re-caps in one of the ship's lounges
while crossing the mighty Drake Passage
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Category F | Category G | Category E | Category D | Category C | Category B2 | Category B1 | Category A | Premium Captain's Suite |
|---|
| Dec 18, 2024 | Jan 04, 2025 | 15,595 | 26,495 | 22,295 | 20,495 | 23,995 | N/A | 26,495 | 37,295 | 40,095 |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Category F | (Mid-range)
Category C | (High-end)
Premium Captain's Suite |
|---|
| Dec 18, 2024 | Jan 04, 2025 | 15,595 | 23,995 | 40,095 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: ARRIVAL AND EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA
Arrive
in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city.
Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the
surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten
path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del
Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains,
glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the
afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.
After
our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate
through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles
Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del
Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point
for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and
dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake
Passage.
Day
2: AT SEA TOWARDS THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
Following
the ocean currents of the South Atlantic, we head towards the
rarely-visited Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
While
the indigenous Yaghan people of Tierra del Fuego may have visited the
islands, the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) had no indigenous population
when Europeans arrived in the early 16th Century. The islands'
sovereignty has been contested ever since, with historical Spanish,
French, British and Argentine claims; the islands were established
politically as a British colony in 1840. Tensions resulted in a
conflict over the islands between Britain and Argentina in 1982. The
conflict left a lasting impact on the islands - while it spurred
much-needed development assistance from the United Kingdom, the
conflict also left much of the islands heavily mined. Since the
conflict however, the islands have flourished, selling lucrative
fishing rights to their rich waters. The de-mining operation was
completed in 2020, celebrated by a football match on the last patch of
de-mined ground between the islands' Governer and the Zimbabwean
de-mining team who have made the Falklands their home.
The
waters around the Falklands are some of the richest in the world, with
huge whale, seal and penguin populations feeding where cold Antarctic
waters meet the warmer waters of the South Atlantic, so keep binoculars
at the ready! Otherwise, join your Expedition Team lecturers to hear
about these islands' fascinating history, biology and unique 'Kelper'
(as the locals call themselves) culture.
Day
3-4: FALKLAND ISLANDS, VISIT PORT STANLEY
On
our first day in the Falklands we will venture to some of the outer
islands in the West Falklands - 'Camp', as the locals call the area
outside Stanley. The outer islands of the Falklands are much wilder and
more remote than the mainland, and host the majority of the islands'
wildlife. Islands such as West Point, Carcass and Saunders are well
known for their spectacular wildlife. Southern Rockhopper Penguins,
Black-Browed Albatross and King Cormorants commonly nest together in
vast cliffside colonies; penguins nurture their eggs and chicks in
clefts between large cylindrical nests where cormorants and albatross
nest. Be sure to look out above to see the bast albatross coming in to
land (often less than gracefully). The islands are home to a vast
number of other bird species such as the endearingly cheeky Striated
Caracara (watch all unattended possessions!), and in the water a number
of species new to us such as commerson's dolphins and South American
sealions can be seen playing.
During
the following morning we will cast anchor in the sheltered natural
harbor of Port Stanley. Utilizing our Zodiacs, we will land in the
centre of this small city. Stanley is the only settlement on the
islands of any size, with a population of around two thousand people.
Behind the colourful buildings in neat rows, look closer and you will
notice a very distinctly British feel to Stanley - Victorian houses
which could be on any swanky London terrace line the harbourfront; red
telephone and post boxes stand by the jetty; whitewashed pubs serve
fish and chips alongside foaming pints of ale. The Falkland Islanders
are proud of their unique homeland and capital, and Stanley is a great
place to explore and soak up the local vibe. Highlights in the city
include Christchurch Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral on
Earth, as well as excellent shops selling local products (watch out for
high quality woollen good in particular!), cafes and pubs offering a
warm welcome, and several excellent museums; visitors are spoiled for
choice! A short drive or a pleasant walk from the city are several
stunning beaches; formerly heavily mined, these are now open, and
locals and foreigners alike often visit to see the abundant penguins
and spectacular gold-white sands.
Day
5-6: AT SEA, en route to South Georgia
From
the Falklands, we set out eastwards again, following the furious seas
towards South Georgia. Here we enter the Furious Fifties, the stretch
of powerful waters marking the entry to Antarctic waters - watch the
mercury drop as we sail east; now we are truly in the Antarctic. Your
crossing will benefit from our vessels' powerful engines, and the
stability provided by the specially-designed X-Bow - making the journey
in just two days!
In
order to protect the extremely delicate and rich ecosystem of South
Georgia, our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure
your clothing and equipment, while continuing with their in-depth
lecture program, now focussing on the fascinating history, biology and
wildlife of South Georgia. Be sure to wrap up warm and join your
Expedition Team out on deck - this section of the South Atlantic is one
of the most biologically productive on Earth, and is a haven for vast
quantities of wildlife - from whales and albatross to penguins and
seals. Watch the waves carefully - in this region, sub-Antarctic
species (such as fur seals) mingle with true polar species (such as
Adelie Penguins), creating a fascinating ecological mix.
Day
7-9: SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND, WILDLIFE PARADISE OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC
A
strip of jagged mountains pierce the brooding clouds of the Southern
Ocean. Icebound peaks loom over storm-washed beaches, while glaciers
peek from the head of deep fjords. First believed to have been landed
on by legendary explorer Captain James Cook, even to modern explorers,
South Georgia presents a forbidding aura. But peer closer, and you will
see greenery among the ice; movement on the beaches; wings in the skies
above.
While
it seems hard to believe today, South Georgia was once one of the most
degraded environments on Earth. Hearing of the rich pickings, sealers
flocked to the island after Cook, slaughtering wantonly. Once the seals
had been almost exterminated, visiting ships sought larger prey, and
South Georgia became the world's largest whaling destination, with
several settlements built to carry out this industrialised slaughter.
Whalers from Norway introduced reindeer as game, which soon destroyed
the islands native vegetation, while brown rats (accidentally
introduced by Europeans and their boats) feasted upon seabirds and
their eggs - a horror against which these naive birds had no defence.
Thankfully,
extensive conservation (including a painstaking eradication of reindeer
and rats) has restored this magnificent island to its former glory -
and glory it truly is. Beaches throng with hundreds of thousands of
King Penguins, arguably some of Earth's most elegant animals. They must
vie for space with the abundant Antarctic fur seals, all desperately
defending territories and competing furiously for mates - and they
themselves must avoid the southern elephant seals, Earth's largest
seals (weighing up to a staggering four tonnes). Tiny South Georgia
Pippits and Pintail Ducks (once almost extinct) are now abundant, and
petrels, albatross and shags nest on the steep hillsides and wheel in
the air above. In the sea, leopard seals stalk for their next penguin
meal, fur seal pups play in the shallows, and offshore, a huge variety
of whale species gorge on krill. Nowhere else on Earth can boast such a
diversity of wildlife, or in such quantities; South Georgia truly has
to be experienced to be believed.
As in
Antarctica, our exact itinerary will be dictated by weather and sea
conditions, but especially by the wind and swell - nevertheless, our
experienced Expedition Team and Captain will work their hardest to
maximise opportunities to explore. Options include visiting the vast
penguin colonies of Salisbury Plain and St Andrew's Bay, seeing the
former whaling stations of Lieth and Stromness, drinking in the scenery
and seal colonies of Gold Harbour, or exploring this island's
fascinating exploration heritage at Grytviken (where legendary explorer
Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried). South Georgia is one of those
locations which grabs hold of the senses and never lets go; even long
after departure, the jewel of the South Atlantic will captivate
visitors for years to come.
Day
10-11: AT SEA - Crossing the Drake Passage Southbound
Now
comes the time to cross the famed Drake Passage - the body of water
separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is
known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds - the Furious
Fifties and the Screaming Sixties. While this passage may be
challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels,
which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and manned
by a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake
Passage a lifetime achievement - and you will complete the crossing
twice!
Our
days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our
arrival in Antarctica - your Expedition Leader will brief you
comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this
precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans
for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife
watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will again assist you to
biosecure your clothing and equipment, as well as sharing tailored
lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology,
glaciology and more!
Day
12-15: ANTARCTIC SOUND, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA AND SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Over
the next days, we will enjoy a safe and exciting Antarctic experience
explorers of yesteryear could only dream of.
Our
Antarctic adventure begins in the South Shetland Islands, a chain of
rugged rocks marking the northernmost point of Antarctica. It is also
one of the richest in terms of wildlife, with large Gentoo and
Chinstrap Penguin colonies, and an abundance of large seabirds such as
predatory Giant Petrels. Landing sites which may be visited in the
South Shetland Islands include the black steaming sands and rusting
ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater), the bustling
penguin colonies of Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or the old sealers'
anchorage of Yankee Harbour.
The
following days will be spent exploring further south on the Antarctic
Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region. This region is typically icy,
so our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the
Expedition Leader and Captain, and explained to our guests through
regular evening briefings. However we will aim to visit a range of
sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region.
Consisting
of the 'spine' of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of
glaciated and mountainous islands, the Gerlache Strait is what comes to
mind when most people think of Antarctica. Marvel at the massive
icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved
by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely
defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice
tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko
Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as
Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of water
from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay.
Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire
Channel. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife,
tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.
On
Antarctica, all human activity is subject to the whims of Mother
Nature. While we will make every possible effort to maximise
opportunities for exploration off the vessel, the safety of our guests
and crew is our top priority. We therefore ask all our guests to join
the expedition spirit and be flexible - harsh weather offers the
opportunity to expand your knowledge of Antarctica with lectures from
our expert Expedition Team, or to enjoy the superlative comfort of our
vessels, be it wine-tasting, relaxing in the hot tubs, or recharging
with a relaxing massage in our Polar Spa.
Day
16-17: CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE TOWARDS USHUAIA
We
eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way
northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more
welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During
our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to
provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax
with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of
new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team
during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of
the albatross which accompany us northwards.
During
your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the
Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video
by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your
Antarctic adventure. Skål!
Day
18: ARRIVAL IN USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
On
the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the
pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem
strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty
breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros
Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories
of the voyage of a lifetime.
Ocean Victory (Luxury Expedition, 184-guests)
With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction.
With a total of 93 comfortable cabins for our guests, almost all with a view of the ocean, we ensure absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 18-day
cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring
ensuite facilities
- Embarkation
shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
- Shuttle
transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or
airport
- All
Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our
Expedition Team
- Expedition
parka
- Rubber
boots loan scheme
- Briefings
and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
- English-speaking
Expedition Team
- Full
board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
- Complimentary
house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served
at our a-la-carte dinners)
- Free
tea and coffee available 24 hours
- Taxes
and landing fees
- Special
photo workshops
- Welcome
and Farewell Cocktail Parties
- Digital
visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log,
gallery, species list and more!
Exclusions
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea)
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique
purchases)
- Anything
not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Photography
- Wildlife
Observations
- Zodiac
cruises
- Lectures
