HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore
the spectacular Antarctic wilderness in a casual atmosphere of
like-minded travelers
- Experience
abundant wildlife including immense penguin colonies and other
seabirds, seals and even some of the great whales at close range
- Cruise
along towering icebergs, serrated maritime mountains and luminous
glaciers
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Dec 26, 2024 | Jan 06, 2025 | 10,079 |
10,595 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Dec 26, 2024 | Jan 06, 2025 | 10,079 |
10,595 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina (hotel night)
Welcome to
Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of
our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be
greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been
arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the
rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and
adventure hub.
For
an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo
del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a
variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and
fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to
wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a
wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable
Fuegian seafood.
Day
2: Welcome Aboard!
After
breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore
the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial
Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping
for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather
gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep
and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many
cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San
Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite.
In
the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly
welcome you aboard the luxury expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get
settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your
comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After
getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative
briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first
of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to
admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the
Beagle Channel.
Day
3-4: Across the Drake Passage
After
passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our
crossing of the Drake Passage. We watch for humpback and fin whales
along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful
subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be
viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. We also cross the
Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean.
The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of
rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our
lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to
arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day
at sea.
Day
5-8: Christmas in South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
During the
next four days, we explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands
and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the
world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing
in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect
towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers.
Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of
incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of
marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins
foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land.
Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities,
some with gift shops and post offices.
The
South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and
will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful
island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance
and abundant wildlife. We will also explore the supremely picturesque
Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness
of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine
mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We hope to show you the famous
Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because
of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer
snowy mountains.
Christmas
Day falls in the middle of our Antarctic Peninsula adventure. We
celebrate the day with special meals and yuletide festivities in the
various traditions of our multinational passengers. Santa Claus will
make an appearance and you can have your photo taken with him in the
snow. We encourage you to dress in festive attire for an evening of
holiday music, singing and dancing. You will always remember your
Christmas in Antarctica!
Throughout
the islands and on the mainland, we find nesting colonies of gentoo,
chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. At
this time, penguin chicks have started to appear in the nests. Also at
this time, a high concentration of sea ice provides opportunities for
seals and penguins to congregate on ice floes, a situation that
attracts killer whales. Minke whales have started to arrive and leopard
seals can be spotted patrolling the coast near penguin colonies.
Photographers will appreciate the pristine appearance of undisturbed
snow across the landscape in this early summer month.
In
this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best
complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer
hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw
polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of
Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some
of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of
your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping
ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.
This
is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and
exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Our
experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans
to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar
environment. With nearly 20 hours of daylight per day, we seize every
opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing
scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Day
9-11: Back across the Drake Passage
It is now
time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but
the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant companions
and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild
waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the
Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow.
Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of
smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.
Day
12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After yet
another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in
Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city
center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your
wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward
to your next polar adventure!
Sea Spirit (Luxury Expedition, 114-guests)
The ice-strengthened small all-suite expedition ship Sea Spirit (originally Renaissance V) was built in 1991 in Italy. From that time she has changed several operators and regions of navigation, cruising in Singapore, Alaska, Pacific Basin, Arctic and Antarctica. The vessel was modified in late 2010. Providing spacious suites for accommodation of maximum of 114 passengers (the smallest suite is 20 sq. meters) the Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some of the suites feature private balconies for enjoying fantastic landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctica.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
pre-voyage night on Day 1 in Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa Hotel;
- Group
transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation;
- Group
transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
- Shipboard
accommodation;
- All
meals on board throughout the voyage;
- Tea
and coffee station 24 hours daily;
- All
scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader &
Expedition Team;
- Branded
Poseidon Expeditions parka;
- Rubber
boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails;
- All
port fees;
- Group
transfer to airport or central location right after disembarkation;
- Pre-departure
materials;
- Digital
Voyage Log;
- Wi-Fi
on board.
Not
Included
- Airfare;
- Transfers
from the airport to the hotel if arriving prior to Day 1 of the program;
- Visa
and passport fees (if applicable);
- Luggage
and trip cancellation insurance;
- Soft
drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and
celebrations;
- Personal
expenses such as laundry and telephone calls;
- Fuel
surcharge may be applied for all bookings;
- Mandatory
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per
person;
- Staff
gratuities;
- Kayaking,
camping;
- Pre-
or post-cruise travel expenses.
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 795
- Camping:
USD 285
- Photography:
Free
