Weddell Sea Discovery

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dare to brave the notoriously rough two-day Drake Passage sea crossing
• Compare monumental icebergs in the Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Sound as you head to the Weddell Sea
• Get up close to hundreds of penguins as they gather in their thousands in their natural habitat
• Keep an eye out at sea for breaching whales and huge albatross overhead
• Listen to our engaging polar experts and learn tips from our team of experienced photographers

ITINERARY

DAY 1
USHUAIA
Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

DAY 2-3
DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

DAY 4-9
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

Expedition Activities (See Optional Activities)

DAY 10-11
DAY AT SEA
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

DAY 12
USHUAIA
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Found at the southernmost tip of South America in Argentinian Patagonia, the city is often described as “the End of the World”. The city’s mountain backdrop rises above the harbour and entrance to the Beagle Channel. The town itself is walkable and has a few small museums as well as pubs, restaurants and cafes - a good place to try Patagonian lamb cooked over open fire pits.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities and port taxes
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Itineraries are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change

DAY 4-9
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Expedition Activities

Kayak in Antarctica With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional