HIGHLIGHTS
- Cross
the mighty Drake Passage en route for the South Shetland Islands,
making Zodiac landings at fascinating places along the way
- Take
time to soak in all the beauty of these astonishing landscapes as we
deploy kayaks and arrange hikes to get as close to nature as possible
- Expect
to see plentiful company in the form of humpback whales as their
numbers peak in this part of the season
- Wildlife
is the highlight of a mid to late march trip as pictures of whales,
seals, birds and penguins fill our SD memory cards
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Mar 24, 2025 | Apr 01, 2025 | 6,285 |
6,695 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Mar 24, 2025 | Apr 01, 2025 | 6,285 |
6,695 |
ITINERARY
DAY
1: ARRIVAL USHUAIA, EMBARKATION
Arrive
in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town.
Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a
day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra
del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains,
glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon,
we board our ship.
Our
journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a
strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago
DAY
2-3: AT SEA - CROSS DRAKE PASSAGE, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Sailing
onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks
the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and
strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage
may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition
vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a
highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage
a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!
In
the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view.
Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and
penguins! The area is also well known for its abundance of birds.
With
the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Victory will offer you a smoother
sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessel,
we might be able to do a first landing or activity in the South
Shetland Islands on the afternoon of day 3, weather permitting.
DAY
4: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Over
the day, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors
only dreamed of. We will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South
Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will
encounter along the way.
Weather
permitting, our projected landfalls include: Deception Island, an
extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon
Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels.
The
itinerary and activities depend on weather and ice conditions. The
route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and
expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly
scheduled briefings.
DAY
5-6: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
As
the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, wildlife abounds
along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula, with
especially Antarctic fur seals, gentoo penguins and humpback whales
being active in these wonderful waters.
We
aim to take our time at these outings, allowing us to deploy kayaks and
arrange wonderful hikes in the pristine nature. The late season
solitude creates unique memories as the sun sets and as we leave these
isolated areas that most probably won’t welcome any visitors
until next spring.
The
projected landings include: Wilhelmina bay with plenty of humpback
whales; Neko harbour with its gentoo penguins and seals; Brown station
and Paradise harbour with wonderful views and on our way back north, a
wonderful walk at Hannah Point awaits us.
The
itinerary and activities over the next days depend on weather and ice
conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the
captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through
regularly scheduled briefings.
Please
note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice
conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as
for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions,
ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.
For
this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire
trip, our ships offer excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna,
restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare
time. Our ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share
great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to
biology, geology, ice and wildlife.
Visitors
to these far southern reaches in mid to late March/beginning of April
will experience large amounts of whales, wonderful sunsets, crisp fresh
air, dustings of snow and other telltale signs of the seasonal change.
Some penguin colonies will be near deserted whilst others will be very
busy. Many say that this is the time to visit the real Antarctic, and
have it all for yourselves. It is safe to say that there will be fewer
other ships around as we wrap up the season.
DAY
7-8: DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA
We
depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the
calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En route, we will cross
Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark
and the southern tip of South America.
During
our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board
which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow
travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the
lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure
on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable,
relaxing time.
DAY
9: BACK IN USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
This
morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour,
where you can continue your adventures or begin your return
home.
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
- 9-day
cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring
ensuite facilities
- Shuttle
transfers to the ship from city centre/from the ship (morning) to city
centre or airport (Ushuaia)
- All
Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
- Expedition
parka
- Rubber
boot on loan
- Guiding
and lectures by our expedition leader and team
- English-speaking
expedition team
- Full
board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
- Free
tea and coffee 24 hours daily
- Taxes
- Guiding
and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
- Special
photo workshop
- Welcome
and farewell cocktails
- Digital
visual journal link after 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 14 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses
- Anything
not mentioned under “Inclusions”
ADVENTURE OPTIONS - Kayaking - USD 345
- Photography - USD 1,095
- Zodiac Trips
