DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Oct 31, 2024 | Nov 08, 2024 | 4,071 |
4,424 |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Oct 31, 2024 | Nov 08, 2024 | 4,071 |
4,424 |
ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN USHUAIA, EMBARKATION
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 2-3
AT SEA - CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE SOUTHBOUND
Sailing onward, we 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, nicknamed
the Roaring Fifties. 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 assist you to biosecure
your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica's
delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic
exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!
We will cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of our
voyage - watch the mercury plummet as we sail southwards into Antarctic
waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic
waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As
the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most
biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels,
albatrosses and potentially penguins, seals and whales in abundance.
Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall in the South
Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of
the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of our second day in the
Drake Passage, marking the start of our exploration on the Last
Continent.
DAY 4-6
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS & THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
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. This
chain of rugged rocks marks the northernmost point of Antarctica, and
the most exposed to the fury of the Southern Ocean. Because of this, 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. The ice-clad mountains of Livingstone,
Greenwich and King George Islands give us a glimpse of what is to come
as we venture further south. 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 - 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.
Visiting Antarctica in the early Spring offers exceptional experiences.
Watch penguins come ashore and begin to build their nests and compete
for mates. Marvel at the winter sea ice which mantles these frigid
seas, stretching as far as the eye can see, and expereince the power of
an ice-class vessel push through this marine mosaic. Watch miraculous
sunsets (which can't be seen in the height of summer) in an alien
landscape. With heaps of fresh snow, we expect excellent opportunities
for snowshoeing and camping in Antarctica, with springtime offering the
best possible conditions. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula,
endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty
abound.
While wind, ice and sea conditions will dictate our precise
destinations and timings, our plans will be explained to guests during
regularly scheduled evening briefings with your Expedition Leader;
these nightly sessions are also an excellent opportunity to hear from
your knowledgeable Expedition Team, who will explain and expand on our
experiences to ensure guests get the most from their voyage.
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 Spa.
DAY 7-8
AT SEA - CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE NORTHBOUND
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 9
BACK TO 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 Albatros (Luxury Expedition, 189-guests)
The Ocean Albatros, sistership to the Ocean Victory, will join the fleet of Albatros Expeditions in November 2022. The Ocean Albatros will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, any various exciting new destinations in between.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUSIONS
- 9-day cruise
- 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'
Bookable on
board:
- Kayaking Experience $345
- Snowshoeing Experience $225 (Subject to Snow conditions
Nov - Dec )
- Camping Experience $395 (Subject to conditions, selected
voyages Oct - Dec)
- Photography Program $495