HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore
the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and foot
- Learn
about Antarctica's unique geology, history and wildlife with our
onboard lecturers
- Immerse
yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional kayaking
excursion
- Witness
a rare total solar eclipse from the deck of Ocean Diamond in the Scotia
Sea between the Orkney Islands and South Georgia.
- See
South Georgia's incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird species
and four penguin species
- Follow
in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton's perilous voyages to South
Georgia and pause for a moment at his grave site
- Wander
the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands (Islas
Malvinas)
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple | Single Porthole | Single Obstructed View | Twin Obstructed View | Twin Window | Suite | Balcony Suite |
|---|
| Nov 25, 2021 | Dec 14, 2021 | 16,995 | 29,995 | 29,995 | 24,495 | 25,995 | 27,995 | 28,995 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple | (Mid-range)
Twin Obstructed View | (High-end)
Balcony Suite |
|---|
| Nov 25, 2021 | Dec 14, 2021 | 16,995 | 24,495 | 28,995 |
ITINERARY
Day
1 — Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
You
will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the
tip of South America. It's the ideal gateway for you to explore the
southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead.
Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a
café in town.
Day
2 — Embarkation Day
Embarkation
will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail
down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego
archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of
anticipation as you depart!
Days
3 & 4 — Crossing the Drake Passage
Your
days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team
who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology and history that will
greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time on
deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink
at the bar.
Days
5 to 7 — South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The
most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of
reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few
places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica.
You
will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment
you'll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence,
and at the next moment you'll be inspired by nature as a calving
glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to
inspect your footwear.
Your
Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you
are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with
penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are
found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep
a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac
cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of
creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
As
exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you'll
treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in
an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside
and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!
Days
8 & 9 — At Sea
Say
goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula, as your next destination is the
Scotia Sea, between the South Orkney Islands and South Georgia, where
you'll witness a rare natural phenomenon: an eclipse of the sun in
Antarctica! Our Expedition Team will prepare you in advance with expert
presentations and workshops on astronomy, meteorology and other related
topics to help prepare you for that once-in-a-lifetime event: total
solar eclipse in Antarctica. Joining you for the eclipse is
world-renowned eclipse expert Fred Espenak. Known as “Mr.
Eclipse,” Fred is a retired NASA scientist and has
participated in 29 eclipse expeditions around the world.
Day
10 — Solar Eclipse at Sea
Early
this morning, you will be summoned on deck to witness an extraordinary,
much-awaited moment: a solar eclipse, the very brief period (1 minute,
40 seconds) when the moon blocks the sun's light, plunging the polar
regions into darkness. Every guest will be provided with a pair of
eclipse glasses before the momentous event. You'll savor the stillness
of this magical moment with your fellow umbraphiles (eclipse chasers),
knowing you're among the few to have witnessed this once-in-a-lifetime
phenomenon.
As
with all eclipse sightings, visibility is influenced by the weather and
cloud conditions. Unique to this experience will be its location at
sea, and the more extreme latitude which places the eclipse low on the
horizon, making a successful sighting that much more difficult, and
more rewarding should all the stars align for the eclipse to be
visible. After the eclipse concludes around breakfast time, feel free
to celebrate the unforgettable moment or return to your bed.
In
addition to the eclipse glasses, guests will also receive an invitation
to a special evening celebration to commemorate their special total
eclipse voyage.
Days
11 to 14 — South Georgia
South
Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for
sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It won't
take you long to realize that you are in a bird paradise, as burrowing
seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.
You'll
find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers,
is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity
from centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team will help bring those days
to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on
the South Georgia of then and now.
One
of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is
Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations
established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find that this
place has a special appeal, as it is home to the remains of Sir Ernest
Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Days
15 & 16 — At Sea
After
more than two weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable
landscapes, your journey home begins. Spend time on deck watching for
seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or
simply relax and reminisce about your incredible experiences.
Days
17 & 18 — Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Upon
your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its
first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of
this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands,
East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily
Zodiac excursions and landings.
Stanley,
also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the
town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic
charm. You'll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit
numerous churches and museums.
In
terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and
southern rockhopper penguins. If you're lucky, you may even spot king
penguins here as well! You can expect to see black-browed albatross,
plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer
duck and possibly the elusive Cobb's wren.
Your
team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the
local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the
Falklands.
Day
19 — At Sea
After
more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home
begins. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy
presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce
about your experiences.
Day
20 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After
breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to
your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those
departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be
transferred to town.
Ocean Diamond (Expedition, 189-guests)
The Ocean Diamond is a superior vessel made for polar cruising. Its ice-strengthened hull and relatively small size makes this ship perfect for sailing in the ice-choked polar seas. Without compromising on safety, the ship is designed with top-notch passenger experience and comfort in mind. The vessel's well- equipped 101 cabins are tastefully decorated and with exterior views.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Passengers
will receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses and an invitation to a
special celebration. Guests will also have the opportunity to
participate in complimentary eclipse photography webinars led by Babak
Tafreshi before the expedition.
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Sea
Kayaking
- Paddling
Excursion
