11 Days round trip from Ushuaia, Argentina | Aboard: MS Ushuaia
Departures: 6 sailings from end Nov to mid February
Prices: 10 nights per person twin share $5,500
MS Ushuaia is a comfortable expedition style ship with 37 cabins and 4 suites in 5 classes accommodating up to ~ 84 guests. Most cabins except lower deck have portholes or ocean view windows and either semi private bathrooms (B&C) or en suite facilities. The Ushuaia has its own fleet of zodiacs as well as excellent on board common facilities ie a library, observation lounge bar and conference, medical and change rooms.
Day 1: Ushuaia | Embark in the afternoon and sail in the evening for the Peninsula via the Beagle Channel
Day 2-3: Drake Passage | This sea crossing is named after Sir Francis Drake who sailed these waters in 1578. Daily lectures from the expedition team describe what to see and do on arrival at the Peninsula. Look out for whale, dolphin and albatross on the way and the first sightings of icebergs and snow capped mountains indicating our arrival at the South Shetland Islands.
Day 4- 8: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands | The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife and, King George Island, the largest features colonies of Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels whilst Macaroni, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await at Livingston Is. Apart from penguins and seabirds expect to see Weddell, crab eater and leopard seals as well as Minke, orca and humpback whales. Depending on weather we sail the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, the latter a narrow passage between towering rock faces with spectacular glaciers.
At least two landings per day are planned at such sites as Paradise Bay on the continent proper and, after negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit Paulet Island where the Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Also possible are Melchior and Cuverville Islands, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island with its colony of Gentoo Penguins.
Day 9-10: Drake Passage | Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our staff as we journey back to Ushuaia.
Day 11: Ushuaia | Your cruise ends with an early morning arrival with transfers to the airport for return flights home.
Price includes:
●● All meals while on board
●● Transfers
Price excludes:
●● Alcoholic beverages
●● Fuel surcharge if applicable
●● Pre & Post cruise accommodation
●● Gratuities
●● All personal expenses
Price per person twin share | Based on lead in cabin rising in price according to cabin level and season
Other Antarpply Antarctic Cruises | Detailed itineraries on request
12 days Weddel Sea Quest 7th Dec 2014 from $6,700 per person twin share
12 days Polar Circle Quest 11th Feb 2015 from $8,400 per person twin share
