Voyage to Scott and Shackleton's Antarctica
Sub Antarctic Islands, Historic Bases and Regions, Luxury Expedition Ship, Tasmania to New Zealand
19 Days   |   Departure: 2/8/14   |   From $31,202

Tell me more about a trip to Antarctica!

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Trip Highlights: Luxury expedition ship travelling from Hobart to the sub-Antarctic islands and Commonwealth Bay, rich with wildlife and history! returning to New Zealand.

Rates: $31,202 - $47,372

Ship  - Orion - Luxury Expedition Ship
Passengers: 106

Introduction

This voyage covers some of the polar regions famously charted during the first race to the South Pole by pioneering explorers Scott and Shackleton over 100 years ago. The Ross Sea coast extends from the ice shelf northwards until it reaches the very tip of Victoria Land and Cape Adare. During our time in the Ross Sea Region we will attempt a variety of opportunistic landings, subject to weather conditions. Although our itinerary to the extreme sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions is based on many years of collective experience, prevailing weather and ice conditions in this area of the world are unpredictable, mother nature dictates our course. These are not cruises they are true expeditions to what can be the most inhospitable region on earth. Bring with you a spirit of adventure and flexibility.

The Orion is a purpose built, luxury expedition ship with ice strengthened hull and all the facilities for adventure cruising such as zodiacs, kayaks, etc. but combined with 4*+ service and amenities. All suites and cabins (all twin or double accommodation) have private facilities, TV & DVD player and fridge. 13 suites also have a French balcony. The Constellation Restaurant serves buffet breakfasts and lunches and a la carte dinners along with a good selection of mostly Australian wines. There is a lounge, bar, lecture theatre, passenger lift, 24 hour reception desk, boutique, spa and hot tub.

Itinerary

Day 1: Embark Hobart, Tasmania
Set on the River Derwent, Hobart is very much a city of the sea, with views of the Derwent estuary appearing around every corner. Historic 19th century waterfront warehouses remain, still bordering the commercial fishing harbor. Hobart is the finishing line for the famed blue water Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and its deep harbor precinct once bustled with whalers, soldiers, bureaucrats and businessmen. A walk through the town will reveal that the city has resisted the pressure to move with the times, having retained and preserved old buildings such as the Parliament, built by convicts in the 1830's.

Days 2 - 4: At Sea

Day 5: Macquarie Island
One of those wondrous places that you've probably never heard of. The sub-Antarctic island of Macquarie has magnificent scenery and prolific wildlife. It became a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and has been a World Heritage Site since 1977. There is a permanent manned Australian research station.

Ashore you will find a rugged backdrop of mountains and tussock grass covered headlands. There are around 850,000 royal penguins, 150,000 breeding pairs of king penguins as well as rock hopper penguins, gentoo penguins, elephant seals and numerous other seabirds. Scattered amongst the colonies like many other historic sites in Antarctica, you will find the rusting remains of machinery used by whalers and sealers in times gone by for the processing and exploitation of the wildlife.

Days 6 - 8: At Sea

Day 3: Auckland Islands
Cruise in Zodiacs in Sandy Bay, on Enderby Island at the northern end of Auckland Islands, to observe the profuse birdlife. Your expedition team will lead you to nesting royal albatross, and allow you to get up close and personal with a large New Zealand sea lion colony. If you are fortunate, you may see the rare yellow-eyed penguin as they move to and from their nests in the forests beyond the beach. The sensitivity of the ecosystem means that visitor numbers are strictly restricted on these islands.

Day 4: At Sea
As you make your way through the Southern Ocean, the expedition team will be on hand to prepare you for your expedition experience giving you an overview of all aspects of Antarctic life, with lectures and presentations on wildlife, ice, environmental sustainability and the history of polar exploration. These lectures are given by some of the foremost experts in their fields including botany, marine biology, anthropology and history.

Days 6-8: At Sea

Days 9 - 15: Ross Sea region
Visit Ross Island, guarded by Mount Erebus, Mount Terror and Mount Bird with all the famous spots which played such an important role in the dramatic British expeditions of the last century such as Cape Royds with the cabin of Ernest Shackleton. There is also Cape Evans with the cabin of Robert Falcon Scott, from Hut Point Scott and his men set out for the South Pole.

Days 16-18: At Sea

Day 19: Campbell Island
Campbell Island is an oceanic island of rugged scenery, unique flora and abundant wildlife. You can walk to the hilltop breeding sites of the royal albatross, these have the second largest wingspan of any bird and are very approachable, making excellent subjects for  photography.

Days 20: At Sea
Make your way to New Zealand while reflecting on your journey's highlights with fellow travelers.

Day 21: Dunedin / New Zealand - Disembarkation
Extend your trip in New Zealand or make your way home.

Notes:

Ports of call and itinerary are subject to change, dependent on weather and tidal conditions.