Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula, Penguin Rookeries, Luxury Cruise Ship
11 Days  |  Departure:  12/2/13, 12/12/12, 1/21/14, 1/31/14, 2/10/14, 2/20/14, 12/2/14, 12/12/14  |  From $9,750

Testimonials  |   Ship types

Trip Highlights:  Luxury expedition ship with 5-star service, fantastic cuisine, and experienced naturalist guides. Most cabins have a veranda. A truly beautiful ship!

Rates:
$10,550 - $28,550 : 12/13/13, 12/12/13
$9,750 - $26,650 : 1/21/14 - 2/20/14
$10,150 - $27,550 : 2/12/14 - 12/12/14
Above rates are per person and do NOT include round-trip charter flight (Buenos Aires/Ushuaia) and transfers in Ushuaia ($950 per person (12/2/13 - 12/12/13); $1,140 per person (1/21/14 - 12/12/2014)
Single Supplement: Varies with category and departure date.
Triple Occupancy: Available in some cabin categories, rates vary with category and departure date.

Ship - Silver Explorer - Luxury Expedition Ship
Passengers: 132

Introduction

Experience the wonders of the Antarctic while taking full advantage of the luxurious all-inclusive lifestyle afforded by the world’s best and most uncompromising service including the most spacious suites and comfortable common areas of any expedition ship. A frosted wilderness of glistening white as far as the eye can see. Natural ice sculptures like enormous works of avant-garde art. This is the modern explorer’s final frontier. Hear the cries of penguins multiplied by the thousands, watch leopard seals and sea lions perfectly at ease in the company of visitors, feel the unspeakable magnificence of a whale breaching from beneath cold ocean waters. Astounding animal encounters - opportunities found nowhere else on earth. Charter flight schedules vary with departure; see end of page for details.

Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Embarkation
This morning in Buenos Aires, transfer independently from your hotel to the airport for your charter flight to Ushuaia (flight included in rate). Tierra del Fuego might well be considered the “Land at the End of the World” but, for today, it is only the beginning. A spectacular jumping off point and return port for your Antarctic expedition. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you are met and transferred to the Prince Albert II for embarkation. This evening, meet your Expedition Leaders.

Days 2-3: Drake Passage
The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that glide in the air currents of our ship’s wake such as the black-browed albatross, sooty shearwaters and white-chinned petrels. Have your cameras ready to capture the magical colour of a midnight sunset.

As you set sail on your initial transit, familiarize yourself with the elegant Prince Albert II and the welcoming Expedition Team members. Attend wildlife, geography and historical discussions hosted by our expert naturalists and guest lecturers that will prepare you for the exciting adventures that lie ahead. When available, visit the Bridge to learn about the instruments and techniques of Antarctic navigation.

Days 4-8: Antarctic Peninsula
Past the furthest reaches of Tierra del Fuego and beyond your wildest imagination lies the last great frontier – Antarctica’s vast white wilderness. Landscapes formed by the harshest wrath of mother nature, yet blessed by an isolated independence and tranquility await. A place where remarkable natural beauty and wildlife species exist and, in fact thrive despite the harsh climate. Witness the dramatic splendor of spectacular iceberg sculptures, marvel at calving glaciers and experience up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for Humpback, Minke, and Orca whales breaching from below the frigid waters. Each day you will have the opportunity to partake in at least two Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, will visit a variety of penguin rookeries and scientific research stations. Perhaps a Zodiac cruise amidst colorful icebergs or a special excursion with your expert guest naturalist will be the highlight of your day’s agenda.

Days 9-10: Drake Passage Return
Navigating your return through the Drake Passage, you will watch for seabirds and wildlife you may have missed on the first trip. Take this opportunity to attend additional presentations offered by the onboard lecturers and to swap photos with newfound friends as you journey towards Ushuaia.

Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II and transfer to Ushuaia International Airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires.

Notes:

Included:
All ocean-view suite accommodation; complimentary beverages served throughout the ship (a premium assortment of complimentary wines, champagne and spirits are stocked in one of the finest cellars at sea; in-suite beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages; all onboard gratuities; no assigned dining time, no assigned table; complimentary in-suite dining and 24-hour room service; a full spectrum of entertainment and onboard enrichment from renowned authors to destination specialists; expedition parka and backpack; complimentary rubber boots on board; port charges and handling fees.

Not Included:
International airfare; charter flight, Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & Ushuaia-Buenos Aires, transfers in Ushuaia between airport/pier on day of embark/disembark [$950 per person (12/2/2013-12/12/2013); $1,140 per person (1/21/2014 - 12/12/2014)]; government fees and taxes; passport expenses; items of a personal nature; fuel surcharge may apply.