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Trip Details

Antarctic Cruise and Across the Circle
Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Crystal Sound, Antarctic Circle, Penguin Rookeries, optional Scuba
12 Days   |   Departure:  2/6/09, 2/17/09   |   From $5 490

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Trip Highlights: This voyage is perfect for the climber or diver who also wants to cross the Antarctic Circle. A chance to dive in very remote, unexplored region.

Rates: $5,490 - $9,790
Triple from: $5,490, Twins from: $6,890

Rates are per person, double occupancy.
Single Rate: 1.7 times the twin share price
Diving Surcharge: $700

Ship Name: Polar Pioneer - Research Vessel
Passengers: 56

Introduction

South to the Antarctic Circle and beyond lies a remote region of rare beauty. The crystalline waters are rich in whales, penguins, leopard seals, giant brittle stars and huge tubeworms. For the scuba divers on board, new sites beckon. You may dive near fast ice, besides grounded icebergs or explore shipwrecks. Limited numbers and the guide's extensive Antarctic diving experience ensure the highest safety standards. Everyone will revel in the beauty of ice-capped peaks that rise more than 1000 meters from Crystal Sound and, conditions willing, remote Marguerite Bay.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Board your ship, Polar Pioneer, in the afternoon, then sail down the Beagle Channel in the evening.

Day 2: At Sea
You will travel overnight into the Drake Passage, the famous passage named for Sir Francis Drake, the 16th-century English navigator. During the day, there is time for lectures and "ocean gazing" from the bridge or the outer decks.

Day 3: At Sea, Antarctic Convergence
Today you cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, and see your first icebergs. In the evening, you approach the South Shetland Islands and, time permitting, make your first landing.

Days 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula to Antarctic Circle
Make your way down Gerlache Straight and around ice-clad islands of the Antarctic Peninsula's mountainous west coast. There are plenty of whales as you stop to dive or visit penguin rookeries. Beyond Lemaire Channel, if weather and ice cooperate, you enter the magical Crystal Sound, toast the circle crossing, then navigate the Gullet into Marguerite Bay. You may land on historical Stonington, Detaille or Pourquoi Pas islands.

Day 10: North to the Drake Passage
From Anvers and Brabant islands, you head north into the Drake Passage.

Day 11: At Sea
Today marks your last day of lectures and a final opportunity to enjoy the seabirds of the Southern Ocean. Weather permitting, you may cruise past Cape Horn before a enjoying a fitting finale--a farewell dinner to reflect upon your adventures.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina
You travel up the Beagle Channel to disembark in Ushuaia; then transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in the "town at the end of the world". You may choose to visit the nearby Lapataia National Park or walk in the nearby mountains.


Notes:

Diving Option: 2/16/2008; 2/17/2009
For the high-spirited adventurers on board, dive near fast ice, beside grounded icebergs or explore shipwrecks. Limited number in group and the guide's extensive Antarctic diving experience ensure the highest safety standards. Diving experience required. Call for more details.

Included:
Cabin accommodations on the ship; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; camping; lectures and guide services; medical service of the resident medical officer onboard; port taxes and service charges.

Not Included:
Airfare; accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; optional sea kayaking or diving activities; items of a personal nature and gratuity to the ship's crew is at your discretion; fuel surcharge may apply; emergency evacuation charges.