Antarctica Cruise: The Peninsula

Classic Antarctica, pristine scenery, sites of scientific and historic interest, experienced guides, optional kayaking, and camping
12 Days | Departure: 12/05/18, 12/26/18, 02/06/18, 02/16/18, 12/08/19, 12/18/19, 12/28/19, 01/26/20, 02/05/20, 02/15/20,  | From $7,895

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Regions:  Antarctic Peninsula | South Georgia | South Shetland Islands | Falkland Islands

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Trip Highlights: Explore the majestic beauty and amazing wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula. The pristine scenery of Antarctica is unlike any in the world. The white continent offers unparalleled landscapes and an abundance of wildlife including penguins, seals and whales. This voyage also features classic sites of historic and scientific interest. Experience the journey of a lifetime to this fascinating region of the world.

Rates: $7,895 - $21,995
All rates are per person, based on double occupancy.
Single Rate: 1.7 to 2 times the twin, double occupancy rate.
Kayaking option: $795 per person
Camping option: $285 per person
Rate Includes: One night pre-voyage hotel in Ushuaia; group transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to departure; group transfer to the ship on embarkation day; group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation; photography program; welcome and farewell cocktails; digital voyage log; complimentary wind- and water-resistant parka; all meals onboard the ship. Inclusions subject to change without notice.

Ship - Sea Spirit - Expedition Ship
Passengers: 116

Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula



Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula (2010-2011

Introduction

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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Make your way to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 2: Ushuaia / Embark
Arrive at the ship in the afternoon and be greeted by the Expedition Team and ship's officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain's welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on an early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past penguins, cormorants, and sea lion colonies.

Day 3 - 4: 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 flowing northward and warmer equatorial water moving southward mix. 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 float in the air currents of the ship's wake such as the black-browed albatross, sooty shearwaters and white-chinned petrels.

Days 5 - 9: Antarctica Peninsula / South Shetland Islands
The White Continent stretches before you, a land of extremes and extreme beauty. Your expedition leader and captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The route will focus on the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.

The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the humpback whale frequented Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. You may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland's Arctowksi or Ukraine's Vernadskiy, as well as an historic base such as U.K.'s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.

Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals haul out of the sea to rest along with predatory leopard seals and the aggressive Antarctic fur seal. Minke, humpback and orca whales are frequent visitors of this region and provide many opportunities for whale sightings.

Days 10 - 11: 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 flowing northward and warmer equatorial water moving southward mix. 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 float in the air currents of the ship's wake such as the Black-browed albatross, Sooty shearwaters and White-chinned petrels. As you return to Ushuaia, take advantage of the opportunity to listen to additional presentations offered by onboard specialists and swap prized photos with new found friends.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembarkation
This morning, disembark in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town, to catch flights homeward or continue on with your adventure.

Notes:

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions -and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Mandatory Travel Insurance:
All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage including medical, evacuation, cancellation and trip interruption. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. We strongly recommend at least $200,000 Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. We can assist U.S. residents with travel protection options. Other conditions may apply based on pre-existing conditions.

Kayaking Option: $795 per person
Space is limited. Sign up at the time of booking to secure your spot. You must book your spot before you join the vessel for your voyage. Weather permitting, sea kayakers will have the opportunity to paddle through tranquil waters filled with glittering icebergs and porpoising penguins while surrounded by magnificent glaciers and mountains. Participants must be at least 18 years old, in good health, have appropriate physical fitness, and have previous kayaking experience.

Camping Option: $285 per person
Space is limited. Sign up at the time of booking to secure your spot. You must book your spot before you join the vessel for your voyage. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Previous camping experience is not required, but good health and a spirit of adventure are necessary for getting the most out of this experience. Weather permitting, forgo the comforts of the ship and braving the elements of a polar night for an unforgettable experience!

Photography Program: Included in price
Learn and practice your photography alongside an experienced professional. An expert Photographer will be on hand to answer your questions and give advice, both in the form of on-board lectures and workshops on shore. Explore the key elements of photography in a fun and relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Learn how to see light in a new way and experiment with the techniques of composition and framing.

Included:
Group transfers from airport to Ushuaia hotel on the day prior to departure; 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia (if a single traveler reserves a shared cabin aboard the ship, they will automatically receive shared hotel accommodations on the pre-cruise night at the hotel); group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation; group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation in Ushuaia; shipboard accommodations; scheduled landings/excursions; meals on board ship; coffee/tea station 24 hours on ship; welcome and farewell cocktail on ship; a pair of rubber boots on loan for shore landings; expedition jacket (yours to keep); port fees; digital Voyage Log. Subject to change without notice.

Not Included:
Airfare; visa and passport fees (if applicable); luggage, medical and trip cancellation insurance; excess baggage charges; soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those mentioned as included; camping; kayaking; personal expenses such as laundry, and onboard communications (telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service); gratuities to shipboard personnel; fuel surcharge may apply; emergency evacuation insurance; pre- or post-cruise travel expenses.

Antarctic Peninsula - Sample Cruises - 2018 / 2019

Trip Highlights Prices USD* Days
Antarctica Cruise - Discovering the 7th Continent South Shetlands, Antarctic Peninsula, Penguin Rookeries, Lemaire Channel Optional kayaking, camping and snowshoeing $7,395 -
$15,795		 11 or 12
Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula Classic Antarctica, pristine scenery, classic sites of scientific and historic interest, experienced naturalist guides. Optional kayaking, camping, cross-country skiing and mountaineering $7,895 -
$21,995 		12
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise Fly over the Drake Passage in both directions, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Wildlife, Scenery, Ice Optional kayaking and snowshoeing $11,395 - $21,495 8
Antarctica Ross Sea Region Cruise

South Georgia / Falkland Islands / Antarctica - Sample Cruises - 2018 / 2019

Trip Highlights Prices USD* Days
Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Vast Colonies of King Penguins, Breathtaking Scenery, Historic sites, optional kayaking $24,620 -
$42,670		 24
Antarctica and South Georgia and the Falklands Two great destinations, anticipate penguins, whales, seabirds and seals as well as scenic highlights $8,910 - $16,090 20
Notes

* Prices are based per person, the lowest price is usually for triple occupancy in a basic cabin, the highest for double occupancy in the best available suite.

Options may be at additional cost and are usually booked when the cruise is booked - it may be too late once the cruise has started.