This itinerary will give you a brief idea of what you may encounter on this voyage. Our emphasis is on wildlife encounters, personal contact with the environs, visiting sites of historical interest and to a lesser extent scientific stations. However we stress that this is an expedition style cruise. Our actual program will vary to take best advantage of local conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. No two voyages are the same; there is always an element of the unexpected.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 : Embark Ushuaia
Expeditioners will gather in Ushuaia, a bustling community that lays claim to being the most southerly city in the world. Our competent Russian crew and expedition staff will welcome us aboard Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sailing down the Beagle Channel in beautiful evening light, we will settle into shipboard life and enjoy our first meal on board.
Days 2-3 : Drake Passage
Cape Horn, the most southerly point of the American continent has stimulated the imagination of mankind, since Sir Francis Drake inadvertently rounded it back in 1580. Some of us will approach this historic crossing with more than a little trepidation but despite its reputation, there are times when the Drake resembles a lake, when lazy southern ocean swells rolling under the keel of our good ship Polar Pioneer. On the other hand sometimes we have encountered rough crossings with large waves. The size of the waves and the force of the gale will take on gigantic proportions when related around the fire back home.
The mood on board is definitely casual. At sea we are totally self sufficient. The days flow by whilst we travel snugly in our cocoon. A favourite pastime on board is to stand at the stern watching the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following our wake. They will rise and fall skillfully, using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum. Feeling transformed, we approach Antarctica, receptive and open.
Days 4-9 : Antarctic Peninsula & South of the Circle
Depending on the weather, we will first approach Antarctica near the South Shetland Islands entering Bransfield Strait either at the eastern end of King George Island or the western extremity of Livingston Island. We may pass by historic Smith Island, which is the outer limit of the South Shetlands.
A host of choices is now open to us, and depending on the ice and weather conditions the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. This is the advantage of having such experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area. They will use their expertise to design our voyage, from day to day. In this way we can make best use of the prevailing weather and ice conditions. As we are so far south, we will experience approximately 20 hours daylight. There is plenty of time for sleep when you get home!
We are always keen to explore new territory, so if the opportunity arises, we will! That's why we call our cruises, "Expeditions of Exploration and Adventure" - who knows where we are going?
Days 10-11 : Drake Passage & Cape Horn
Time to head back to Tierra del Fuego, with more lectures and videos to complete our Antarctic education. A time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and felt and what impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life.
If time permits, we will try to cruise close to Cape Horn for a view of the southernmost point of the Americas.
Day 12 : Ushuaia
During the early morning we should cruise up the Beagle Channel, before docking in Ushuaia.
Departure Dates 2009: Feb 17
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
-Kayaking Options: US$825 $1,045 for Nov 10)
-Diving Options: US$700
-Alpine Crossing Options: US$700
-Climbing Options: US$250
-Camping Option: There is no supplementary charge for this option. Participation will be confirmed at booking on a first come, first served basis.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Also see tour packages in:
Antarctica
Antarctica
Glacier Tours
Scuba Diving
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