12 Nights Antarctica Explorer | polardreamtravel
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12 Nights Antarctica Explorer
  • 12 Nights Antarctica Explorer

    $8,117.00Price

    During our 13-day Antarctica Explorer voyage, which is our lengthiest Antarctica-only cruise, we will be discovering the stunning scenery, glacier-clad peaks, and extraordinary wildlife of the Great White Continent. This expeditionary escapade promises to be one-of-a-kind, as we will have no predetermined schedule, rendering it a genuine exploration expedition.

     

    Prepare for the ultimate Antarctic adventure on board the Ocean Victory/Albatros expedition vessel! As we set sail, we'll navigate the calm, serene waters of Beagle Channel and soak up the magnificent sights of sloping glaciers. But the real adventure begins as we enter the infamous Drake Passage, where the frigid Antarctic meets the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Brace yourself for a challenging yet exhilarating journey as we cross this legendary body of water, which boasts rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds known as the Roaring Fifties.

    But fear not, as our purpose-built vessel is equipped with stabilizers, powerful engines, and a patented reclining bow, which provides comfort and stability in rough seas while boasting very low fuel consumption. Crossing the Drake Passage is a lifetime achievement for even the most seasoned sailors, and you'll get to do it twice! And as we sail through these nutrient-rich waters, get ready to marvel at the abundance of seabirds, albatrosses, and several species of whales. If weather permits, we'll even catch a glimpse of seals and penguins.

     

    As we weave through the South Shetland Islands, a glittering chain of ice-covered islands and dormant volcanoes, keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea lions, elephant seals, and an incredible amount of seabirds and penguins. Our expedition includes numerous Zodiac excursions and landings, allowing us to explore these magnificent islands up close.

     

    But that's just the beginning! We'll continue onward to the awe-inspiring beauty and peaceful silence of the Antarctic mainland. There's no set itinerary, as our captain and expedition leader will examine ice charts and weather reports to determine our next steps. We could journey to the mighty tabular icebergs of the Weddell Sea, explore the seldom-visited lands south of the Antarctic Circle, or even visit manned research stations in the most isolated places on earth. One thing's for sure – we'll encounter fantastic wildlife and embark on a real adventure.

     

    Most ordinary vessels can't navigate the dense pack ice that lies ahead, but with our high ice-class rating, the Ocean Victory/Albatros will swiftly carry us to the far south for an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.

     

    Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

    Early Bird Specials:

     

    • 30% Off by Apr 30 2024

     

    Please scroll down for departure dates, cabin types and price details.

     

     

    DAY 1 ARRIVAL USHUAIA, EMBARKATION

    Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship.

     

    Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

     

    DAY 2-3 AT SEA - CROSS DRAKE PASSAGE, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

    Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds, heavy sea, and its nickname ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Victory/Albatros, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and soon you can tick it off on the list yourself! In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with our first sight of seals, penguins and albatrosses. Having crossed the Drake, we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, we hope to make our first landfall on King George Island before continuing further south to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

     

    With the unique X-BOW design, the Ocean Albatros will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage than conventional expedition vessels – and with far less carbon emission. Due to the speed of the vessel, we might be able to do a first landing or activity in the South Shetland Islands on the afternoon of day 3, weather permitting.

     

    DAY 4-10 THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA AND ADVENTURE AWAITS

    As our ship approaches the sparkling white expanse of Antarctica, the anticipation builds. The air is electric with the excitement of what awaits us. And as we draw closer, the sheer abundance of wildlife is staggering. We're surrounded by tens of thousands of lively penguins, curious seals, nesting birds, and the majestic spray of marine mammals.

     

    Our adventure truly begins on the Antarctic Peninsula, where we'll encounter an array of fascinating creatures. From leopard, fur, and Weddell seals on Cuverville Island to the humpback whales of Gerlache Strait and Paradise Bay, and the dramatic orcas of the Lemaire Channel - this is a wildlife lover's paradise. We may even venture as far south as the Antarctic Circle, exploring seldom-visited areas like Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound, and Detaille Island.

     

    Another highlight of our journey could lie in the Weddell Sea, where navigating through the massive icebergs and sea ice is a true test of skill and determination. Here, we'll witness the sheer magnitude of this remote wilderness, where the only inhabitants are Weddell and elephant seals, seabirds, and penguins - including some of the largest colonies ever seen.

     

    Our itinerary is flexible, and we'll adapt our plans based on the weather, swell, and ice conditions. But one thing is for sure - we're in for the full Antarctic experience. And as our journey draws to a close, we may even follow in the footsteps of the great explorer Shackleton, navigating to Elephant Island, home to the mighty elephant seals, and the site where Shackleton and his team waited for rescue.

     

    So all aboard are ensured a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, where every day is full of wonder and discovery. With no set itinerary, our staff will work tirelessly to create the most unforgettable experience for all onboard. This is the Antarctica Explorer, and you won't want to miss it.

     

    DAY 11-12 DEPARTING ANTARCTICA - AT SEA

    We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.

     

    During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition team on board, visit our shop, unwind in the spa or enjoy the ship’s facilities designed to provide a comfortable relaxing time.

     

    DAY 13 BACK TO USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION

    This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our expedition cruise, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home. 

     

     

    Prices & Departures -

     

    Prices quoted are per person and in US dollars, based on twin share. Single occupancy is 1.75 times the twin share price. No single travel fees apply if you are willing to share your cabin (twin and triple cabins only).

     

    Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

     

     

    Expedition Ship: Ocean Albatros

     

    Departure/Arrival:  Ushuaia (ARG) 

     

    Start

    End

    External Triple (F)

    French Balcony Suite (E)

    Albatros State Cabin (D)

    Balcony State Cabin (C)

    Single (G)

    Balcony Suite (B)

    Junior Suite (A)

    Freydis Suite (FS)

    Brynhilde Suite (BS)

    02-19-25

    03-03

    -25

    $11,595

    $16,495

    $15,295

    $17,795

    $19,595

    $19,595

    $27,695

    $31,195

    $34,495

     

    30% Off

    $8,117

    $11,547

    $10,707

    $12,457

    $13,717

    $13,717

    $19,387

    $21,837

    $24,147

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