Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands In Style
Highlights
- 10 days ‘off ship’ exploring - The Falklands (2), South Georgia (4) & Antarctica (4)
- Choice of two well-appointed medium-sized ice strengthened ships
- Superior ship facilities including Wellness centre, Spa & Single cabins, depending on choice of ship
- Optional kayaking on all departures. Paddle boarding and paddling on select departures
- Complimentary Ushuaia hotel stay + parka jacket
Overview
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the highlights of the Southern Ocean as part of this ‘classic’ 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary and the choice between 3 well-appointed expedition ships (capacity 128-199 guests) really marks this trip out. Plus, you can choose from an exciting range of add-on adventure activities.
About The Ship:
A 3-4* expedition vessel for 132 guests
A spacious ship with extensive public areas
High 1A ice class
Rounded stern & stabilisers = superior stability
Optional kayaking & camping available on selected depatures
Complimentary jacket & loan of rubber boots
NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.
- Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina
Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers you a small-town feel but has many shops, museums, cafes and restaurants to enjoy before your voyage. If you're feeling adventurous, the nearby national park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.
- Day 2 - Embarkation Day
As we embark, the anticipation and excitement grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travellers and get acquainted with your ship. As every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, Embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. They're onboard to ensure your comfort and safety, as well as help make your wildlife dreams come true.
- Day 3 - t Sea towards Falklands
There are many activities to keep you engaged while we're at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship or attend illustrated presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on procedures for your zodiac cruises and shore landings. You'll also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures, a truly intimate way to experience the Antarctic.
- Day 4 - Falkland Islands
Upon arrival in this archipelago, your cameras will get their first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of the Falklands. The archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, which we will explore by zodiac excursions and daily landings.
Port Stanley is often a favoured landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel to it, complete with a bit of a ramshackle charm. You'll be free to explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit numerous churches and museums.
In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, Gentoo and Rockhopper penguins. If lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! We can expect to see black-browed Albatross and two endemic species; Cobb's wren and the Falkland's flightless steamer duck.
Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you get the most out of your time in the Falklands.
- Day 5 - Falkland Islands
Same as day 4
- Day 6 - At Sea towards South Georgia
Sailing south, you'll officially enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Ship staff will be sure to keep you posted when we cross this invisible, yet important line.
- Day 7 - At Sea towards South Georgia
Same as Day 6
- Day 8 - South Georgia
This remote outpost was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and Elephant and Fur seals. Today, South Georgia Island wildlife populations have rebounded, but you'll still see remnants of those old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.
One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, a museum, gift shop, church and a research station of approximately 20 scientists and support personnel.
While South Georgia's history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife.
One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of King penguins waddling on the beach. The next day we may visit another beach with thousands of Fur or Elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island, this fragile and symbiotic relationship is something that your Expedition Team will share with you during your time here.
- Day 9 - South Georgia
Same as Day 8
- Day 10 - South Georgia
Same as Day 8
- Day 11 - South Georgia
Same as Day 8
- Day 12 - At Sea towards Antarctica
Say goodbye to the King penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with seminars from your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will be greeting you upon your arrival in Antarctica. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar. If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, which are officially in Antarctica.
- Day 13 - At Sea towards Antarctica
Same as Day 12
- Day 14 - Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you'll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, at the next moment you'll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into the brilliant blue sea or a penguin comes waddling by to inspect your footwear.
Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether it is trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adelie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard seals. Curious whales, such as Minke, are often attracted to zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and every landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.
As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you'll treat yourself to an extra special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional (extra cost) kayaking excursion or going for a swim in the Antarctic!
- Day 15 - Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
Same as day 14
- Day 16 - Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
Same as day 14
- Day 17 - Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
Same as day 14
- Day 18 - At sea towards Ushuaia
After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure.
Enjoy some final moments mingling with your fellow travellers. The noisy, busy, populated world awaits your return, so savour the silence of the sea as long as you can.
- Day 20 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. We will transfer you to the airport for your homeward flight.
- Transfers in Ushuaia as indicated
- 1 night's hotel stay with breakfast
- Online photo journal of the voyage
- Complimentary parka jacket
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Standard Triple Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
- Beer and wine during dinner, and coffee, tea and cocoa around the clock
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites
- Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation not listed as included
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
- Accommodation upgrade
Important Information
For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, there is a good number of dedicated single cabins. The single supplement is 1.7 times the cost of a standard cabin and 2 times the cost of a superior category. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for solo passengers willing to share a cabin.
At date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height and weight requirement of 64 lbs or 29kg and 48" or 1.2m must be met.