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A Taste of Antarctica Cruise

10 Day Antarctica Discovery Tour

10 Days / 6 locations in Argentina, Antarctica, and Chile

Please note that the December 20, 2013 departure is a special Christmas cruise. The itinerary is reversed on this date - embarkation on King George Island, Antarctica and disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina.

Soaring snow-capped peaks, sheltered waterways, sculpted icebergs glowing blue from within and a riot of wildlife characterise the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula. An explosion of life celebrates the coming of the sun: penguin rookeries bustle with nest building, courtship and egg laying; flourishing plankton attracts krill, fish, seals and whales. The midnight sun powers all with life and energy.

We explore the deep bays and fjords, where massive glaciers flank a rugged spine of snowy mountains. Scattered amongst penguin rookeries and basking seals, reminders of early explorers help bring history to life. We visit working scientific stations, which open the door to fascinating research.

In 2013/14 we will be offering two departures of this classic Antarctic adventure! Both voyages are 10 days in length and offer the ‘Fly/Sail Experience’ providing you with more time in Antarctica and less time at sea, with only one Drake Passage crossing. Kayaking and camping optional activities are available on both departures.

Camping

Camping has become our most popular optional activity, with some of our passengers camping for the very first time in their lives in Antarctica! We provide all the equipment you need to experience - albeit it in a more comfortable and civilised fashion - the feelings of the early Antarctic explorers. There really is no better way to witness the stunning silence and array of colours of an Antarctic night sky. Camping is a free optional activity organized onboard our ship.

Kayaking

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh your soul. Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes in the north and south as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Ushuaia
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Dinner

Enjoy a hearty, late afternoon welcome from our friendly staff and Russian crew. You have time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship before our evening departure. Watch for dolphins and albatross as we sail down the Beagle Channel.

 
Day 2     Drake Passage - Beagle Channel
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Our Drake Passage crossing offers excellent bird-watching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from our expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from expedition staff. We have time to meet fellow travellers, chat, read and prepare for the days ahead.

 
Day 3     Drake Passage - Antarctic Peninsula
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

If the Drake Passage is kind, we should make our first landing today. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, while sightings of penguins, fur seals and king cormorants announce our approach to the South Shetlands Islands.

 
Days 4 - 9     Antarctic Peninsula
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard robust Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations. Zodiac cruising brings us close to intricately shaped icebergs and seals basking on ice floes. Dwarfed by massive bergs, kayakers glide into secluded bays, while our photography group learns how best to capture Antarctica’s raw beauty. We focus on immersing ourselves in nature, spontaneity and flexibility enhancing our enjoyment. Bubble-netting humpbacks demand a wake-up call, even at midnight! A curious leopard seal cruising amongst spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch. We make the most of every day.

 
Day 10     King George Island - Punta Arenas
Meals: Breakfast

We arrive at King George Island, time and weather permitting we will explore Fildes Bay and the remote Bellinghausen Church before meeting our charter flight back to Punta Arenas in Chile.

 

Notes

Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases.

Please note that all of our itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. Our itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.

Price Includes
Pre-Departure Information and Briefing
Tax and Port Charges
Medical Services Onboard
Conferences and Shipboard Entertainment
Shore Excursions
Meals Daily Shipboard
Accommodations in Select Cabin Category
Price Does Not Include
 Flight to or from Antarctica - $1200
 Optional Kayaking - $930
AUR-1269
1.28.15.WP26