Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas

Don’t just dream of a white Christmas – experience it in Antarctica


Antarctic Peninsula
TOE @ The Polar Travel Company

Duration: 11 days
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

*Some level of experience and fitness is needed for Kayaking. Instead, a Paddle Day is available for those who would like to add some variety to your expedition. Please, ask us about this optional activity


Included
Optional


Christmas getaways simply don’t get better than this. Journey to Antarctica on an 11-day expedition and experience the magic of the festive season among ice-capped mountain ranges, iconic wildlife and immense icebergs and glaciers. Set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, spot seals resting on ice floes and witness seabirds nesting in landscapes that must be seen to be believed. Visit penguin rookeries, spot minke and humpback whales while enjoying regular Zodiac excursions for up-close wildlife encounters. Our expert team will ensure that the spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour is festive and fun, delivering an unforgettable experience and making this a Christmas adventure to remember.

Itinerary

@ The Polar Travel Company
@ The Polar Travel Company
@ The Polar Travel Company

DAY 1 | USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
Your Christmas adventure begins in Ushuaia - the most southerly city in the world. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel and meet your fellow travellers at our welcome briefing, but if you arrive early, we highly recommend checking out the area. Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) National Park can be visited on a day trip if you have time, otherwise Ushuaia itself has a lot to offer. Visit the Museo Maritimo for a history lesson or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin to pick up some last-minute essentials for your journey. Or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town's dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Special Information
An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions.

DAY 2 | EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA
The morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia further. Late this afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour. The expedition team and ship's captain will be waiting to welcome you on board, and after settling into your cabin, your journey south begins by cruising through the famed Beagle Channel. Enjoy the incredible views as the last glimpse of land fades away and the Ocean Endeavour heads south towards Antarctica.

DAYS 3-4 | AT SEA, DRAKE PASSAGE
The waters of the Drake Passage are legendary. Named after British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, they're often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. Your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula will take two days. If conditions allow, you’ll be able to enjoy the outer decks to catch your first glimpse of whales and orcas, as well as a wide range of seabirds that live in the region, including the largest of albatrosses, the iconic wandering albatross. If the weather is misbehaving, our comprehensive lecture program will get underway, with your team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, biology and everything else in between. Spend this downtime enjoying the fabulous onboard facilities including gym, polar library and yoga classes. You’re scheduled to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four, which will be a moment of great excitement!

DAYS 5-8 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & CHRISTMAS DAY
Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula, where a vast amount of wildlife can be found with a backdrop of ice, water and mountains. The sheer scale of everything must be seen to be believed. Scheduled twice daily, Zodiac excursions are tailored to suit the Ocean Endeavour's location and allow for closer encounters with marine life, including whales and seals, while onshore exploration might take you to penguin rookeries. Choose from a range of paid adventure options to enhance your adventure, including snowshoeing excursions or overnight ice camping, hit the water for a day paddle or kayaking excursion, or learn how to capture that perfect shot by joining our dedicated photography program. Our lecture program will continue throughout your time on the Antarctic Peninsula, and our expedition team will always be available to answer any questions you may have about the region.

If you've been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is as white as it gets! Enjoy the festive spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour, where your presents come in the form of yet more landings and wildlife sightings throughout the day. These wildlife encounters are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins.
An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

DAYS 9-10 | AT SEA, DRAKE PASSAGE
Leaving Antarctica behind, cruise north to our home port of Ushuaia. Now is the time to reflect on the amazing journey and a truly unique Christmas. You’re scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening to ensure a restful night’s sleep before disembarkation day. Your final meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate the journey with your fellow travellers.

DAY 11 | DISEMBARKATION IN USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
This morning you will disembark the Ocean Endeavour in Ushuaia after breakfast as your Antarctic journey comes to an end. Transfer to Ushuaia airport is included for flights departing today, but if you're sticking around a little longer there is so much to see in this incredible region.

Special Information
A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to us to organise this.
If you are flying out today, please do not book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

Itinerary

DAY 1 | USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
Your Christmas adventure begins in Ushuaia - the most southerly city in the world. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel and meet your fellow travellers at our welcome briefing, but if you arrive early, we highly recommend checking out the area. Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) National Park can be visited on a day trip if you have time, otherwise Ushuaia itself has a lot to offer. Visit the Museo Maritimo for a history lesson or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin to pick up some last-minute essentials for your journey. Or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town's dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Special Information
An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions.

DAY 2 | EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA
The morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia further. Late this afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour. The expedition team and ship's captain will be waiting to welcome you on board, and after settling into your cabin, your journey south begins by cruising through the famed Beagle Channel. Enjoy the incredible views as the last glimpse of land fades away and the Ocean Endeavour heads south towards Antarctica.

DAYS 3-4 | AT SEA, DRAKE PASSAGE
The waters of the Drake Passage are legendary. Named after British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, they're often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. Your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula will take two days. If conditions allow, you’ll be able to enjoy the outer decks to catch your first glimpse of whales and orcas, as well as a wide range of seabirds that live in the region, including the largest of albatrosses, the iconic wandering albatross. If the weather is misbehaving, our comprehensive lecture program will get underway, with your team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, biology and everything else in between. Spend this downtime enjoying the fabulous onboard facilities including gym, polar library and yoga classes. You’re scheduled to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four, which will be a moment of great excitement!

DAYS 5-8 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & CHRISTMAS DAY
Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula, where a vast amount of wildlife can be found with a backdrop of ice, water and mountains. The sheer scale of everything must be seen to be believed. Scheduled twice daily, Zodiac excursions are tailored to suit the Ocean Endeavour's location and allow for closer encounters with marine life, including whales and seals, while onshore exploration might take you to penguin rookeries. Choose from a range of paid adventure options to enhance your adventure, including snowshoeing excursions or overnight ice camping, hit the water for a day paddle or kayaking excursion, or learn how to capture that perfect shot by joining our dedicated photography program. Our lecture program will continue throughout your time on the Antarctic Peninsula, and our expedition team will always be available to answer any questions you may have about the region.

If you've been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is as white as it gets! Enjoy the festive spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour, where your presents come in the form of yet more landings and wildlife sightings throughout the day. These wildlife encounters are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins.
An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

DAYS 9-10 | AT SEA, DRAKE PASSAGE
Leaving Antarctica behind, cruise north to our home port of Ushuaia. Now is the time to reflect on the amazing journey and a truly unique Christmas. You’re scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening to ensure a restful night’s sleep before disembarkation day. Your final meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate the journey with your fellow travellers.

DAY 11 | DISEMBARKATION IN USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
This morning you will disembark the Ocean Endeavour in Ushuaia after breakfast as your Antarctic journey comes to an end. Transfer to Ushuaia airport is included for flights departing today, but if you're sticking around a little longer there is so much to see in this incredible region.

Special Information
A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to us to organise this.
If you are flying out today, please do not book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.


@ The Polar Travel Company
@ The Polar Travel Company
@ The Polar Travel Company


INCLUSIONS

All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
Accommodation onboard the Ocean Endeavour in booked cabin category
Onboard lecture program from Expeditions Team and Naturalists
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)
Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the voyage
Transfer from Ushuaia airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel with breakfast
Transfer from Ushuaia hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
Transports to Ushuaia airport on return to port
All port taxes
All landing fees
Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and onboard yoga

EXCLUSIONS

International or internal flights unless specified
Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
Pre or post cruise travel expenses
Visa (if applicable) and passport fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
Tobacco, alcoholic or beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Miscellaneous extras
Laundry and communication charges on board
Gratuities for Expedition team and crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
For minors under 16 years of age at time of travel; life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots
For guests who require larger sizing; Waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and rubber boots


* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA

8175 NW 12 ST #120, Doral, FL 33126
Miami - Dade, Florida
Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
WhatsApp: +1 (786) 705-2241
Email: travel@thepolartravelcompany.com

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