Crossing the Circle

Sailing in comfort aboard the luxurious and comfortable ship, we begin this 14-night expedition at the tip of South America.


Antarctic Polar Circle
© Island Sky

Duration: 15 / 16 days
Starts: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
Ends: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
Language: English Speaking Voyage

*Please Note 2022-23 season voyages Travelers must take a PCR test prior to Arrival in Ushuaia (72 hours prior to noon arrival day 1) or be tested on day 1 at the hotel.


Included
Optional


We will chart a course through the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula with the ambition of crossing the Antarctic Circle.
The farther south we go, the more sea ice we are likely to encounter. Our aim is to cross the Circle before getting stopped by this ice. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we will become members of a very small band of explorers and adventurous travelers who have made it this far south.

Itinerary

© Hebridean Sky
© Island Sky
© Hebridean Sky

Complimentary Pre-Arrival Day:
Don’t sweat flight delays or missed connections when you begin your adventure a day early by taking advantage of our optional free pre-arrival night at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Enjoy the spa, wander the trails, or unwind and soak in the surroundings.

Day 1, Ushuaia:
Today is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at the lovely Arakur. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers.

Day 2, Embarkation:
After a complimentary buffet breakfast, you’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid- afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, you’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.

Day 3-4, Drake Passage:
As we make our way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts will prepare you with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where we’ll notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.
Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in Sea Bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. We’re likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If we’re lucky, we may see some of them fully breach from the sea.

Day 5-6, South Shetland Islands:
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.
Our first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. We may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting, visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.

Day 7-9, Antarctic Circle:
As we head south across the Bransfield Strait, we sail towards the Antarctic Circle. From our most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we will make our way back north, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, or the living museums of Detaille or Horseshoe Island are some of the less visited places of the Antarctic Peninsula. These waters are significantly further south making sea ice more common. The ice ultimately directs what adventures we will have in these lesser travelled waterways.

Day 10-12, Antarctic Peninsula:
Heading north we enter Gerlache Strait and Trinity Coast. Here we may explore picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.
Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell and Crabeater seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.

Day 13-14, Drake Passage:
As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, we will continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.

Day 15, Ushuaia disembarkation:
Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Itinerary

Complimentary Pre-Arrival Day:
Don’t sweat flight delays or missed connections when you begin your adventure a day early by taking advantage of our optional free pre-arrival night at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Enjoy the spa, wander the trails, or unwind and soak in the surroundings.

Day 1, Ushuaia:
Today is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at the lovely Arakur. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers.

Day 2, Embarkation:
After a complimentary buffet breakfast, you’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid- afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, you’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.

Day 3-4, Drake Passage:
As we make our way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts will prepare you with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where we’ll notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.
Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in Sea Bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. We’re likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If we’re lucky, we may see some of them fully breach from the sea.

Day 5-6, South Shetland Islands:
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.
Our first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. We may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting, visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.

Day 7-9, Antarctic Circle:
As we head south across the Bransfield Strait, we sail towards the Antarctic Circle. From our most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we will make our way back north, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, or the living museums of Detaille or Horseshoe Island are some of the less visited places of the Antarctic Peninsula. These waters are significantly further south making sea ice more common. The ice ultimately directs what adventures we will have in these lesser travelled waterways.

Day 10-12, Antarctic Peninsula:
Heading north we enter Gerlache Strait and Trinity Coast. Here we may explore picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.
Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell and Crabeater seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.

Day 13-14, Drake Passage:
As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, we will continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.

Day 15, Ushuaia disembarkation:
Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.


© Hebridean Sky
© Island Sky
© Hebridean Sky


INCLUSIONS

• One night hotel accommodation in embarkation city in 2019-20 departures
• Two nights hotel accommodation in embarkation city on 2020-21 departures
• Transfer from airport in embarkation city (Trelew Airport “REL” for the Nov 1 2020 voyage which embarks in Puerto Madryn; Ushuaia Airport “USH” for all other departures) to group hotel if arriving on Day 1 of itinerary, and providing we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 90 days prior to departure
• Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation
• Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location following disembarkation. We cannot drop at Airbnb / private homes which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles.
• Shipboard accommodations
• All scheduled Landings / excursions
• All meals onboard
• Coffee/tea/cocoa 24 hours daily
• House wine / beer / soft drink with dinner
• Expedition jacket (yours to keep)
• A pair of boots for use during the voyage
• WiFi from the public computers in the library
• 200 MB WiFi card (for use on your personal devices)
• Daily international news service
• All port fees
• All landing fees
• Digital Voyage Log
• In Owner’s Suite, Penthouse, Veranda, Deluxe and Promenade categories: champagne and
chocolates on arrival, and complimentary mini-bar. Mini-bar is restocked once daily.

EXCLUSIONS

• Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival in Ushuaia or Puerto Madryn
• Transfer from airport to group hotel, unless arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary
• Pre or post voyage expenses in Ushuaia or Puerto Madryn
• Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board
• Alcohol and soft drinks onboard (except as listed above in inclusions)
• Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 200 MB provided
• Staff gratuities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Seaventure | Date: 16 Jan 2024 - 30 Jan 2024 (1499)
Triple
$14,795
Porthole
$17,005
Window
$19,045
$11,427
Veranda
$24,775
$14,853
Owner's Suite
$32,675
$19,605
Ship: Seaventure | Date: 07 Feb 2024 - 21 Feb 2024 (1504)
Triple
$14,785
Porthole
$17,005
Window
$19,045
$16,185
Veranda
$24,775
$18,555
Owner's Suite
$32,675
Ship: Seaventure | Date: 29 Feb 2024 - 14 Mar 2024 (1506)
Triple
$13,195
Porthole
$15,175
Window
$17,005
$14,455
Veranda
$22,105
$16,580
Owner's Suite
$29,175
Ship: Seaventure | Date: 25 Jan 2025 - 08 Feb 2025 (2520)
Triple
$15,175
$12,900
Porthole
$17,455
$14,835
Window
$19,555
$16,620
Veranda
$22,485
$19,110
Owner's Suite
$31,475
$26,755

* 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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