The Antarctica Explorer

Antarctic Peninsula and The Extreme Weddell Sea


Antarctic Peninsula
ALB © Agustín Ullmann

Join for a once in a lifetime expedition voyage to the Weddell Sea and the seventh continent. Experience the incredible wildlife in icy waters, stunning mountain scenery and gigantic icebergs during 11 action-packed days.

Duration: 12 days
Starts: Ushuaia
Ends: Ushuaia
Language: English Speaking Voyage


Included
Optional


Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, you cross the mighty Drake Passage on our way to the South Shetland Islands, where it is planned to make the first Zodiac landing. From here you navigate the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. It is planned to make landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating sights that allows you to enjoy the spectacular views. Continuing eastward, you will explore the Antarctic Sound with its mighty tabular icebergs and enter the Weddell Sea in search for wildlife. On your way back, it is planned to follow in Ernest Shackleton and the rest of the Endurance crew´s wake as you navigate close to Elephant Island. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days!

Expedition cruises that plan to traverse into the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea allow their guests for real adventure as the giant ice shelves often changes the routes. The rewards are great though, as the pristine waters and krill rich environment invite many penguins and whales.

When Ocean Victory returns to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, depending on weather conditions, you might pass close to the mythical Cape Horn - the southernmost point on South America; a celebrated maritime landmark.

Any voyage to Antarctica is an adventure, but with a maximum capacity of 186 guests aboard Ocean Victory, this cruise offers a unique experience for the few. Shore landings, excursions, lectures and Zodiac safaris are easily accommodated to help you enjoy a matchless expedition experience.

Onboard the brand new strong ice-strengthened expedition vessel, Ocean Victory, it is sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, hopefully enabling all expedition guests to set foot on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding islands.

Make sure you reserve your place, on this fantastic journey in good time, as this route is cruised only once during the season.

Itinerary

© The Polar Travel Company
© The Polar Travel Company
© The Polar Travel Company

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL USHUAIA
Arrive and embark 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 you embark the ship Ocean Victory, your home for the coming days.
The journey begins as you navigate through the calm waters of the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

DAY 2-3 | AT SEA. DRAKE PASSAGE, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Sailing onward, you 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 the expedition vessel, 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 your first sight of seals, penguins and albatrosses.
Having crossed the Drake, you will start exploring the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes you will encounter along the way.
With the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Victory will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessel, you might be able to do a first landing or activity in the South Shetland Islands on the afternoon of day 3, weather permitting.

DÍA 4-10 | PENÍNSULA ANTÁRTICA: LA AVENTURA TE ESPERA
Sin un itinerario establecido en la Antártida, este viaje ofrece a los viajeros aventureros la oportunidad de experimentar la Antártida como debe ser: fluyendo con el viento, el mar y el hielo, y aprovechando las mejores oportunidades que brinda la Madre Naturaleza. Este viaje sale en la primera mitad del breve verano antártico, cuando el hielo marino está en su máximo; esto nos ofrece amplias oportunidades para explorar la naturaleza helada del último continente. Nuestra ruta exacta estará sujeta a una cuidadosa planificación por parte del líder de la expedición y el capitán; sin embargo, nuestro objetivo será visitar una variedad de sitios que muestren lo mejor de esta región asombrosamente hermosa.

Maravíllate ante los enormes icebergs y los vastos glaciares en un crucero en Zodiac por Paradise Bay. Déjate conmover por los pingüinos que cuidan con ternura sus preciosos huevos y defienden ferozmente sus nidos en la isla Cuverville. Observe las cataratas de hielo caer en el océano azul claro en una caminata sobre los glaciares activos del puerto de Neko. Experimente la Antártida de antaño en cabañas históricas como Damoy Point, cuidadosamente restauradas y abiertas a todos. Siente el rocío de agua del golpe de una ballena jorobada en un safari en Zodiac en la Bahía Wilhelmina. Maravíllate ante paisajes impresionantes en un crucero en barco por el canal Lemaire. Observe cómo los icebergs tabulares del tamaño de una ciudad pasan silenciosamente junto al barco en el estrecho Antártico. Dondequiera que vayamos en la Península Antártica, abunda la vida silvestre endémica, una historia tentadora y una belleza natural impresionante.

En esta época del año, espere ver a los pingüinos cuidando cuidadosamente a sus peludos polluelos, mientras sus compañeros buscan frenéticamente comida en el mar. A medida que la nieve se derrite, aumentan las oportunidades para hacer caminatas en tierra. Los lobos marinos antárticos comienzan a llegar a sus zonas de alimentación de verano, y el número de ballenas jorobadas aumenta a medida que más de estos gentiles gigantes llegan al final de su larga migración. Con suerte, es posible que incluso veamos a las crías de estos gentiles gigantes. Quizás el hielo retroceda lo suficiente como para permitirnos acceder a las islas desconocidas al sur del círculo antártico, donde el sol de medianoche nunca se pone.

There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be the ultimate Antarctic experience.

DAY 11-12 | DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA
AT SEA - CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE NORTHBOUND
We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards.

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål!

DAY 11 | BACK TO USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
This morning, you arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of your expedition cruise, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.

Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL USHUAIA
Arrive and embark 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 you embark the ship Ocean Victory, your home for the coming days.
The journey begins as you navigate through the calm waters of the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

DAY 2-3 | AT SEA. DRAKE PASSAGE, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Sailing onward, you 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 the expedition vessel, 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 your first sight of seals, penguins and albatrosses.
Having crossed the Drake, you will start exploring the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes you will encounter along the way.
With the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Victory will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessel, you might be able to do a first landing or activity in the South Shetland Islands on the afternoon of day 3, weather permitting.

DÍA 4-10 | PENÍNSULA ANTÁRTICA: LA AVENTURA TE ESPERA
Sin un itinerario establecido en la Antártida, este viaje ofrece a los viajeros aventureros la oportunidad de experimentar la Antártida como debe ser: fluyendo con el viento, el mar y el hielo, y aprovechando las mejores oportunidades que brinda la Madre Naturaleza. Este viaje sale en la primera mitad del breve verano antártico, cuando el hielo marino está en su máximo; esto nos ofrece amplias oportunidades para explorar la naturaleza helada del último continente. Nuestra ruta exacta estará sujeta a una cuidadosa planificación por parte del líder de la expedición y el capitán; sin embargo, nuestro objetivo será visitar una variedad de sitios que muestren lo mejor de esta región asombrosamente hermosa.

Maravíllate ante los enormes icebergs y los vastos glaciares en un crucero en Zodiac por Paradise Bay. Déjate conmover por los pingüinos que cuidan con ternura sus preciosos huevos y defienden ferozmente sus nidos en la isla Cuverville. Observe las cataratas de hielo caer en el océano azul claro en una caminata sobre los glaciares activos del puerto de Neko. Experimente la Antártida de antaño en cabañas históricas como Damoy Point, cuidadosamente restauradas y abiertas a todos. Siente el rocío de agua del golpe de una ballena jorobada en un safari en Zodiac en la Bahía Wilhelmina. Maravíllate ante paisajes impresionantes en un crucero en barco por el canal Lemaire. Observe cómo los icebergs tabulares del tamaño de una ciudad pasan silenciosamente junto al barco en el estrecho Antártico. Dondequiera que vayamos en la Península Antártica, abunda la vida silvestre endémica, una historia tentadora y una belleza natural impresionante.

En esta época del año, espere ver a los pingüinos cuidando cuidadosamente a sus peludos polluelos, mientras sus compañeros buscan frenéticamente comida en el mar. A medida que la nieve se derrite, aumentan las oportunidades para hacer caminatas en tierra. Los lobos marinos antárticos comienzan a llegar a sus zonas de alimentación de verano, y el número de ballenas jorobadas aumenta a medida que más de estos gentiles gigantes llegan al final de su larga migración. Con suerte, es posible que incluso veamos a las crías de estos gentiles gigantes. Quizás el hielo retroceda lo suficiente como para permitirnos acceder a las islas desconocidas al sur del círculo antártico, donde el sol de medianoche nunca se pone.

There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be the ultimate Antarctic experience.

DAY 11-12 | DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA
AT SEA - CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE NORTHBOUND
We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards.

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål!

DAY 11 | BACK TO USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
This morning, you arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of your expedition cruise, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.


© The Polar Travel Company
© The Polar Travel Company
© The Polar Travel Company


INCLUSIONS

• 13-day/12-night cruise with accommodation in a shared outside double stateroom with private facilities
• Ushuaia shuttle transfers to ship from city centre (embarkation) / from the ship to city centre or airport (disembarkation, morning)
• All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
• Expedition parka
• Rubber boots in assorted sizes, suitable for shore landings (loan)
• Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
• Special Photo Workshop
• English-speaking expedition team
• Visual Journal link after voyage including voyage log, gallery, maps, species list and more!
• Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
• Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
• Free tea and coffee 24 hours’ daily
• Welcome and farewell cocktails
• Port fees, IAATO fees, taxes and tariffs

EXCLUSIONS

• Flights
• Travel and Cancellation insurance
• Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
• Meals not on board the ship
• Beverages (other than mentioned under "included")
• Tips for the crew (approx. USD 16 per person per day)
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Albatros | Date: 19 Feb 2025 - 03 Mar 2025 (2381)
CAT G - Single
$19,595
CAT F -Triple
$11,595
CAT E
$16,495
CAT D
$15,295
CAT C
$17,795
CAT B
$19,595
CAT A
$27,695
Premium Suite
$31,195
Family Suite
$34,495

* 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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