Early bird! Book now and receive up to US$800 travel credit on 2019/20 departures!
from A$19422
Come on board on this far-reaching polar voyage stopping over three stunning locations. First stop is the sub-antarctic region of the Falkland Islands which house numerous species of birds where you'll witness southern rockhopper and magellanic penguins. Following along we'll head to South Georgia which features fascinating history, stunning scenery and home to a proliferation of unique wildlife and birdlife. Our final stop takes us to the south lies Antarctica - the frozen continent. Here we'll cruise in our zodiac boat accompanied by expert guides and explore this fascinating region
Cross the Drake Passage and visit the South Shetland Islands along the way to the Antarctic Peninsula
Witness an abundance of wildlife over your entire journey but a real highlight being the wondrous South Georgia
See icebergs of all shapes, sizes and shades of blue
Accompanied by expert guides from start to end of the voyage
Plenty of opportunities to explore during both short and long hikes ashore
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Day 2: Sea lion and Bleaker Island, Falkland Islands
Day 3-5: At Sea
Day 5-8: South Georgia
Day 9-11: Towards Antarctica and Elephant Island
Day 12-16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Day 17-18: Drake Passage - return to South America
Day 19: Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Our journey begins in the morning in the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas. We meet at the airport and flyon the scheduled service to Stanley in the Falkland Islands (this flight is included in the price of your voyage). After a short 90-minute flight we are met on arrival and transferred to the pier. Stanley is currently home to just over 2,000 residents and is reminiscent of a rural town in coastal England or Scotland. It is charming with brightly coloured houses, pretty flower-filled gardens, a quaint cathedral and several local pubs. The waterfront memorial, built to commemorate the lives of the servicemen lost during the Falklands War in the early 1980’s, is a sobering reminder of recent history. There is time to explore the town before we make our way to the ship for embarkation. After settling in to our cabins and exploring the ship, we meet our expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcome cocktail, dinner and cast off for the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2: Sea Lion and Bleaker Island, Falkland Islands
This windswept location, situated in the southern archipelago provides one further day of activity. We launch our Zodiacs and go ashore to view the remarkable wildlife colonies found here. Three species of penguins mincluding gentoo, magellenic and rockhopper exist in the vicinity. Southern elephant seals and South American sea lions are found hauled out on the beaches. Once ashore we also look for king cormorants and striated caracaras. Weather permitting; we may have time to visit neighbouring Bleaker Island, another settlement on the exposed southeastern coast of the Falklands.
Days 3 -5: At Sea
We chart a southeasterly course bound for South Georgia. The great pelagic seabirds are constant companions on our way to South Georgia. Our educational presentations and onboard discussions are always popular. History is a key theme of this voyage and the epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expedition is central to any trip to South Georgia. Perhaps you will pick up some valuable tips from our on board photographic guide, learning about image composition, the subtle polar light and all the basics of good camera craft. We also learn about polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of our One Ocean Expeditions’ guides and crew.
Days 5-8: South Georgia
South Georgia has often been called the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. As we approach the deep bays of this rugged, rocky outcrop, you will begin to see why. Launching the Zodiacs we begin our exploration of the island, in the vicinity of Elsehul Bay. Large numbers of fur seals and the much larger elephant seal will line the dark sand beaches. Living in the tussock grass, king penguins and their chicks may number up to 100,000 birds in some locations, including Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour. The island is also home to large numbers of nesting albatross and they fill the skies above, coming and going from the nest.
The scenery is spectacular and the snowy peaks of the island make us pause to consider the incredible feat of mountaineering when Shackleton and his exhausted companions traversed the island from the wild south coast in 1916. They arrived into Stromness whaling station having crossed from King Haakon Bay, to raise the alarm that eventuated in the rescue of his men on Elephant Island, in Antarctica – 100 years ago.
South Georgia is a thrilling location for history buffs and the rusting relics of the early whaling industry are all around us. We hope to observe several of the old stations at locations including Leith, Husvik and Stromness. A highlight is a visit to Grytviken – the largest of the whaling stations, situated at the head of Cumberland Bay. It is here we visit the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton. For many, being in the presence of the great explorer will be a highlight of the trip. There is an excellent museum at Grytviken, maintained by the South Georgia Heritage Trust, and the restored Lutheran church, built by the original Norwegian whalers, provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Days 9-11: Towards Antarctica and Elephant Island
Weather and ice will dictate our crossing of the Scotia Sea from South Georgia to Antarctica, leading us perhaps to the South Orkney Islands or Elephant Island. As with all of our itinerary planning, our expedition Leader and Captain will make a decision based on the conditions at the time. The South Orkney Islands represent the peaks of a submarine mountain range called the Scotia Arc, connecting South Georgia to the South Shetland Islands. Often shrouded in fog and surrounded by ice much of the year, a chance to visit these islands doesn’t come often.
As we edge ever closer to the frozen continent, large icebergs announce our arrival in Antarctic waters. If conditions allow, we will hope to see the dark cliffs of Elephant Island appear on the horizon. Shackleton and his men were encamped here for many months, having lost HMS Endurance in the thick sea ice, far to the south in the Weddell Sea in 1915. From the tiny beach at Point Wild, Shackleton and six companions set off on the rescue mission to South Georgia, aboard the tiny lifeboat, James Caird. To this day, the epic ocean crossing is considered one of the greatest in history. If conditions allow, we will attempt a landing at Point Wild on Elephant Island.
Days 12-15: South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
Around 60 miles off the coast of the Antarctic mainland we find the South Shetland Island chain. Possible anding sites could include King George Island, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour or Hannah Point. Weather conditions permitting, we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. There are some outstanding hikes at these locations and the old whaling station and aircraft hangar at Deception Island beg for further exploration.
After so much anticipation, we enter the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour or Cierva Cove. Snow covered mountains soar from the dark waters. Along the shoreline in the bays and harbours of the Peninsula lives an incredible abundance of wildlife. Large rookeries are home to chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins. Seals live on the ice floes, including the powerful leopard seal that we hope to encounter. Gulls, skuas and cormorants are also found nesting and feeding at many sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.
We explore by Zodiac cruise and ashore where a range of wonderful activities await. Locations we hope to visit include Wilhelmina Bay, Orne Harbour, Cuverville Island and the Errera Channel. Join the photographic guide and take close up photos of the penguins, or of the impossibly blue ice. Or enjoy a hike to the top of a snowy mountain saddle with one of our adventure guides. If the opportunity presents itself, visit a science base or an old historic hut. The sea kayakers may range up to several miles from the ship, for a truly memorable experience. Each and every day, you have a range of great choices.
Days 16-17: Drake Passage - return to South America
After several busy days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula, it’s time to return to South America. The educational presentations continue and we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. Join our photography experts in the multimedia room and download and back up your precious images. If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and early navigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition to some of the most remote corners of the planet. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light, we enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.
Days 18: Ushuaia, Argentina
In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home. It will be possible to connect to flights through to Buenos Aires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoy a night in town or venture further afield to explore the highlights of Patagonia.
Please note:
Polar exploration can be unpredictable, which regularly causes variations to our itineraries. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a 'guide only' and may change.
Departs - Selected dates (listed below)
SHIP CABINS: AKADEMIK IOFFE
Main Deck Triple Share
Located on Deck 3 these cabins have an upper and two
lower beds. One of the lower beds can convert to a sofa during the day.
Facilities are shared. There is a washbasin with cold/hot water in the cabin, a
writing desk/chair, in-room clock radio with Ipod connector kit, and ample
storage space. These cabins have portholes.
Additional features and amenities:
Bathrobes
Twin Semi-Private
Located on Deck 4 these cabins have two lower berths (one
which can convert to a sofa during the day), a writing desk, in-room clock
radio with Ipod connector kit and ample storage. Facilities are semi-private
(one bathroom between two cabins). All cabins have a window which opens.
Additional
features and amenities:
Toiletry kit
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Bathrobes
Twin Private
These cabins are located on Decks 4 and 5. All cabins
have two lower berths, a writing desk/chair, in-room clock radio with Ipod
connector kit and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a
window.
Additional features and amenities:
Toiletry kit
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Bathrobes
Superior
Located on Deck 6 these cabins have two lower berths, a
sofa, a writing desk/chair, in-room clock radio with Ipod connector kit and
ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be
opened.
Additional features and amenities:
Toiletry kit
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Vanity kit
Bathrobes
Upgraded bed linen/duvets
Shackleton Suite
These cabins are located on
Deck 4 and 5. All cabins have one queen sized double berth in separate
sleeping quarters. The sofa in the
main section of the cabin can convert to a bed making these cabins
suitable for
a group of three. There is a writing desk/chair, a comfortable arm
chair. An
Ipad with polar literature, documentaries and movies and webmail access,
a
sound system with IPod/MP3 player connectivity. There is also and Ipod
dock/alarm clock. Facilities are private and all cabins have windows,
which can
be opened.
Additional features and amenities:
Upgraded bed linen/duvets
CD player/mini stereo system with connection for
Ipod/mp3 player
Use of our CD selection
Mini bar/ice bucket
Hairdryer
Capsule coffee machine & tea maker
Toiletry kit
Vanity kit
Organic cotton luxury logoed bathrobes
Arrival gift basket with healthy snacks and a
bottle of wine
Binoculars and wildlife reference book
Complimentary web mail account
Complimentary use of an expedition ‘Sea Line’
dry-bag for the duration of the voyage
One Ocean Suite
Located on Deck 5 this cabin has a double berth in
separate sleeping quarters with up-graded bedding. In the main section of this
cabin, there is a sofa which can convert to a single bed, a large writing
desk/chair, several arm chairs, an Ipad with polar literature, documentaries
and movies, IPod Dock Alarm Clock and IPod Speaker System for main room.
Facilities are private and have a shower and bathtub. This cabin has windows
overlooking the both the bow and to the portside of the ship, which can be
opened.
Additional features and amenities:
Upgraded bed linen/duvets
Use of our CD selection
Mini bar/refrigerator
Hairdryer
Toiletry and Vanity kit
Capsule coffee machine + tea maker
Organic cotton luxury logoed bathrobes
Arrival gift basket with healthy snacks and a
bottle of wine
Binoculars and wildlife reference book
CD player/mini stereo system with connection for
Ipod/mp3 player
Complimentary webmail account
Complimentary use of an expedition ‘Sea Line’
dry-bag for the duration of the voyage
Stabilisation: Active stabilisation via internal ‘anti-roll’ ballast syste
Zodiacs: 10
What's included?
Flight from Punta Arena (Chile) to Falkland Islands
Shipboard accommodation
All tranfers to/from airport, hotel and ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation
All meals throughout the voyage
All shore and land excursions as specified in the program
Port fees and access permits
Comprehensive pre-voyage information package
Leadership of experienced expedition leaders and naturalists
Expedition gear package*
Camping activity**
What's not included?
Air transportation other than specified
Passport, visa, immigration fees
Pre or post cruise hotel accommodation
Optional Sea Kayaking***
Travel protection plan
Alcoholic beverages
Laundry service
Gratuities
Any items not listed as included
Notes
*Expedition gear package
Included in the expedition, you will have free use of essential gears needed for the trip. This package includes quality waterproof/windproof jacket, insulated rubber boots, and a set of binoculars.
**Camping Activity
Camping in Antarctica is included in the price of your voyage (subject to weather conditions and availibility). Please contact us for more information.
***Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking is available at an additional cost of US$795 per person.
Early bird! Book now and receive up to US$800 travel credit on 2019/20 departures! 
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