ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

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Ocean Victory

The Ocean Victory, set for completion in 2020 has a revolutionary X-bow design for more stability and comfort along with being environmentally considerate in all aspects. A total of 93 cabins can accommodate up to 189 guests, all featuring ocean views, 90% with their own balconies. Two restaurants serve up high-quality cuisine along with a Nordic inspired bar to spend your nights enjoying the incredible Antarctic scenery passing you by. Fill in your time at sea with visits to the wellness area (with a gym and a spa), listen to lectures in the modern lecture lounge and soak up the sun (with your coat on) on the open deck dining facility. The Ocean Victory is part of a new generation of low-energy vessels with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimise speed and fuel consumption.

Day 1 Ushuaia

Days 2-3 At Sea – Cross Drake Passage

Sailing onward, 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 rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard your expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilisers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, catch your first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.

Having crossed the Drake, explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes you will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, hope to make your first landfall on King George Island before continuing further south to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Days 4-6 Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea

Over the coming days, begin the exciting Antarctic experience at the very tip of the Continent. During these days in the Antarctic Sound, named in 1902 after the Swedish vessel Antarctic, the Captain and the Expedition Team will keep a watchful eye on the mighty tabular icebergs, born from the floating Larsen Ice Shelf further south. Aim to have both continental and island landings on the shores of Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for some of the unusually large penguin colonies, which have recently been observed.

The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to the guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

Days 7-12 Drake Passage and South Georgia

From the Weddell Sea continue your journey into the open sea, just as Ernest Shackleton and his men did more than hundred years ago. Having lost their ship Endurance deep south in the Weddell Sea they moved slowly north on ice floes and later in open lifeboats until they reached Elephant Island. From here started one of the most remarkable boat journeys in the polar history, when Shackleton and five of his men for two weeks navigated the 720 nautical miles to South Georgia to call for recovery of the stranded crew on Elephant Island. After passing Elephant Island at close distance you will reach the mighty South Georgia after just a few days at sea!

South Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences with a wealth of breeding penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals, all seeking shelter in this oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history pops up in most of the fjords you will explore – not least in Grytviken, the only inhabited settlement on this mountainous island. Grytviken is also the last resting place for Ernest Shackleton, after he died on yet another Antarctica voyage in 1922. You will explore the fjords of the north coast for 2-3 days and take as many shore landings as time and the swelling sea will allow us.

Days 13-14 South Atlantic, Approaching Falkland Islands

Days at sea are great for participating in lectures, photo sessions and recaps, reading books in the ship library and watching the ubiquitous storm petrels and albatrosses from the top deck. Or just to relax.

Days 15-16 Port Stanley and Falkland Islands

During the morning approach the Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon, Ocean Victory will cast anchor in the sheltered harbour of Port Stanley. Utilising the zodiacs, you will land in the town centre and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Stanley. On the following day, make landings, weather permitting at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife spots.

Days 17-18 At Sea toward South America, Disembarkation

You will now be on the last leg of this adventurous voyage, heading back towards Ushuaia. After a hearty farewell to the vessel and crew, disembark in the morning after breakfast.