ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Ocean Victory

Ocean Victory commenced voyages November 2021 and was established as one of the most modern small ship vessels in the market.

This stylish cruise ship is ideally suited for our business model of small ship expeditions and is deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctic region voyages.

With a total of 93 comfortable staterooms for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel is also environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.

Day 1 Ushuaia

Days 2-3 At Sea, 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 4-7 South Shetland islands, Antarctic Sound

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, always on the lookout for some of the unusually large penguin colonies, which have recently been observed.

Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay, hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts, ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel.

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 8 – 9 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!

Days 10 – 13 South Georgia

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 you.

Days 14-15 At Sea, Falkland Islands

Leaving the icy peaks of South Georgia behind, we continue onwards towards the Falkland Islands.

The waters between South Georgia and the Falklands are some of the richest in the world, with huge whale, seal and penguin populations feeding where cold Antarctic waters meet the warmer waters of the South Atlantic, so keep binoculars at the ready as we sail across the Antarctic convergence (especially around Shag Rocks).

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 16-17 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.

Day 18 At Sea

You are now into the last leg of your adventurous voyage, heading back towards Ushuaia.

During your time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide you with the chance to reflect on your 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 westward.

Day 19 Ushuaia

On the morning of the final day of your voyage, arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.