CIRCLE CROSSING

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Island Sky

The Island Sky is spacious with stylish common areas including a panoramic top deck observation platform, bar and lounge area with live entertainment as well as a well stocked library with computers and an elegant dining room. Built in 1992 this luxurious cruise ship can accommodate up to 114 guests and provides excellent service with four star amenities.

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia

In the afternoon you will join a group transfer to the pier and welcome your ship. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. The scenery as you sail through the Beagle Channel on your first evening is wonderful and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters. Enjoy an orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner.

Days 3-4 Drake Passage

Days 5-6 South Shetland Islands

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will spend as much time as possible exploring by inflatable Zodiac boats. Cruise along the pristine shorelines and past icebergs. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. You will visit 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. Your first sighting of land will likely be that of the volcanic South Shetland Islands.  Here you may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting, visit historic Deception Island. Here you are likely to see sub-Antarctic species including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.

Days 7-9 Antarctic Circle

As the ship heads south across the Bransfield Strait, sail towards the Antarctic Circle. After celebrating the crossing and (weather permitting) exploring this area, the ship will begin to make its 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 which generally have more ice due to their southerly location. The ice ultimately directs what excursions you will be able to participate in but it is all part of the adventure in this remote area.

Days 10-12 Antarctic Peninsula

Heading Southwest, enter Gerlache Strait and Trinity Coast. Here the expedition team will aim to take you to explore picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, or Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. You may be able to 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. Along the way you will see many Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as Weddell and Crabeater seals hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard seals and Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.

Days 13-14 Drake Passage

As you leave the Antarctica Peninsula the ship heads north again crossing the Antarctic Convergence through the bountiful waters of the Drake Passage. You may wish to attend presentations and workshops by the expedition team, or simply enjoy the ships facilities or keep an eye for seabirds and marine life. Enjoy a special presentation of the voyage that the expedition team has put together.

Day 15 Ushuaia

After breakfast say farewell in the city of Ushuaia. A group transfer to the airport or to the town centre if you wish to spend more time here, is included. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice!