MONTEVIDEO TO USHUAIA
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Day | Place | Highlights |
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1 | Montevideo, Uruguay | Explore Montevideo, board Hanseatic Inspiration |
2-5 | At Sea | Relax, unwind and make the most of the many services and activities on board |
6-8 | South Georgia | See an abundance of wildlife, zodiac landings |
9-10 | At Sea | Relax, unwind and make the most of the many services and activities on board |
11-13 | Antarctic Peninsula | Explore south Shetland Islands, Deception Island, Lemaire Channel, zodiac landings |
14-16 | Antarctic Peninsula | Cruise Weddell sea, spot whales, penguins and seals, zodiac landings |
17-18 | At Sea | Cruise Drake Passage |
19 | Ushuaia, Argentina | After breakfast disembark Hanseatic Inspiration, transfer to airport for charter flight to Buenos Aires |
The Hanseactic Inspiration raises the bar in the expedition cruise segment and features numerous structural elements that enhance the expedition experience even more. Retractable glass balconies on the sun deck give you the feeling of hovering directly above the water and you can stand on the circuit on the bow of the ship to be closer to the action – even closer than the captain.
The new ship can accommodate 199 guests on Antarctica and Arctic cruises (230 for other voyages) with exclusively outside cabins, almost all of which have their own balcony or french balcony. There are 3 first class restaurants on board as well as a spa, fitness centre, pool and multiple bars and lounges to help you relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring all Antarctica has to offer.
Perched on the far southern tip of Uruguay, Montevideo is a white city, and one of the loveliest capital cities of South America. Come and admire the beautiful historical remains dating from Spanish rule; you’ll find the most interesting within the Cuidad Vieja, formerly fortified, its old town dates from the 18th century. The best preserved are the cathedral and the former governmental palace of the Cabildo, both listed historical monuments. In the crook of a vast blue bay, the city is also blessed with beautiful beaches. Embark on the Hanseatic Inspiration in the afternoon.
During your days at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. If you want to expand your expedition knowledge immerse yourself in learning more by listening to one of the experts presentations or do some of your own research in the Ocean Academy.
In this unique wildlife paradise, the Zodiacs are used several times a day to let you experience very special sightings. For example, standing with the experts in front of a gigantic colony of king penguins. The island is home to almost 200,000 animals inhabiting the steep slopes and coasts – such as Salisbury Plain or the Gold Harbour beach where fur seals and elephant seals will not be disturbed by your visit.
During your days at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. If you want to expand your expedition knowledge immerse yourself in learning more by listening to one of the experts presentations or do some of your own research in the Ocean Academy.
Exploring the South Shetland Islands, you may visit Half Moon Island with its stunning backdrop of mountainous and glaciated Livingston Island. Or perhaps the crew will sail the ship into an active volcano with an opportunity to take a dip in the relatively balmy waters that surround Deception Island. Bransfield Strait, once the site of an abandoned whaling station, gives an excellent chance to see whales, who often return to its rich waters.
The expedition team will aim for the most scenic bays and channels, with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.
When cruising in the Antarctic Sound, the deck becomes your front-row seat for unique natural spectacles, for example when water is suddenly parted by the fluke of a majestic whale. The Weddell Sea is home to breathtaking ice formations, some of which are as tall as a house and covered by Adelie penguins and dense pack ice.
There are amazing marine mammal viewing opportunities with Weddell, Crabeater and Elephant Seals often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard Seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback Whales are frequent visitors during this season and Orca sightings are also common.
The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the westerly winds and the funneling effect of the passage. The Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward, is within the Drake Passage. When these two currents meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Black-browed Albatross, Sooty Shearwaters and White-chinned Petrels glide in the air currents alongside and in the wake of the ship.
Disembark following breakfast and then transfer to the airport for charter flight back to Buenos Aires
To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
18 Days
4 Days
5 Days