SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ushuaia | Embark on the Ocean Victory and greet your fellow adventurers |
| Days 2 & 3 | At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage | The Drake Passage |
| Days 4 - 7 | South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula | Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, large seabirds such as predatory Giant Petrels. Half Moon Islands, or the old sealers' anchorage of Yankee |
| Days 8 & 9 | At Sea | The Drake Passage |
| Day 10 | Ushuaia | Disembark from the Ocean Victory after your incredible adventure |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros
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.
The Ocean Albatros, set for completion in 2022 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 Albatros 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
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It’s a hiker’s paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, board your ship, Ocean Victory
The journey begins as you navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
Days 2 & 3 At Sea, Crossing the 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.
Days 4 – 7 South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Over the next two days, begin the exciting Antarctic experience your ancestors only dreamed of. During these days you will 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, your projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson’s storm petrels and chinstrap penguins. 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 guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Days 8 & 9 At Sea
Depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on your way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, cross the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. During your time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialise with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by your expedition team on board, visit the shop or relax at leisure with the ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.
Day 10 Ushuaia, Disembarkation
This morning, arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of your tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your journey home.
We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.
Extend your trip to Patagonia
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.
