USHUAIA TO USHUAIA

SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Hanseatic Inspiration

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.

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 2 Drake Passage

The Drake Passage spans 1,000 kilometres from the southern-most tip of South America to the South Shetland Islands (the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula). Eventually, you’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

Days 3-5 Antarctic Peninsula

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.

Days 6-10 Antarctic Peninsula

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.

Days 11-12 Drake Passage

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.

Day 13 Ushuaia, Argentina

Disembark following breakfast, and transfer to the airport for charter flight back to Buenos Aires