USHUAIA TO USHUAIA INCL. SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS & WEDDELL SEA

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 At Sea

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.

Day 3 Stanley, Falkland Island

Discover Stanley’s impressive bird life the moment your Zodiac lands. With more than 60 different species, including rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins and albatrosses, the Falkland Islands are a paradise for ornithologists. During natural history walks along the coast, your experts will provide fascinating information about the head-high tussock grass and the Victorian houses.

Days 4 & 5 At Sea

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.

Days 6 & 7 South Georgia

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 theGold Harbour beach where fur seals and elephant seals will not be disturbed by your visit. At the former Grytviken whaling station, the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton recalls the adventures of times gone by.

Day 8 At Sea

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.

Days 9-14 South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula

SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS
For scientists, the Antarctic is an enormous natural laboratory – and that includes this largely glaciated island group. You will gain an insight into the everyday lives of polar researchers when, weather permitting, you will be taken in the Zodiacs to visit the Argentinian Orcadas Station (subject to authorisation). Enjoy the pure fascination of the drifting tabular icebergs which, with a bit of luck, you will see off Signy Island, for example. The bizarre blocks that have broken off the shelf ice and their huge archways shimmer a mystical shade of blue in the cool polar light. And you will pass close by on board the ship – simply breathtaking.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

No two voyages are the same when visiting the Antarctica region as weather and ice will dictate where you will visit each day but your expedition team will carefully plan your days to make the most out of your time in Antarctica and to ensure you have plenty of unforgettable moments.

Places you may visit include:

Paradise Bay – you’ll never forget when you set foot for the first time on the Antarctic mainland, Snow-capped summits surround the bay, where icebergs drift and glaciers tower hundreds of metres above.

Cuverville Island –hundreds of Gentoo penguins that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Neko Harbour- gigantic glacier cliffs providing a unique backdrop

Lemaire Channel- sail one of the world’s most impressive shipping passages in the world with mountains soaring 1000 metres high.

Neumayer Channel and Port Lockroy- providing breathtaking panoramic views of glaciers.

ANTARCTIC SOUND AND WEDDELL SEA
When cruising in the Antarctic Sound, the deck becomes your front-row seat for unique natural spectacles, for example when the 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. How far can your expedition ship go? For example, in 1903, the Nordenskjold expedition was forced to wait ten months to be rescued on the volcanic Paulet Island. Today, the island is home to countless penguins and, like Devil Island, makes for a very lively spectacle.

Days 15 & 16 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 17 Ushuaia, Argentina

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