Antarctica Cruise : Across the Circle, 12 days /11 nights
Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 56 passengers. This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, manoeuvrability and small number of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary. Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, but this is our most popular ship for travel to the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.
Triple
Two lower and one upper bunk, desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space, portholes. Showers and toilets are close by and are shared with other cabins. Located on the main deck
South, in the Antarctic Circle and beyond lies a remote region of rare beauty. If your pulse quickens at the thought of going where few others have been, this trip is for you. Our second departure has a scuba diving option – we may dive beside grounded icebergs or explore shipwrecks.
Day 1 :
Embark Polar Pioneer in Ushuaia at 4 p.m. for our evening departure east along the Beagle Channel. We will settle into shipboard life and enjoy our first meal on board.
Day 2 :
On Drake Passage, our naturalists introduce us to the circling seabirds –a favorite pastime on board is to stand at the stern watching the many majestic albatrosses, giant petrels and other species following in our wake. We will commence our lecture program about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Antarctic Peninsula and briefings prepare us for landings.
Day 3 :
We expect to cross the Antarctic Convergence, biological boundary of Antarctica, and may see our first icebergs. Depending on our crossing of Drake Passage, we may make our first landing late this afternoon on one of the South Shetland Islands such as Deception Island or Livingston Island.
Day 4 :
We explore the Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast to the Antarctic Circle and beyond. We should arrive just as fledgling penguins prepare to run the leopard seal gauntlet for their first swim. Also at this time, the summer waters are rich with krill and we are hopeful of seeing whales, particularly humpbacks and minks. Historic sites like abandoned British Antarctic Survey stations and the remains of whaling camps provide a glimpse of the challenges faced by early explorers. Pack ice along the Peninsula’s west coast determines our route to the Antarctic Circle.
Days 5-6 :
Crossing the invisible line of the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33’ South provides a special highlight. Ever since Captain Cook first reached the Antarctic Circle in 1773, subsequent crossings have been cause for celebration. South of the Circle we enter a frozen region of rarely seen mountain ranges, massive blue icebergs and waterways taut with fast ice. In Crystal Sound the mountains soar from the sea, while small islands provide havens for penguins and seals. If ice conditions allow, we will sail south through the narrow twisting channel called The Gullet and into magnificent Marguerite Bay. We notice subtle changes in the Antarctic landscapes and also in the distribution of wildlife. Perhaps we’ll make landfall at Stonington, Detaille or Pourquoi Pas islands.
Days 7-9 :
For those of us keen to enjoy Antarctica’s wonder, Zodiacs will whisk us to penguin colonies or put us in the best position to photograph sculptured icebergs or extravagant vistas. Our experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use this expertise to design our voyage from day to day. We’ll choose the best landings above Lemaire Channel, and rely on ice conditions to determine our schedule along this enchanting coast. We may see big predators such as orcas and powerful leopard seals, as well as crabeater and fur seals, gentoo and chinstrap penguins, ethereal snow petrels and blue-eyed cormorants.
Day 10 :
From Anvers and Brabant islands, we head north into Drake Passage and then it’s time to head back to Tierra del Fuego, with lectures and videos to complete our Antarctic education. This is a time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and felt, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life.
Day 11 :
Today will be spent at sea. This will be the last day of lectures, and final opportunity to enjoy the seabirds of the Southern Ocean. As we approach the tip of South America, our captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather conditions permitting, before a farewell dinner.
Day 12 :
We travel up the Beagle Channel to disembark in Ushuaia and follow our separate paths. For those staying in the town at the end of the world, the rest of the day can be spent exploring or at leisure.
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