Antarctica Cruise : Antarctic Peninsula for climbers and kayakers, 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
The Antarctic Peninsula offers energetic explorers ascents of hundreds of unclimbed peaks rising several thousand meters and paddling on protected waterways. On this voyage we cater to all levels of expertise. Everyone will share our naturalists’ enthusiasm for the rich diversity of wildlife.
Day 1 :
Embark Polar Pioneer at 4 p.m. Settle in for an evening sail down the Beagle Channel.
Day 2 :
Crossing Drake Passage, our naturalist gives informative talks and helps with seabird identification. We’ll have environmental and safety briefings. Climbers and kayakers prepare their equipment.
Day 3 :
We cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica and watch out for icebergs. With good weather and seas, we may make our first landing on one of the South Shetland Islands such as Deception Island or Livingston Island.
Days 4-9 :
From northern Gerlache Strait to below Lemaire Channel’s narrow confines, we’ll explore the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands. We’ll use Zodiacs to view the abundant wildlife and to visit scientific stations, penguin rookeries or historic sites. Weather permitting, we plan to make a minimum of two single-day climbs and have a go at iceberg climbing. For those who are interested, there is also the opportunity to camp ashore for one night. For kayakers, a more leisurely pace provides time for longer excursions, either to paddle farther or spend more time among the icebergs.
Day 10 :
From Anvers and Brabant islands, we head north into Drake Passage towards Tierra del Fuego.
Day 11 :
Today will be spent at sea. This is our last day of lectures and the final opportunity to enjoy sea-birds soaring on the Southern Ocean winds. Weather permitting, we hope to round Cape Horn and celebrate with a special dinner and perhaps enjoy some quiet reflection on our Antarctic experience.
Day 12 :
A dawn run up the Beagle Channel and an early breakfast has us docking in Ushuaia for flights home or a leisurely exploration of the town at the end of the world.
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