Antarctica Cruise : Antarctica Classic Expedition, 11 days / 10 nights
The M/S Expedition is large enough to provide stability, speed, spacious cabins and ample public space. Yet she is small enough to maneuver in remote areas and get you close to the action. Ship stabilizers ensure a smooth ride in rough waters, allowing you to enjoy more of your time at sea. The M/S Expedition is a speedy vessel. A top speed of 16 knots means you'll spend less time getting from A to B, and more time to explore your surroundings.
Category 1
1 upper berth; 2 lower berths. Full ensuite washroom. Porthole view
A true adventure to the world's most remote wilderness! Our 11-day Antarctica Classic expedition focuses on the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, home to some of the planet's most impressive wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Throughout our voyage, our team of lecturers and guides will share their knowledge of the region's remarkable natural history.
Day 1 : Arrive in Ushuaia
Arrive into Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, at any time. Make your way to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Sitting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia actually means 'the bay facing westward' in the language of the original Yamna inhabitants. The town of 40,000 is a major tourist attraction as well as a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. Overnight in Ushuaia
Day 2 : Embark the M/S Expedition
Today we will embark on the expedition ship. Embarkation time is set for 4:00 p.m. The morning is free to do any last minute shopping, an optional excursion to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park or a good hike up to the Marshall Glacier. The evening is spent on board the ship watching the sunset over the Beagle Channel.
Days 3-4 : The Drake Passage
Our adventure begins with a 400-mile crossing of the famous passage. The MS Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day we cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species.
Days 5-8 : Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next 4 days we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt 2 excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our daily schedule will be based on the weather and ice conditions. The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity: Penguins, whales, seals and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in our wake. We may visit scientists working in modern research bases, and there is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.
Days 9-10 : Drake Passage
Today we leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.
Day 11 : Depart Ushuaia
And so our adventure comes to a close. We'll say goodbye as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning.
JourneySearch
Toll-free number: USA & Canada: 1-866-256-2765