Antarctica Cruise : Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic, 19 days / 18 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
An incredible diversity of experiences waits as we explore the necklace of islands stretching from Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn to the Antarctic Peninsula, including unforgettable visits to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, among the most precious wildlife oases on Earth.
Day 1 :
Embark Polar Pioneer at 4 p.m. where a warm welcome precedes our evening departure.
Day 2 :
Petrels and prions escort our South Atlantic crossing. Zodiac and environmental briefings prepare us for landings.
Day 3 :
Seals, penguins, flightless ducks and a taste of settlement life await our arrival in the southern Falkland Islands. We may visit New Island and its large rock hopper penguin colony, balanced on the edge of spectacular cliffs that drop steeply to the crashing surf or the wildlife haven of Sea Lion Island, one of nature’s gems.
Day 4 :
We sample the unique history and culture of Stanley, friendly Falkland Islands capital and remote British outpost. We can visit the museum, go shopping, post letters or simply enjoy a beer at the Globe Hotel.
Days 5-6 :
As we cross the Scotia Sea, our expert naturalists and historians share their knowledge, leaving time to relax and watch for whales and seabirds.
Days 7-10 :
South Georgia offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and appears like a glorious response to a mariner’s prayer in the wild, iceberg-dotted waters of the South Atlantic. Weather determines our pick of mostly north coast landings, from fur seal dominant Elsehul to spectacular Gold Harbour, and king penguin-rich Salisbury Plain. We may follow Shackleton’s route to Fortuna Bay and Stromness and visit the whaling museum of Grytviken, where we must be careful to avoid stepping on sleeping elephant seals as we skirt the ruins of factory buildings peering into the past, trying to imagine what it was like when whale processing was in full swing. Cooper Bay offers rock hopper penguins and albatross, not far from spectacular Drygalski Fjord. We will aim to visit Prion Island where we can sit quietly to watch serene wandering albatrosses sitting proudly on cute downy chicks.
Day 11 :
Cruise the Scotia Sea towards the South Orkney Islands. We may see our first icebergs!
Day 12 :
Possible landing in the remote, rugged South Orkney Islands. We aim to visit beautiful Shingle Cove on Coronation Island where we may have our first view of Adélie penguins. Alternatively, we may visit the Argentinean station of Orcardas, where the remains of the 1904 Bruce Expedition hut can still be seen.
Day 13 :
We hope to land on wild, spectacular Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the northern limits of the South Shetlands where Shackleton’s men wintered below an upturned rowboat.
Days 14-16 :
From the South Shetland Islands, through spectacular Gerlache Strait, we explore the ice-draped west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather and ice determine our landings, but we’ll aim to step ashore on the continent, Zodiac cruise among sculpted icebergs, visit magnificent penguin rookeries and historic sites and keep a lookout for whales.
Days 17-18 :
Heading north for Drake Passage, we return to the realm of the albatross. Approaching Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego, the air becomes warmer and we may smell the scent of green, grass-covered land.
Day 19 :
This morning we sail up the Beagle Channel to dock in Ushuaia where our adventure ends.
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