Antarctica Cruise : Spirit of Shackleton, 20 days / 19 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
In this trip you’ll experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. During this 20-day voyage you’ll visit historical sites of past explorers, and the wildlife rich island of South Georgia. Antarctica is beyond comprehension and sure to amaze any traveler seeking a true adventure to the world's most remote wilderness.
Day 1 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. Ushuaia 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 upon M/S Expedition
Today we will embark onto the M/S Expedition. Embarkation time is set for 4 pm. The morning is free to do any last minute shopping, an optional excursion to the Terra Del Fuego National park or a good hike up to the Marshall Glacier. The evening is spent on board watching the sunset over the Beagle Channel
Day 3 : At Sea
As we make the passage east you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and lecturers. We also begin the lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Days 4-5 : Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins, elephant seals and sea lions are abundant. Port Stanley provides an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colorful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters. The islands consist of 700 small and mostly uninhabited islands and 2 main islands - East and West Falklands. Here we hope to catch our first glimpses of penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, macaroni, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck we may also see the elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep.
Days 6-7 : The Great Southern Ocean
Sailing east now we’ll set course for South Georgia Island. Our days at sea will be filled with lectures to prepare us for South Georgia and we will have plenty of time on deck to identify the abundant sea birds of the south ocean. We keep our eye peeled for the whales that inhabit these waters.
Days 8-11 : South Georgia
South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including Shackleton’s grave, several former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. Weather permitting we will have 5 full days to explore this island. A huge colony of king penguins is the highlight of this part of the journey. On nearby islands we’ll hope to spot wandering albatross in their nesting grounds. South Georgia is home to roughly 300,000 elephant seals, 3 million fur seals, and 25 species of breeding birds, including wandering albatrosses. The gravel beach at St. Andrews Bay has a king penguin rookery of 100,000 and an estimated five million macaroni penguins.
Days 12-13 : The Scotia Sea
Plotting a south westerly course we make way towards legendary Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands. The waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.
Days 14-17 : Antarctica & the South Shetland Islands
Over the next couple of 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 18-19 : At Sea
Heading north across the Drake Passage, spend 2 days enjoying the beauty of the sea as we sail for Ushuaia.
Day 20 : Disembark in Ushuaia
Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying goodbye as we disembark in Ushuaia.
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