Antarctica Cruise : The Antarctic Peninsula, 11 days / 10 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
Like an outstretched hand, the Antarctic Peninsula reaches north to offer the warmest, most accessible welcome to the continent. Our small group size makes it possible to observe the animals without overwhelming them and allows more relaxed visits to historic huts and scientific stations.
Day 1 :
Our expedition staff and Russian crew welcome us aboard Polar Pioneer at 4 p.m. as we settle in for an evening sail down Beagle Channel beneath the spectacular mountains of Tierra del Fuego.
Day 2 :
We round Cape Horn, the most southerly point of the American continent, which has stimulated the imagination of mankind since Sir Francis Drake inadvertently rounded it back in 1580. We cross Drake Passage where albatross and petrels provide hours of relaxed viewing from the bridge and outer decks. Our expedition staff host entertaining talks on Antarctica’s natural history, and environmental and safety briefings to prepare us for the adventures ahead.
Day 3 :
Excitement builds as we cross the biological boundary of the Antarctic Convergence and search for our first iceberg. Depending on the weather, we will first approach Antarctica near the South Shetland Islands, where we hope to land. Entering Bransfield Strait either at the eastern end of King George Island or the western extremity of Livingston Island, we may pass by historic Smith Island, which is the outer limit of the South Shetlands.
Days 4-8 :
We make best use of our captain’s knowledge, the ship’s maneuverability, and our expedition staff’s accumulated experience to show you the Antarctic Peninsula’s highlights. Once we arrive in the calmer waters of Bransfield and Gerlache Straits, we hope to make landings two to three times a day, exploring this unique wonderland of scenic inlets and glaciated mountains rising to 2800 meters. We may visit scientific stations and historic sites, but our focus is on the natural wonders – the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula teem with whales, seals, fish, birds and krill. Ice-free areas host throngs of breeding birds, from penguins to petrels, skuas to sheathbills. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-20 hours’ daylight and the days will be as busy as you wish. A highlight is an optional night’s camping. After a hearty dinner on board the ship, we pitch our tents ashore – or you can choose to sleep out in the open, experiencing the true spirit of Antarctic exploration.
Day 9 :
We farewell Antarctica and rejoin the world of wheeling seabirds as we head into Drake Passage and continue our Antarctic education with lectures and videos.
Day 10 :
Our last day at sea brings lectures, seabird reveries and the chance to reflect on the richly rewarding experiences we’ve shared. If weather permits, we’ll round Cape Horn before attending a sumptuous farewell dinner.
Day 11 :
Awakening early on the Beagle Channel, we enjoy an early breakfast before quietly slipping into dock and disembarking in Ushuaia. We head off in our different directions, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
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