Antarctica Quest for the Circle: Ocean Albatros

Antarctic Peninsula

Onboard this strong, ice-classed expedition vessel, you are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling you to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent. Enjoy the calming silence and alluring beauty of the Antarctic mainland during hikes and Zodiac excursions. Our goal is the crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ south. Our expedition may include visits to sites such as Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island

  • Cross the Antarctic Polar Circle.
  • Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Be aboard a specially designed ice strengthened vessel
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
  • Witness the abundant wildlife - penguins, elephant seals, whales and more!
With the patented X-BOW design, the vessel will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessel, a first landing or activity in the South Shetland islands may be possible on Day 3 late afternoon.

Early Booking Rates

15% Early Booking rates for the 2025-2026 season valid only for bookings made before 21st June 2024!

Stewart's Take

Go Further on your Antarctic expedition!

Overview

Onboard this strong, ice-classed expedition vessel, you are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling you to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent. Enjoy the calming silence and alluring beauty of the Antarctic mainland during hikes and Zodiac excursions. Our goal is the crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ south. Our expedition may include visits to sites such as Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL USHUAIA Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship, Ocean Albatros. Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. DAY 2-3: AT SEA - CROSS DRAKE PASSAGE In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with our first sight of seals, penguins, and albatrosses. As well as the first icebergs as we approach the South Shetland chain of islands. With the unique X-BOW design, the Ocean Victory will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage than conventional expedition vessels – and with a far less carbon emission. DAY 4-5: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS Over the next two days, we will explore to the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain. Projected landfalls could include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano; Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins. The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings. DAY 6-9: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas. Explore as far south as possible towards the Antarctic Circle at c. 66 deg 33 minutes south of the Equator. Possible landfall in this wild and seldom visited area could be Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Detaille Island. We will also visit research stations if ice conditions allow us. The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather, swell and ice. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings. DAY 10-11: DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA Today, we depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board, and it provides the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers. DAY 12* - USHUAIA AND DISEMBARK This morning, arrive back in Ushuaia where our expedition ends. *February 2025 voyage spends one day longer in Antarctica and ends on Day 13

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M/V OCEAN ALBATROS

Ocean Albatros

The brand-new luxury infinity vessel Ocean Albatros is one of the most modern small ship vessels in the world. This stylish cruise ship is ideally suited to small-ship expeditions, with a total of 93 comfortable cabins for guests, all with a view of the ocean, 90% with a balcony, even a suite with a French balcony! Ocean Albatros is deployed and dedicated to varied Arctic and Antarctica voyages. With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, this is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-BOW® – Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification, which facilitates a safe return to port. Part of a brand new generation of low energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption, the vessel is also environmentally friendly onboard, with the implementation of the Green Initiative Program. Amenities onboard include a Nordic Bar Lounge, Ocean Shop, various restaurants, including an open deck dining facility, and a highly new and modern lecture lounge.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included
  • 11-day cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boot rentals
  • Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
  • Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
  • Taxes
  • Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition leader and team
  • Special photo workshop
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails
  • Digital visual journal link post-voyage
Excluded
  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses
  • Transfers to/from the ship
  • Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received from time of booking to 91 days prior to departure 20 % of the total cruise tariff. From 90 days until departure: 100% of the total cruise tariff. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Albatros Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
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