Quest for the Antarctic Circle: M/S Expedition

Antarctic Peninsula

A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance – welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier – a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. The ice-strengthened Expedition is ideally suited to this icy wilderness, and her expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. Sail past the South Shetland Islands, then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula

  • Spend 7 full days exploring one of the world's last true wildernesses
  • Go farther south than most have ever gone
  • Spend time on deck searching for whales and watching soaring albatross
  • Get up close and personal with a variety of penguin species
  • Discover the intricacies of the Antarctic region through our on board lecture program

On Sale!

21 Dec departure on sale with prices as shown

Stewart's Take

Spend extra time in Antarctica and reach past the polar circle.

Overview

A massive rookery of penguins shuffles across a frozen shore; a pod of whales glides through frigid waters; dramatic landscapes float off in the distance – welcome to Antarctica. Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier – a mysterious and virtually pristine paradise. The ice-strengthened Expedition is ideally suited to this icy wilderness, and her expert staff are on hand to ensure you’ll fully appreciate all the majesty you encounter. Sail past the South Shetland Islands, then really explore the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 1 Arrive 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. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940s) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for people such as ourselves cruising to Antarctica. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the only coastal national park in Argentina. Day 2 Ushuaia Today we embark on the M/S Expedition. Group embarkation is set for 4:00 pm. The morning is free to do any last minute shopping or 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 the ship watching the sunset over the Beagle Channel. Please note while it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day on board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview. Day 3-4 The Drake Passage Our adventure begins with a 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The M/S Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending 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 sub-antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. The north flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath southward moving sub-antarctic waters. While further south associated areas of mixing and upwelling create an ocean very high in marine productivity. When we pass this zone, we have entered the most nutrient rich waters on the earth- the Southern Ocean. Wandering, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion's and Cap Petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may join us in our journey as we cross into Antarctica. As we make the passage 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 expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Day 5-6 Antarctic Peninsula & the 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 four 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 two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter. The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous seabirds trail in our wake. 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. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the continent, you'll feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers. Day 7-8 Polar Circle Crossing With a close eye on weather conditions, we set off southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins we push on with our goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travellers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, we can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach. Day 9-11 Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands We will continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland as we move North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife we might have to opportunity to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters. Day 12-13 The 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. Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales! Day 14 Depart Ushuaia And so our adventure comes to a close. We'll say our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning.

EXPEDITION VESSEL: M/S EXPEDITION

MS Expedition ship

The M/S Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world's most remote regions. The Expedition's spacious confines can hold as many as 140 passengers, but our commitment to keeping group sizes small means you'll never have to share it with more than 131 others. Many expedition cruise operators offer you a choice of space, comfort or expertise; the M/S Expedition delivers all three at a price few can top.

For full information about this vessel click here...

Included
  • 12 nights aboard the MS Expedition. Arrival transfer from airport in Ushuaia to hotel. 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Waterproof boots supplied for men's USA sized 8-14 & women's USA sized 3-9. Expedition Parka. Antarctica destination guide book.
  • All meals included on board the MS Expedition. Breakfast included at the hotel.
  • Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the MS Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
  • MS Expedition, Zodiac, private bus.
  • One Expedition team member per 10 guests.
Excluded Flights to/from Ushuaia are not included in this tour.
Share Bookings and Single Travellers If you are travelling alone and wish to share a cabin you will be matched with another person of the same gender and pay only the share room rate. If you wish to have a sole use cabin, the single supplement is 1.6 X the respective room rate (excluding Category 1). Deposits Reservations require a non-refundable deposit of US$1000 / EUR 1000 / GBP 500 / AUD 1000 per person 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 120 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Balances can be paid by bank transfer - or by credit card subject to a 2% surcharge. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellation 120 days or more before departure: Lifetime Deposit* held by the Shipping Company. Cancellation 119-60 days before departure: 50% of the cost of services booked, Lifetime Deposit* held by the Shipping Company. Cancellation less than 60 days before departure: 100% of cost of services booked, Lifetime Deposit* held by the Shipping Company. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. 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 G Adventures Limited of Canada and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as those of the transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking. *Lifetime Deposits Should you cancel, the specified deposit amount will be held as a ‘Lifetime Deposit’ with the Shipping Company for the MS Expedition, G Adventures, subject to the full extent of their terms and conditions. This Lifetime Deposit has no expiry and may be used as a deposit on one future tour with MS Expedition. Any specific permit costs above the deposit amount are subject to different terms and conditions as applied by the Company. The Lifetime Deposit has no cash value. Only one Lifetime Deposit may be applied per tour. All Lifetime Deposits must be applied to a new tour that is of equal or greater value than the cancelled tour. A booking may not be cancelled, and have the Lifetime Deposit applied to the same or similar dates of travel or a tour at a price lower than the cancelled tour. The Lifetime Deposit may be transferred or gifted to another Client.
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