Antarctica Cruise Itinerary: Small Ship Expedition This is an intimate cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula! Travel on the modern and comfortable expedition ship Ocean Nova with just 78 passengers, meaning everyone gets ashore at the same time, uncrushed and uncrowded. Set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, through the scenic Beagle Channel and across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the most spectacular places on earth. Antarctica Will Amaze You! Antarctica’s wildlife is in full bloom. We have four full days available to observe of penguins and other wildlife gathered in the late summer sunshine on this Antarctic cruise. You will be surrounded by scenery that will literally astound you. The majestic snow-capped peaks soaring overhead and glaciers tumbling to the water's edge will live long in your memory. Day 1 – Ushuaia, Argentina Your Antarctic voyage begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board Ocean Nova this afternoon* and sail along the spectacular Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. *Important note: Boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 15:00 hr and 16:00 hr. Please be on time. Keep your passport at hand and allow enough time to clear port security and to reach the vessel. We strongly recommend arriving Ushuaia the day prior. Day 2 & 3 – Drake Passage Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer. As you sail towards the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, where, in the company of expert guides, you can also watch for Antarctica’s wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. Spot magnificent albatrosses and petrels flying overhead, as well as different species of whales swimming south to Antarctica. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of the stunning Antarctic land. Day 4 to 7 – Antarctic Peninsula Antarctica’s wildlife, ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of Antarctica’s wildlife such as; seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Our Antarctic expedition cruise will be very active and engaging, with lectures, several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats. Become Antarctic explorers! Each day, disembark in one of the Zodiac boats and explore the landscape, accompanied by expert guides - the best way to find out what’s going on in Antarctica, and like true Antarctic explorers. No journey is the same - as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica due to changing weather conditions - the expedition team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. Your Antarctic voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, and many other magnificent places. Day 8 & 9 – Drake Passage Return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks. Day 10 – Ushuaia Arrive back in Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast. NOTE Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, it must be realized that with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and that safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage. For this reason the vessel operator reserves the right to change the itinerary here described due to weather conditions or other factors beyond control without consulting the participants.