South Shetland Islands and Antarctica: Ocean Atlantic

Antarctica

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, as well as the many surrounding islands. Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, make Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts. Continuing southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water

Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica.
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!

Stewart's Take

A classic Antarctic adventure!

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, as well as the many surrounding islands. Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, make Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts. Continuing southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water.

DAY 1 - 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. 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 Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice! In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds. DAY 4-5: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS Over the next two days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and 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 6-7 - 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 along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more. 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. Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff. For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, our ships offer excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. Our ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife. DAY 8-9 - DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA 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 which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time. DAY 10 - USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.

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M/V OCEAN ATLANTIC

The newly renovated Ocean Atlantic is an expedition vessel with an international ice class rating of 1B, with high maneuverability, shallow draft and strong engines to allow for extended voyages into the polar regions. Ocean Atlantic is newly renovated (2016) with elegant common areas and accommodation for 198 passengers. The ship was built in 1985 and underwent an extensive rebuild in 2010. With a length of 140m she has ample space on the multiple decks for several lecture halls, a relaxed restaurant serving 4-star international cuisine, professionally staffed bars and observation platforms – and even a pool. All common areas on the Erickson Deck feature large panel windows, enabling passengers to quickly spot passing whales and photographic sights from the comfort of indoor lounges. All private cabins are stylish appointed and feature individual bathroom facilities, phone for internal calls, individual temperature controls and TV. Ideal for relaxation, the vessels’ accommodation ranges in size from 11 - 35 m2 and are designed with either portholes or windows. Daily shore landings are made possible by her fleet of 20 Zodiacs.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included

10-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 14 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.