Spirit of Antarctica: Greg Mortimer

Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctic adventures are best enjoyed in the early summer, when near-midnight sun powers an explosion of life along the shore and brightens the thought of camping out, early alpine climbing starts or extended kayaking trips. Penguin highways are busy with traffic as parents hurry to fatten chicks and waterways are alive with whales and seals. We visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth

Penguin colonies alive with nest building
Zodiac cruise amoungst water-sculpted icebergs
Step ashore the Antarctic continent!
Visit historic huts and scientific stations
Antarctic marine life - seals and whales
Kayak, climb, camp or snorkel!

Earlybird Offers

10% discount available on remaining 2019 departures until March 31. Use Promocode GM10

2020-21 SEASON:

Save up to 25% for all departures in the 2020/21 season - the discount varies by cabin category. Please contact us for details!

Stewart's Take

An expeditionary voyage with many adventure options and the very latest in small ship cruising

Overview

Antarctic adventures are best enjoyed in the early summer, when near-midnight sun powers an explosion of life along the shore and brightens the thought of camping out, early alpine climbing starts or extended kayaking trips. Penguin highways are busy with traffic as parents hurry to fatten chicks and waterways are alive with whales and seals. We visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth.

Day 1 – Ushuaia, Argentina Arrive in Ushuaia, southern-most city in the world, renowned for its exquisite chocolates and breathtaking scenery. After transfer to your downtown hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Days 2 – Ushuaia, Argentina After checking out of the hotel, explore Ushuaia and surrounds. Mid-afternoon, settle into the Greg Mortimer for an early evening departure down the Beagle Channel. Days 3-5 – Drake Passage to South Shetland Islands We chart a course south, bound for the Antarctic Peninsula. We prepare for our landings with bio security briefings, informative lectures and the Great Gumboot giveaway! We'll also keep an eye on the horizon for albatross and the first iceberg spotting of the voyage. Possible landings as we approach the South Shetland Islands include Aitcho, Robert or Deception Islands Days 6-8 – Antarctic Peninsula An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard robust Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations, and cruise up close to intricately shaped icebergs and seals basking on ice floes. Kayakers paddle through narrow waterways in search of wildlife and serenity. Stepping ashore on the continent creates an everlasting memory. We make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night. A curious leopard seal cruising among spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch (ours, not the leopard seal’s); loading Zodiacs after dinner for an orca cruise. If the weather allows, we may even camp-out on the ice – a must for any Antarctic explorer! Days 9 to 10 – Drake Passage As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner with our newfound friends. Day 11 – Ushuaia, Argentina We cruise up the Beagle Channel early this morning before slipping into to dock in Ushuaia, where our voyage concludes after breakfast.

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Expedition Vessel: The Greg Mortimer

This state-of-the-art 104-metre ship is a purpose-built expedition vessel for just 120 passengers, to be launched in 2019. Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the Greg Mortimer is built to world-class polar standards – designed in close consultation with expedition specialists. The Greg Mortimer redefines expedition cruising for the future. Not only can the ship contend with the most adverse weather conditions, its added creature comforts make for a more enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. As a modern and custom-designed ship, the Greg Mortimer is at the cutting edge of nautical technology. Robust, powerful and built with guests in mind, this ship marks a significant investment in expedition capabilities. From the European Arctic to the depths of Antarctica, and other far-flung destinations in-between, the Greg Mortimer will make your journey a breeze!

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included

Group transfer to hotel from the preferred group flight.
One night pre-voyage hotel accommodation and luggage transfer to ship on embarkation day
Group transfer from ship to downtown or airport post voyage
Fully-serviced accommodation in your chosen stateroom
Daily shore excursions, guided walks, Zodiac cruises
Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and destination resource guide
An experienced team of destination specialists and activity leaders
An informative and entertaining lecture program by our team of experts
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner including house wines, beers and soft drinks, afternoon tea and snacks
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
Pre-dinner drinks including canapes and bar snacks
Complimentary 3-in-1 polar jacket
Complimentary use of rubber boots
Complimentary use of fitness centre
Complimentary access to on board expedition doctor and medical clinic
Personalised photo book (post voyage)
Entry fees to historic or tourist sites
Port, pilotage charges and landing fees

Excluded

International or domestic flights to or within South America, unless specified
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Airport arrival or departure taxes
Visa, passport, and vaccination charges
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
Hotels or meals not included in voyage itinerary
Optional activity surcharge
All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, and email or phone charges.

Prices and Share Policy Prices quoted are per person in US$, based on twin-share. Single occupancy is 1.7 times the twin share price. No single travel fees apply if you are willing to share your cabin. Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases. No refund for unused services. Deposits Reservations require a deposit of $2500 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 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure. You will be invoiced at the appropriate time. Balance payments can be made by bank transfer or on request by major credit card, subject to a 2% surcharge. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations made before 90 days of voyage departure are subject to a non-refundable deposit of $2500, however your deposit may be transferred towards a different voyage on board Polar Pioneer at a fee of $500. Transfers are subject to availability and are only valid on voyages that depart within 12 months from date of transfer. You must pay the difference between the original booked price and the price of any transferred booking including the new deposit amount. If cancellation occurs less than 90 days prior to departure, you will be required to pay for the full cost of the trip. 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 Aurora 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 along with a separate Booking Form.