Antarctica - the sixth continent
To the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland, and to the South-Shetland Islands
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22 days: Cruise with the icebreaker Marina Svetaeva
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Voyage to South Georgia and Shackleton's Elephant Isl.
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Ushuaia - southernmost city of South America
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Wonderful wildlife: whales, seals, penguins, sea-elephants, sea-leopards, albatrosses,...
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There are many highlights during an Antarctica expedition: the crossing of the antarctic convergence, the Drake's Passage and the landings on the Antarctic Peninsula. See mighty icebergs, you'll visit historic places and research-stations, penguin-colonies and see many animals in their natural surroundings: seals, whales, sea elephants, birds and so on. A tour with undescribable beautiful impressions.
1. - 2. Day:
Travel to Ushuaia Argentina
3. Day:
Today is the first day of our adventure. As we board the M/V Marina Svetaeva in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city near the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with 'our home' for the next 18 days we cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of us. In the early evening, we set sail and begin our voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
4. Day: At Sea
Our guests have the chance to spend plenty of time with our onboard polar experts. They will be educating us as we go on the wonders of Antarctica. Sailing northeast, we will likely be joined by swooping seabirds including the wandering albatross, who we will come to know well on this journey.
5. - 6. Day: Falkland Islands
Arriving in the Falklands overnight, by morning we are all excited to make our first shore excursion. Our plan will be to explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago, home to a profusion of seabirds and migratory birds including the black-browed albatross. Our first penguin sightings will be on the island of West Point with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, we will observe nesting Magellanic penguins along with oystercatchers, geese and the flightless steamer duck who is a permanent Falkland resident. The next day we will make a stop in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. As we wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses, we will learn how this quiet harbour was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the formidable waters of Cape Horn. We will also make a stop in Stanley's famed philatelic museum with its impressive collection of historic stamps.
1. - 2. Day:
Travel to Ushuaia Argentina
3. Day:
Today is the first day of our adventure. As we board the M/V Marina Svetaeva in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city near the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with 'our home' for the next 18 days we cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of us. In the early evening, we set sail and begin our voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
4. Day: At Sea
Our guests have the chance to spend plenty of time with our onboard polar experts. They will be educating us as we go on the wonders of Antarctica. Sailing northeast, we will likely be joined by swooping seabirds including the wandering albatross, who we will come to know well on this journey.
5. - 6. Day: Falkland Islands
Arriving in the Falklands overnight, by morning we are all excited to make our first shore excursion. Our plan will be to explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago, home to a profusion of seabirds and migratory birds including the black-browed albatross. Our first penguin sightings will be on the island of West Point with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, we will observe nesting Magellanic penguins along with oystercatchers, geese and the flightless steamer duck who is a permanent Falkland resident. The next day we will make a stop in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. As we wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses, we will learn how this quiet harbour was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the formidable waters of Cape Horn. We will also make a stop in Stanley's famed philatelic museum with its impressive collection of historic stamps.
7. - 8. Day: At Sea
Now we sail southeast bound for the island of South Georgia. These days at sea are never dull. Much of our time is spent scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals as well as seabirds. Our friendly onboard experts continue to fill minds with heroic stories of some of the earliest daredevils to explore Antarctica. We will also learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of our One Ocean Expeditions' guides and crew. The anticipation grows particularly as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
Now we sail southeast bound for the island of South Georgia. These days at sea are never dull. Much of our time is spent scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals as well as seabirds. Our friendly onboard experts continue to fill minds with heroic stories of some of the earliest daredevils to explore Antarctica. We will also learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of our One Ocean Expeditions' guides and crew. The anticipation grows particularly as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
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9. - 11. Day: South Georgia
Majestic snow-covered mountains greet us on the island of South Georgia - the most rugged island in this region. We will cruise the protected waters of the eastern coast looking for suitable landing spots such as Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay. The highlight of both these excursions is the mind-boggling abundance of king penguin adults and young that live in these locations by the hundreds of thousands, covering every inch of the shore. That is not the only wildlife on display. Fur seals can be seen poking their heads above the water, skuas and giant petrels swoop in the skies above, and the albatross our constant companion is never far away. We hope to explore an old whaling station at Grytviken (Greet-vik-in) and visit the grave of the most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Majestic snow-covered mountains greet us on the island of South Georgia - the most rugged island in this region. We will cruise the protected waters of the eastern coast looking for suitable landing spots such as Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay. The highlight of both these excursions is the mind-boggling abundance of king penguin adults and young that live in these locations by the hundreds of thousands, covering every inch of the shore. That is not the only wildlife on display. Fur seals can be seen poking their heads above the water, skuas and giant petrels swoop in the skies above, and the albatross our constant companion is never far away. We hope to explore an old whaling station at Grytviken (Greet-vik-in) and visit the grave of the most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
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12. - 14. Day: Sea and South Orkneys
As we cross the Scotia Sea, sailing ever closer to Antarctica, we hope to visit the South Orkney Islands. Linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by an enormous sub-marine mountain range these islands, often shrouded in mist, are protected by large icebergs and sea ice. If we are lucky, there will be an excursion to Coronation Island to observe penguins nesting in moss beds alongside graceful snow petrels. We may also stop at the remote island of Laurie and visit the Argentinean meteorological station located there.
As we cross the Scotia Sea, sailing ever closer to Antarctica, we hope to visit the South Orkney Islands. Linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by an enormous sub-marine mountain range these islands, often shrouded in mist, are protected by large icebergs and sea ice. If we are lucky, there will be an excursion to Coronation Island to observe penguins nesting in moss beds alongside graceful snow petrels. We may also stop at the remote island of Laurie and visit the Argentinean meteorological station located there.
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15. - 18. Day: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Mainland
Elephant Island, en route to the South Shetland Islands, will be our next destination if conditions are suitable. Here, we will learn more about the famous Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This island was a place of refuge in 1916 for Shackleton and his crew after his ship was destroyed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea.
Next, we will spend some time cruising among the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Dazzling wildlife sightings await us on our excursions to some of these islands including King George, Half Moon, Barrientos or Livingston. Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins thrive here, as do several species of seal. We even hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill off King George Island.
Weather permitting, we will visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. With rugged scenery, great sites of geologic interest and an overwhelming display of whaling and scientific exploration history, Deception Island is a perfect museum of natural and exploration history. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a spectacular hike to the crater rim offers a challenge. Finally, after so much anticipation, we will arrive at the Antarctic mainland in Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. The scenery here from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless Antarctic ice sheet is truly breathtaking. Weather permitting, we hope to undertake a shore excursion and set foot on the White Continent itself.
19. -20. Day: Drake Passage
As we leave this magical place and make our way back, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing up the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a special dinner.
21. Day: Ushuaia
In the early morning, we will arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.
22. Day:
Arrival at your destination
Elephant Island, en route to the South Shetland Islands, will be our next destination if conditions are suitable. Here, we will learn more about the famous Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This island was a place of refuge in 1916 for Shackleton and his crew after his ship was destroyed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea.
Next, we will spend some time cruising among the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Dazzling wildlife sightings await us on our excursions to some of these islands including King George, Half Moon, Barrientos or Livingston. Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins thrive here, as do several species of seal. We even hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill off King George Island.
Weather permitting, we will visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. With rugged scenery, great sites of geologic interest and an overwhelming display of whaling and scientific exploration history, Deception Island is a perfect museum of natural and exploration history. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a spectacular hike to the crater rim offers a challenge. Finally, after so much anticipation, we will arrive at the Antarctic mainland in Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. The scenery here from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless Antarctic ice sheet is truly breathtaking. Weather permitting, we hope to undertake a shore excursion and set foot on the White Continent itself.
19. -20. Day: Drake Passage
As we leave this magical place and make our way back, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing up the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a special dinner.
21. Day: Ushuaia
In the early morning, we will arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.
22. Day:
Arrival at your destination
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Notes:
Please be aware, that this is the planned course of the trip. The actual implementation depends on the weather and the IAATO conditions. The captain keeps the right to adjust the trip-course according to the actual conditions, without prior communication.
The language on board is English and German
Performances
Included is:
- Flights from Frankfurt to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires (Economy)
- Airport transfers
- 2 Overnights in Buenos Aires, 1 overnight in Ushuaia (middle class hotel, double room)
- Cruise incl. all offered meals with coffee, tea and juices
- Zodiac excursions
- Program and lectures on board
- Harbour-fees
- Rental of rubber boots and rescue-vest
- Rental of waterproof jacket and pants
Non-included-performances:
- Argentinian takeoff taxes
- Meals and beverages outside the meal-times
- Insurances
- Costs for medical supply if necessary
- Tips
- Personal expenses, e.g. for beverages at the bar (alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic beverages),
- laundry, stamps, telephone, fax, other purchases
Date:
26.12.2010 - 17.01.2011
Tour-price:
in Euro: from 9995,-
- Argentinian takeoff taxes
- Meals and beverages outside the meal-times
- Insurances
- Costs for medical supply if necessary
- Tips
- Personal expenses, e.g. for beverages at the bar (alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic beverages),
- laundry, stamps, telephone, fax, other purchases
Date:
26.12.2010 - 17.01.2011
Tour-price:
in Euro: from 9995,-
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The ship: ICEBREAKER MS Marina Svetaeva
Do you expect intensive experiences and at the same time real recuperation? On board the Marina Svetaeva you'll find for what you look. Because the imposing icebreaker represents an ideal mixture: of a luxurious cruise-ship and an up-to-date expedition-ship. It is sufficiently agile in order to offer you all advantages of small ships with regards to the selection of routes and landing sites. At the same time, the ship has much space, is especially safe through its massive construction and has furthermore numerous attractive offers: If you enjoyed an excellent menu, for example, you simply go a deck higher. Move at the fresh air or visit the "Adventurers Lounge." Still a deck farther above you can look through gigantic panorama-windows at the impressive scenery. And if you want nothing but silence: The outside-cabins with light, friendly interieur also invite you to relax after an eventful day, full of unforgettable impressions.
Do you expect intensive experiences and at the same time real recuperation? On board the Marina Svetaeva you'll find for what you look. Because the imposing icebreaker represents an ideal mixture: of a luxurious cruise-ship and an up-to-date expedition-ship. It is sufficiently agile in order to offer you all advantages of small ships with regards to the selection of routes and landing sites. At the same time, the ship has much space, is especially safe through its massive construction and has furthermore numerous attractive offers: If you enjoyed an excellent menu, for example, you simply go a deck higher. Move at the fresh air or visit the "Adventurers Lounge." Still a deck farther above you can look through gigantic panorama-windows at the impressive scenery. And if you want nothing but silence: The outside-cabins with light, friendly interieur also invite you to relax after an eventful day, full of unforgettable impressions.
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If interested in this journey, kindly