Antarctica Cruise: Crossing the Circle

This expedition is ideal if you desire the extra time to really experience Antarctica. You fire up your spirit of adventure and take a few extra days to work your way south to explore some of Antarctica?s most pristine and rarely visited areas. There will also be plenty of time to explore the incredible wildlife colonies along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the South Shetland Islands. Aboard an ice-rated vessel, you will navigate through some of the world?s most scenic waterways ? many littered with colossal icebergs. You will attempt to land on the Antarctic continent south of the Circle, and you may visit a couple scientific research stations as well.

Itinerary

Days 9-10: Crossing the Antarctic Circle

A celebration is in order. Crossing the Antarctic Circle is still a rare and impressive achievement. Celebrate with a well-earned glass of champagne, raising your glass to the intrepid explorers who have gone before.

Days 13-15: The Drake Passage

While crossing the Drake once again, stay up late with new friends as the lingering twilight of the southern summer fades. Trade memories that will last forever while you puzzle over the mystery that is Antarctica.

Note: Some departures will visit the Peninsula on the way back to Ushuaia.

Days 5-8: Exploring Antarctica

The Expedition Team lowers the Zodiacs for exploration at least twice a day. That means that the bow of your Zodiac will be riding high, as the driver opens the throttle so to give you as much time as possible ashore. Once on land, explore the Great White Continent, or just sit on a rock and watch penguins invest considerable energy in survival. Wildlife in the Antarctic is refreshingly unafraid of humans, making each visit feel like a trip to another planet. The jagged polar terrain is magnificent, and awe-inspiring.

Every cross-country skier, kayaker, camper or mountain-climber seeks that one perfect moment they will relive for the rest of their lives. Perhaps you?ll find that moment in Antarctica. Optional adventures are available on a first come, first served basis. See the dates and rates sheet for details.

You could drift past an azure iceberg after a hard paddle. You could descend an ice slope after an exhilarating climb. There are no ski trails in Antarctica, so you will be breaking trails. While camping, you could be compelled to reach for the sky, because the stars appear to be only an arm?s length away.

Days 3-4: The Drake Passage

To sailors the Drake is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, but you may be lucky and get calm weather. Regardless of the conditions, you?ll keep you busy on deck, on the Bridge and in the presentation room as you prepare for boarding Zodiacs, shore landings, and, if you dare, polar dips.

En route to Antarctica, you may find that delicious three-course meals are made even more interesting by the occasional shout of ?Whales off the port side!? Will you continue eating or dash on deck with your camera?

Days 1-2: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia, a small town at the "end of the world" surrounded by rugged peaks and glaciers, and transfer independently to your conveniently located hotel. The following day, in the afternoon, the Expedition Team gets you settled aboard your ship as you sail into the Beagle Channel to start your Antarctic expedition.

Days 11-12: Loubert Coast

During the voyage, your Expedition Team will keep you informed about the fabled history of each area you visit. Every name on the map of the Antarctic has a story to tell. The Loubert Coast is no exception. The French names that appear are a legacy of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, physician, yachtsman, and explorer. He, like you, lived for adventure.