Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula (Holiday Sailing)

Join a very special voyage set in the immaculate beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula of the ?White Continent? for an unforgettable holiday celebration. Explore and honor different traditions of this season found throughout the world. Each day is a new vignette ? it could be the traditional Christmas markets of Germany, Boxing Day of England, two week New Years holiday of Russia, the Jewish story of Hanukah, Kwanzaa of Africa or a traditional Argentinean Christmas. And, on your daily excursions by Zodiac and on foot, discover the stunning beauty and amazing wildlife of a magical white wonderland...

Note: This itinerary is only 11 days on the 12/19/2008 departure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia / Embarkation

Board the Polar Star in Ushuaia to celebrate the greatest
holiday season of the year in the appropriate whiteness of the icy south.

Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage

As you cross the Drake, a busy lecture program gives you insight into the uniqueness of the Antarctic. Presentations will cover the flora and fauna and the science and history of this continent. A constant watch is kept for bird, whale and dolphin sightings. As well, each day of this expedition you will celebrate the different holiday traditions of the world.

Days 4-7: Antarctica Peninsula

These days are spent making land excursions, Zodiac cruises and attending lectures as you have the opportunity to absorb the striking beauty of the landscapes and share this untouched wilderness with penguins, seals, whales and seabirds. You may see Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins, and there is the possibility to see Fur, Leopard, Weddell and Crabeater seals as well as Minke, Humpback, Orca and other whales. Landings may include wildlife, historic or research sites such as Petermann Island, Port Lockroy, Cierva Cove, Mikkelson, Paradise Bay and Neko Harbour.

Days 8-9: South Shetland Islands

At the top of the Antarctic Peninsula, these islands are well known for penguin rookeries and the black lava sands of Whaler?s Bay on Deception Island. Landings in these islands may also include Hannah Point, Arctowski and Penguin Island.

Days 10-11: At Sea

As you cross the Drake Passage, your time at sea is filled with lectures, recaps, watching for wildlife and time to relax.

Day 12: Ushuaia / Disembarkation

This morning, you disembark after breakfast in the charming town of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego of Argentina.