The Antarctic Adventure Expedition

For the early travelers, an expedition to the Antarctic was fraught with the unknown. Today this is seldom a factor as expedition cruise ships are well equipped to deal with the challenging environment. However, for many the idea of adventure is still the strongest appeal. This expedition is specifically designed to take a more exploratory approach to the program with the plan to perhaps make a? first ever? landing and to delve deep south to the rarely traveled areas. Of course, the program will also still include visits to some of the more popular sites on this lengthened and enhanced program.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia / Embarkation

Board the Polar Star in Ushuaia to embark on your adventure to Antarctic.

Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Leaving the Beagle Channel behind, the ship heads south into the Drake Passage crossing the Antarctic Convergence where the warmer Atlantic waters meet the cold Southern Ocean. Time onboard is well spent preparing for the days ahead with lectures and other presentations.

Days 4-5: South Shetland Islands

The first landfall of the Antarctic region, these islands are well known for their prolific wildlife--expect to see Chinstrap and Gentoo penguin rookeries, haul out sites for Fur seals and perhaps Elephant seals and a multitude of seabirds. A fascinating geological aspect is the black sands and fumeroles in the active volcanic caldera of Deception Island.

Days 6-10: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

As the ship heads south visits are planned to some of the well known highlights of Antarctica such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Lemaire Channel, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay and others. Crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle at 66°33?S you may visit the British Rothera research station and then steam as far south as Marguerite Bay and possibly Stonington Island. If weather and conditions permit, the plan is to make some truly exploratory landings to relive the sensation of anticipation that earlier explorers experienced.

Day 11: Antarctica / At Sea

Before heading back to sea for the return voyage a morning continental landing is planned, possibly at Prospect Point and the Fish Islands.

Days 12-13: Crossing the Drake Passage

Once back at sea the program concludes with lecture programs and reflection on the experiences of your extended time in Antarctica.

Day 14: Ushuaia / Disembarkation

This morning, disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina.