Antarctica Dream - 12 days December 14-25 2017
- Varighed: 12 Dage
- Sted: Ushuaia, Tierra del fuego
- Produkt kode: BOA
Join a small group of curious, like-mined travelers for the trip of a lifetime—an Antarctica cruise aboard the 116-passenger M.V. Sea Spirit. Antarctica is a place like no other in the world—a land of otherworldly icescapes, towering glaciers and amazing wildlife. Come explore it aboard our luxurious expedition vessel, exceptionally designed and outfitted to provide a safe and comfortable cruise to Antarctica.
Sea Spirit’s ice-certified hull, maneuverability and small size allow her to pursue itineraries not possible aboard conventional cruise vessels. She boasts state-of-the-art navigation and communications equipment, and she meets all SOLAS safety at sea requirements for Antarctic cruises.
Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina. Just 600 miles to the southeast, across the Drake Passage, lies the Antarctic Peninsula. While this is not a great distance, the “White Continent” remains a world apart, a majestic last frontier. Our expedition cruises are scheduled at the height of the Austral summer season – December through February – when waterways are open to navigation and wildlife is most active.
To fully immerse our guests in the experience and take advantage of the many opportunities to view wildlife ashore, we utilize a fleet of inflatable Zodiac landing craft that can be deployed quickly from the back of the ship. While at the Peninsula, we attempt several landings per day, permitting you maximum exposure to the many wildlife species and huge penguin colonies that make their summer homes in this environment. Or, we use the Zodiacs and kayaks for exploration around stunning icebergs and floes where seals stretch out and seemingly pose for our cameras.
Our expedition leader and diverse team of polar specialists will guide you at landing sites and provide an informative program of onboard lectures, video presentations and discussions. Collectively, our team of naturalists, wildlife biologists, geologists and historians has been on hundreds of cruises to Antarctica, and they know the best locations for both scenery and wildlife. They look forward to sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with you, and are dedicated to providing the best Antarctic cruise experience possible.
They’ll also ensure that our guests are able to explore this remote and fragile world in an environmentally responsible manner, leaving no mark on one of the last great-untrammeled regions on earth. Remember that the Sea Spirit’s ability to visit specific landing sites during is dependent on weather and sea conditions, with day-by-day itinerary changes often dictated by nature. Ship movements and expedition landings are made at the discretion of the captain and expedition leader, with optimum wildlife viewing and passenger safety always the priority.
- 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia;
- Group transfers from the airport to the hotel in Ushuaia in a day prior to departure;
- Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation;
- Group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation in Ushuaia;
- Shipboard accommodations;
- All scheduled landings/excursions;
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team;
- All meals on board throughout the voyage;
- Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily;
- Welcome and Farewell cocktails;
- Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
- Branded Poseidon Expeditions parker
- All port fees;
- Pre-departure materials;
- Digital Voyage Log.
- Airfare;
- Visa and passport fees (if applicable);
- Luggage and trip cancellation insurance;
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations;
- Personal expenses such as laundry and onboard communication (telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service);
- Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings;
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of USD 150,000;
- Staff gratuities;
- Pre- or post-cruise travel expenses.
Despite its small size, the city of Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the main starting point for voyages to Antarctica.
Admire the surrounded views of Beagle Channel and the Andes Mountains. If you arrived early, you may want to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost on the planet. Stroll along the main street of Avenue San Martin, and pause at one of the many cafes, shops or restaurants.
Day 2. Ushuaia, embarkation.This afternoon, embark the Sea Spirit and set sail down the picturesque Beagle Channel as the sun sets and dinner is served.
The Сaptain and our Expedition Team will welcome you and raise a toast to success of our expedition.
Day 3-4. Crossing the Drake Passage.
The Drake Passage spans 600 miles from the top of South America to the South Shetland Islands. The Sea Spirit’s stabilizer fins will help to make the crossing comfortable.
Lectures and presentations by our friendly team of Antarctic experts prepare us for what lies ahead. At the Antarctic Convergence, watch for sea mammals, albatrosses and petrels in these krill-rich waters. If the Drake has behaved, we will approach the sub-Antarctic South Shetlands during the afternoon of Day 4.
The Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands provide exceptional opportunities to discover the unique wildlife and awesome landscapes. Depending on weather and ice conditions, the captain and expedition team will direct the Sea Spirit to a variety of secluded bays and harbors to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing. While we have a plan, flexibility is the key to successful expedition cruising. With the help of our expedition team, look for the four penguin, six seal and several whale species on your Antarctic checklist. We’ll also find a time for our most adventurous travelers to take a polar plunge, perhaps in Neko Harbor or the relatively warm waters of volcanic Deception Island.
Day 7-9. Antarctic Continent.
As we head south along the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ill understand why the imposing, snow-covered Lemaire Channel is called “Kodak Alley.” We’ll also try to visit a research station during the voyage, although the work schedules of the scientists may not always permit this. At the Ukrainian base of Academician Vernadskiy, you might want to sample the throat-burning gorilka, or Ukrainian pepper vodka, distilled on location. A Zodiac cruise of Paradise Bay, with its many glaciers, offers an experience like no other on the globe. Cruise by massive icebergs, with cracks and crevices reflecting an amazing spectrum of blue colors. Conditions permitting, we’ll set foot on the actual Antarctic Continent at Hope Bay or perhaps another site.
Day 10-11. Drake Passage.
As the Sea Spirit heads back to Ushuaia, there are some final opportunities to ask questions of our Antarctic experts, to share photos and experiences with newfound friends, and to enjoy our festive farewell dinner. Wave goodbye to the birds and whales, until you meet again on your next voyage to the White Continent!
Day 12. Ushuaia, disembarkation
Disembark following breakfast, and transfer to the airport or the city centre.
