Spacious, comfortable passenger vessels designed for smooth sailing with deluxe accommodations and services. These ships offer larger cabins, as well as deluxe amenities such as roomier public areas, lounges and bars, gift shops, and fitness facilities.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia
After a leisurely morning, embark in Ushuaia and sail through the Beagle Channel.
Days 2-3: Drake Passage
In the Drake Passage we witness a multitude of albatrosses, petrels and fulmars.
Day 4: Antarctic Continent
At Hope Bay and Brown Bluff we hope to set foot on the Antarctic Continent. In this area chances are good for encounters with Gentoo Penguins, Weddell Seals, Leopard Seals and Orcas.
Day 5: Weddell Seals of Dundee Island
On the north side of Dundee Island we have the rare opportunity to make an easy and long walk in an ice-free area along a coast with Weddell Seals drifting by on ice floes. At Paulet Island we will observe the last individuals of a large Adelie Penguin colony near the ruins of the Nordenskiold Expedition, which ventured this area in the early 20th century.
Days 6-8: At Sea en route to South Georgia
We hope to sail along the sea ice drifting north out of the Weddell Sea. On the floes we may see some juvenile Emperor Penguins. We'll continue our cruise by the South Orkneys, where the Scotsman Bruce once wintered. On our way to South Georgia, witness a multitude of albatrosses, petrels and fulmars.
Days 9-11: South Georgia
In South Georgia we will pay visits to the abandoned whaling settlements Grytviken, where now the penguins walk through the streets, and King Edwards Point with the grave of Shackleton. Walk near the big King Penguin colony on Salisbury Plain and the breeding Wandering Albatrosses on Prion Island in the Bay of Isles. The last day in South Georgia we will spend in Cooper Bay where we will observe Chinstrap Penguins and Macaroni Penguins and breeding Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses. Later we intend to sail to Gold Harbour to visit another King Penguin colony and to see many Elephant Seals and Fur Seals. It is a good area for long walks. We conclude our visit with zodiac excursions in the magnificent Drygalski Fjord and Larsen Harbour.
Days 12-16: Across the Antarctic Convergence
In the westerlies we have a pleasant tailwind. On both sides of the Antarctic Convergence, look for a variety of species and great numbers of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds.
Day 17: Gough Island
Today we plan to approach the unique Gough Island for zodiac cruising around the island, as always weather permitting. In 2003 we managed to circumnavigate all but four miles of the 33 mile circumference of the island in the ship, saw spectacular scenery and an unprecedented abundance of wildlife. We felt very privileged to be among the few visitors who have been able to experience Gough and in particular, to see it at such close quarters and in such favourable conditions. We hope to be lucky enough to repeat this unique experience with you on board.
Days 18-20: Tristan da Cunha Archipelago
In the Tristan da Cunha archipelago we call at the settlement at the west side of the main island. We will also try to make landings at Nightingale Island with millions of seabirds ranging from Yellow-nosed Albatrosses to Brown Noddies. We allow one day in reserve for bad weather.
Days 21-24: At Sea through Sub-Tropical Waters
At sea, we now enter sub-tropical waters with their own brand of seabirds and dolphins.
Days 25-27: St. Helena and Napolean
St. Helena has a good anchorage and landing site. On this island, we will have ample opportunities to enjoy endemic plants and birds, local culture and pleasant climate. Visit the place where Napoleon lived in exile. There will be opportunities to explore the Island on your own and for snorkeling, in the shallow surf near a wreck we can find a lot of fishes.
Days 28-29: At Sea
Days 30-31: Ascension Island
Ascension Island is a dry volcanic island with a moist and richly vegetated top. The Sooty Tern colony sometimes consists of more than 1 million breeding pairs. We will try to climb the moist summit of Ascension Island and make a zodiac-cruise around Boatswain Bird Island offering also great opportunities for snorkeling. We may witness egg-laying sea turtles coming ashore at night. Some of the passengers may disembark and fly with the scheduled RAF (Royal Air Force) flight to Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, UK.
In the evening the vessel will depart from Ascension Island.
Departure Dates: Mar 9, 2008 (Ship: Professor Molchanov)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Standard twin cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the shared price for the 2006-2007 season, and 1.8 times the shared price for the 2007-2008 season. Superior cabins and suites available for single occupancy at 2 times the shared price.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Also see tour packages in:
Antarctica
Antarctica
S. Georgia and S. Sandwich
St Helena
Boating and Sailing
Glacier Tours
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
