Journey below the Antarctic Circle

from US$14,295 to US$25,395

Itinerary details

Voyage:
Journey below the Antarctic Circle
Duration:
13 nights / 14 days
Start:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Vessel:
RCGS Resolute

Season 2018/2019


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Journey below the Antarctic Circle

This journey takes us further south than any of our other voyages, hopefully all the way to 66 degrees, 33’ minutes south of latitude, which officially marks the position of the Antarctic Circle.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina — We board our expedition ship in the late afternoon, “throw the lines”, and launch into our adventure. Heading eastwards, we navigate through the Beagle Channel and into the Drake Passage.

Days 2 – 3: Drake Passage — We awake to the gentle motion of the ship as we transit the Drake Passage. This famed stretch of water is known for the challenging weather conditions it posed to the great square-rigged ships of the sailing era. We hope to have an easier time of it as we head south toward the Antarctic Circle. Along the way, we witness many spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. Onboard entertainment in the form of educational presentations about the Southern Ocean, Antarctic wildlife, glaciers, ice and polar history will be punctuated by fantastic meals and announcements from our staff as a new species of bird is spotted.

Days 4 – 10: Antarctic Circle and Antarctic Peninsula — Our first goal is to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and, depending on ice conditions, we hope to make a landing at Detaille Island. This is a breathtaking location and home to an old British Antarctic Survey hut. We then chart a course north along the rugged coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula. Landing sites typically include the Yalour Islands, Petermann Island, Neko Harbour and Wilhelmina Bay – a known ‘ hotspot’ for humpback whale encounters. In all locations we will encounter an abundance of Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, as well as skuas, penguins, and other seabirds. If weather conditions permit you will have the opportunity to spend the night camping ashore in Antarctica, an experience that you’ll never forget

Day 11: Deception Island, South Shetland Islands — We cross the wildlife ‘ super highway’ of the Bransfield Strait and make landfall at the stunning location of Deception Island. The old whaling station begs exploration onshore and there is an exceptional hike to a high point on the wall of the volcanic caldera. Nearby Livingstone Island is simply spectacular, with its snowy peaks and towering cliffs. Other great locations in the South Shetlands include Hannah Point, Half Moon Island, and the rocky spit of land at Yankee Harbour, where we often see Weddell seals sunning themselves.

Days 12 – 13: Drake Passage — Pushing out of the MacFarlane Strait and leaving the icy landscape behind, we chart a course back to South America. Our onboard presentations continue and the seabirds once again join us for our journey north. Our expedition leader delivers a memorable voyage recap and we celebrate with a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. Ifconditions allow, we attempt a rounding of Cape Horn. It’ s a fitting place to reflect on a remarkable journey to the frozen continent.

Day 14: Ushuaia, Argentina — In the early morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for onward flights.

Please note: Specific sites visited will depend on ice and weather conditions, the planned itinerary will be updated at the time of final preparations as well as throughout the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions.

Itinerary details

Voyage:
Journey below the Antarctic Circle
Duration:
13 nights / 14 days
Start:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Vessel:
RCGS Resolute

Season 2018/2019


[table “102” not found /]


INCLUDED

Booking Documentation

  • Extensive pre-departure information package
  • Onboard Information Folder

Personalized Services

  • Educational presentations from experienced guides such as ornithologists, glaciologists, historians, geologists, naturalists and marine mammals experts
  • Photography advice and instructions from the resident photographer. Extended photography workshops available on select departures

Activities

  • All zodiac and landing excursions
  • Zodiac cruising, hiking, guided walks, photography workshops, fitness & yoga

Board and Lodging

  • All meals during the voyage prepared by our chefs
  • Welcome reception & welcome dinner
  •  Farewell dinner hosted by the Captain
  • Daily afternoon tea with fresh snacks
  • Coffee, tea & hot chocolate available anytime
  • Access to wellness area (Finnish Sauna, Plunge Pool filled with sea water, Hot Tub)
  • Natural essential oil amenities
  • Services of English speaking medical officer

Multimedia Room

  • Use of multimedia room to download images. Lightroom, Adobe, Photoshop and card readers are available for use on MAC and PC computers

Expedition Gear Package for duration of the voyage – valued at US$1,000

  • Windproof / waterproof jacket and bib pants
  • Comfortable insulated rubber boots
  • Water resistant binoculars
  • Waterproof backpack
  • Trekking poles available on shore

Transfers

  • From/ to designated meeting points to/from the ship
  • Additional transfers in welcome / departure cities (only applicable on certain departures)
  • Luggage transfer from designated locations to/from your cabin

Optional

  • Sea Kayaking at an extra cost of US$695 per person –  (Epic Antarctica: US$1590 per person). Pre-registration required at time of booking. Confirmed access to kayak at any offered excursion. Limited to 16 passengers per voyage. Includes high quality kayaking equipment.
  • Overnight Camping, including high quality equipment. No pre-registration required. Camping is available on select departures only and can be affected by itinerary and weather conditions. Please see your full itinerary for further details.

NOT INCLUDED

  • International and national airfares
  • Visa and passport fees, airport taxes
  • Pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodation in arrival / departure cities
  • Meals & transfers in arrival / departure cities
  • Personal expenses
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Massages from registered therapist
  • Personal laundry charges
  • Postage, telephone calls & email set up
  • Medical expenses such as fees, prescriptions or medications
  • Travel medical insurance including medical evacuation (mandatory)
  • Trip interruption / cancellation insurance
  • Gratuities to staff and crew

SINGLE TRAVELLERS

Single travellers can choose between “single occupancy” at a supplement of 1,5 x the cabin rate (2 x the cabin rate for suites), or “sharing basis” in Superior, Twin, or Triple category at no additional cost.

CHILDREN & YOUTH DISCOUNT

17 years & under: 25% OFF

18 – 21 years: 20% OFF (for those who can prove they are in full time education)

INSURANCE

Passengers are required to be adequately covered by a travel insurance policy that covers aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica as a result of a medical emergency during the trips, including emergencies related to pre-existing health conditions.

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT

A deposit of 20% of the cruise fare is required per person to confirm reservations with final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Payments can be made by wire transfer or by credit cards (Visa or MasterCard). Payments by credit card are subject to a 2.5% fee.