HIGHLIGHTS
- Get
into perfect position for observing a total solar eclipse
- Navigate
the ship precisely onto the narrow path of totality—the
relatively small area from which one can see the sun's light become
totally obscured by the moon—at the precise time of the
predicted eclipse
- Meet
the center of the moon's shadow as it moves swiftly across the Scotia
Sea during its rare and brief appearance in Antarctica
- Come
within sight of the Weddell Sea pack ice, adding a great polar ambiance
to this amazing celestial event
- Gather
on deck in the early morning of Friday, December 4th, under clear skies
to observe a total eclipse of the Antarctic sun in the most pristine
wilderness on Earth
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple Classic | Main Deck Suite | Classic Suite | Superior Suite | Deluxe Suite | Premium Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple Classic | (Mid-range)
Superior Suite | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome
to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point
of our expedition. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a
transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included
in the price of the voyage. For the rest of the day you are free to
explore the city. Take advantage of souvenir shopping and a variety of
dining options in the city center.
Day
2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
In
the afternoon we provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you
aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and
get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary
adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams
coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness
where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through the Beagle
Channel on our first evening is wonderful and there is already the
possibility of marine mammal encounters.
Day
3: South Atlantic Ocean
After
transiting the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del
Fuego, we head northeast toward the Falkland Islands. We keep a lookout
for dolphins and whales. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide
comfort in the event of rough seas. Presentations by our experts
prepare you for our arrival in the Falkland Islands.
Day
4-6: Falkland Islands
The
remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’
paradise. We anticipate spending two days in the remote outer islands
where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible.
The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur
seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters
around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s
dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. Our exact route and
exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these isolated
and windswept islands. We also intend to visit the port of Stanley, the
charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within
pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the
Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral
with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift
shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.
Day
7-8: Southern Ocean
From
the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia, passing the
remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. We
also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the
Southern Ocean. Briefings, biosecurity procedures, and lectures from
our experts prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
Day
9-13: South Georgia Island
This
is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration
opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather
conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader
decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and
opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage
will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by nature in this
wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to
go ashore in this amazing place. South Georgia is a scenic wilderness
and an unrivaled paradise for sub-Antarctic wildlife viewing. The
islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including
numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels and terns. On
beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over
100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space
among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and
sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication
program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich
with birdlife. The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also
inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling
station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum
managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. Grytviken is also the
final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.
Our days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions,
sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible
scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
Day
14-15: Total Solar Eclipse in the Scotia Sea
As
the time of the eclipse nears, we leave South Georgia and proceed
southwest across the Scotia Sea toward Antarctica. The goal now is to
get into perfect position for observing a total solar eclipse. To
accomplish this remarkable feat, the captain will navigate the ship
precisely onto the narrow path of totality—the relatively
small area from which one can see the sun’s light become
totally obscured by the moon—at the precise time of the
predicted eclipse. Essentially, we will try to meet the center of the
moon’s shadow as it moves swiftly across the Scotia Sea
during its rare and brief appearance in Antarctica. This may well bring
us within sight of the Weddell Sea pack ice, adding a great polar
ambiance to this amazing celestial event. With the advantage of
sophisticated ice charts and meteorological forecasts—and a
little luck—we will gather on deck in the early morning of
Friday, December 4th, under clear skies to observe a total eclipse of
the Antarctic sun in the most pristine wilderness on Earth.
Day
16-17: Southern Ocean
After
the mesmerizing spectacle of the solar eclipse, we continue west toward
the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic
albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from
panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies.
We may also encounter enormous tabular icebergs drifting north from the
Weddell Sea.
Day
18-20: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
The
Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most
impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife
viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are
surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and
immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an
image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a
variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with
penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special
places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of
various nationalities, some with a gift shop and post office. The South
Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will
likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island
chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and
historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from
Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter.
Farther south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the gorgeous Gerlache Strait
area contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning
scenery. Places with names like Paradise Bay are the epitome of
everything Antarctic: glaciated mountains, towering icebergs, feeding
whales, seals on ice floes, and bustling penguin colonies. At the
southern end of Gerlache Strait is the famous Lemaire Channel, also
known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way
the mountainous sides of the narrow channel are reflected in calm
waters strewn with icebergs. The wilderness of Antarctica is subject to
unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate
our route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition. We
exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing,
amazing scenery and excursions via Zodiac.
Day
21-22: Drake Passage
From
Antarctica we head north through the Drake Passage toward South
America. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as
our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at
sea are not idly spent. This is also the time for our End of Voyage
ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.
Day
23: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After
breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, where we started. We
provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you
wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful
experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your
next incredible adventure to the ice!
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia
- Group
transfer from the airport to the hotel on a day prior to departure
- Group
transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
- Shipboard
accommodation
- All
meals on board throughout the voyage
- Tea
and coffee station 24 hours daily
- All
scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader &
Expedition Team
- Expedition
parka
- Rubber
boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails
- All
port fees
- Group
transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation
- Pre-departure
materials
- Digital
Voyage Log
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 895
- Photography:
FREE
