Sightseeing Cruise Through Antarctica

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19 days and 18 nights aboard the M/V Polar Star

This program is considered by some to be the ultimate - not only do we explore the Great White Continent but also the Sub-Antarctic Islands. The Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea area is a place of snowy expanses, historic and scientific sites, seal haul-outs and Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguin colonies. South Georgia is a gem of the south where nature rules with stunning scenery and overwhelming King penguin colonies. The Falklands is home to five penguin species and a fascinating history. We also plan to visit the South Shetland Islands and South Orkneys. Throughout the journey seabirds and whales may be our companions.

Itinerary

Embark the M/V Polar Star in Ushuaia and be a part of our exciting final Antarctic expedition of the season.

From the bridge, observation lounge or deck, spot the first iceberg of the trip and watch for whale, dolphin and birds. Enjoy our extensive and varied lecture schedule which will prepare you for the experiences ahead.

On Deception Island, we will have the opportunity to feel warm air escaping through volcanic vents in the ground - the phenomena caused by the island's dormant volcano. We also plan to explore Chinstrap penguin rookeries on Half Moon Island and will be on the lookout for Antarctic Tern, Kelp Gull, Skua, Antarctic Shag and Sheathbill as well as visiting seals and whales.

As your Captain navigates through ice in the Weddell Sea, we immerse ourselves in the natural and historic richness of the region. Zodiacs will take us cruising around pristine white icebergs and whisk us to land to be amongst crowds of busy penguins and seals, both onshore and in the clear turquoise waters. We plan to visit the volcanic Paulet Island at the rim of the Weddell Sea and home to an Adelie Penguin rookery, Weddell Seal, Fur Seal, Blue Eyed Shag and Petrel. Here, Adelie Penguins live amongst the ruins of the hut built by the crew of Nordenskjold's infamous 1902-03 stranding. Landings are also planned for Brown Bluff, a volcanic mountain, Devil's Island and Snow Hill Island.

At Sea

While at sea we spend time continuing our education of the Antarctic or simply absorbing our breathtaking surroundings. If weather conditions allow, we plan to land at South Orkney Islands, an area with a long history in science and research and home to the Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater and Elephant Seal - numbers which have returned dramatically after near extermination by the sealing industry.

At Sea

This is an unbelievable opportunity to see crowds of Gentoo, Adelie, Marconi, King and Chinstrap penguins who live in an amazing environment of rugged glacial peaks, fjords and tussock grass. We plan to land at Grytviken, where, in the Whaler's Cemetery, the grave of Polar explorer Ernest Shackelton can be found, as well as an interesting museum and Norwegian church. Other planned landings include Royal Bay, Fortuna Bay and Stromness.

We steam for the Falkland Islands while relaxing on board, attending lectures and spotting the beautiful and varied sea and birdlife.

We land at Stanley and make a visit to the museum to learn about the natural and political history of the area. This archipelago is rich in scenery and wildlife, home to albatrosses, petrels, seals and five species of penguin. We also hope to visit West Point and New Island.

With heads and hearts full of unforgettable experiences we leave the Antarctic, bound for Argentina. Our day will be busy with the final lecture program and debriefing.

We disembark after breakfast in Ushuaia fondly known as "fin del mundo" (end of the world).

Notes