13 Days FROM USD 5,919 20 % off!
Overview
Antarctica is a world unto itself and this trip, similar to the 11 day Antarctic Classic expedition, introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but gives you two extra days to explore its majesty. Encounter leopard seals hauled out on ice floes and vast rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. Gaze at immense icebergs and witness dramatic glaciers from the open deck. The MS Expedition will bring you safely and comfortably through the stunningly beautiful South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula while its expert guides and lecturers offer knowledgeable insights that will bring the natural history of the region to life and create an adventure of a lifetime.
Video
Optional Activities : Kayaking, Camping
Trip Code: ACTSACD
Travel Style: Expedition Cruise
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Ship: Expedition
Flights: We offer a range of flight options to meet your Antarctica cruise. Contact us today to discuss.
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
-
In just under two weeks, you will experience the world’s most remote wilderness: the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
-
An extension on a typical Antarctica Classic voyage, enjoy two extra days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula which is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, calm waters and abundant wildlife.
-
Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world, is a highlight in itself as it is located in the dramatic landscape of Tierra del Fuego.
-
The chance to step foot on the great white continent to experience some of the most unique wildlife and inspiring scenery in the world.
-
Learn about the Peninsula's remarkable history as you encounter different species of penguins, seals and whales in the cold Antarctic waters.
CRUISE ITINERARY
Check into your pre-cruise hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Embarkation time is set for 4:00 pm. The morning is free for any last minute shopping, an optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park or a hike up to the Marshall Glacier. The evening is spent on board watching the sunset over the Beagle Channel. On the first day on-board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.
Our adventure begins with an 800km (497 mile) crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. On the second day we cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. As we make the passage you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where you meet your guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Keep a look out for sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the ship’s wake.
Over the coming days we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and on to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions. The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers feeding in the cold but fertile waters, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in our wake. There is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.
Today we turn north to begin our journey back across the Drake Passage to our home port of Ushuaia. In between bird watching, whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, our final two days are a perfect opportunity to relax and review the highlights of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.
And so our adventure comes to a close. We'll say our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning. Upon completion of the 8:00 am disembarkation in Ushuaia, you will be transferred to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored.
*** Important - Please be sure not to book flights out of Ushuaia before 12PM (Noon) on the day of disembarkation from your cruise ship.
We specialise in Tailor Made Journeys in Latin America. All Tailor-Made journeys depart daily and can be customised around your cruise. Contact us for today to discuss.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFITINERARY ADD-ONS
-
Interested in visiting the 'Galapagos of the South?' Travelling to South Georgia will expose you to one of the world’s greatest wildlife areas. Home to over 30 million breeding birds, thousands of seals, the introduced Norwegian reindeer, four breeding species of penguin and the largest colony of king penguins on this planet - the island teems with life. South Georgia is also the place for both the final stages of Ernest Shackleton's quest to find help back in 1917 and his final resting place in 1922. Read more about South Georgia in our blog and the MS Expedition's Spirit of Shackleton voyage which visits South Georgia here.
-
Before embarking on your Antarctic voyage, why not experience the amazing wonders of two of South America’s most vibrant cities. A 9 Day Rio to Buenos Aires journey will be the perfect way to indulge in a mix of Latin American cultural experience and sights. From the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer, to the roaring cascades of Iguazu falls and the European avenues of Buenos Aires this is a spectacular way to experience this unique and dynamic corner of our world. Find out more
-
Begin your Antarctic experience by first exploring the dramatic and stunningly beautiful “End of the world”. Start in Buenos Aires, the capital of Tango and a vibrant, historical gem. Experience the wonders of El Calafate a land of stunning beauty and wonder located in the Patagonian steppe before finishing in Ushuaia and witnessing the incredible beauty of the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Find out more
| Departing | Ending | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Kayaking
Camping
Important Information
1 night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, pre cruise
Cabin accommodation on board the ship
All meals whilst on ship
All scheduled landings/excursions
Guiding and lectures by expedition leader and team
English-speaking expedition team
All port fees
All landing fees
Expedition jacket provided (yours to keep)
A pair of expedition boots for use during your voyage
Group arrival and departure transfers in Ushuaia*
EXCLUSIONS:
Airfares to/from embarkation and disembarkation city
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Personal expenses such as laundry, onboard communication (telephone calls, faxes, email service)
Gratuities for the crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
Pre or post cruise travel expenses
Optional activities
- 2 (light adventure)
Willing to share available for no additional cost (Category 1, 2 and 3 cabins only). Surcharge applies for solo use cabin, contact us for pricing. Subject to availability.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure date and availability.
Ship & Cabins
SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST
Talk to one of our Destination Specialists to find the perfect Antarctic expedition cruise and turn your dream into a reality. Chimu also specialise in Tailor-Made journeys so you can explore some of the highlights of South America pre or post cruise. Our Destination Specialists have exceptional knowledge and first hand experience in the regions we visit, and will assist in every way possible to make your journey the most memorable it can be, matching not only the itinerary, but the accommodation and activities to suit your style of travel and budget.
E: stephanibucheli@chimuadve…
When my husband told me "let's go to Antarctica for our honeymoon", I didn't know what…
About me
E: craig@chimuadventures.com
"Working for Chimu Adventures allows to me combine my work with my passion for…
About me
E: kieron@chimuadventures.co…
“The best thing about travelling through Latin America is the unbelievable…
About me
E: jason@chimuadventures.com…
"My most treasured memory of travelling would have to be waking up in the…
About me
E: genevieve@chimuadventures…
“My first impressions of stepping on to South American soil was thinking that…
About me
E: simon@chimuadventures.com
“I love Brazil. Any country that has a public holiday for the best part of a…
About me
E: gavin@chimuadventures.com
“Generally, I find Peruvians very friendly, laid-back and easy to get along…
About me
E: clare@chimuadventures.com…
"It had been something I’d wanted to do for 10 years and finally in September…
About me
Sustainability
As a member of IAATO we follow guidelines appointed by the Antarctic Treaty System to go above and beyond in support of minimizing negative impacts on this pristine landscape. We also encourage clients to look to book pre-and post- accommodation with us, where local businesses will be supported. Our clients also receive restaurant recommendations which support locally owned restaurants
We carefully select all ships we work with and choose smaller sized vessels to create less impact. We use a highly regulated, licensed vessel which is well equipped to operate in the Antarctic’s delicate ecosystem. We view the voyage to the Antarctic as an expedition, not a sightseeing trip. Smaller boats such as ours can navigate narrow waterways and are far less polluting than the larger ships in Antarctic waters. By carrying less passengers, we have far less waste. The waste is carried back to the home port to allow for environmentally conscious waste management and disposal.
For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE