Antarctica Cruise - Across the Circle
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Historic Areas - kayaking, camping
14 Days   |   Departures: 12/20/13, 2/25/14, 3/9/14   |   From $5,499

Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia
Arrive into Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Make your way to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Sitting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia actually means 'the bay facing westward' in the language of the original Yamna inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940s) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for people cruising to Antarctica. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the only coastal national park in Argentina.

Day 2: Ushuaia
Today, you will embark on the Expedition. Group embarkation is set for 4 p.m. The morning is free to do any last minute shopping or an optional excursion to the Terra Del Fuego National park or a good hike up to the Marshall Glacier. The evening is spent on board the ship watching the sunset over the Beagle Channel.  Please note while it is intended to adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day on board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.

Days 3 - 4: The Drake Passage
Cape petrels mesmerize you, but majestic wandering albatross take your breath away as you cross Drake Passage. Your biologists reveal Antarctica’s natural history, while environmental and safety briefings prepare you.

Spirits soar as air and water temperatures fall, marking the crossing of the Antarctic Convergence. All eyes are peeled for the first iceberg, the first penguin and the first glimpse of land.

Days 5 - 6: Antarctic Peninsula / South Shetland Islands
This is what you've been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, you will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. The goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions encountered.  The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in your 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. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, you will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as it threads its way along the continent, you'll feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers.

Days 7 - 8: Polar Circle Crossing
You set off southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, you push on with your goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with your fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favorable sea conditions, you can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.

Day 9 – 11 Antarctic Peninsula / South Shetland Islands
You will continue your exploration of the peninsula and then into the South Shetlands as you move North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife, you might have the opportunity to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.

Days 12 - 13: The Drake Passage
Time to leave the icy wonderland for warmer climes. With Anvers and Brabant islands astern, return to Drake Passage, your winged companions soaring and dipping in the wake. As icebergs fade on the horizon, memories hold fast as you reflect on a rich diversity of experiences.

Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark
Ushuaia greets you in the early morning. Fortified by a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to the ship, her staff, crew and fellow travelers.

Notes