Antarctica Peninsula and Ross Sea
Antarctic Peninsula and Circle, Ross Ice Shelf, Mount Erebus, Historic bases, Modern bases, Helicopter landings
31 Days  |   Departures: 1/16/14, 2/18/14  |   From $24,163

Tell me more about a trip to Antarctica!

2013/14 Itinerary Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands, South Georgia cruises Peninsula Cruise 10 days from $4,595 Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula Remote region kayaking option Air-Cruise Fly over the Drake Passage then join your ship in Antarctica. Fly both ways or fly one - sail one options Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands 22 days from $15,980 Antarctic Peninsula Fly / sail 10 days, active adventure, camping, kayaking Antarctica Cruise 14 days, Luxury Accommodation kayaking Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula Active Adventure - kayaking, camping Classic Antarctica Fly cruise with Antarctic Circle crossing 9 days from $12,695 Antarctic Peninsula Luxury Ship 13 days from £13,750 Across the Circle Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Historic Areas - kayaking, camping 14 days from $5,499 Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Peninsula, Penguins, Seals, Whales, Historic sites 10 days from $7,876 Cruises in Eastern Antarctica - Ross Sea Region Ross Sea in the Wake of Scott and Shackleton Ross Ice Shelf, McMurdo Sound 29 days from $18,700 Antarctica Peninsula to the Ross Sea Wildlife and History rarely travelled itinerary 31 days from $24,163 Galapagos cruises Recommended Reading Lonely Planet travel guide Antarctica USA | UK Free world delivery Antarctica Cruising Guide USA | UK Free world delivery

Trip Highlights: A true Discovery voyage including the southern Antarctic Peninsula, the rarely visited volcanic Peter I Island, exploratory programme along the outer fringes of the pack-ice in the Amundsen Sea, Roald Amundsen's starting point from where he gained access to the ice-shelf and finally reached the South Pole in 1911, sailing voyage in the Ross sea, the huts of British explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott, McMurdo Station, the Dry Valleys and Macquarie Island - Welcome aboard one of the most spectacular expeditions on the planet!

Rates: $24,163 - $38,364
Ship  - Ortelius - Research Vessel
Passengers: 106

Itinerary - Embark Ushuaia, Argentina, disembark Invercargill, New Zealand

Notes:

Ports of call and itinerary are subject to change, dependent on weather and tidal conditions.

The itinerary described from Ushuaia to Invercargill is also offered in reverse.

Special note: crossing the Date Line: Both voyages have a total duration of 31 nights / 32 days. However, looking at the starting and ending dates of the voyages, it 'seems' that one has duration of 32 nights and one 30 nights. This is explained by the fact that we cross the 'date line' at 180 degrees longitude. Travelling from Ushuaia and crossing the International Date Line, results in a day being added and from Invercargill results in a day being subtracted. In any case, the duration of the voyage is still 31 nights / 32 days for both voyages.

Helicopter transfers:
During those voyages we will transfer our passengers ashore by zodiac. But, we will hopefully also operate our two helicopters if zodiacs can not be used. Potential candidates for helicopter transfers are Peter I Island, The Ross Ice-shelf, the Dry Valleys, Mc Murdo Station, Cape Evans (Scott's hut) and Cape Royds (Shackleton's hut). In theory we plan on five helicopter based landings, but a specific amount of helicopter time can not be predicted. The use of helicopters is a great advantage and can support us in our goal to reach certain landing sites, that otherwise are almost inaccessible. But, this is a true expedition and we operate our itinerary in the world's most remote area, ruled by the forces of nature, weather and ice conditions. Conditions may change rapidly, having its impact on the helicopter operation and passengers should understand and accept this. Safety is our greatest concern and no compromises can be made. No guarantees can be given and no claims will be accepted. The vessel is equipped with two helicopters, but in the case that one helicopter is unable to fly due to for example a technical failure, the helicopter operation will cease or even be cancelled, due to the fact that one helicopter always needs to be supported by a second operational helicopter.