South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula | Ocean Victory Expedition Ship

South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Ocean Albatros, a ship of ice class that takes guests on Antarctica expeditions and sub-Antarctic island voyages. This cruise will include crossing the Drake Passage and visiting the South Shetland Islands. It will also explore the Gerlache Strait. Zodiac landings are available at lookouts, penguin colonies, research stations and rookeries. This journey offers pristine wildlife and nature views. Depending on the weather, it may even pass Cape Horn.

It is an opportunity of a lifetime to see the wonders and beauty of Antarctica. See penguins in their habitat, as well as seals and whales. The ship's team will teach you about Antarctica and its history.

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, embarkation

Ushuaia, the most southern city on earth is located in this town. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city or go for a stroll in nearby forests. Consider a trip into Tierra del Fuego's raw, natural landscape. Tierra del Fuego is a great hiking destination because of its glaciers and rugged mountains. There are also flower-filled meadows, boggy wetlands and meadows. The vessel is waiting in the port for our arrival.

After our safety drill, we begin the expedition. The Beagle Channel is named after Charles Darwin's vessel. The steep-sided Strait which divides Tierra del Fuego, in southern Argentina and Chile, has been the beginning of thousands of expeditions. Keep an eye on dolphins and other marine life as we approach the Drake Passage.

Day 2 & 3: At sea - crossing the Drake Passage southbound

Continue sailing to the Drake Passage. This waterway separates Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Drake Passage is also called the Roaring Fifties because of its high winds and erratic weather. Our expedition ships have powerful engines and stabilizers, as well as highly-qualified crews, to make this a difficult passage. Drake Passage represents a lifetime achievement to the most daring sailors. It will be twice as good.

We'll use the days we spend on Drake Passage as preparation for our Antarctica trip. You will receive a detailed briefing from your Expedition Leader on how to stay safe and minimize impact. The Expedition Leader will give you tips on how to observe wildlife and about our expedition plans. It is the mission of The Expedition Team to provide you with biosecure equipment and clothing, helping to protect Antarctica's delicate ecology. The Expedition Team will share lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife and other topics.

The third day we enter the Antarctic convergence. As you sail southwards through Antarctic waters, watch the temperatures plummet. The abrupt cooling is the result of the transition between the cold Antarctic waters and the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean or Pacific Ocean. As the sea cools, it will bring with it an abundance of wildlife. These are some of the most biologically productive waters in the world. You can expect to see albatrosses and penguins, as well as seals or even whales. Weather permitting, we may be able to land at South Shetland Islands. This is a stunning archipelago located north of Antarctic Peninsula. The Last Continent will be our first stop.

Day 4 to 7: South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula

Day 8 & 9: At sea - crossing the Drake Passage northbound

Day 10: Back to Ushuaia and disembarkation

| Falkland | Rockhopper, Black-browed Albatross colony

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Elephant Island | South Shetland Islands | Antarctica

Cruise Includes

Stateroom accommodation on board during your voyage

Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre

Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport

All Zodiac excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team

Expedition parka

Rubber boots loan scheme

Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team

English-speaking Expedition Team

Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks

Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)

Free tea and coffee available 24 hours

Taxes and landing fees

Special photo workshops

Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties

Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!

Cruise does not include

International or internal flights

Extra excursions and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades

Meals not on board the ship

Beverages (other than coffee and tea)

Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)

Personal expenses (e.g. Polar Spa services, Ocean Boutique purchases)

Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landings and excursions

Laundry, bar, and other personal charges, unless specified

Travel and medical insurance (compulsory)

Pre or post cruise travel expenses

Visa (if applicable) and passport fees

Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings

Highlights

Crossing the Drake Passage

Visiting the South Shetland Islands

Exploring the Gerlache Strait

Making Zodiac landings

Learning about the history and science of Antarctica

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.