Antarctica Cruise - Great Antarctic Explorers - Ross Sea

Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch, New Zealand

You spend the night at a hotel in Christchurch to rest and relax before the expedition.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

You have arranged for a group transfer to Lyttelton, where you will embark the icebreaker. Scott began his final journey to Antarctica from the same port.

Days 3-5: Exploring Campbell and Enderby Islands

Anonymous whalers and sealers were often the first to visit subantarctic islands such as Enderby and Campbell Islands. Now protected habitats, the islands are nesting grounds for Royal Albatross, while Enderby is home to the rare Yellow-eyed Penguin. You go ashore, if conditions permit.

Days 6-9: Sailing to the Ice Edge

As you sail southward a full program of onboard activities will be underway. In addition to Adrian’s presentations, the Expedition Team will provide insight into the natural history of Antarctica. On deck there will be photo opportunities as you sail the ice edge, searching for Antarctic wildlife. The Expedition Leader may deploy the onboard helicopters to provide spectacular aerial views of glaciers and mountains.

Day 10: Drygalski Ice Tongue

This extension of the David Glacier is named for Erich von Drygalski, a German geophysicist who pioneered the study of ice formation. He used a balloon to take aerial photographs. You'll use the helicopters for aerial photography.

Days 11-12: McMurdo Station, Scott Base, Cape Evans and Cape Royds

It is a haunting experience to enter the small, dark huts left behind by the expeditions of Scott and Shackleton – some still stacked with tinned goods, along with seal blubber that was hoarded as emergency fuel. This visit may, however, be particularly poignant as you share Adrian’s Raeside first visit to the hut that played such a significant role in the life of his grandfather.

Days 13-14: The Dry Valleys and the Ross Ice Shelf

As you approach in helicopters from the sea, the expanse of fast ice stops abruptly, revealing a parched land with no vegetation other than lichen that grow inside rocks. It is a surreal experience to explore the Dry Valleys on foot, surrounded by odd granite formations sculpted by powerful winds.

Days 15-16: The Bay of Whales

Roald Amundsen, who beat Scott in their race to be the first to reach the South Pole, began his journey from a camp at the head of the Bay of Whales. You'll explore the bay, which is an indention in the Ross Ice Shelf.

Days 17-21: The Ross Sea

While you sail the Ross Sea, you will hear more about the many discoveries of James Ross, after whom the sea and the ice shelf are named. Expect to land at Cape Adare, breeding ground of over half a million Adélie Penguins and the location of another historic hut built in 1899 by Carsten Borchgrevink, the first person to winter over in Antarctica.

Days 22-23: Macquarie Island

Three million Royal Penguins, virtually the entire world population, live on Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. King penguins and elephant seals share the islands with the Royals. Enjoy shore landings if conditions permit.

Days 24-26: North to Hobart, Australia

Your final days at sea include presentations summing up the legacy of the great explorers. You’ll disembark in Hobart, Australia on the island of Tasmania.