Antarctic Cruise - Peninsula and Polar Circle

Questions? Call us: 1-866-549-7614

Just the name of this frozen continent at the Âbottom of the earthÂ conjures up images of windswept expanses of snow and ice, rookeries alive with the unbelievable energy of penguins and rich ocean waters where seals and whales abound. In the austral summer, light hitting the ice and snow creates ever changing and dramatic images that capture the imagination of photographers and dreamers alike. Each day is an adventure and a new source of wonder.

Trip Details

Duration: 12 days
Visited Areas: Antarctica
Trip Type: Expedition Trips
Airfare not included

Trip Price (per Person)

USD	6195.00
or call: 1-866-549-7614

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

Board the M/V Polar Star to set sail down the Beagle Channel.

Days 2-3: Drake Passage

From the deck or on the bridge, watch for whales, dolphins and seabirds, while a busy lecture program introduces you to the Antarctic.

Days 4-8: Antarctic Peninsula

You will start your landings well south and will try to reach the Antarctic Circle as early as possible. South of the Circle you will reach places such as Detaille and The Gullet. Steaming northward through the fjords, bays and passageways of the Gerlache Straits, you can watch for seals basking on the ice floes, whales surfacing and blowing, and busy penguins in the thousands. The plan is to land at historically significant bases such as Port Lockroy and Vernadsky. You will visit penguin rookeries on Petermann Island, the Fish Islands and Neko Harbour, go on Zodiac cruises at Mutton Cove and Paradise Bay, and sail through passageways such as the Lemaire Channel.

Day 9: South Shetland Islands

Reaching these islands, you will visit Whaler's Bay on Deception Island, an active volcanic island with thermal waters welling up under the black sand. You will also visit Half Moon Island, the crescent shaped remains of an ancient volcanic caldera. This island is home to Chinstrap Penguins, Antarctic Terns, Kelp Gulls, Skuas, Antarctic Shags and Sheathbills, and is usually a haul out are for young fur seals.

Days 10-11: Drake Passage

After several days of amazing wildlife and scenery, you turn north to re-cross the Drake Passage bound for your port of origin.

Day 12: Ushuaia/flight home

Disembark after breakfast and board your flight home.

Trip Information

Ship	Polar Star
Highlights	This voyage explores both the Peninsula and the Antarctic Circle. The ship is an icebreaker, so it should sail smoothly through sea ice enroute to the Circle.
Trip Notes	Mandatory Travel Insurance:Passengers traveling aboard the Polar Star are required to be covered by a travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000. Proof of coverage is required to confirm your trip. We recommend Travelex Travelite insurance, ask your Program Manager for additional details.Included:Cruise only; accommodation onboard; meals, coffee, tea and juice throughout duration of cruise; onboard lectures and activities; port charges and all shore excursions unless specifically stated. For 1/23/2009 and 2/3/2009 departures, the following is also included: Expedition jacket; onboard boot rental; service charge (gratuity). Not Included:Air transportation and transfers to and from M/V Polar Star; fuel surcharge ($15 per person, per night); visa, passport, vaccination charges and airport departure taxes; pre and post cruise activities; hotels and meals not included in the ship cruise itinerary; emergency evacuation charges; onboard gratuities (2/4/2008 only); personal expenses including laundry, postage, personal clothing requirements; medical expenses; personal travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as bar charges (alcohol, bottled water, sodas); communication costs (phone, fax, email) and shop purchases.
Payment Policy	A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.* Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).*Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure for the following sailings: 1/23/2009 and 2/3/2009.