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Crossing The Antarctic Circle
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Michael Rockwell
Aventura, FL Travel Agent· 16 Years of Experience
An independent agent with Avoya Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(27)
100% Recommended
Our agent, Michael was very personable and helpful. He arranged our cruise details, helped us with applying a military discount and helped make our pre-trip hotel... Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:Argentina
PLACES VISITED:Buenos Aires
SUGGESTED DURATION:14 Days
As you cross the Antarctic Circle at the 66th southern parallel, you enter what feels like another world, creating a connection with your inner explorer spirit. It’s a space rarely navigated, with narrower channels that bring you closer to ice floes, snow-capped mountain peaks and wondrous icebergs, making for a picture-perfect scene you’ll want to capture on your camera. On this expedition, aside from joining the Order of the Nose, you’ll also explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. December brings Gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguin courtship rituals in the Antarctic Peninsula while January brings you to Weddell seals molting in the South Shetland Islands. In February you may see leopard seals or orcas hunting while in March albatross chicks begin to hatch, looking absolutely charming in their downy feathers.
Close All Days
DAY1
Buenos Aires
Close Day
Pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires
After your long flight check-in to a 5 star hotel in a walk to everything location in central Buenos Aires. Representatives from the cruise line will be next to the front desk to greet and inform you of the plans. Have a relaxing afternoon and fun evening.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Enjoy Argentinian cuisine and a riverside walk
DAY2
Antarctica
Close Day
Charter flights and pre-cruise tour
You are transferred to the airport for an early morning flight to Ushuai. Upon arrival you get an awesome tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park and then taken to the ship for embarkation.
Get to know your room and explore the ship. Enjoy your first lunch and dinner onboard, enjoy your first presentations and learning what to expect, make some acquaintances that are veyr likely to become friends by the end of the cruise.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Enjoy your first day of adventure
DAY3
Antarctica
Close Day
Crossing The Drake Passage
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.
The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hold onto your hat, listen, learn and have fun
DAY4
Antarctica
Close Day
You made it.
While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage - you never know what you will get.
As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Day 2 is always better than day one, isn't it?
DAY5
Antarctica
Close Day
Crossing the Antarctic Circle
As you cross the Antarctic Circle at the 66th southern parallel, you enter what feels like another world, creating a connection with your inner explorer spirit. It’s a space rarely navigated, with narrower channels that bring you closer to ice floes, snow-capped mountain peaks and wondrous icebergs, making for a picture-perfect scene. When you do make the crossing, you join the Order of the Red Nose, the select few who navigate deep into the furthest reaches of The White Continent, an unbeatable feeling of triumph.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Captain's Choice
DAY6
Antarctica
Close Day
Exploring Antarctic Peninsula
Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Captain's Choice
DAY7
Antarctica
Close Day
Exploring Antarctic Peninsula
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Captain's Choice
DAY8
Antarctica
Close Day
Exploring Antarctic Peninsula
What will you encounter today? Your Antarctic adventure continues
HIGHLIGHTS:
Captain's Choice
DAY9
Antarctica
Close Day
Exploring Antarctic Peninsula
Could you? Would you?
HIGHLIGHTS:
Captain's Choice
DAY10
Antarctica
Close Day
Exploring The South Shetland Islands
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands contain plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities and magnificent viewpoints that inspire a sense of discovering another world.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Captain's Choice
DAY11
Antarctica
Close Day
Exploring The South Shetland Islands
A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, puts you on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Deception Island, another possible landing and named for its very nature, is in fact a volcanic caldera where you can find heated springs amid the striking black sands
HIGHLIGHTS:
Captain's Choice
DAY12
Antarctica
Close Day
Back on the Drake Passage
Lots of time to look over your photo and enjoy ship activities and amenities.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Captain's Choice
DAY13
Antarctica
Close Day
Drake Passage Crossover
Last day on the Drake Passage. More time for onboard activities and your new friends.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Captain's Choice
DAY14
Antarctica
Close Day
Farewell Ushuaia
Charter flight back to Buenos Aires
HIGHLIGHTS:
Finally It's Your Choice! More time in South America, or time to go home!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Where will you go to next that can match this epic experience? Well, once you get home, have recovered and caught up, I got lots of great ideas for you! :)