Antarctic Classic
15 days
Voyage to the End of the Earth on MS Explorer
Introduction
This classic Antarctica Cruise takes us across the Drake Passage, over
the Antarctic Convergence, to the Antarctic Peninsula. Here we explore
the channels and isles of the archipelago, observing the mountains,
marine mammals, seabirds and ice formations that abound in this area.
To the South Shetland Isles
From Ushuaia we navigate the Beagle Channel then head south across the
Drake Passage and across the turbulent waters of the Antarctic Convergence.
This meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial
water moving south pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting
a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. Reaching land at the
South Shetland Islands we hope to sail into the flooded volcanic caldera
of Deception Island.
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers and endless white expanses
herald our arrival in Antarctica. Possible landings include Paradise
Harbour, Neko Harbour or Wilhelmina Bay and cruising Lemaire Channel,
Errera Channel or Neumayer Channel. Scientific research stations and
abandoned whaling stations will also be of interest. Conditions permitting,
we'll attempt two excursions per day to explore the rich diversity of
wildlife and potential wildlife sightings include Gentoo, Adelie and
Chinstrap penguins, Fur, Leopard, Weddell and Crabeater seals, Minke
and Humpback whales - and possibly even Orcas. Not to mention the abundance
of seabirds, most notably the albatross that spend the day soaring above
our wake. Enormous icebergs and the sheer walls of their glacial parents
provide virtually limitless photo opportunities.
Spirit of Shackleton
24 days - Islands and Antarctica
Introduction
A longer voyage incorporating visits to the Falkland Islands and South
Georgia. Rich in maritime, whaling and explorative heritage, this area
is also of enormous ecological interest, being home to a remarkable
diversity of wildlife such as the colourful King Penguin and South Georgia
Shag. We follow Shackleton's route south towards Elephant Island where
we begin our exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The Falkland Islands
From Ushuaia we head northeast to the Falkland Islands. This archipelago
of over 400 islands is an important breeding ground for penguins, elephant
seals and sea lions and an abundance of seabirds along the endless beaches,
including the black-browed albatross. We spend time in Stanley, the
most isolated capital in the world, and learn about the island's heritage.
'The Alps in mid-ocean'
Sailing south, the deep fjords and soaring alpine peaks of South Georgia
provide stunning photo opportunities. Here is the most important colony
of king penguins, fur seals and elephant seals and it is estimated that
over 10 million sea birds visit South Georgia each year. During the
spring months the hillsides are carpeted with wild flowers. The islands
are steeped in the history of Antarctic exploration and here we find
the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, possibly the most accomplished and
courageous of all polar explorers.
To the ends of the earth
We push further south and on to Antarctica. En route we hope to visit
a wealth of evocative locations, such as the British research station
of Port Lockroy in the silent Neumayer Channel, the sunken caldera of
Deception Island, the rookeries of Chinstrap, see Adélie, Macaroni
and Gentoo penguins on bluffs, points and bays along the way, and perhaps
even swim in the hot springs of Pendulum Cove.
ANTARCTIC EXPLORER
The South Shetland Islands and the channels of the Antarctic Peninsula
form arguably the most spectacular and certainly the most pristine wilderness
on earth
Our Polar Expedition Ship
This is an astonishing adventure into the heart of the Peninsula. It
is a heady and inspiring cocktail of towering blue icebergs which refract
searing blues and greens, whether against a piercing clear sky or slate
grey one. It is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife: penguins
of almost all descriptions, leopard and smaller seals and the incredible
whales, seen from the shore, the zodiacs and from on board. Imagine
a pair of Humpback whales, at least 14 tons of mammal, rising imperiously
against a turquoise ice-wall viewed from a zodiac only a few metres
away, and you have the essence of the Antarctic. This is a journey that
appeals to many: photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists
or those who simply want to marvel at the peaks of Deception Island
or the striking colours of Iceberg Alley in the most immaculate wilderness
anywhere.
ANTARCTIC CIRCLE QUEST
One of the most exciting cruises in the South Seas, going south of the
Antarctic Circle and beyond into waters untouched by all but the lucky
few
The aim on this voyage is to head as far south as the ice and weather
permit. The adventure begins in earnest when we approach the Antarctic
Circle. Our ice-rated ship enables us to navigate through some of the
world's most scenic waterways - many littered with brash ice, 'growlers'
and colossal, stunning icebergs. We'll attempt to land on the Antarctic
continent south of the Circle and perhaps visit a scientific research
station. After a few days exploring the "deep south", we'll
make further shore excursions on our northerly route along the Antarctic
Peninsula. Our boat is small enough to navigate through the narrow Lemaire
Channel, with glacial walls towering high on both sides, leading to
a jigsaw of jewel-like islands that are home to penguin rookeries, whales,
elephant seals and countless seabirds. If you can spare the extra time,
the rewards of such a unique icy pilgrimage are immeasurable.
ANTARCTICA, FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA
Contrasting the fascinating history and overwhelming wildlife populations
of the Sub-Antarctic with the awesome beauty and strikingly different
wildlife of Antarctica itself - the ultimate Antarctic experience
We cruise east to the Falkland Islands with its large resident population
of Rockhoppers and Magellanic penguins along with Black-browed Albatross
and several colonies of the majestic King Penguins. The historical side
of the islands is also explored before the ship sails on to South Georgia.
Ernest Shackelton - the greatest Antarctic Explorer - is buried here
under the spectacular ice-crowned mountains. The ship threads its way
through magical fjords to Salisbury Plain, a place so remote that it
has evolved into one of the world's most astonishing wildlife havens
boasting a 100,000 population of King Penguins on its beaches, with
an imposing backdrop of snow-covered peaks. The island also supports
significant populations of Elephant and Fur seals. The voyage continues
to the South Orkney Islands and enters an enchanted world of icebergs
and ice-covered mountains as the bays and channels of the Antarctic
peninsula are reached. On frequent shore excursions by zodiacs it is
possible to view Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins at close range
and observe nesting kelp gulls and terns. Whales (Humpback, Minke and
sometimes even Orcas) are frequently seen breaching close to the shore
and even right alongside the zodiacs.