Across the Antarctic Circle – Polar Pioneer, Feb. 2019
Across the Antarctic Circle – Polar Pioneer, Feb. 2019
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Trip Summary
About the Antarctica Classic in Depth Itinerary
Like the ‘Antarctica Classic’, this 13-day expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, and offers you two additional days to explore the Peninsula. The In-Depth itinerary allows you to explore less-visited sites on the Peninsula and to become even more fully immersed in the Antarctic experience. […]
Itinerary Map
Pricing Information
Limited - Triple Shared
Full - Twin Shared
Limited - Twin Private
Full - Mini Suite
About the Antarctica Classic in Depth Itinerary
Like the ‘Antarctica Classic’, this 13-day expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, and offers you two additional days to explore the Peninsula. The In-Depth itinerary allows you to explore less-visited sites on the Peninsula and to become even more fully immersed in the Antarctic experience. Encounter leopard seals lazing on ice floes and immense rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. Expert expedition staff guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insights that really bring the nature and history of the region to life and serve to create an adventure of a lifetime. * Itineraries on our website are intended only as a guide and you should consult our team for detailed itineraries on specific voyages.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers you a small-town feel but has many shops, museums, cafes and restaurants to enjoy before your voyage. The nearby national park and Martial Glacier are must-sees and offer plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.
Day 2: Embarkation
Embarkation begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Days 3-4: Drake Passage
The adventure begins with a 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from your expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the ship’s wake.
Days 5-10: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent.
Attempt two shore landings per day (weather conditions permitting), and encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and orca, humpback and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history. During the voyage you will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
Days 11-12: Drake Passage
Today begins the journey north to our home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff. Keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some final whale sightings.
Day 13: Disembarkation
Disembark in the morning.
Welcome Aboard the Polar Pioneer
Polar Pioneer was reborn in 2022 with a refurbishment and will be coming back to Antarctica for the 2023-24 season. Built in Finland in 1982 as an ice-strengthened research ship, for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR’s northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers.A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring.
This is one of the smallest ships traveling to Antarctica, and this class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, maneuverability and small number of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space.
The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses.
Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, but the accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.
Technical Specs
- Maximum Passengers: 54
- Staff & Crew: 25
- Place built: Finland
- Displacement: 2 140 tons
- Length: 71.6 meters
- Width: 12.8 meters
- Draft: 4.5 meters
- ISM and SOLAS certified as Ice Strengthened vessel
- Speed: 12.5 knots
- Refurbished: 2000
Cabins & Amenities
- All cabins are exterior, with porthole windows
- The public areas include a dining room which also act as lecture room.
- Cozy bar with reference books and fresh coffee and tea available at all times.
- Sauna that holds up to five passengers.
- Open bridge policy
- Email facilities available
- 220 volts power
- Laundry service available
Notes
- International Airfare Not Included.
- Flights included for Fly/Cruise itineraries.
- Rates are per person, based on twin-share. Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate.
- Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance Required.
- All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
Adventure options
- Must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience.
- Kayaking : from $1050
- Camping Free
- Photography Free
- Snowshoeing $250
- Ski Touring $900
- Climbing $900
- South Georgia Alpine Crossing $2,150
