Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetlands: Quest for the Circle – Ocean Albatros, Dec. 2024

Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetlands: Quest for the Circle – Ocean Albatros, Dec. 2024

Trip Summary

Dates: Dec 15, 2024 – Dec 26, 2024
Duration: 12 Days
Adventure Options: Camping, Kayaking, Photography, Snowshoeing
Starting at $10,995.00View Prices

About the Antarctic Circle Voyage Itinerary

Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle; Incredible icebergs Millions of penguins – Adélie, gentoo, chinstrap 5 species of seals – crabeater, Weddell, leopard, fur and southern elephant Whales – humpback, minke, orca Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$10,995 - Cat F Triple Porthole Cabin
$14,395 - Cat D Albatros State Porthole Cabin
$15,695 - Cat E French Balcony Suite
$16,895 - Cat C Balcony State Cabin
$18,595 - Cat G Single Porthole Cabin
$18,695 - Cat B Balcony Suite
$26,195 - Cat A Suite
$29,395 - Premium Suite
$33,595 - Family Suite

About the Antarctic Circle Voyage Itinerary

  • Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;
  • Incredible icebergs
  • Millions of penguins – Adélie, gentoo, chinstrap
  • 5 species of seals – crabeater, Weddell, leopard, fur and southern elephant
  • Whales – humpback, minke, orca
  • Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia


Arriving at the ship in the afternoon, you will be greeted by Expedition Team and ships’ officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.


Day 2-3: Drake Passage


Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as you get ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere on board as our numerous Polar experts prepare you for your adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.


Days 4-10: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands


In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, the goal is to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. The first goal will be to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and into Matha Strait or Marguerite Bay. Given favorable ice conditions, the captain will push our exploration even further southward, looking for historic and wildlife sites. From the most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we will make our way north along the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, the Lemaire Channel, the Neumeyer Channel and the Gerlache Strait will all feature in the itinerary. Landing sites might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Petermann Island and the Yalours, where you will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adelie penguin.

At Half Moon Island you will visit a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. The team also hopes to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to spot orcas and Minke whales as the trip goes. The expedition staff plan on walking ashore on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour. Although it will not be your first glimpse of the Antarctic, a walk ashore on the Continent will evoke emotions to carry with you for the rest of your life. The scenery here is amazing. In particular the oddly shaped icebergs looking like sculptures, as well as the colossal ‘tabular’ icebergs that break away from the continent’s ice shelf. Expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.


Days 11-12: Drake Passage

As you leave this magical place and make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, celebrate the conclusion of the Polar expedition at a special dinner.


Day 13: Ushuaia

In the early morning, arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.


Welcome Aboard the Ocean Albatros


The Ocean Albatros will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, any various exciting new destinations in between.
With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros will definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it’s sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.  The vessel will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and be one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests. Unlike the Ocean Victory, the Ocean Albatros will also offer a unique panorama sauna, and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement.

Technical Specs

With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Albatros is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.

The vessel is part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption

Cabins & Amenities

Restaurant & bar

Dinner always starts with delicious hot soups, cold cuts and crisp, fresh salads. Several choices of entrees are offered each evening, to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements; always including a meat choice, fish choice and vegetarian choice.

After dinner, freshly prepared desserts, including ship-made ice cream or cakes are a great way to end a meal and satisfy any sweet tooth.

A selection of wines and beers is available to perfectly compliment your visit to our restaurant… and if you’re interested in relaxing during your time off from activities and landings, delight onboard Ocean Atlantic by raising your glass to the experience of a lifetime!

Our bar is fully equipped with a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and more, to quench your thirst and reward the explorer in you.

LUXURIOUS CABINS & WELLNESS ONBOARD OCEAN ALBATROS

Ocean Albatros is the perfect addition to our fleet, due to its nautical technology and innovative low-energy usage. He’s been designed and is currently undergoing additional preparations to satisfy our Nordic standards of service.

Our objective for safe and transformational experiences, distinguished lectures and programs, and superior-quality stays on our vessels, can now also manifest through more gentle sea crossings and a luxurious experience onboard.

Her X-BOW™ – Infinity class provides high stability in rough weather and high waves, and the spacious cabins allow for comfort and leisure between locations. Several restaurants, a wellness center and all the commodities to complete a dream voyage to the Antarctic region.

There are private balconies in approx. 90% of the staterooms, allowing you to behold the magnitude of the open ocean all around you.

Notes

INCLUDED in all voyages:

  • Accommodation in shared outside rooms
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Shore landings by Zodiac, ship cruises and Zodiac cruises, morning and afternoon, weather conditions permitting.
  • Information briefings and lectures by expedition team
  • Full board on the ship
  • Free coffee and tea on the ship
  • Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner
  • Boots in assorted sizes, suitable for shore landings
  • Port fees, IAATO fees, taxes and tariffs 
  • Parkas for all guests (excluding South American voyages)
  • Yoga/Stretching: free of charge

Adventure activities:
Kayaking $345/trip;
Snowshoeing $225/trip (Subject to Snow conditions Nov – Dec);
Camping US$395 (Subject to conditions, selected voyages Oct – Dec);
Photography Program US$495/trip.
(Until the 31st of Jan 25)

Book now for early bird discounts on the 2024-25 season

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