Antarctica – Basecamp – Hondius, Nov. 2023

Antarctica – Basecamp – Hondius, Nov. 2023

Sorry, this trip has already happened.
Click here to view all upcoming trips.

Trip Summary

Dates: Nov 13, 2023 – Nov 25, 2023
Duration: 13 Days
Ship: Hondius
Adventure Options: Camping, Kayaking, Mountaineering, Photography, Snowshoeing
Starting at $9,100.00View Prices

About the Base Camp Antarctic Peninsula Itinerary

The classic Antarctica voyage with an adventure twist. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the world’s most pristine and unforgettable natural environments, and participate in extra activities every day. Each day the expedition team offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, mountaineering, hiking, zodiac cruising, photography workshop, snowshoeing & camping.  The ship will stay at […]

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$9,100 - Quadruple Porthole
$10,200
Full - Triple Porthole
$11,200 - Twin Porthole
$11,750 - Twin Window
$12,450 - Twin Deluxe
$13,250 - Superior
$14,100 - Junior Suite
$15,800 - Grand Suite with Private Balcony

About the Base Camp Antarctic Peninsula Itinerary

The classic Antarctica voyage with an adventure twist. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the world’s most pristine and unforgettable natural environments, and participate in extra activities every day. Each day the expedition team offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, mountaineering, hiking, zodiac cruising, photography workshop, snowshoeing & camping.  The ship will stay at one landing site for an extended period to allow for more in-depth exploration of the area. The trip will be highlighted by penguins, seals and whales accompanying the ship during your journey along the Antarctic coast.  Your first steps on the continent will be unforgettable as you visit breathtaking sights and historic places. In brief:

  • Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica who are interested in extra activities
  • Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
  • Participate in kayaking, camping, mountaineering & more!
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
  • Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales, birds
* 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: Embarkation


Embark in the afternoon after a morning exploring the world’s Southernmost city.


Days 2-3: Drake Passage


Among the wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south are the Albatrosses, Prions, and Petrels that frequently follow the ship. The Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the Whales and Dolphins that may also be seen in the area. The team will begin presentations with informative and entertaining lectures on the wildlife, history, and geology of Antarctica. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will also be held.


Days 4-8: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands


We will sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. We will sail to the Neumayer Channel, where we position our ship for the multi activity base camp. The protected waters around Wiencke Island will become our playground for all activities. In this alpine environment there are great opportunities to scout the region on foot, per zodiac and during kayak trips. Walkers will find opportunities to use snowshoes on hikes near the shore lines and the mountaineers will find their challenge by climbing hills and view points further inland, i.e. Jabet Peak (540 m). All climbs and excursions can only be conducted in good weather conditions.

We plan to stay two overnights at anchor in order to implement two camp nights and two full activity days. We will visit the British research station and the post office Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags. We look out for leopard seals, crabeater seals and whales .

In good conditions and time allowing we sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Booth Island, Pleneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales. We choose another camp site which is suitable and close to next day’s activity.


Days 9-10: Drake Passage

The lecture series and wildlife spotting will continue on the return trip to Ushuaia and while the team will reflect on beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future.


Day 11: Disembarkation

Morning disembarkation allows you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.


Welcome Aboard the Hondius


The all-new Hondius, launched in 2019, is designed from the ground up for rapid response to polar weather and wildlife conditions that exist nowhere else in the world. Hondius sets a standard as a structurally and technologically advanced polar cruise ship that not only meets the challenges of the polar regions but optimizes their opportunities for adventure.

As a Hondius passenger, you will enjoy cuisine, surroundings, and service that starkly contrast the rugged world just outside your window. An entire deck is dedicated to (multi-language) lectures and presentations in the presentation theater or the sizable observation lounge, and in combination with a fully provisioned bar and separate library room, provide ample opportunities to socialize and guarantee that what time you spend on board will be spent comfortably entertained. Take your pick of numerous cabins and suites, all custom-designed and impeccably outfitted in stylish mid-century modern décor.

Hondius is one of the first civilian vessels in the world to receive a Polar Class 6 notation, the most advanced category of polar cruise ship to date. When you set foot on Hondius, you are indeed choosing the best of modern marine science. Furthermore, Hondius exceeds the latest green requirements imposed by the International Maritime Organization, using only bio-degradable paints, LED lighting, steam heat, and flexible power management systems to keep fuel consumption and CO2 emission at the absolute minimum.

Highlights:
• Flexible, fast, and fortified. Capable of swift and safe response to fluctuating polar conditions.
• Ideal for land-based excursions. Sheltered Zodiac boarding zone for easier entry into the boats that will shuttle you to shore.
• Elegant, cozy, and surprising. Public areas, passenger lodgings, and cuisine that will fuel your exploration and stimulate your senses.
• Interactive, experiential, and informal. Activities that will engage and entertain you on the ship and off.
• Environmentally friendly technology to help ensure your cruise is higher impact for you, and lower impact for nature

Technical Specs

Length: 353 ft / 107.6 meters
Breadth: 25 ft / 17.6 meters
Draft: 17.4 ft / 5.30 meters
Ice class: Polar Class 6 (equivalent 1A-Super)
Displacement: 5,590 tonnes
Propulsion: 2 x ABC main engines; total 4,200 kW
Speed: 15 knots
Passengers: 176 in 83 cabins
Staff & crew: 72
Registered: The Netherlands
New build 2019

Cabins & Amenities

  • Large observation lounge
  • Fully provisioned bar
  • Library room

Notes

  • All rates are quoted per person based on twin occupancy.
  • Single travelers can chose between “single occupancy” at a supplement
    of 1,7 x the Twin or Superior cabin rate , or “sharing basis” in Twin, Triple
    or Quadruple category at no additional cost.
  • Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience.
  • Camping – From $210 per night, max 30 people. (2022- 2023)
  • Kayaking – From $475 per voyage, max 14 people. (2022- 2023)
  • Snowshoe – No charge but sign up required
  • All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.

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

Search Freestyle

Scan the code