Christmas in Antarctica – Polar Pioneer, Dec. 2018

Christmas in Antarctica – Polar Pioneer, Dec. 2018

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Trip Summary

Dates: Dec 18, 2018 – Dec 29, 2018
Duration: 12 Days
Adventure Options: Camping, Kayaking, Snowshoeing, XC Skiing
Starting at $9,100.00View Prices

About the Antarctica Classic (10 days) Itinerary

Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more! * Itineraries on our website are intended only as a guide and you should […]

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$13,800
Full - Mini Suite
$12,100
Full - Twin Private
$10,600
Full - Twin Shared
$9,100
Full - Triple Shared

About the Antarctica Classic (10 days) Itinerary

  • Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
  • Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
  • Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!
* Itineraries on our website are intended only as a guide and you should consult our team for detailed itineraries on specific voyages.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Embarkation


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.


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 4-7: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands


Arrival to the White Continent, the land of extremes! The most common first reaction to the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The route will stress the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas. Guided hikes with the Expedition Team will have you trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adélie penguins are found here, along with Fur, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard Seals. Curious whales, such as Minkes and Humpbacks, are often attracted to Zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.

The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. A visit may be possible to an active scientific base such as Ukraine’s Vernadsky as well as an historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.


Days 8-9: 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 10: Disembarkation

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


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

 

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

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