Antarctica: Discovery & Learning Voyage – Hondius, Dec. 2019

Antarctica: Discovery & Learning Voyage – Hondius, Dec. 2019

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Trip Summary

Dates: Dec 11, 2019 – Dec 20, 2019
Duration: 10 Days
Ship: Hondius
Adventure Options: Camping, Kayaking, Snowshoeing
Starting at $6,500.00View 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

$6,500 - Quadruple Porthole
$7,350 - Triple Porthole
$7,950 - Twin Porthole
$8,350 - Twin Window
$8,950 - Twin Deluxe
$9,650 - Superior
$10,300 - Junior Suite
$11,850 - Quadruple Porthole
$13,600 - Hondius Suite

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 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

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