Crossing the Antarctic Circle – Island Sky, Feb. 2020

Crossing the Antarctic Circle – Island Sky, Feb. 2020

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Trip Summary

Dates: Feb 10, 2020 – Feb 24, 2020
Duration: 15 Days
Adventure Options: Camping, Kayaking
Starting at $10,995.00View Prices

About the Antarctic Circle Voyage (with hotel) 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 * Itineraries […]

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$10,995 - Triple Suite
$15,495 - Porthole Suite
$16,995 - Window Suite
$17,995 - Promenade Suite
$18,395 - Deluxe Suite
$19,995 - Veranda Suite
$22,795 - Penthouse Suite
$24,995 - Owner's Suite

About the Antarctic Circle Voyage (with hotel) 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
* 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: Ushuaia, Argentina


Today is the first day of your adventure in the world’s southernmost city at the tip of Argentina. Embark in the afternoon. Start to become familiar with the expedition staff and ship. In the early evening, set sail and begin the voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.


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 4-8: 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 9-10: Crossing the Antarctic Circle

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like bergy bits and pancake ice will seem normal, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue offering presentations while giving you time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced.


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 Island Sky


The Island Sky is a small expedition vessel with touches of elegance throughout. An all-suite ship, it carries a maximum of 112 passengers and provides an abundance of public space for wildlife viewing, relaxation and taking in lectures and briefings. Every suite has private bathroom facilities and an exterior view, while some suites include a private balcony. In 2017, she was upgraded to add tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on Promenade Deck. All suites have flat screen televisions and DVD players.

She is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 112 guests. Built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2005, each suite features:

  •  Sea view
  •  Queen-sized bed separable into two twin-sized beds
  •  Sitting area
  •  Telephone
  •  Mini-refrigerator
  •  Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
  •  225 square feet or more

 

Technical Specs

  • Staff and Crew: 70
  • Guests: 112
  • Length: 297 feet (91 meters)
  • Breadth: 50 feet (15 meters)
  • Draft: 13 feet (4 meters)
  • Propulsion: 2 B&W Man diesel engines, 4750 horsepower
  • Ice Class: 1D
  • Cruising Speed: 12 knots
  • Registration: Bahamas
  • Lifeboats: 4 fully enclosed

Cabins & Amenities

Aboard

  • Shipboard accommodations
  • All meals on board
  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (some super premium brands excluded)
  • Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
  • All scheduled landings and excursions
  • Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
  • Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
  • Expedition jacket (yours to keep)
  • A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
  • WiFi from the public computers
  • 200MB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
  • Daily international news service
  • All port and landing fees
  • Digital Voyage Log

Suites

  • Exterior views
  • Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds
  • Sitting area with sofa and side chair
  • Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player
  • Telephone
  • Independent temperature controls
  • Mini-Bar
  • Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • 220 square feet or more
  • Sofa can be converted to bed for third person

Notes

  • Does not include international airfare.
  • Single Supplement 1.7 times twin rate.
  • There may be a fuel surcharge on all bookings.
  • KAYAKING is available on all voyages: USD $895
  • CAMPING is available on selected departures: USD $295
  • In addition to the free internet access available on the computers in the ship’s library, all passengers will receive 200 MB of Wi-Fi access for use on their personal device.

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