Journey to the Antarctic Circle – Ocean Endeavour, Feb. 2025

Journey to the Antarctic Circle – Ocean Endeavour, Feb. 2025

Trip Summary

Dates: Feb 25, 2025 – Mar 10, 2025
Duration: 14 Days
Adventure Options: Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Photography
Starting at $11,099.00View 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

$14,199 - Cat 1 SINGLE INTERIOR
$11,099 - Cat 2 TRIPLE INTERIOR
$11,749 - Cat 3 TWIN INTERIOR
$12,399 - Cat 4 TWIN EXTERIOR
$17,999 - Cat 4A Single Porthole
$12,999 - Cat 5 Twin Window
$13,649 - Cat 6 Comfort Window
$14,749 - Cat 7 Select Twin
$15,499 - Cat 8 Superior Twin/Double
$16,599 - Cat 9 Junior Suite
$18,099 - Cat 10 Owner's 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 Endeavour


The Ocean Endeavour allows you to explore Antarctica while enjoying the class and comfort of a four-star hotel. Featuring one expedition team member for every eight travellers, you can take full advantage of one of the best staff-passenger ratios in Antarctica, with a greater level of personal service and more time with our onboard experts. Complete with contemporary interiors, lounges for learning and reflection, Zodiacs for remote exploration, breath taking 360° views from the deck, an emphasis on sustainability and exciting activities, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for polar expedition cruising.

BENEFITS

• Travellers will enjoy one of the best expedition staff to passenger ratio (1:8) in Antarctica. • Book a single occupancy cabin for the price of an interior twin share berth or a twin porthole berth. • Our strict sustainable travel policy means these expeditions are carbon offset, all seafood is sustainably sourced and we aim to avoid single-use plastic on board. • A large fleet of Zodiacs enables all passengers to be off the ship at one time. There are also two gangways on each side of the vessel to minimise queuing. • Forward facing photography Zodiacs are available. These Zodiacs are designed for comfort and uninterrupted views. • Passengers can enjoy educational lectures from our expert expedition team on the history, ecology and geology of the area. • A variety of health and wellness activities are available on board, including a sauna, saltwater swimming pool, spa and gym. • A wide range of optional outdoor activities are on offer, including snowshoeing, camping and kayaking. • Enjoy Chef-prepared meals. • One-night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia is included at the start of your trip. • Extensive amenities including a restaurant, polar boutique, expedition lounges, bar, sun deck and library

Technical Specs

  • Name of Vessel: The Ocean Endeavor
  • Type of Vessel: Ice strengthened expedition vessel

MAIN DIMENSIONS

Built: Poland 1981

Ice Class: 1B Length: 137m (332ft)

Breadth: 11m (36ft)

Max Draft: 5.6m (18ft)

Cruising Speed: 15 knots

Propulsion: 4 Skoda Sulzer engines (4,355 horsepower per engine)

Electricity: 220 volts/60Hz

Passenger Capacity: 200 (maximum) Crew: 124

SAFETY EQUIPMENT Lifeboats: 6 / Life rafts: 8

The Ocean Endeavour carries six fully enclosed lifeboats and eight life rafts. The capacity for which exceeds SOLAS requirements, with at least 25% more space than the number of passengers and crew on board. It also has an ice-strengthened hull.

Cabins & Amenities

Amenities

Restaurant • Nautical lounge • Polar library • Gym • Swimming pool • Saunas • Spa facilities • Lecture theatre • Polar boutique • Sun deck and plenty of deck space for observation • Elevator access (Decks 4, 5 and 6) • Clinic with licensed Doctor • Wi-Fi in certain public areas (charges apply) • 24-hour tea and coffee available • Onboard laundry service (charges apply)

Excellent option for families – Plenty of triple cabins available for friends or family members traveling together!

INSIDE THE OCEAN ENDEAVOUR

Often recommended for its unrivalled sense of space, the Ocean Endeavour has plenty of open and airy communal areas that allow travellers to bask in the unrivalled beauty of passing polar scenery. Housing 10 different categories of cabin, the Ocean Endeavour appeals to clients of all ages and budgets. From smaller single occupancy cabins (with no single supplement) to larger double suites, there’s plenty of choice. All cabins also come with a hairdryer, bathrobe(s), climate control, a TV, radio and safe.

 

 

Notes

  • Travellers will enjoy one of the best expedition staff to passenger ratio (1:8) in Antarctica.
  • Book a single occupancy cabin for the price of an interior twin share berth.
  •  Our strict sustainable travel policy means these cruises are double carbon offset, all seafood is sustainably sourced and we aim to avoid single-use plastic on board.
  •  A large fleet of Zodiacs enables all passengers to be off the ship at one time. There are also two gangways on each side of the vessel to minimise queuing.
  • Forward facing photography Zodiacs are available. These Zodiacs are designed for comfort and uninterrupted views.
  • Passengers can enjoy educational lectures from our expert expedition team on the history, ecology and geology of the area.
  •  A variety of health and wellness activities are available on board, including a sauna, saltwater swimming pool, spa and gym.
  •  A wide range of optional outdoor activities are on offer, including snowshoeing, camping and kayaking.
  •  Chef-prepared meals.
  • One night in a hotel in Ushuaia included at the start of the trip. • Extensive amenities including a restaurant, polar boutique, expedition lounges, bar, sun deck and library.

Expedition gear:

  • Boots provided on loan.
  • Jacket- A ruggared water-proof outer shell will be provided on board on loan for the duration of the cruise. A top quality insulated mid layer for underneath and for use around the outer decks on the ship is provided to ALL travellers This layer is to keep and take home.

Activities:

A small ship cruise to Antarctica is unlike any other, and an Antarctic expedition aboard the Ocean Endeavour will take you to places you never thought possible. Where else in the world can you take part in additional activities such as sea-kayaking, camping and snowshoeing, dedicated photography workshops as well as off-ship explorations to witness Antarctica from a different perspective. Zodiac cruising and onshore hiking is included with every departure and adventure activity groups are led by three guides with a designated Zodiac. Each off-ship excursion is accompanied by expedition guides meaning you have the expert knowledge and assurance of the crew.

Zodiac Cruising & Shore Excursions/Landings – INCLUDED

Yoga – INCLUDED

Polar Plunge – INCLUDED

Extra adventure options

Kayaking Program – USD $ 1,299 per person

Camping – USD $399 per person

Snowshoeing – USD $399 per person

Private Photography Workshop – USD $ 1,299 per person

Forward Zodiac Cruising – USD $50 per person (spaces limited & subject to availability)

 

 

 

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

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