Quest for the Antarctic Circle – MS Expedition, Dec. 2023

Quest for the Antarctic Circle – MS Expedition, Dec. 2023

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Trip Summary

Dates: Dec 21, 2023 – Jan 3, 2024
Duration: 14 Days
Adventure Options: Camping, Kayaking
Starting at $11,399.00View 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

$11,399 - Category 1A Quad
$12,199 - Category 1 Triple
$14,199 - Category 2
$15,199 - Category 3
$16,999 - Category 4
$18,399 - Category 5

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 Expedition


With a maximum of 134 passengers, the Expedition provides an intimate small ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the most remote regions on earth. The Expedition delivers it space, comfort and expertise at a price that few can better.

Technical Specs

  • Passenger Capacity: 134 (maximum)
  • Crew: 53
  • Built: Helsingr Skibsvaerft, Denmark, 1972 (2009)
  • Ice Class: Swedish/Finnish 1B
  • Length: 105m (345 ft)
  • Breadth: 18.6m (61 ft)
  • Max Draft: 4.7m (15 ft)
  • Gross Tonnage: 6334 GRT
  • Cruising Speed: 14.5 knots
  • Stabilizers: Fins, Type Brown/AEG

Cabins & Amenities

  • Observation Deck
  • Fleet of 14 zodiacs
  • Complimentary Bogs Boots for duration of your cruise
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle for every passenger
  • Large Mud Room
  • Library
  • Discovery Lounge
  • Fine dining – one sitting
  • Polar Bear Pub
  • Gift Shop
  • Medical Clinic
  • Sauna
  • Computer Room
  • Gym
  • Public Telephone

Notes

  • Single Supplement is 1.7 times the regular price.
  • Please note that evacuation insurance is mandatory on all cruises.
  • Camping Excursion: $349 per person
  • Kayaking Excursion: $999 per person (Antarctica Classic), $1199 (Antarctica Classic In Depth & Quest for the Antarctic Circle), $1499 (Spirit of Shackleton & Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica)
  • Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience.
  • Promos cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount.
  • All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.

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