What does it mean to explore Antarctica? Well AE Expeditions are here to give you a first hand experience in just that. This is their Spirit of Antarctica voyage, on this expedition you will sail across the infamous Drake Passage and along the way admire the wildlife and breath-taking scenery. Get a chance to Zodiac cruise through the ice and even step foot on the continent. If you’re feeling adventurous you can choose from a range of activities throughout your voyage such as camping under the stars! If that’s not going to give you the full Antarctica experience, we don’t know what will. Let us take you on a journey through the Spirit of Antarctica, the voyage designed for adventure-lovers.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
After disembarking your flight and collecting your luggage, you will be met by an AE Expeditions member of staff and be transferred to your pre-voyage hotel. Here you will be able to collect your luggage labels and confirm with AE Expeditions staff if you wish to join the Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise, which departs tomorrow. This is your chance to confirm any details you may need about your embarkation day, Spirit of Antarctica voyage, or any other questions you may have.
The remainder of the day is your own, go ahead and explore Ushuaia before embarking on your AE Expeditions Spirit of Antarctica voyage tomorrow.
Day 2: Embarkation
This morning in Ushuaia you have to yourself, enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel. Prior to or at check out make sure your luggage labels are attached to your bags as you will leave them at the hotel reception where it will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance and will be placed in your cabin ahead of your arrival onboard.
If you have chosen to join AE Expeditions on their afternoon catamaran cruise, you will meet at the hotel lobby for a transfer to the port. On this afternoon cruise you will get the chance to sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Along the way you can watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants bask in the sun. Keep an eye out for rock cormorants, skuas, petrels and albatrosses, as they are often spotted along this route. This afternoon cruise gives you the chance to witness panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountain ranges, the hosts on board have many tales to tell of the communities of the region, this is one unique way to start your voyage.
If you have chosen not to embark on the afternoon catamaran cruise then you have the afternoon at your leisure and will be met back at the hotel lobby at 3:45pm to be transferred to the pier for embarkation on your Spirit of the Antarctica voyage.
Once onboard you will have time to settle into your cabin with your luggage already waiting for you, explore the ship before heading to the important mandatory safety briefings. Head up on deck as the ship pulls away from port and take in the spectacular views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
Day 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing
As you may have heard the Drake Passage Crossing can sometimes offer a lot of movement onboard a ship, spend the next day or so getting used to the motions of the ocean as the onboard expedition team prepare you for the first landing, you’ll hear about important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures. These next couple of days will also see the beginning of the AE Expeditions lecture program which will give you insight into Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.
The wildlife experiences start as soon as you step onboard, enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds in the region, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels that will follow the vessel as she continues to sail. On these sea days you can take full advantage of the onboard facilities, including the gym and wellness centre, and the observation lounge.
As you head into day 4 of this Spirit of the Antarctica voyage, the ship will be nearing the South Shetland Islands and the very tip of the Antarctic Peninsular, meaning you’ll be edging closer to your first iceberg sighting. the excitement onboard is high so make sure you head to the observation deck to catch your first glimpse. You will start to notice the ocean taking on a whole new persona as you get to this part of the Antarctic, you’ll be surrounded by floating ice sculptures and witness scenery you’ve never seen before. As always on this voyage everything is weather permitting, this afternoon, as long as it is safe to do so you may make your first attempt at landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Day 5-9: Antarctic Peninsular
These next few days of the Spirit of Antarctica voyage are purely for exploring, spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of the crispest air on earth, all memories that will stay with you forever. The western side of the Antarctic Peninsular and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore over the next few days, you will have a range of activities available to you. An incredible thing to note is that because you will be so far south, you will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight, meaning your days can be as busy as you wish.
The experienced expedition team onboard have made many journeys to this area and will use their expert knowledge to help design your day to day voyage, including chooseing the best options based on the weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities, to make sure you get the most out of your expedition.
The team generally make two Zodiac excursions a day, giving you plenty of opportunity to get up close to the icebergs. You’ll want to wrap up when heading out on a Zodiac as you will be cruising close to incredible ice cliffs, or among grounded icebergs, on your journey keep a close eye out for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also be your mode of transport from the ship to land, on these journeys you will have the opportunity to visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of the teams favourite spots along the peninsula.
With your time ashore you will be able to stretch your legs, wander along pebbly beaches and walk up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points surrounded by mountains above and oceans below. If you have chosen an optional added activity you will have the opportunity to partake whenever the conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters, again conditions permitting! The polar plunge can take place at any time during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement onboard from the expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your life!
It’s not all about Zodiac cruises onboard an AE Expeditions voyage, the captain may also make the decision to cruise down some of the narrow and dramatic straits, separating offshore islands from the mainland, or possibly drop anchor in scenic bays to watch whales as they travel through the region or even stop to feed. This is the perfect time to pull up a spot at the observation lounge or even make your way to the bridge, which may be open at the captain’s discretion.
Day 10-11: Drake Passage Crossing
Enjoy your final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before re-entering the Drake Passage for your return journey to South America.
Throughout the next couple of days you will be able to take part in lectures and film presentations, completing the Antarctic experience. You may be on your return journey, but fear not, this isn’t the end just yet, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. As you approach the tip of South America, the captain may sail close to the legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
AE Expeditions hope that you can take all of what you have seen and learned about the Antarctic home with you and naturally, become ambassadors for the region, telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place. Advocating for its conservation and preservation, so that they might one day be able to visit the region and experience what you have been lucky to see and do.
Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia
During your final morning you will cruise once again up the Beagle Channel before disembarking the ship from around 8am and head to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires.
Pre & Post Cruise Stays
Included in the price of this cruise & stay package, Paramount Cruises have included a 2-night pre & post cruise stay in Buenos Aires. These stays give you the chance to explore Argentina’s culture and rich history. Spend your time wandering through the historic neighbourhoods of San Telmo or La Boca, and immerse yourself in the colourful street art. Indulge in mouthwatering Argentinian steaks at a traditional parrilla, revel in the greenery of Palermo’s parks, rent a bike and embrace the city’s love for outdoor activities. Buenos Aires has something for everyone, whether you’re into history, art, food or simply soaking up the unique culture.
Inclusions:
- Return flights from London – Regional airports available, supplements may apply
- All overseas transfers
- Two night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast in Buenos Aires, pre-cruise stay
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast in Ushuaia, pre cruise-stay
- Half-day tour of Ushuaia on Day 2, prior to embarkation
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- Captain’s farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation)
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
- Two night’s accommodation including breakfast in Buenos Aires, post-cruise
