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Antarctic - Basecamp

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard MV Plancius
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Expedition and exploration are the focus of these voyages aboard the MV Plancius. The ship becomes a basecamp for these polar voyages. “Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. "Activity modules” are offered which go beyond normal shore programs. The vessel stays for two or three days at specific locations to serve active passengers as a comfortable hub, allowing more time than usual for wide-ranging activities on this exciting Antarctic cruise, including complimentary camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering and a photo workshop. Polar diving (additional fee) is available on select departures.
Icebergs in the harbor of Port Lockroy
Highlights
  • Encounter humpback and minke whales near Lemaire Channel
  • Hike near the shore or trek to hilltops for panoramic views
  • View Adelie and gentoo penguin colonies
  • Kayak between icebergs in the polar waters while searching for wildlife
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia | Embark

The voyage beings where "The End of the World" starts, Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city in the world. This afternoon, embark from Tierra del Fuego and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening. 

Day 2-3: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Spend two days sailing across the Drake Passage. When crossing the Antarctic Convergence, arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area, see wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, Cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels and Antarctic petrels are a list of some of the wildlife to be possibly seen. 

Day 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Plancius

  • Ship
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice and dramatically different wildlife below and above. First pass the snow-capped Melchoir Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands. 

Places to visit include: 

Neumayer Channel - The vessel may position itself here, launching its multiple basecamp activities from the protected waters around Wiencke Island. Enjoy the splendors of this alpine environment at sea with Zodiac and kayaking trips, or if in the mood for a walk, there are possible snowshoe hikes and soft-climb mountaineering options farther inland. Naturally, favorable weather conditions determine the possible activities. 

Port Lockroy - After sailing through the Neumayer Channel- get a chance to visit the former British research station, now a museum and a post office- of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. There are great opportunities also for kayaking and camping here. When conditions are right, showshoe around the shore. 

Pleneau & Petermann Islands - If the ice allow it, sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adelie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There's also a good change to encounter humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals. Kayaking, glacier walks and more ambitious mountaineering trips are the potential activities of tis location. 

Neko Harbour - An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks. 

Paradise Bay - Have the chance to make camp here like a true polar explorer, enjoying supreme overnight Antarctic adventure. 

Errera Channel - Possible sites in this area include Danco Island and Cuverville Island, but also the lesser known )though equally picturesque) Orne Island and Georges Point on Ronge Island. 

On the last day of near-shore activities, pass the Melchoir Islands toward the open sea. Keep a sharp lookout for humpback whales in Dallmann Bay. Also, shoot for Half Moon Island, in the South Shetlands, with further chances for activities. 

Day 10-11: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
On the way north, a great selection of seabirds may follow the ship while crossing the Drake Passage.

Day 12: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in the morning and disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast.

Ship/Hotel

MV Plancius

MV Plancius
MV Plancius

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,050
Quadruple Porthole
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Quadruple Porthole
4 cabins with private facilities, 2 bunk beds. (ca. 15 m2)
Quadruple Porthole
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Triple Porthole
4 cabins with private facilities, 2 bunk beds. (ca. 15 m2)
Twin porthole cabin
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Twin with Porthole
9 twin private cabins with porthole. Two Lower berths. (ca. 15 m2)
Twin with window
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Twin with Window
26 twin private cabins with window. Two Lower berths (ca. 15 m2)
Twin Deluxe
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Twin Deluxe
2 twin private deluxe cabins. Lower berths - two single beds.(ca. 15 m2)
Superior
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Superior
10 twin superior cabins. Lower berth - double bed. (ca. 21 m2)

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Single occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share twin price
-Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.
  • During “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop), as well as standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises, are free of charge.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Meals ashore
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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