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Stunning views from your zodiac cruise

Antarctic Peninsula

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Ortelius
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The great star-actors of Antarctica are the penguins, and in total seven species could appear before your very own eyes on this special 10-day Antarctic cruise. This classic cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula is a wonderful way to maximize your polar voyage experience while observing wildlife in its natural habitat and learning about Antarctic whaling history.
A humpback whale breaches the polar watersTravelers exploring the arctic with zodiacs.An old icebergMacaroni penguin close upStunning views from your zodiac cruise
Highlights
  • Encounter humpback and minke whales as you sail
  • Find large colonies of gentoo, Adelie, and chinstrap penguins
  • Zodiac through fjords and between icebergs
  • Visit research stations & learn about the history of the region
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina/ Embark Ship

In the afternoon, embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located in the shadow of the Andes and right at the Beagle Channel shore. Sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.

Day 2-3: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During these two days sail across the Drake Passage. When crossing the Antarctic Convergence, arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area you may 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. Near the South Shetland Islands, spot your first icebergs of the voyage.

Day 4-7: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A typical itinerary in the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.

Sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island, find a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas. On Danco Island observe chinstrap penguins and possibly Weddell and crabeater Seals. In Neko Harbour take the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers.

When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, take the opportunity to cruise in a zodiac between icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. There is possibility that you may see humpback whales and minke whales.

After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, visit the old British research station (now a museum) and post office at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy there may be a landing on Jougla Point with gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags.

Sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Island, where you can find Adelie penguins and blue-eyed shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter humpback and minke whales. Further south you may visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station and receive a warm welcome from the station crew.

Sailing north through Neumayer Channel, arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape with icebergs, where you may encounter leopard seals, crabeater seals and whales.

Day 8-9: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the Drake Passage, spot seabirds and take advantage of the knowledge of your lecture team.

Day 10: Ushuaia/ Disembark/ Return home

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

Ship/Hotel

Ortelius

M/V Ortelius Reception Area
M/V Ortelius at Torellneset, Spitsbergen
The bar and observation lounge aboard the Ortelius.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,500
M/V Ortelius Quadruple Porthole
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Quadruple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with 2 portholes, 2 upper / lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, Ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Triple Porthole
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Triple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds and private facilities (these can also be used as triple or twin cabins). Spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin
Twin Porthole on the Ortelius
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Twin Porthole
23 twin cabins with 2 portholes, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Twin Window on the Ortelius
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Twin Window
10 twin cabins with 2 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/v Ortelius Twin Deluxe
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Twin Deluxe
6 superior cabins with 3 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Small sofa, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Superior Cabin
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Superior
1 suite with 2 windows (minimum), 1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, ample storage space.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate.
- 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 Ortelius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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