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Penguins at Christmas

Christmas in Antarctica

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Polar Pioneer
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Embark on this 12-day voyage and celebrate Christmas in traditional Antarctic style! Take advantage of the near-midnight sun, which powers an explosion of life along the shore and brightens the thought of camping out or extended kayaking trips. Penguin highways are busy with traffic as parents hurry to fatten chicks, and waterways are alive with whales and seals. Visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth as you enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
Sleeping in the snow!An Albatross in the grass.Kayaking in front of a huge iceberg.A walrus greets youPenguins at Christmas
Highlights
  • Celebrate a White Christmas in one of the most beautiful places on Earth
  • Experience a wonderland of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, and seals
  • Explore penguin rookeries, historic sites, and working scientific stations
  • Camp out under the midnight sun and kayak into secluded bays
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: Ushuaia, Argentina | Embark

Enjoy a hearty, late afternoon welcome from your friendly staff and Russian crew. Settle in to your cabin and explore the ship before setting sail in the evening. Excitement lifts as the ship sails down the Beagle Channel. Be sure to keep watch for Magellanic penguins, dolphins, and albatrosses.

Day 2-3: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The Drake Passage crossing offers excellent bird watching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from the on-board naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from expedition staff. Meet fellow travelers, chat, read, and prepare for the days ahead. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, while king cormorants fly by, and the appearance of penguins and fur seals heralds the ship's approach to the South Shetlands.

Day 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers you to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. If weather permits, early risers are rewarded with spectacular views of ice-clad mountains along the Danco Coast, then soaring Anvers Island. Over the next six days explore penguin rookeries, historic sites, and scientific stations and celebrate Christmas with your expedition 'family' in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. In Zodiacs cruise amongst an iceberg fantasia, where seals bask on floes and kayakers glide into secluded bays. Off the ship is a desirable place to be, even camping out one night if conditions allow. Thanks to the small number of expeditioners on board, spontaneity and flexibility is possible, enhanced enjoyment the result.

Day 10-11: Drake Passage

  • Hotels
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, your mind and soul revels in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what you’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, you may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner with your newfound friends.

Day 12: Disembark | Punta Arenas, Chile

  • 1 Breakfast
Dawn greets you in the Beagle Channel. After breakfast, disembark for a tour of Puerto Williams before boarding your flight to Punta Arenas.

Ship/Hotel

Polar Pioneer

Enjoy a drink at the bar.
Polar Pioneer's dining room.
Polar Pioneer's bar and lounge.

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,600
Polar Pioneer's Public Twin Cabin.
Select a Date
Twin Shared
Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins.

Notes

Please note that all of Polar Pioneer itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. These itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.

- Rates 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 costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
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
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner 
  • Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team 
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
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
  • Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
  • Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.

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