Antarctica Cruises & Tours

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Ship: National Geographic Explorer

Itinerary: Antarctica - The White Continent

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  Seal relaxing on shore

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries  |  cancellation policy

Our journey to the "White Continent" offers six days of exploration on the incomparably beautiful Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands and waterways. The sights, sounds and emotions will stay in your mind forever — enormous tabular icebergs, hillsides covered with thousands of penguins and the excitement on deck as someone shouts, “Whales!” Experience the Lindblad legacy of exploration in Antarctica as you travel with our experienced Antarctica expedition staff, which includes an Undersea Specialist. Zodiacs and kayaks to further our ability to examine this remote wilderness.

Day 1 : Santiago/Grand Hyatt

We arrive in Santiago this morning. With the soaring Andes as a backdrop, Santiago makes a spectacular and welcoming first impression — as does our hotel, the Hyatt Santiago, located in a gracious residential neighborhood. In the afternoon, we have a panoramic overview of the city including a visit to the Pre-Columbian Museum. Return to the Hyatt for a relaxing dinner. (L,D)

Day 2 : Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship

The morning's LAN Chile charter flight offers some rare views as we fly over the vividly rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have a traditional Argentinean barbecue for lunch and board National Geographic Endeavour or Explorer. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : At Sea

We awake this morning well into our journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a unique place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable - a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : At Sea/Antarctica

Our first landfall is at one of the many islands of the Antarctic Peninsula region, taking hikes and Zodiac forays with our Naturalists. (B,L,D)

Days 5-10 : Antarctica

With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. Out there, our ship will freely roam. Our expedition team is a veteran one, and their expert knowledge of Antarctica's waters enables us to take advantage of the unexpected. We'll be out daily - experiencing Antarctica with all our senses as we walk, cruise in Zodiacs, and paddle kayaks through berg fields, hearing the Antarctic seltzer (gases escaping from dissolving icebergs) around us, the cries of the penguins, and the huge, nurturing silence of this perfectly pristine place. We may sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel, known as Iceberg Alley, where a hush falls over onlookers as bergs of beauty and scale drift by. We'll learn to identify penguins, paddle kayaks through berg fields and land with Zodiacs on the "White Continent." (B,L,D)

Day 11 : Antarctica/At Sea

Depending on conditions, we aim to make one last landfall before heading back across the Drake Passage. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : At Sea

As we sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds that cross our bow. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read. (B,L,D)

Day 13 : Ushuaia/Disembark/Santiago

After breakfast, we disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for our LAN Chile charter flight to Santiago, and connecting flights home. (B,L)

Ship Description: National Geographic Explorer

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  Sail the high seas on luxury expedition ship National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.

Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.

Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.

Cat 1 C Deck - Cabins 301-308. Double with porthole.	Cat 2 C Deck - Cabins 317-320, 335-336. Double with window.
Cat 2S C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window	Cat 3 D and E Deck - Cabins 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. Double with window.
Cat 3S D and E Solo - Cabins 105-106, 203, 208. Single cabins with window.	Cat 4 C Deck - Cabins 313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350. Long double with window.
Cat 5 C Deck - Cabins 341, 343. Oversize double with window, no balcony.	Cat 6 D Deck - Cabins 209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. Double with balcony.
Cat 7 E Deck Suites with no balcony - 101-102. D Deck Suite with balcony - 213.	Cat 8 D Deck - Suites with balcony. 215, 219, 230.