Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition 2011/2012
« All Akademik Sergey Vavilov cruise options




| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Main Deck Triple | Twin Share | Twin Semi-private | Twin Private | Superior | Peregrine Suite | Cook Suite | |
- All of the Akademik Vavilov's departures include optional sea kayaking - rate varies per departure.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
Antarctica is everything south of the Antarctic convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates between 50° and 60° South. For some, an expedition to the Southern Continent is not complete unless the Antarctic Circle is crossed. South of that invisible boundary, daylight lasts for 24 hours from mid-December to late February. Overnight at a hotel in Ushuaia.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
Crossing the Circle is the goal of this expedition. So, on some departures, the ship will push south rapidly, from Ushuaia.
Days 3-4 The Drake Passage
The Drake is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, but you may be lucky and get calm weather. If so, we’ll keep you busy on deck, on the Bridge and in the presentation room. We prepare you for boarding Zodiacs, shore landings and, if you dare, polar dips.
Days 5-8 Exploring the Peninsula
The Expedition Team launches the Zodiacs to skim across the water to go ashore, or drift silently while you watch whales feed or penguins jump aboard ice floes.
Days 9-10 The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’S. Celebrate with a well -earned glass of champagne. Toast to the intrepid explorers who have gone before.
Days 11-12 Northbound Along the Peninsula
There’s a story behind every name on the map of Antarctica. Many of the French names that appear are the legacy of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, physician, yachtsman, and explorer. He, like you, lived for adventure.
Days 13-15 Drake Passage to Ushuaia
As you cross the Drake once again, you’ll have time to adjust to a world where day and night are distinct. You will be transferred to the airport from the ship when you disembark in Ushuaia.
Itinerary Notes
This expedition includes:* 1 night of pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast.
* Group transfer on Day 2 from a designated location in Ushuaia to the ship.
* Shipboard accommodation with housekeeping.
* Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
* Shore landings per the program delivered on the ship each day.
* Professional Expedition Leadership.
* All Zodiac excursions and transfers.
* Formal and informal educational presentations by the Expedition Team.
* A Quark Expeditions parka - yours to keep.
* Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
* The loan of a pair of waterproof boots for the duration of the voyage.
* Coffee, tea, and cocoa available around the clock.
* Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin.
* All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
* Comprehensive pre-departure package including a map and Reader.
* All shipboard luggage handling.
* Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.
* Group transfer from the ship to the Ushuaia airport.
* Transfer from Ushuaia airport to the hotel on Day 1
This expedition excludes
* Any airfare
* Passport and Visa Expenses
* Adventure options - kayaking, mountaineering, camping or cross-country skiing
* Passport and visa expenses
* Government arrival and departure taxes
* Any meals ashore, with the exception of breakfast at the hotel
* Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance
* Excess baggage charges
* Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
* Shipboard and land telecommunication charges
* Gratuity for ship's crew, Hospitality and Expedition Team members
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 20% (minimum $1000), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $15,000 charge.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 130 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 180 days or more | $1000 per person |
| 179-120 days prior to departure | deposit |
| 119 Days or less | 100% total cost |
Akademik Sergey Vavilov





- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 110
Widely regarded as the finest expedition ship operating in Polar waters, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov offers a high level of comfort for Antarctic and Arctic cruises - in her appointment, stability and strength.
As a working scientific research vessel, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov forms the ideal platform from which to explore during your Polar travels. Including all the equipments needed for exploring, from Zodiac landing craft to kayaks and camping gear, even snowshoes.
The Akademik Sergey Vavilov is a well-equipped, ice-rated ship capable of carrying up to 110 passengers. In terms of stability and speed, she is 'state of the art' and, while not luxurious, she's very comfortable and kept in top condition.
All cabins have an outside view, with portholes or a window, and are comfortably furnished. Most of them have semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) or private facilities. On-board facilities include a spacious top deck, where you can enjoy spectacular views, and a refreshing sauna and plunge pool - a great place to relax after your shore excursions. In addition, there is also a well-stocked library, a comfortable lounge and a friendly bar. Other facilities include an exercise room, gift shop and laundry.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
![]() | Main Deck Triple Bunk beds and a sofa bed. Facilities are shared and there are 2 Portholes. There are 2 cabins in this category. |
![]() | Twin Share Bunk beds and shared facilities. Portholes. There are 8 cabins in this category. |
![]() | Twin Semi-private One lower berth and one sofa bed and semi-private facilities (one bathroom between two cabins). Porthole Windows. There are 12 cabins in this category. |
![]() | Twin Private A typical superior twin cabin arrangement. One lower berth, one sofa bed, and private facilities. Windows. There are 18 cabins in this category. |
![]() | Superior 2 lower berths, sofa and private facilities. Windows. There are 5 cabins in this category |
![]() | Peregrine Suite The Peregrine Suite is one of our fine premium cabins. 1 double bed, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, and private facilities. Windows. There are 5 cabins in this category. |
![]() | Cook Suite The Cook Suite is our finest premium cabin. 1 double bed, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, and private facilities. Windows. There is 1 cabin in this category. |























