June 22 - Milford Sound - The Hurricane Cometh!
We woke around 7:15 AM and laid in bed until about 7:40. Last night was the warmest night so far. I remember looking on the thermometer outside the ... Full Journal »
Antarctic Circle Voyage
« All Akademik Sergey Vavilov cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Triple Share | Twin Semi-Private | Twin Private | Superior | Shakleton Suite | One Ocean Suite | |
| Jan 15 '14 |
$8,690 | $11,190 | $11,790 | $12,390 | $12,890 | $14,290 |
| Kayaking option: $795 Camping option: complimentary |
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- Single Supplement: 1.5 for twin cabins and 2 for suites. Single supplement is not avaiable in the Triple cabin category.
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Ushuaia / Embark
Today is the first day of your adventure. As you board your research vessel in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city at the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with 'your home' for the next 13 days you cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of you. In the early evening, set sail and begin your voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Days 2-3 Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as your ship makes her way ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere onboard as numerous Polar experts prepare you for your adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as the Akademik Sergey Vavilov enters the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.
Days 4-10 Antarctic Peninsula
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature's glory. The first goal will be to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and into Matha Strait or Marguerite Bay. Given favorable ice conditions, push the exploration even further southward, looking for historic and wildlife sites. From the most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), make your way north along the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, the Lemaire Channel, the Neumeyer Channel and the Gerlache Strait will all feature in the itinerary. Landing sites might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Petermann Island and the Yalours, where you will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of penguins. At Half Moon Island visit a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. Hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to spot orcas and Minke whales as you go. Plan on walking ashore on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour. Although it will not be your first glimpse of the Antarctic, a walk ashore on the Continent will evoke emotions to carry with you for the rest of your life. The scenery here is amazing. In particular the oddly shaped icebergs looking like sculptures, as well as the colossal 'tabular' icebergs that break away from the continent's ice shelf. Some may wish to camp on shore overnight. Whatever your vantage point, whether it is onboard or onshore expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.
Days 11-12 Drake Passage
As you leave this magical place and make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, celebrate the conclusion of your Polar expedition at a special dinner.
Day 13 Ushuaia / Disembark
In the early morning, arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.
Itinerary Notes
Cruise Fare Includes:- shore excursions
- all meals
- guides
- naturalist staff
- accommodations on board
- Overnight camping including required gear
Cruise fare does not include:
- Tips
- additional purchases onboard in the gift shop
- beverages from the bar
- communication services
- laundry services
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1700 for Antarctic Voyages, $2100 for Arctic Voyages, 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 100 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 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 90 days or more | Deposit |
| 89 days or less | 100% trip cost |
Akademik Sergey Vavilov
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 110
The Akademik Sergey Vavilov (ON) is widely recognized as the best expedition-style cruise vessel operating in Polar waters. She's a well-equipped, ice-rated ship capable of carrying up to 118 passengers, although normally carrying no more than 110 for extra comfort.
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.
As a working scientific research vessel, the ship is the ideal platform from Antarctica travel and Arctic cruises. All the equipment needed for exploring, from zodiac landing craft to kayaks and camping gear is provided on board. Your expedition ship even carries snowshoes.
The ship's facilities include a bar, gift shop, gymnasium, infirmary, library, lounge, presentation room, sauna and swimming pool. Also included onboard is an elevator for easy access between all decks.
For communications, the ship carries an Immarsat telephone and fax equipment as well as a variety of shortwave, SSB, and VHF radio systems. She has fully current GMDSS (Global Marine Distress and Safety System) equipment. You will be in good hands aboard with your crew.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Triple Share Bunk beds and a sofa bed. Facilities are shared and there is a washbasin in the cabin, writing desk, porthole. |
 | Twin Semi-Private 1 lower berth, 1 sofa bed and semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) facilities. Writing desk, window. |
 | Twin Private 1 sofa bed, 1 lower berth and private facilities. Writing desk, window. |
 | Superior 2 lower berths, sofa and private facilities. Writing desk, window. |
 | Shakleton Suite 1 double berth, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters and private facilities, up-graded bedding. Fridge, TV, VCR, writing desk, windows. |
 | One Ocean Suite 1 double berth, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters and private facilities, up-graded bedding. Fridge, TV, VCR, writing desk, windows. |
