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Christmas in Antarctica

« All Akademik Sergey Vavilov cruise options
Zodiacs explore the magestic coastlineA seal sunbathes along the watersCamping in AntarcticaThe penguins line up as you cruise byCruise into the icy waters on your Antarctic tour
Dates Deck + Cabin Type
Triple Share Twin Semi-Private Twin Private Superior Shakleton Suite One Ocean Suite
Dec 20 '13
$5,090 $6,890 $7,390 $7,790 $8,090 $8,890
Kayaking option: $795
Camping option: complimentary
- Single Supplement: 1.5 for twin cabins and 2 for suites. Single supplement is not avaiable in the Triple cabin category.
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Day 1 Embark in Ushuaia

Today is the beginning of your southern adventure. Ushuaia in Argentinean Patagonia, the world's southernmost city, is where you will board the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, your home for the next 9 days. Even as you sail down the Beagle Channel in the early evening you may see your first wildlife and start to become familiar with shipboard life. As you meet the impressive team of naturalists who will provide you with a greater understanding of your exotic destination and the creatures that inhabit it you share a bond with Charles Darwin, Captain Fitz Roy and the crew of the Beagle who explored and named this waterway.

Days 2-3 Drake Passage

Crossing the Drake Passage, there's considerable excitement in the air as you make you're way towards the White Continent. You'll readily fall into the relaxed and friendly atmosphere onboard as your time is divided between watching albatross follow in the wake and presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife and history to Zodiac protocols and the environment.

Then cross 60°S, the geopolitical boundary of Antarctica and pass through the Antarctic Convergence where there's a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the much colder waters of the Southern Ocean. During these sea days there's the element of the unexpected as you may see giant icebergs and the seabirds unique to this part of the world and perhaps the world's largest whales that live in this boundless ocean.

Days 4-6 Antarctic Peninsula

In the bays and coves of the Antarctic Peninsula, your crew intends to utilize every moment to explore by inflatable Zodiac craft that serve both as stable photographic platforms and let you easily land on wild beaches. The sail plan will be selected from the wealth of sites in this most-accessible part of Antarctica and may include beautiful, continental Neko or Paradise harbours, the large Gentoo penguin colonies of Cuverville or Danco Islands, and iceberg-strewn Wilhelmina Bay and Cierva Cove. At any of these locations Humpback, Minke or even Orca whales may make a surprise appearance and you'll also be looking for Crabeater, Weddell and Leopard seals in the water or basking on the ice.

Your team intends to spend a day in the South Shetland Islands, perhaps at Half Moon Island where a colony of chinstrap penguins share the island with a variety of seals and some blue-eyed shags.

The aim is to give you the best opportunity to maximize your Antarctic experience as you like. So it's possible that on a single excursion some may walk up onto a glacier for a high vantage point while others stay down with the penguins near the beach and a third group go cruising the ice in Zodiacs seeking seals and whales. And there's normally time for everyone to do whatever combination of these activities you like. Whether it's the endlessly entertaining antics of penguins and their chicks, the photographic opportunities of seals on ice or the infinite sculptural shapes and rich hues of icebergs you’ll experience it all.

Spend a light-filled night camping on shore and to land on the continent itself. Whether your vantage point is onboard or onshore, expect to feel enriched by spending Christmas in the strange, wondrous and ethereal domain at the bottom of the planet.

Days 7-8 Drake Passage

Heading north, back across the Drake Passage towards the Antarctic Convergence, the albatross return and there's time to reflect on your Antarctic experience. Your ship is aiming for Cape Horn and, if conditions allow, round this ultimate mariner’s landmark and sail briefly into the Pacific Ocean and back into the Atlantic on your way past the islands that form the tip of South America.

On your last night onboard sail westwards along the Beagle Channel while you celebrate the conclusion of this Antarctic Christmas voyage at a special Captain's dinner.

Day 9 Disembark in Ushuaia

In the early morning, arrive back in Ushuaia. After breakfast it is time to say farewell to new friends among the crew and staff and fellow passengers. You will be transported directly from the ship to hotels or to the airport for your flight home. It certainly will have been a Christmas to remember.

Itinerary Notes

Please note:
Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency evacuation coverage is required for this voyage.

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 departureFee
90 days or moreDeposit
89 days or less100% trip cost

Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Akademik Sergey VavilovTravelers set out to explore the wildlife more closely in zodiacsCozy cabinA humpback surfaces close to our zodiacTwin cabin
    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
Main deck triple cabinTriple Share
Bunk beds and a sofa bed. Facilities are shared and there is a washbasin in the cabin, writing desk, porthole.
Upper deck cabinTwin Semi-Private
1 lower berth, 1 sofa bed and semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) facilities. Writing desk, window.
Superior cabinTwin Private
1 sofa bed, 1 lower berth and private facilities. Writing desk, window.
Senior plus cabinSuperior
2 lower berths, sofa and private facilities. Writing desk, window.
Cozy cabinShakleton Suite
1 double berth, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters and private facilities, up-graded bedding. Fridge, TV, VCR, writing desk, windows.
Cook suiteOne Ocean Suite
1 double berth, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters and private facilities, up-graded bedding. Fridge, TV, VCR, writing desk, windows.

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Adventure Life
712 W Spruce St., Suite 1
Missoula, MT 59802

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