During this 31-day voyage we plan to visit the Phantom Coast. For two centuries, the ice-locked coastline defied the efforts of explorers to chart it. Exploring the Phantom Coast is still a challege for all but the toughest vessels.
Day 1 Santiago, Chile
When you arrive in Santiago, Chile to spend the night, expect to meet others, like yourself, who have dreamed of sailing on the only polar-class icebreaker fitted for expedition travel in Antarctica.
Day 2 Stanley, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Today you will be welcomed aboard the icebreaker at anchor in the harbor of the capital of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Stanley.
Days 3-4 At Sea
Seabirds accompany the ship across the Southern Ocean to the first landfall in Antarctica. Our Expedition Team will deliver presentations about the birds, and marine mammals that you will encounter during the voyage. Reminiscing will begin, as those who have returned for one last voyage will tell stories about their previous adventures aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov.
Days 5-8 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
We plan to visit penguin rookeries and to cruise among ice floes where seals lounge in the Antarctic summer sun. Pushing southward, we cross the Antarctic Circle, to enter a world of continuous daylight. We’ll explore bays ringed by glaciers, where penguins and seals co-exist in relative harmony. From Marguerite Bay, we’ll enter the Bellingshausen Sea.
Days 9-15 The Phantom Coast and Amundsen Sea
As we follow the Phantom Coast, we expect to visit Peter I Island. In 2006, our historian noted that only 800 people in all human history have been known to visit the island. Look forward to several adventurous days of breaking through the Amundsen Sea pack ice. We’ll deploy our helicopters so you can witness the power of the icebreaker from the air.
Days 16-24 The Ross Sea
Be on the alert for Emperor Penguins. The water around the Ross Ice Shelf is known to be the habitat of the largest species of penguins. Ross Island is home to the U.S. research base McMurdo Station and to Scott Base, New Zealand’s research station. Nearby is Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery Hut (1901–04). Our planned visit is carefully controlled to ensure that the impact of our exploration is negligible.
At Cape Royds and Cape Evans, we’ll visit two huts associated with the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. You’ll tour the huts after an onboard presentation by our historian.
Days 25-27 At Sea
How will you know when Kapitan Khlebnikov leaves Antarctica behind? When the vessel crosses the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary that separates Antarctic waters from the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The zone, which you will encounter during these two days at sea, is about 32 to 48 km (20 to 30 miles) wide, and lies somewhere between 48° and 61°S.
Days 28-29 Macquarie Islands
Heading north, we pause to visit Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Four species of penguin breed there. Macquarie is the only place on Earth where the white-chinned Royal Penguin is found. The number of visitors is highly restricted to this nature reserve to protect the wildlife. To protect the island permission to visit is not always granted.
Days 30-31 At Sea
The Captains’ Farewell Dinner will be especially poignant, for you will be bidding the icebreaker farewell also.
Day 32 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Upon disembarking in Hobart, Australia, we will transfer the group by motor coach from the dock to the airport.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $2000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/mail/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure, and most travelers will pay the final balance with a check, money order, or bank transfer. You can also pay the final balance by credit card, but please note there is a 3% convenience fee assessed to all credit card-not-present final payments.
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 |
|---|---|
| 180 Days or more | $750 per person |
| 90-179 Days | $2000 per person |
| 89 Days or less | 100% total cost |
