Friday, December 16th
This morning, the alarm sounds off at 2:45am. We have thirty minutes before our ride comes. We hustle with the excitement of a trip to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the ... Full Journal »
Antarctic Explorer: The Classic Adventure
« All Ocean Diamond cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Triple | Twin Obstructed View | Twin Window | Single with Porthole | Single Obstructed View | Suite | Balcony Suite | |
| Nov 29 '12 Dec 8 '12 |
$4,795 | $6,595 | $7,395 | $9,995 | $9,995 | $9,995 | $12,395 |
| Kayaking: $950 per person Camping: $225 per person Photography: Complimentary Snowshoeing: Complimentary Nov 29 '12 - German/English Departure Dec 8 '12 - French/English Departure |
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Dec 17 '12 Jan 13 '13 Jan 22 '13 Jan 31 '13 Feb 9 '13 |
$6,395 | $8,595 | $9,495 | $12,895 | $12,895 | $12,395 | $15,395 |
| Kayaking: $950 per person Camping: $225 per person Mountaineering: $575 per person Snowshoeing: Complimentary Cross-Country Skiing on Dec 17, Jan 13, Jan 22: $575 Dec 17 '12 - Cross-Country Skiing: $575 per person Jan 13 '13 - Cross-Country Skiing: $575 per person French/English Departure Jan 22 '13 - Cross-Country Skiing: $575 per person |
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| Deals, Discounts... Savings! | ||
|---|---|---|
| Savings | Dates | |
| 20% | All Departures | |
| $180 | All Departures | |
| These special offers are applicable only to new bookings. Discounts are subject to availability, so contact us for more details. | ||
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person provided. Please contact us for details on arranging additional travel insurance.
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
With a population of over 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going, accessible feel, with dramatic mountain surroundings it is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. You can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city or visit the many boutique shops and cafes while preparing for your upcoming adventure.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart - the next time you see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!
Days 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while you will be provided safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
Days 5-8 South Shetland Islands & Antarctica
When the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can finally begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time your ship visits Antarctica your team witnesses something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. Take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of your minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for Humpback and Minke Whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard Seal.
The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a Chinstrap Penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or depending on the time of year spend time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguin chicks. While cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula you will also have the chance to take a Polar Plunge! Cheer on other travelers or strap on a harness yourself to take a dip and swim in the frigid waters of an icy Antarctic bay.
Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor. You can make a bit of noise yourself too. Hear the echo of voices bounce off a giant glacier, glide your kayak across a quiet bay or strap on some cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore further.
As you sail from island to shore to bay during your four days in the Peninsula, the Expedition Team will educate and entertain you. Opportunities for quiet contemplation, activities for testing your endurance and more than enough wildlife interactions will be provided to satisfy your curiosity.
Days 9-10 Drake Passage to Ushuaia
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Day 11 Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembarkation
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning for you to continue your adventure on land or connect to your return flights home.
Itinerary Notes
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that you will achieve everything outlined to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.Included in cruise fare:
• Group transfers in Ushuaia from the airport to any local hotel
• One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia as indicated in the itinerary.
• Group transfers from a designated location in Ushuaia to the ship on embarkation day
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
• All shore landings per the daily program
• Leadership throughout the voyage by your experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
• Formal and informal presentations by your Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
• An official parka to keep
• Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Hair dryer and bathrobes
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader
• A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard ship
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person
• Snowshoes available on loan for shore excursions
• A comprehensive photography program that includes the services of a resident photography instructor, a program of lectures on photography and digital image manipulation, photography focused excursions at landing sites
• A one-year membership in Friends of Scott Polar Research Institute
Not included in cruise fare:
• Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes
• Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before
• Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance
• Excess baggage charges
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
• Telecommunications charges
• The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
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 |
| 179-120 days | Entire Deposit |
| 119-0 days | 100% Cruise Cost |
Ocean Diamond
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 189
Carrying a capacity of 189 passengers, the Ocean Diamond is the latest in polar vessels to explore Antarctica. One of the many attractive features of this vessel is its fantastic fuel efficiency. This allows the ship to offset the ship’s carbon emissions through an accredited provider, making it the first carbon-neutral ship in the polar adventure industry. Guests will enjoy the many indoor public spaces, spacious cabin arrangements and fine dining aboard the Ocean Diamond.
Polar Library
The Ocean Diamond carries the world’s largest library of polar book and DVD’s afloat anywhere! It includes books in multiple languages covering a number of subjects including wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, geology etc. The collection includes a large number of field guides, picture books, and reference books. The DVD collection includes documentaries, polar-themed films, and popular titles.
Massage and Wellness Program
A wellness instructor offers yoga class daily on the deck of the ship while in Antarctica. A masseuse is available to offer massage therapy. The wellness program also include aromatherapy treatments and protein shakes.
Expert in Residence Program
All voyages feature an “Expert on Board”, a practicing scientist, historian, or researcher from prominent institutions and polar research programs who conducts fieldwork during the voyage. Experts will share their knowledge and expertise with guests, and will offer opportunities to involve travelers in their work. They will also be available at meal times and in the evening to socialize with guests.
Remote Headsets
Headsets are available to clients who can borrow them from the activity desk. These are used by staff to broadcast live commentary at certain times during the day, for example while sailing between landing sites. Travelers can use the headsets to follow the commentary, free to move around the ship and decks.
Cabin Descriptions
Balcony Suite
Approximately 325 square feet (30 square meters) in size, including the balcony, this suite has one double bed or two twin beds, and a full-size window with a sliding glass door that leads to a private deck with chairs. Located on the Observation Deck, this suite has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, two easy chairs, a small table, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer.
Suite
Approximately 400 square feet (37 square meters) in size, this suite has a one double bed or two twin beds, and two picture windows. Located on the Main Deck, this suite has a separate sitting area with sofas, two easy chairs, a small table, and a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer.
Twin Obstructed View
Approximately 200 square feet (19 square meters) in size, this cabin has one double bed, and a partially obstructed picture window. Located on the Captain’s and Upper Decks, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer.
Twin with Window
Between 200 and 183 square feet (19 and 17 square meters) in size, this cabin has one double bed or two twin beds, and a picture window. Located on the Upper and Main Decks, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer.
Single with Obstructed View
Approximately 200 square feet (19 square meters) in size, this cabin has one double bed, and a picture window (the view is obstructed by the lifeboats). Located on the Captain’s Deck, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer.
Single Porthole
Approximately 200 square feet (19 square meters) in size, this cabin has one double bed or two twin beds, and portholes. Located on the Lower Decks, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer.
Triple
Approximately 200 square feet (19 square meters) in size, this cabin has a two twin beds and an upper bed, and two portholes (Note: cabin 332 has three lower beds). Located on the Lower Deck, this cabin has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Amenities include: wardrobes, drawers, flat-screen TV, DVD player, individual temperature controls, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, and hair dryer.
Carbon offsetting program
The Ocean Diamond will offset the ship’s emissions through an accredited provider, thereby offering the first carbon neutral ship in the polar adventure industry.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Triple Lower Deck, 200 sq feet. Two twin beds and an upper bed, two portholes and private bath with tub and shower. |
 | Twin Obstructed View Captains & Upper Decks, 200 sq feet, one double bed, partially obstructed view. Private bathroom with tub and shower. |
 | Twin Window Upper & Main Decks, 183-200 sq feet. One double bed or two twin beds, picture window, private bathroom with tub and shower. |
 | Single with Porthole Lower Deck, 200 sq feet, one double bed or two twin beds. Porthole and private bathroom with tub and shower. |
 | Single Obstructed View Captain's Deck, 200 sq feet, one double bed, partially obstructed view. Private bathroom with tub and shower. |
 | Suite Main Deck, 400 sq feet, one double bed or two twin beds, two picture windows and separate sitting area. Private bathroom with tub and shower. |
 | Balcony Suite Observation Deck, 325 sq feet, one double bed or two twin beds, window and sliding glass door, private deck. Private bathroom with tub and shower. |
