Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition
« All Ocean Diamond cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Triple | Twin Obstructed View | Twin Window | Single with Porthole | Single Obstructed View | Suite | Balcony Suite | |
| Jan 15 '14 |
$8,795 | $12,395 | $12,995 | $17,895 | $17,895 | $16,595 | $21,595 |
| Kayaking Option: $895 Photography Option: Complimentary Mountaineering Option: $595 Camping Option: $225 Jan 15 '14 - Please note: The January 15th departure is a 14 day itinerary, with one less day spent exploring the Antarctic Peninsula |
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| Feb 22 '14 |
$6,995 | $10,395 | $10,995 | $14,895 | $14,895 | $13,995 | $18,595 |
| Kayaking Option: $895 Photography Option: Complimentary |
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- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a suite is 2 times the shared rate.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person is included. Contact us for details on arranging additional travel insurance.
Deposit & Payment -Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a suite is 2 times the shared rate.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person is included. Contact us for details on arranging additional travel insurance.
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small, but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentinean town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy some hand crafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
The Beagle Channel sets you on your way as the ship sails in the late afternoon. The channel opens up to the vastness of the Southern Ocean, where your next land sighting will be along the Antarctic Peninsula. Named after the famed ship in which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents many great photo opportunities to capture sea birds hovering overhead.
Days 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage
The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You’ll have plenty of time to stare out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team. Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures from your Expedition Team. You’ll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.
Days 5-8 The Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
With the Drake Passage left in your wake, make a final approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready, as the continent’s coastline will make its first appearance, signaling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic. You’ll see plentiful icebergs floating by and be fixated on the surface of the ocean as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes.
As exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites you may visit, including Neko Harbor, Orne Harbor or Paradise Bay. While weather dictates which specific landing sites visited, each one presents a new collection of wildlife and natural attractions.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and camping in Antarctica are a couple of optional activities available on selected voyages.
Days 9-10 Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted at 66° 33’ S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!
Make a toast and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people.
Days 11-12 Northbound along the Peninsula
By now, your knowledge of Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and pancake ice will seem normal too, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head back towards the Drake, Zodiac excursions will continue to fill your days, while the Expedition Team will help fill in any blanks that remain in your newly acquired knowledge of the Antarctic.
Days 13-14 Drake Passage to Ushuaia
Re-crossing the Drake, Antarctica fades away and you’ll be left with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the time passing the Drake Passage fly by, independent of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up their series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of some of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve visited over the course of your voyage.
Day 15 Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Today you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and your fellow travelers. You’ll disembark in the morning so that you may catch your homeward bound flights.
Itinerary Notes
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that everything can be accomplished. 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.Rates include:
- One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia as indicated in the itinerary.
- 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 in every cabin.
- 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 for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.
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 | $1200 per person |
| 179-120 Days | Entire deposit |
| 119 Days or less | 100% total 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. |
