Introduction to Antarctica - The White Continent
« All Ocean Diamond cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Triple | Twin Obstructed View | Twin Window | Single with Porthole | Single Obstructed View | Suite | Balcony Suite | |
- 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
Your adventure commences in Ushuaia, Argentina, the most southern settlement in South America. Before embarking, spend some time to shop for souvenirs, stock up on handcrafted chocolate treats or buy any last-minute items you may have forgot to pack. The city offers abundant services and the nearby mountains and national park offer natural beauty, hiking trails and activities to keep you busy.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel. This will be your first opportunity to get to know your fellow adventurers and get acquainted with the shipboard services. As land fades away from sight, you can prepare for your first night and sea! Next stop? Antarctica.
Days 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage
It is impossible to predict the sea and weather conditions encountered as you cross the Drake Passage. Your time during these first days is largely spent chatting with other travelers and listening to the presentations given by your Expedition Team. By the time Day 4 draws to an end the anticipation and excitement of landfall will reach a feverish pitch.
Days 5-7 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Don’t be surprised to wake up to a sea filled of icebergs! You’re now close to Antarctica, where icebergs are more frequent – and more massive. This far south, you’ll likely also get your first sightings of whales, perhaps Humpbacks or even Orcas.
Then, as land appears, you’ll soon get to shake off your sea legs and head out on your first landing. The coast can range from barren, inhospitable landscapes to mountainous peaks dotted with penguins. You will see that everything in Antarctica is done on a bigger scale - don’t be surprised if you feel dwarfed by the dramatic, imposing, environment that surrounds you.
Landing sites vary depending on conditions, but what is certain is that you will see many animals, historically significant sites and varied landscapes. Your days in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula may be spent watching penguins swimming and ambling over pebbled beaches, taking a Zodiac cruise around oddly artistically shaped icebergs, or witnessing a Leopard Seal hunt in the frigid Antarctic waters.
Hiking atop a snow-covered hill in the Peninsula will also provide you with a quiet place for contemplation to enjoy the eerie silence of the continent. Some offer 360° vantage points, others such as Orne Harbor, give you the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. The often comical movements of penguins and seals on land will provide hours of entertainment and photography opportunities. In Antarctica, you don’t have to seek out the excitement, it is all around you. Take a rest on a beach and you’ll soon be surrounded by curious penguins, hike away from the shore and you may witness an iceberg exploding in the water or glacial ice come crashing down into the ocean.
You can create your own excitement too, by taking the Polar Plunge! Harness yourself in and take a quick swim in Antarctica, or simply be amused by the shocked faces of you fellow shipmates who dare to brave the cold waters. Take comfort in the warmth of the ship, which offers plenty of free space for all to enjoy. Some of the most memorable times come from simply watching the sun set, or rise, in Antarctica. Every day will bring a new surprise and new Zodiac excursions and landings. Keep your cameras charged as you never know what wildlife or scenery will greet you next.
Days 8-9 Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities for spotting seabirds and scouting for whales. Your Expedition Team will run their last lectures and presentations, recapping the great Antarctic adventure you’ve just had. This is a time to share your favorite encounters and memories with the crew and your shipmates. Enjoy a farewell dinner and final night on the seas.
Day 10 Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
The time to say goodbye has arrived. After breakfast, you will have time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team, after which you will be transferred to the airport for your homeward flights.
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 | $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. |
