The Shackleton Spirit
« All Polar Pioneer cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared | Twin Shared | Twin Private | Mini Suite | Suite | |
| Jan 9 '14 Jan 25 '14 * |
$11,900 | $13,975 | $16,350 | $17,350 | $18,975 |
| Kayaking Option: $1250 Group flight Punta Arenas: $660 * Itinerary operates in reverse |
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- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple 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.
- Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Deposit & Payment - Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Day 1 Embark in Ushuaia
Embark in the late afternoon to a warm welcome aboard the Polar Pioneer before setting sail along the Beagle Channel.
Day 2 At Sea
Your Drake Passage crossing offers excellent bird-watching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from your expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from your expedition staff. Have time to meet fellow travellers, chat, read and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 3 South Shetland Islands
If the Drake Passage is kind, you should make your first landing today. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, while sightings of penguins, fur seals and king cormorants announce your approach to the South Shetlands Islands.
Days 4-6 Antarctica Exploration
Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where you will plan to visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing.
Day 7 Elephant Island
Approaching the steep slopes of Elephant Island, home to 22 of Shackleton’s men for four months, hope for a clear view of the spot where the men wintered beneath their upturn boats. With luck go ashore to pay tribute to these hardy souls.
Day 8 South Orkney Islands
Following in Shackleton’s wake, cross the Scotia Sea detouring to the remote, mountainous South Orkney Islands. Zodiac cruise through a maze of icebergs to land at a beach bedecked with penguins, seals, and lichen-encrusted boulders.
Day 9 At Sea
Time to reflect on all you’ve seen and learned, and to prepare for the next phase of your journey as you continue across the Scotia Sea.
Days 10-13 South Georgia
Have ample time to explore the network of harbours along South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, visiting wildlife havens that include the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbors, 3000-meter peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and a plethora of penguins.
Days 14-16 Across the Scotia Sea
Keeping watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks, cross the Scotia Sea, entertained by your expert naturalist and historian.
Day 17 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Dawn greets you in the very British capital of Stanley, Falkland Islands. Bid farewell and continue onward on your group flight to Punta Arenas in Chile. This flight is optional for those who wish to spend more time in the Falkland Islands and arrange their independent flights home.
Itinerary Notes
Please note that the itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. Itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.Cruise fare includes:
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- All meals, snacks, tea & coffee
- All shore excursions and zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services by polar experts
- Use of gumboots
- Daily cabin service
- Polar Pioneer travel mug
- Professionally produced voyage log
Flights:
A group flight from the Falkland Islands to Punta Arenas at the conclusion of the voyage are an additional charge, please add $660 per person.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1450, 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 departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 90 days or more | Deposit |
| 89 days or less | 100% trip cost |
Polar Pioneer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 54
Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers. A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring - inviting surroundings for your Antarctica travel.
This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, maneuverability and small number of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary.
The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses.
Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, but this is a most popular ship for travel to the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Triple Shared Triple Cabins have two lower and one upper berth, a desk, a small washbasin, storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins. |
 | Twin Shared Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins. |
 | Twin Private Twin Private Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, windows, and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Two cabins have upper and lower bunks (cabins 402 and 403). |
 | Mini Suite Mini Suites have a separate small bedroom with double bed, a sofa bed in the main room, a desk, video player and TV, windows and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. |
 | Suite The Suite features a large lounge area, a separate small bedroom with double bed, a sofabed in the main room, a video player and TV, refrigerator, large forward and side facing windows, and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. |
