Having crossed the Arctic Circle, Cancer, Capricorn, the Equator and International dateline, I was determined to complete the list by crossing the Antarctic Circle.
I arrived in Ushuaia, Argentina ... Full Journal »
Antarctic Peninsula East & West: Explorers Route
« All Sea Spirit cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Triple | Main Deck | Classic | Superior | Deluxe | Suite | Owners Suite | |
| Jan 24 '14 |
$12,995 | $14,395 | $15,595 | $16,795 | $19,995 | $21,795 | $26,995 |
| Kayaking Option: $950 Camping Option: $225 |
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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
Your Antarctic adventure begins with an overnight stay in the southernmost city in the world - Ushuaia, Argentina. If you arrive early, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy around the Tierra del Fuego archipelago; the city also offers a wide range of shops for dining and shopping.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
Today you join your ship and head south towards Antarctica! Named for the British ship HMS Beagle, the Beagle Channel will be your gateway to the south, charming you with an abundance of birdlife. You’ll likely spot penguins, cormorants, petrels, and black-browed albatross here. Once through the channel you’ll say goodbye to land and prepare to spend your first night at sea.
Days 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, is the legendary body of water that separates South America and Antarctica. Smooth or rough, the crossing of the Drake is a rite of passage for any true Antarctic adventurer. These two days will give you time to get to know the Expedition Team and your fellow shipmates while participating in educational programs onboard.
Days 5-8 Antarctic Peninsula
After a couple of days at sea, you’ll finally arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula. You can expect icebergs to become a more common occurrence as we approach land and make your way along the western coast of the Peninsula. Possible landing sites include Melchiors, Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island and Orne Harbour. Glaciers, penguin colonies and breaching humpback whales will highlight your days, while friendly seals are plentiful in these waters as well. You can also expect to encounter what is arguably the most formidable Antarctic predator - the fearless leopard seal.
Days 9-11 Antarctic Sound & the Weddell Sea
Having sailed northwards along the Peninsula you will begin your passage through the Antarctic Sound. This stretch of water separates the western side of the Peninsula from the Weddell Sea and is riddled with huge pieces of ice emanating from the Larsen Ice Shelf, so have your cameras ready!
Your Expedition Team will educate you in all things ice, as this sea is home to the world’s most impressive floes and tabular icebergs - exponentially bigger and more visually impressive than on the other side of the Peninsula. Antarctic Sound itself offers great places for you to get ashore and stretch your legs at landing sites that are home to nesting Adelie and gentoo penguins. Snow and pintado petrels as well as kelp gulls also call this area home.
Once your ship passes through the Sound, it will be time to venture out by Zodiac to cruise amongst the sea of ‘ice giants’ that float here – among the largest icebergs you’re likely to see anywhere. If conditions permit, continue further south to the historic hut on Snow Hill Island, which contains objects from a 1902 Antarctic expedition and now functions as a living museum.
Your journey then turns northwards, with Paulet Island being one of your possible landings. The island is a 350 meter high volcanic cone that juts dramatically out of the sea. You’ll discover this island to be a bird and seal paradise. Over 100,000 pairs of Adelie penguins breed here, along with blue-eyed shags, snowy sheathbills and kelp gulls. Fur and Weddell seals haul out onshore here, while leopard seals often hunt offshore.
Day 12 South Shetlands
The South Shetlands will be sure to add variety to your voyage as your time spent in Antarctica comes to a close. Just north of the Peninsula, the South Shetlands offer landings where you can see the vegetation of Antarctica - tiny mosses, lichens and algae. You’ll want to give your cameras a final workout here too, as this will be your last day to photograph the seals and penguins of Antarctica.
Days 13-14 Drake Passage to Ushuaia
As you cross the Drake on the way back to Ushuaia, the lecture program continues. Armed with a collection of new memories and stories, reminiscing about the sights and sounds of Antarctica is inevitable. Share photos with your newfound friends, or, weather permitting, spend time on deck and enjoy your last days at sea.
Day 15 Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast aboard the ship, your ships staff will transfer you and your luggage 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 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.
- Fine dining and an “open bar” offering unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- A 10MB card providing internet access via the ship’s wireless connection.
- 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 cards subject to a 3% credit card fee and maximum charge of $10,000 per person ($20,000) per account.
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 |
Sea Spirit
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 112
- Luxury Expedition Ship
Sail aboard the luxurious Sea Spirit and you'll experience Antarctica in grand style. This 112-passenger vessel is one of the most spacious and luxurious expedition vessels currently operating. The ship carries a maximum of 112 passengers in 57 stylish cabins and suites. The ship has two large lounges, library, gym and hot tub, elevator access to all passenger levels, and stabilizers to help provide smoother sailing. All of the comfortable cabins are outside suites with private facilities. Sea Spirit is equipped with inflatable boats for shore transfers and cruising.
Sea Spirit Facilities
- Dining Room
- Two spacious Lounges
- Open bar policy for all guests, including a large selection of wines, beers, liquors, mixed drinks, juices, and soft drinks.
- Library/Game room
- Gymnasium
- Multi-purpose presentation room with state-of-the-art equipment
- Hot tub on the Sports Deck with seating area and Bistro
- Cabins are located in seven distinct categories and all have private facilities - sink, toilet and shower in every cabin, as well as exterior views and satellite telephone access. Fifteen cabins have balconies
- Elevator access to all passenger decks
- Email/Internet facilities, and guests are provided with a card for wireless internet and the services of a digital photography expert
- Medical Clinic
- Stabilizers for smooth sailing
- Kayaking is offered on all Antarctic departures, and camping on all 10 and 15 day voyages
Accommodations aboard the Sea Spirit
All luxuriously appointed cabins are outside suites with private marble bath facilities (sink, shower and toilet), picture window or portholes, walk-in-closet or wardrobe, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator and satellite telephone access. TV/VCR, individual controlled thermostats, hair dryers. All cabins have both 220V and 110V electrical outlets.
All suites except Owner’s Suite can be configured as either two twins or a king-size bed, (bed size may vary from standard). The Owner's Suite, Suites and Deluxe Cabins feature private teak balconies.
TRIPLE
Located on the Oceanus Deck – 250 sq ft average; includes a picture window right in the hull. Triple cabins feature two wardrobes, two twins or a king-size bed and a pull out sofa bed. Triple cabins are #343-348.
MAIN DECK
Located on the Main Deck with 215 sq ft; includes a minimum of two portholes. Main deck cabins can be arranged into two twins or a king bed. Main deck cabins are #252, 254-255, 266-267.
CLASSIC
Located on the Oceanus Deck with 250 sq ft average; includes a picture window right in the hull. Classic cabins feature two wardrobes, include two twins or a king bed. Classic cabins are #330-336, 338-342.
SUPERIOR
Located on the Club Deck with 235 sq ft average; includes a walk-in closet and a large picture window opening onto an outside walkway. Superior cabins feature two twins or a king-size bed. Superior cabins are #414-428.
DELUXE
Located on the Sports Deck with 277 sq ft average; includes a sliding glass door leading to a private balcony and a walk-in closet. Deluxe cabins feature two twins or a king-size bed. Deluxe cabins are #505-512.
SUITE
Located on the Sun Deck with 353 sq ft average; includes a sliding glass door leading to a private balcony, a spacious wardrobe, and a large picture window. Suite cabins feature two twins or a king-size bed. Suite cabins are #601-606.
OWNERS SUITE
Located on the Sun Deck – the luxurious Owners Suite offers a spacious living room with game and meeting area, high-definition plasma TV/video player, BOSE stereo system and refrigerator. The large bathroom includes a jetted tub and a walk-in closet. One king bed in separate room, large sliding glass doors leading to a private sun deck at the bow of the ship.
Specifications
Port of Registry: Nassau, Bahamas
Built: Italy
Year Built: 1991
Passenger Capacity:112 persons
Crew: 85 Persons
Length 90.6M
Breath 15.3M
Draft 4.16M
Ice Class 1D
Lifeboats 4 Partially Enclosed
Cabins: 57
Registered: Bahamas
Speed: 14.5 knots
Voltage: 110V
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Triple Oceanus Deck, 250 sq ft. Window, 2 twins or king bed, pull out sofa bed. Private bath facilities. |
 | Main Deck Main deck, 215 sq ft. 2 portholes, 2 twins or king bed, private bath facilities. |
 | Classic Oceanus deck, 250 sq ft. Window, 2 twin beds or king bed, private bath facilities. |
 | Superior Club deck, 235 sq ft. Picture window, walk in closet, 2 twins or king bed, private bath facilities. |
 | Deluxe Sports deck, 277 sq ft. Sliding glass door and private balcony. Walk-in closet, 2 twins or king bed, private bath facilities. |
 | Suite Sun Deck, 353 sq ft. Sliding glass door and private balcony, picture window, sitting area, 2 twins or king bed, private bath facilities |
 | Owners Suite Sun deck, spacious living room and meeting area, HD TV, sound system, sliding glass door to private sun deck. King bed in separate sleeping area, large bathroom with jetted tub. |
