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 »
Explore South Georgia: The Ultimate Wildlife Expedition
« All Sea Spirit cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Triple | Main Deck | Classic | Superior | Deluxe | Suite | Owners Suite | |
| Oct 28 '12 |
$10,295 | $11,795 | $12,595 | $13,295 | $15,995 | $17,495 | $20,995 |
| Optional Kayaking: $950 per person | |||||||
| Deals, Discounts... Savings! | ||
|---|---|---|
| Savings | Dates | |
| $1000 | Select Antarctic Departures | |
| These special offers are applicable only to new bookings. Discounts are subject to availability, so contact us for more details. | ||
- 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
Begin your adventure with an overnight stay in Ushuaia – capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, and southernmost city in the world.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
You will embark in the late afternoon, after which the vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel on your way out to the open sea. Think of the Beagle Channel as the tasty appetizer before your main course arrives. You will want to get out on deck and keep your eyes peeled - there are several bird species here that will capture your attention and give your photography skills a test.
Days 3-4 At Sea, South Atlantic Ocean
The Expedition Team will keep you busy by testing your knowledge of seabirds, penguins and history of South Georgia as they begin their educational lecture program Your first days will include time to get acquainted with fellow travelers and learning about the shore landings, Zodiac excursions and kayaking opportunities that await you in South Georgia.
Days 5-13 South Georgia
The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sighting of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Rising out of the icy ocean waters, have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks and the shags, prions and wandering albatross that often rest here.
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head towards its dark sandy beaches to find a protected bay to prepare for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, and are largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whatever landing sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else on Earth. This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches littered with penguins - in particular king and macaroni penguins. Many rookeries number into the hundreds of thousands! It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can all be seen in abundance.
A couple of landings that best represent what you can expect in South Georgia are Gold Harbor and Cooper Bay. Perhaps the most picturesque site in all of South Georgia, Gold Harbor provides a dizzying amount of wildlife all in one location. It will enchant you with a view of the overhanging Bertrab Glacier to the east, a massive King penguin colony in the distance, an abundance of southern elephant seals and fur seals, as well as nesting albatross high above in the tussock grass. Not to be outdone, Cooper Bay at the southern end of South Georgia will bring you close to a macaroni penguin rookery, before you sail off for a scenic cruise through Drygalski Fjord.
You’ll find that South Georgia is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Once a popular base for whalers and sealers, Captain James Cook first reported on the abundance of wildlife here in 1775. His report resulted in an almost complete decimation of fur seals and a drastic decline in both whale and elephant seal populations. Your Expedition Team will help bring those days to life for you, as you’ll visit old whaling stations and enjoy lectures and presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. Thankfully, you’ll witness that many species have seen a remarkable population rebound on the island.
One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is located on Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find this place of special appeal as it is home to the remains of one of the best known Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Linking past and present, one landing we’ll attempt during the voyage is on the eastern shore of Fortuna Bay. Landing here, you’ll set out for the ‘Shackleton Hike’, a hike that joins the final kilometers of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s traverse of South Georgia into Stromness whaling station.
Days 14-15 At Sea
Your return crossing will be time to reminisce about the incredible sights and sounds you’ve witnessed on South Georgia. Sharing laughs and enjoying a final drink with your shipmates and our Expedition Team are the perfect way to bring your South Georgia adventure to a close.
Day 16 Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, you’ll disembark the ship and are free to explore Ushuaia or take a complimentary transfer to the airport for your homeward flights.
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 | $1000 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. |
