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 »
South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
« All Sea Spirit cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Triple | Main Deck | Classic | Superior | Deluxe | Suite | Owners Suite | |
| Dec 2 '13 |
$14,995 | $16,995 | $18,595 | $19,995 | $23,995 | $26,595 | $32,995 |
| Kayaking Option: $950 Snowshoeing 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
The Tierra del Fuego archipelago is home to Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Patagonia. This scenic nature lover’s playground has plenty of hiking trails to explore if you need to escape from all the tasty treats on offer at the many bakeries, shops, cafes and restaurants in town.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
This is a day for introductions and getting acquainted with your ship. Meet your fellow shipmates, be introduced to your Expedition Team and snap a few photographs of Ushuaia as you head to sea.
Days 3-4 At Sea
Your Expedition Team will treat you to a number of fun and informative lectures during your time at sea. Reaching the Antarctic Convergence is your first taste of what makes polar travel special. Here, the cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, creating the abundance of marine life that attracts whales and other species to this part of the world.
Days 5-8 South Georgia
Once ruled by sealers and whalers, things have changed greatly on South Georgia. You’ll be happy to see that the once exploited and nearly vanquished seal and whale populations are now thriving. Penguins abound here as well, with four different species to be on the lookout for.
Some are a bit elusive, but the king penguins are impossible to miss, as their rookeries here number into the hundreds of thousands! Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife, including the odd elephant seal.
One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, museum and a small gift shop, church and scientific research station.
Days 9-10 At Sea
Say goodbye to the king penguins and elephant seals, as your next destination is Antarctica! In between presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica, you can spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar. If conditions allow, attempt a landfall on the South Orkney Islands, which are officially in Antarctica.
Days 11-14 South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Arriving in Antarctica is often a surprisingly emotional moment. Who knows how you’ll react, but the general reaction is a sense of reverence and awe. No other place on earth is like Antarctica, which is a land of extremes. Complete silence in the middle of the day is something you’re unaccustomed to in your busy life, so Antarctica puts many people into a contemplative mood. But not for too long, as a calving glacier may break the silence or a penguin comes waddling by to inspect your footwear.
Trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station or going on a Zodiac cruise amongst massive icebergs will become daily activities. It won’t take you long to tell the difference between Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals either, which are all found in this part of Antarctica. Curious whales, such as minkes, are often attracted to Zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get close to these majestic animals.
Every journey is full of surprises, even for our experienced Expedition Team, which means your journey will be unlike any before, or after it. This is untamed, unscripted nature at its best!
Days 15-16 Crossing the Drake Passage
Wave goodbye to the penguins as the ship turns northward towards home. Crossing the Drake Passage is considered your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy some final moments mingling with your fellow travelers or listening to the expedition recaps from your Expedition Team.
Day 17 Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
After a final breakfast together, it is time to part ways. Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
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. |
