South Indian Ocean
« All Spirit of Enderby cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Heritage Suite | Mini Suite | Superior Plus | Superior | Main deck | Main Deck Triple | |
- Travel Insurance is mandatory for all passengers aboard the Spirit of Enderby.
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
- Included in the cruise fare is a pre-departure hotel night, group dinner as well as breakfast the next day prior to embarkation.
Deposit & Payment - Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
- Included in the cruise fare is a pre-departure hotel night, group dinner as well as breakfast the next day prior to embarkation.
Day 1 Depart Port of Fremantle, Australia
Embark the vessel in Fremantle, Western Australia, complete formalities and set sail.
Days 2-10 At Sea
You are invited to join the officers and crew on the bridge as you sail west then south. Indulge in some birding and wildlife spotting or experience first-hand the work that goes into running our expedition vessel. Learn about the Southern Ocean, the Subantarctic Islands and their flora and fauna in lectures from our experts, or just relax in the ship’s bar and library.
While at sea there will be many opportunities to watch for seabirds and cetaceans. This is a seldom visited region so it is not certain just what species encountered. You will be mapping and recording those that are seen. Sail as close as allowed to Iles Amsterdam and Iles St Paul where you can hope to get sightings of the Amsterdam (Wandering) Albatross along with the Yellow-nosed Albatross, Sooty Albatross, Flesh-footed Shearwater, Little Shearwater, Broad-billed Prion, White-bellied Storm Petrel, Antarctic Tern, Soft-plumaged Petrel and many other pelagic bird species.
Cross the Antarctic convergence before reaching Heard Island.
Days 11-13 Heard Island
The human history of these islands is short and predictably brutal, but these natural wildlife havens have been around for many centuries. Australia operated a research station in the 1940s but it is now uninhabited and visited very infrequently, it remains one of the few places on earth believed to contain no species directly introduced by humans. The number of tourist landings can be counted on one hand: the last expedition of any significance was the Spirit of Enderby's own 2002 expedition which spent two magnificent days exploring an ecosystem like no other. It is a mountainous and wild environment where recent satellite images show glaciers alongside active lava flows. Antarctic Fur Seal, Southern Elephant Seal and King Penguins, all previously heavily exploited, are now found lolling (or scurrying) on the volcanic beaches; Gentoo, Macaroni and Rockhopper Penguins also breed here and you may spot prions, petrels and several species of albatross. With favourable conditions land at Atlas Cove, abandoned site of the ANARE base and at Spit Beach where you may find the ghosts of sealers and the home of the Lesser Sheathbill and endemic Heard Island Cormorant.
* Please note the planned landings at Heard Island will require all ship’s staff and passengers who go ashore to be wearing completely sterile clothing and boots, the vessel will provide these for all and the cost of this is reflected in the landing fees for the voyage.
Days 14-24 At Sea
Continue back to Albany and hopefully with strong westerlies behind anticipate a fast sailing. Traveling along the Antarctic convergence for part of this maintain high vigilance for the all the sea and bird life you will encounter along the way.
With favourable weather you might find yourself out on deck enjoying the sun and you have time to relax and reflect on an amazing journey into a wilderness on the edge of the earth. Recap the highlights with the crew and enjoy a farewell dinner as you sail the last leg of our journey.
Day 25 Port of Albany, Australia
Finding final harbour once more in the deep water Port of Albany, disembark and your adventure ends with fond farewells and memories that will be long-treasured. After clearing Australian Customs, a coach will transfer you to the airport or to the nearby bustling town.
For travel arrangements post expedition, make bookings after 1 p.m. to allow time for disembarkation procedures and the vagaries of the weather.
Itinerary Notes
Please note: Fares do not include landing fees, please add $850 per person.Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 30%, 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 |
|---|---|
| 180 Days or more | $950 per person |
| 179-91 days | Deposit |
| 90 days or less | 100% trip cost |
Spirit of Enderby
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 48
- Ice Breaker Ship
The Spirit of Enderby is perfect for expedition travel. It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodations with semi-private and private bath facilities. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top New Zealand and Australian chefs. The Spirit of Enderby measures 72 meters in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two 1,560 horse power diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots.
The real focus and emphasis of every expedition aboard the Spirit of Enderby is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that you visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew.
Life onboard Spirit of Enderby
The Spirit of Enderby was designed and built as a Research Vessel and still undertakes some research work when not involved with passenger cruises. Ship amenities and services include:
The Bar: ‘Globe’
Situated on the Middle deck aft (400 level cabins), enjoy the range of beverages available (beers, wines, soft drinks and spirits). Opening hours are variable, depending on the activities of the day onboard (e.g. lectures, landings). Opening hours are indicated on daily program.
Dining Room: ‘Ice Culture’
Australian and New Zealand chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available. The chefs onboard can prepare food according to your special dietary needs (providing this information in advance of departure date, specified on the booking form). The Spirit of Enderby regrets to inform that Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are NOT available onboard.
Expedition Equipment:
Carried on the Spirit of Enderby is a fleet of RIB’s, (rigid inflatable boats) sometimes referred to as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places. Also, specially designed and built Hovercraft give you unprecedented capability in Antarctica, allowing you to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships.
Library:
A well stocked library is located on the Middle Deck. Guests are welcome to use it at any time. The Library carries card and board games and is equipped with electricity outlets to facilitate the use of laptops, video cameras and digital cameras.
Lecture Room:
This room has seating for all the passengers to attend lectures and films screened during the voyage. It is well equipped for Power Point presentations, slide shows, video films and similar. It is located below the Lower Deck.
Medical Service:
The Spirit of Enderby carries a Medical Adviser and a well-equipped medical clinic situated on the Middle Deck. The medical adviser is available 24 hours a day.
Communications:
The Spirit of Enderby is equipped with the Iridium satellite phone for phone calls and for receiving and sending emails.
Accommodations aboard the Spirit of Enderby
Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed, single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, and fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows with great views.
Mini Suite
A small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower. toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.
Superior Plus
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior
Cabins have one bunk (an upper and lower – two), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Main Deck
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Main Deck Triple
This cabin has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
The History of Spirit of Enderby
The name Spirit of Enderby honors the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800’s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Sub-antarctic Island in the world.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Heritage Suite Upper Deck, large lounge area, separate bedroom with matrimonial bed, private bath facilities and panoramic windows |
| Mini Suite Upper deck, small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, private bath facilities and windows | |
 | Superior Plus Upper and Middle Decks, two lower berth accommodations with private bath facilities and window |
| Superior Middle Deck, upper and lower berth accommodations, private bath facilities and window | |
 | Main deck Main Deck, two lower berth accommodations with shared bath facilities. |
 | Main Deck Triple Main Deck, triple accommodations with shared bath facilities. |
