On this special 35-day expedition cruise, explore the remote lands and waters of Antarctica. Visit the Bay of Whales, along with historic and wildlife sites on Ross Island and the western coastline of the Ross Sea. Every year a small number of Antarctic enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to Ross Island to visit Scott's huts and memorials. Attempt to visit the remote Balleny Islands, discovered in 1839 by British Sealer John Balleny. Apart from the obvious historic and geographical interest, this region has one of the highest concentrations of the greater snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea) in Antarctica. Immerse yourself in the dymanic scenery, wildlife, and history of this isolated region.
Highlights
Discover the remote lands and waters of Antarctica
Follow in the footsteps of Ross, Amundsen, and Scott
Travel as far south as the Bay of Whales
Visit Balleny Island, Macquarie Island, and the New Zealand Subantarctics
Zodiac cruise the ice edge, see penguin rookeries, & explore historic huts
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive at Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city, a place rich in Scottish history. Grab some last-minute luxuries before meeting your fellow expeditioners for an informal get-together over dinner.
Enjoy a visit to the local museum to view an educational Subantarctic display before transferring to the Port of Bluff to board your ship. Settle into your cabin and join your Expedition Staff and the Captain for a welcome reception on board.
Staggeringly, the Snares Islands are home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles put together. Zodiac cruising the coast, learn how the islands got their name. In the sheltered bays, keep your eyes out for the endemic Snares crested penguin, the Cape petrel, and the Buller’s albatross nesting on the imposing cliffs.
Spend the day ashore on Enderby Island, which is perhaps the most beautiful of all the subantarctic islands; here find parakeets flitting above carpets of red, white, and yellow wildflowers, and on the beaches beyond, the rare Hooker’s or New Zealand sea lion.
Take the chance to learn more about the biology and history of these islands and the tempestuous Southern Ocean through informal lectures with your experts. Crossing the confluence of warmer and cooler waters at the Subantarctic Convergence, a very productive stretch, you can expect many seabirds, including five or six kinds of albatross and numerous species of petrel.
This remote, rocky outpost in the middle of roaring westerly winds supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Four species of penguin breed here: king, royal, rockhopper, and gentoo. You may never forget your first experience in a ceaselessly active ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors. Also meet with the Park Rangers, visit the Australian Antarctic Base, and observe the hundreds of southern elephant seals along the beaches.
Soaring albatrosses and petrels circle the vessel as your ship steams south through the Southern Ocean. Lectures now concentrate on the Ross Sea region, meanwhile beyond the bows of the ship drifting icebergs begin to appear in extraordinary shapes. The ship maneuvers in close for your first ice photographs as you pass the Antarctic Circle and into the continent’s realm of 24-hour daylight.
Day 12-27: Antarctica: the Ross Sea Region, including Bay of Whales and Balleny Islands
With unpredictable ice and weather conditions, a day-by-day itinerary is not possible but your expedition team assesses conditions daily and takes every opportunity to launch the zodiacs and make landings. You can anticipate wildlife viewing, visits to scientific bases and historic sites, as well as the spectacular white and blue scenery.
Your ship crew hopes to make landings in the following areas:
Balleny Islands: Remote and often beset by ice, attempt not only to visit but to make a landing here. Hope to see and photograph the greater snow petrel which is known to breed on these islands.
Bay of Whales: The site of Amundsen’s Framheim and Richard Byrd’s “Little America”.
Cape Adare: One of the largest Adelie penguin rookeries in the world and also site of Carsten Borchgrevink’s 1899 Hut.
Cape Hallett: The mighty Admiralty Range dominates this site, a former NZ/American base.
Franklin Island: Desolately beautiful and rugged, home to a large Adelie penguin population.
Ross Ice Shelf: Formerly called the “Ice Barrier”, the world’s largest body of floating ice.
Ross Island: Mount Erebus and visits to Cape Bird, Shackleton’s Hut, Scott’s Hut(s), and Scott and McMurdo Stations are high on the wish list.
Possession Islands: These islands support tens of thousands of penguins.
Terra Nova Bay: Both the Italian and Koreans have research stations here.
Take time to rest and enjoy shipboard life in the bar or library after the excitement and long daylight hours of the Antarctic. As the ship sails, you have plenty of time for lectures on your final destination and for some pelagic bird spotting.
Drop anchor in Perseverance Harbor, an occasional refuge for southern right whales who come here to calve. Walk to the nesting site of the southern royal albatross and see the strange and beautiful ‘mega herbs’ growing on the hills - huge wildflowers that have adapted to the harsh conditions, with unusual colorings and oddly-shaped leaves. Seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island shags, light-mantled sooty albatross, and sea lions.
Relax and reflect on a remarkable journey, join your experts for a recap of highlights, and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.
Day 35: Disembark in Christchurch
1 Breakfast
Disembark in the Port of Lyttelton. This adventure ends as you disperse to begin others. After fond farewells, transfer to central city hotels or to the airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Main Deck Triple
One cabin located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, one upper bunk bed, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
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Main deck
Thirteen cabins located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
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Superior
Four cabins located on the Middle Deck,with one lower and one upper bunk, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
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Superior Plus
Eight cabins located on the Upper and Middle Decks,with two lower bunk beds, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space. and private bath facilities.
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Mini Suite
Two cabins located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single bed, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
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Heritage Suite
One cabin located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, forward- and side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single pull-out bed, desk and table area, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
Notes
- 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.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
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Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.