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Black Browed Albatross

Shackleton's Final Quest

Example 22 Day Cruise aboard Island Sky
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Follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest explorers of all time, Sir Ernest Shackleton, as we journey deep into Antarctica by way of the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands/Malvinas and South Georgia during this 22-day voyage aboard Island Sky. We’ll explore the fascinating history of the area, dating back to the grandiose times of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ of the late 1800s and early 1900s, as we encounter jaw-dropping scenes in nature, colossal icebergs, and incredible wildlife.
Kayak in unforgettable landscapesA seal pup poses yawns in the sunlightUnforgettable experiences on your Antarctic cruiseBeachside sunsetA group of kayakers pose in the icy waters of Antarctica.Black Browed Albatross
Highlights
  • Shackleton-focused programming both on board and at historical landing sites
  • Exploring the Port of Stanley, Falkland Islands/Malvinas
  • A visit to Grytviken, a former whaling station, and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton
  • See Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds on South Georgia
  • Potential encounters with Orca, Humpback and Minke whales
Activity Level: Relaxed
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia

No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Arakur Resort & Spa or spend time discovering the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Day 2: Ushuaia

Explore the sights of Ushuaia such as the museums and Argentinean leather markets or continue relaxing at the hotel. Attend the optional evening briefing for the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers.

Day 3: Ushuaia | Embarkation

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Spend your morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort until your mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Your Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner. Celebrate New Year’s Eve as we enter the Beagle Channel. 

Day 4-5: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
As you sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held. You won’t want to miss your experts as they begin their informative and entertaining talks about the wildlife and geology of the area, with special presentations by your accomplished Historians on Antarctica’s unique history and Shackleton’s saga.

Day 6-10: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Things really start to ramp up as there is plenty of wildlife identifying to do as we officially enter Antarctic waters. Hopping into our inflatable Zodiac boats, we’ll spend as much time as possible exploring. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature’s glory as we set a course for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula.
We’ll follow in Shackleton’s footsteps as we attempt to land at sites of historic and scientific interest, including Elephant Island and Point Wild.

Day 11-12: Scotia Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Things really start to ramp up with plenty of wildlife and seabird identifying to do as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. Shipboard presentations continue, featuring topics like the captivating history of Shackleton’s quest and the abundant wildlife of South Georgia.

Day 13-16: South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and it’s easy to see why as this island home to tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Magnificent mountain scenery, glaciers galore, a rich historical tapestry, and an incredible array of wildlife will astound you as we travel up South Georgia's leeward coast. We’ll also visit historic Grytviken whaling station, plus the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried with his right-hand man Frank Wild beside him.

Day 17-18: Southern Ocean

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Heading farther north, we’ll continue our educational presentation series and wildlife spotting as we journey towards the Falkland Islands/Malvinas.

Day 19: Stanley, East Falklands/Malvinas:

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Stanley is a lively hub of activity nestled in a sheltered harbor. Head out on foot to explore the museum, shops and services centered on the port, or look for sea lions, dolphins, and bird life along the shores.

Day 20: West Falklands/Malvinas

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
We’ll explore some of the westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands, where you can take in the beautiful countryside and look for black browed albatross or Rockhopper, King, and Magellanic penguin rookeries.

Day 21: Southern Ocean

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A relaxing day at sea as we wrap things up, enjoy lasting moments with fellow passengers and staff, and rest
up before the journey home.

Day 22: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Ship/Hotel

Island Sky

Reception aboard the Island Sky
Recently remodeled, find luxury at every turn on the Island Sky
The club aboard the Island Sky.

MS Seaventure

Ushuaia - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Triple Suite aboard the Island Sky
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Triple Suite
Averaging 225 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds and a third berth, window and sitting area.
Porthole Suite aboard the Island Sky
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Porthole Suite
Averaging 235 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, porthole and sitting area.
Window Suite aboard the Island Sky
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Window Suite
Averaging 225 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, window and sitting area.
Promenade Suite aboard the Island Sky
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Promenade Suite
Averaging 220 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, tinted sliding glass door onto Promenade deck, and sitting area.
Deluxe Suite aboard the Island Sky
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Deluxe Suite
Averaging 240 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, tinted sliding glass door onto Promenade deck and side window, and sitting area.
Veranda Suite aboard the Island Sky
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Veranda Suite
Averaging 260 sq. ft and a 40 sq. ft. balcony. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, private balcony and sitting area.
Penthouse Suite aboard the Island Sky
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Penthouse Suite
Averaging 325 sq. ft and a 80 sq. ft. balcony. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, private balcony and sitting area.
Polar Latitudes - Owner's Suite
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Owner's Suite
Averaging 385 sq. ft. and a 110 sq. ft. balcony. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, two rooms with sitting room and bedroom.
Included
  • 21 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 19 Dinners
  • 21 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
  • Expedition Parka 
  • WiFi from Public Computers
  • 200MB WiFi Card (for use on your personal devices)    
     
  • Digital Voyage Log
  • Daily International News Service    
     
  • Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (some super premium brands excluded)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Pre- or post-voyage expenses

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

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