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A large group of Royal Penguins

East Antarctica: In the Wake of Mawson

Example 30 Day Cruise aboard Spirit of Enderby
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Join the Spirit of Enderby on this spectacular cruise following the steps of Douglas Mawson, as this expedition takes you to explore the Antarctic coastline directly south of Australia. Unbeknownst to Mawson and his men, they had discovered the windiest place on the planet - renowned as the ‘home of the blizzard'. Mawson's Hut at Cape Denison still stands, protected against the extreme weather for which the region is renowned. If you are unable to make a landing at Mawson's Hut, look to the west and Cape Martin and the Petrel Islands for a number of really exciting landings, and to the east and the northern Ross Sea region including the Balleny Islands and Cape Adare for some equally stunning wildlife encounters and landings including some fascinating historic sites.
Visitors hike up to Mawson's Huts at at Cape Denison.Albatrosses squawk at the sky.Travelers trek across the arctic landscape.A single penguin on Antarctica.A large group of Royal Penguins
Highlights
  • Visit Enderby Island, the most beautiful of all the Subantarctic Islands
  • Discover Macquarie Island & enjoy its high concentrations of unique wildlife
  • Explore the Australian Antarctic Base & observe the southern elephant seals
  • Walk to the nesting site of the southern royal albatross
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Invercargill, New Zeland

  • 1 Dinner
This evening, meet your fellow voyagers and expedition staff for an informal get-together over dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Port of Bluff

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, transfer to the port where the staff welcomes you on board the Akademik Shokalskiy. As you settle into your cabin, your adventure begins.

Day 3: The Snares Islands | North East Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
North East Island is the largest of The Snares and staggeringly, this one island is claimed by some to be home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. Zodiac cruising the rugged coastline, learn how the islands got their name and encounter Snares crested penguins, Cape petrel and Buller’s albatross on the imposing cliffs. Encounter Antarctic terns, white-fronted terns, red-billed gulls, tomtits, and fernbirds.

Day 4-5: Auckland Islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Characterized by towering cliffs and rugged sea stacks, these islands have borne witness to many a shipwreck in days gone by. 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. Land in Carnley Harbour and if conditions are suitable climb to a shy albatross colony, otherwise explore sites within the harbor.

Day 6: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take the chance to learn more about the biology and history of these islands and the tempestuous Southern Ocean through informal lectures with the experts. This particular stretch of ocean is very productive and you can expect many seabirds, including five or six kinds of albatross and numerous species of petrel.

Day 7-8: Macquarie Island

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
This remote, rocky outpost which endures roaring westerly winds supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Four species of penguin, king, royal, rockhopper and Gentoo, breed here. You will 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.

Day 9-11: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Soaring albatross and petrels circle the vessel as you steam ever southward through the Southern Ocean. Lectures now concentrate on the Antarctic region and beyond the bow of the ship, drifting icebergs of extraordinary shapes begin to appear. Maneuvering in close for your first ice photographs pass the Antarctic Circle and into the continent’s realm of 24-hour daylight. Relax in the ship’s bar and catch up with some reading in the library. If you have brought your laptop with you there is time to download and edit photos while they are fresh in your mind.

Day 12-21: Commonwealth Bay

  • Ship
  • 10 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
Your first landing on the remote East Antarctic coastline is Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, notoriously known as the ‘home of the blizzard’. Here you can see (and experience) Mawson’s Hut and its environs which include other relics from the 1911-14 expedition and Adelie penguins. West from Cape Denison is the French Research Base, Dumont D’Urville which, if permission is granted and ice conditions permit, you can visit. There is also an Emperor penguin colony nearby. Breeding season is over but there could be birds around. Other landings could include Port Martin (abandoned French Base) and the McKellar Islands. Cruise in the Zodiacs looking for wildlife.

East from Cape Denison follow the ice edge towards the Balleny Islands. It is a very productive area for cetaceans; large numbers of humpbacks have been recorded here. The Balleny Islands were discovered in 1839, by a sealing Captain in the employment of the Enderby Brothers. Because of their location, remote and isolated, they are rarely visited. The islands are rugged and landing sites are rare, but if conditions are right you can Zodiac cruise Sabrina Island where there is a small colony of chinstrap penguins. This is also one of the few places where greater snow petrels breed. Further south is Cape Adare, arguably one of the most historic sites in all of Antarctica. It was here in 1895 that one of the first landings on the Antarctic continent was made and in 1899 the first party to winter over in Antarctica built their hut here. 

Other potential sites in the Northern Ross Sea where you may land if ice and weather conditions permit include the Possession Islands. These were named by Sir James Clark Ross in 1842 after he had landed on them and claimed the region in the name of Queen Victoria. A little further south is Cape Hallett, the site of a joint American-New Zealand base from 1958-1973 when it was abandoned. It was demolished in the 1990s and now the Adelie penguins are reclaiming the site which was rightfully theirs anyway. From Cape Hallett you can get amazing views of the northern transantarctic mountains.

Day 22-25: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Taking time to rest and enjoy shipboard life in the bar or library after the excitement and long daylight hours of the Antarctic, you have time for lectures on your final destination and for some pelagic bird spotting.

Day 26-27: Campbell Island | Perseverance Harbour

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Drop anchor in Perseverance Harbour, 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 megaherbs growing on the hills. These huge wild flowers that have adapted to the harsh conditions have unusual colorings and weirdly-shaped leaves. Also seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island shags, light-mantled sooty albatross, and sea lions.

Day 28-29: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
At sea en route to the Port of Lyttelton, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy your last few days of shipboard life and to reflect on an amazing experience. On your last evening you can review and celebrate your discoveries over a farewell dinner.

Day 30: Christchurch | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive at the Port of Lyttelton early in the morning. After breakfast, customs formalities, and a last minute opportunity to bid farewell to your expedition team, disembark and board the complimentary coach transfer to a central city drop off or Christchurch Airport.

Ship/Hotel

Spirit of Enderby

Seating for all passengers in the Lecture Room
Heritage Suite
South Pacific fish

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$16,000
Main Deck Triple-Spirit of Enderby
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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.
Main Deck-Spirit of Enderby
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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.
Superior Cabin-Spirit of Enderby
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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.
Superior Plus Cabin-Spirit of Enderby
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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.
Mini Suite- Spirit of Enderby
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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.
Heritage-Spirit of Enderby
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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.
Included
  • 29 Breakfasts, 28 Lunches, 29 Dinners
  • 29 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Pre- & Post- Cruise Transfers
  • Complimentary boot rental is available. However, due to the limited supply of boots available aboard the ship, it is recommended that you bring your own rubber boots for best fit and availability. Youth size boots are not available.
  • House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
  • All expedition shore excursions
  • Programme of lectures by noted naturalists
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Required Visas if applicable
  • Laundry 
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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