Antarctica & Sub-Antarctic Islands Quest

This has to be described as a grand expedition. In addition to the Antarctic Peninsula, in this program the ship first sails to the Falklands and South Georgia. Delve into the history of the Falklands and look for the several species of penguins as well as nesting albatross. In South Georgia the stunning landscapes of glaciers, snow capped mountains, tussock grass and beaches feature large numbers of seals and incredibly large King penguin colonies. The voyage continues to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands where history and wildlife abound – penguins, seals, whales and seabirds. This is a program that awakens the senses.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Argentina
Embark M/V Polar Star in the charming town of Ushuaia to set off along the Beagle Channel.

DAY 2: At Sea
During these days at sea attend lectures, spot wildlife from the bridge or deck, or simply relax as we cross the South Atlantic.

DAYS 3 – 4: Falkland Islands
Landings such as New Island and West Point as well as the port of Stanley give insights into the history and wildlife of these remote yet populated islands. These islands are home to the world’s largest colony of Black-browed mollymawks as well as penguins and petrel.

DAYS 5 – 6: At Sea
Back at sea, the lecture program continues, led by our diverse team of expedition staff. Take advantage of our open bridge policy by joining our Captain and officers on the bridge.

DAYS 7 - 10: South Georgia
In these rugged, beautiful islands, walk amongst crowds of King penguins, as well as see Gentoo, Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins. Planned landings include Prion Island, Cooper Bay, Fortuna, Stromness, Salisbury Plain and Grytviken where Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.

DAYS 11 - 13: At Sea
After a short time at sea our first sight of land in Antarctica will be Point Wild on Elephant Island, the site where 22 men from Shackleton’s 1914-17 expedition were stranded for 135 days – and rescued.

DAY 14: South Shetland Islands
The black sands of Deception Island and Half Moon Island are a contrast to the whiteness elsewhere in the Antarctic. Gentoo, Chinstrap, Fur seal, Leopard seal, albatross, Antarctic Tern, Kelp Gull, Skua, Antarctic Shag and Sheathbill may all be seen here.

DAYS 15 – 16: Antarctica
This is a fantastic time of the year when the ice is simply magnificent as the light paints changing hues on the white backdrop. We watch for wildlife, visit historic sites, and Zodiac cruise, perhaps at Port Lockroy, Paradise Bay, Cierva Cove and Mikkelson Harbour.

DAYS 17 - 18: At Sea
This final leg at sea is an excellent time to recap the overall experience and as always, lookout for whale, dolphin and seabirds.

DAY 19: Argentina
Back in the Beagle Channel this voyage concludes in Ushuaia with disembarkation after breakfast.

What's Included:

Cruise only; accommodation onboard; meals, coffee, tea and juice throughout duration of cruise, onboard gratuities; complimentary rubber boot rental program and complimentary PSE Maritime Expedition Outer Shell (jacket custom designed for the layering concept); onboard lectures and activities; port charges and all excursions unless specifically stated.

What's Not Included:

Air transport and transport to and from M/V Polar Star; visa, passport, vaccination charges and airport departure taxes; pre and post cruise activities; hotels and meals not included in the ship cruise itinerary, emergency evacuation charges; and personal expenses including laundry, postage, personal clothing requirements, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges (alcohol, bottled water, sodas), communication costs (phone, fax, email) and shop purchases.

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.