Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle
Daily Itinerary 12 Days/ 11 Nights

PS101-09
February 6 - 17, 2011

Just being in Antarctica is a personal triumph. All of our programs cross the Antarctic Convergence into the Southern Ocean via the fabled Drake Passage. This program also strives to go south of the Antarctic Polar Circle at 66°33’ that for many is the ultimate accomplishment. As the ship’s Captain navigates deep south along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, there will also be the opportunity for additional rarely visited landings.

DAY 1: Sunday, Feb 6 (Argentina) Embark in Ushuaia.
DAYS 2 & 3: Monday – Tuesday, Feb 7 & 8 (At Sea) Leaving the Beagle Channel, begin the Drake Crossing and keep a watch for the first signs of ice and Antarctic wildlife as the ship passes over the Antarctic Convergence. Lectures and other onboard activities are scheduled.
DAYS 4 - 8: Wednesday – Sunday, Feb 9 – 13 (Antarctica) The ship first heads south along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula to attempt an Antarctic Polar Circle Crossing in Crystal Sound. Visits to deep south sites including Detaille and The Gullet are planned. The ship then turns north and travels the coastal and island waters with landings and Zodiac cruising at historic and wildlife sites such as Vernadsky base, Petermann Island, the Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy, Neumeyer Channel, Neko Harbour and Paradise Bay. Watch for Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins, various seal species including Leopard seals, a multitude of seabirds overhead and hopefully whales in the waters we navigate.
DAY 9: Monday, Feb 14 (South Shetland Islands) Before heading home spend a day in these unique islands of volcanic origin. These islands are home to teeming wildlife and a striking landscape. Visit historic Deception Island, with geothermic heated waters and an abandoned whaling station, and enjoy a final expedition landing amongst the penguins, a great finale of this expedition.
DAY 10 & 11: Tuesday – Wednesday, Feb 15 & 16 (At Sea) As the ship heads for Ushuaia, while at sea the program concludes with lectures and presentations and time to reflect on the recent days of adventure.
DAY 12: Thursday, Feb 17 (Argentina) Disembark in Ushuaia.

Number of Meals Included
12 Breakfasts
11 Lunches
12 Dinners

Expedition Map