Antarctica & Polar Circle
Daily Itinerary 12 Days/ 11 Nights

PS78-06
February 4 - 15, 2008

DAY 1: USHUAIA – We board the icebreaker M/V Polar Star in Ushuaia to embark on an exhilarating Antarctic voyage – our only cruise of the season which will attempt to cross the Polar Circle.

DAYS 2-3: DRAKE PASSAGE – This sea time is a time to prepare for the days ahead through attending lectures and spending time watching for wildlife and the first iceberg of the voyage.

DAYS 4-8: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA – We will attempt a Polar Circle Crossing, a feat first achieved by Captain James Cook in 1773. If successful we will plan to cruise the narrow passageway of the Gullet and hope to reach Detaille. North of the circle, we plan to cruise the Gerlache Strait, a breathtaking area where humpback whales are known to cruise these waters. Experience the international nature of the Antarctic with planned visits to Port Lockroy, originally a British World War II base and the Ukrainian owned Vernadsky Station. We will stop at sites such as Petermann Island, home to the southernmost Gentoo penguin rookery, experience close encounters with seals and be on the lookout for whales and seabirds - petrel, tern, cormorant and albatross. Zodiac cruises and/or landings are planned at Paradise Bay, Prospect Point, Pleneau, Fish Islands and Neko Harbour.

DAY 9: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS – In Whaler’s Bay on volcanic Deception Island, steam seeps from the black sand. At Half Moon Island, the crescent shaped remains are from an ancient volcano and it is home to the distinctive Chinstrap penguin. Birdwatchers will delight in possible sightings of Tern, Kelp gull, Skua, Antarctic shag and Sheathbill.

DAYS 10-11: DRAKE PASSAGE – As we head north, we spend two days reflecting on our experiences, relaxing onboard and enjoying our final lecture program and farewell activities. 

DAY 12: USHUAIA – After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia to explore Tierra Del Fuego on your own or to begin your journey home.

Number of Meals Included
11 Breakfasts
10 Lunches
11 Dinners

Expedition Map