Antarctica & Sub-Antarctic Islands
Daily Itinerary 19 days/ 18 nights
PS101-02 November 22- December 10, 2010
An expedition cruise to the Antarctic is the trip of a lifetime for many travelers. Add to this, time in South Georgia and the Falklands and you have a truly extraordinary experience. Not only is the Falkland’s history fascinating, it is also home to five penguin species, and at this time of year nesting albatross can be found. South Georgia is often described as the gem of the Southern Ocean with its spectacular mountains and incredibly large King penguin rookeries. Continuing on to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, experience sites of historic and scientific interest and bountiful wildlife.
DAY 1: Monday, Nov 22 (Argentina) Embark in Ushuaia.DAY 2: Tuesday, Nov 23 (At Sea) This day at sea is an excellent opportunity to get oriented onboard and ready for the adventures ahead.
DAYS 3 & 4: Wednesday – Thursday, Nov 24 & 25 (Falkland Islands) These remote and isolated islands have a fascinating history beginning with the European whalers and sealers. Landings at places such as New Island and West Point Island provide an opportunity to see Rockhopper penguins and nesting albatross during the only season of the year when they come to land. Of course a visit to the Falklands would not be complete without time spent in the picturesque “capital” town of Stanley.
DAYS 5 & 6: Friday – Saturday, Nov 26 & 27 (At Sea) On this sea passage the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence into the Southern Ocean heading for South Georgia.
DAYS 7 – 10: Sunday – Wednesday, Nov 28 – Dec 1 (South Georgia) The splendour of South Georgia is hard to describe – stunning snow capped mountain landscapes, tousled tussock grasses and wild beaches. Learn about the history of whaling and exploration, walk in Shackleton’s footsteps and be surrounded by thousands of King penguin not to mention other penguin species, an abundance of Elephant and Fur seals, seabirds and perhaps whales.
DAYS 11 & 12: Thursday – Friday, Dec 2 & 3 (At Sea) During these days at sea the focus is on preparing for the Antarctic with lectures on natural history, geology, exploration and the Antarctic Treaty.
DAY 13: Saturday, Dec 4 (At Sea, Elephant Island) The first landfall in Antarctica will be Point Wild on Elephant Island famous for being the epic survival location of Shackleton’s men when stranded in 1916 for 135 days.
DAY 14: Sunday, Dec 5 (South Shetland Islands) These spectacular volcanic islands have steaming black sands and remnants of the whaling days at Deception Island, and prolific wildlife including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, whales, seals and seabirds.
DAYS 15 & 16: Monday – Tuesday, Dec 6 & 7 (Antarctic Peninsula) Early season in Antarctica is incredibly dramatic with magnificent snow and ice brushed by myriad hues of light. In addition to Zodiac cruising, landings are planned at historic and wildlife sites – possibly including Port Lockroy, Paradise Bay, Neko Harbour and Cierva Cove on the Antarctic continent.
DAYS 17 & 18: Wednesday – Thursday, Dec 8 & 9 (At Sea) The passage back crosses the famed Drake Passage and into the Beagle Channel.
DAY 19: Friday, Dec 10 (Argentina) Disembark in Ushuaia. (Please note that this is our planned itinerary – actual execution is subject to weather, ice and IAATO Ship Scheduler limitations. PSE reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as needed without recourse.
Number of Meals Included
18 Breakfasts
17 Lunches
18 Dinners
Expedition Map
