Antarctica & Sub Antarctic Islands Odyssey
Daily Itinerary 19 Days/ 18 Nights

PS78-08
February 26 - March 15, 2008

Day 1: USHUAIA – Embark the M/V Polar Star in Ushuaia and be a part of southern ocean odyssey.

Days 2 – 3: DRAKE PASSAGE – We prepare for our great adventure through extensive and varied lectures. From the bridge, observation lounge or deck, we watch for the first iceberg of the trip as well as whale, dolphin and birds.

Day 4: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS – On Deception Island, warm air escapes through volcanic vents in the ground – the phenomena caused by the island’s dormant volcano. We plan to explore Chinstrap penguin rookeries on Half Moon Island and will be on the lookout for Antarctic tern, Kelp gull, Skua, Antarctic shag and Sheathbill as well as seals and whales.

Days 5-6: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & WEDDELL SEA – We explore the Peninsula area and then head to the Weddell Sea, where we watch for huge tabular icebergs. Zodiacs will take us cruising around pristine white icebergs and to land where crowds of busy penguins and seals coexist. We plan to visit the volcanic Paulet Island at the rim of the Weddell Sea and home to an Adelie penguin rookery, Weddell seal, Fur seal, Blue Eyed shag and petrel. We keep a constant watch in this area for the possibility of an Emperor penguin sighting. Landings are also planned for Brown Bluff, a volcanic mountain, Devil’s Island and Snow Hill Island. 

Days 7-9: AT SEA & SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS – Our onboard education continues with time for relaxing, socializing and wildlife viewing from the decks, bridge and observation lounge. If weather conditions allow, we plan to land at South Orkney Islands, an area with a long history in science and research and home to the Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater and Elephant seals.

Days 10-13: SOUTH GEORGIA – Crowds of Gentoo, Adelie, Marconi, King and Chinstrap penguins live in this amazing environment of rugged glacial peaks, fjords and tussock grass. We plan to land at Grytviken, where, in the Whaler’s Cemetery, the grave of Polar explorer Ernest Shackleton can be found. We also visit the museum and Norwegian church. Other planned landings include Cooper Bay, Gold Harbour, St. Andrew’s Bay, Prion Island, Fortuna Bay and Stromness.

Days 14-15: AT SEA – En route to the Falkland Islands relax, attend lectures and as always watch for sea and birdlife.

Days 16 – 17: FALKLAND ISLANDS – We land at Stanley and make a visit to the museum to learn about the natural and political history of the area. This archipelago is rich in history, scenery and wildlife - including albatross, petrel, seal and five species of penguins. We also plan to visit West Point and New Island.

Days 18: AT SEA - With our minds now teeming with unforgettable experiences and poignant moments, we turn towards the conclusion of this program taking time to recap and debrief. Our last evening onboard, we gather for the farewell reception and Captain’s dinner.

Day 19: USHUAIA - We disembark after breakfast in Ushuaia fondly known as “fin del mundo” (end of the world).

Number of Meals Included
18 Breakfasts
17 Lunches
18 Dinners

Expedition Map