Exciting news, Antarctica is back!
Antarctica! The name alone conjures up images of boundless ice, towering icebergs, comedic penguins, epic snowstorms, great sailing ships held tightly by ice and the hardy explorers striving to survive wrapped in thick, heavy parkas. All of this is, or once was, true. Today, vessels have changed and the level of safety on a journey to ‘The Great White Continent’ has increased immensely. Antarctica is the truest of wild places, the majesty of its pristine natural landscapes is second to no other location on earth.
The animals that thrive in the rigors of the Antarctic climate are present in such great numbers and concentrations that they must be seen to be believed. This untouched oasis harkens back to a time when the world was untouched by humanity, pure in its natural innocence. Antarctica has been a source of natural inspiration for as long as humans have been aware of its existence — and it may produce in you one of the most exceptional emotional sensations it is possible to experience on our great planet.
March ushers in the final days of Antarctic summer, alive with penguins, whales, and seals.
It’s during this time you see Gentoo penguin chicks swimming in shallow waters in the Peninsula. Getting their last fill of krill, humpback whales are also more likely to show off and play, creating spectacular scenes to capture on camera. Listen for the mating song of leopard seals as they begin courting. Navigating amid ice floes on Zodiac safaris or a kayaking excursion, it’s as up-close and personal as you can get to the Seventh Continent.
Highlights
“ATLAS WORLD NAVIGATOR”
The World Navigator is a luxury, purpose-built expedition ship operated by Atlas Ocean Voyages. Designed to carry only 198 guests, she blends an intimate super-yacht atmosphere with ice-class capabilities to explore remote destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic
Tour Itinerary
Today we fly to Buenos Aires, via Santiago crossing the International Dateline en route arriving early evening of the same day. We are met and transferred to Sofitel Recoleta Hotel, for a two night stay.
Today is a totally free day to rest and relax after the flight. Of course there is plenty to explore for those that wish to.
This morning, we are transferred to the airport to join our charter flight to Ushuaia to board our luxury cruise ship “Atlas World Navigator”, our home for the next 11 nights as we explore “The Great White Continent”.
These first two days at sea give us the opportunity to relax into the wonderful world of cruising and a chance to really enjoy the wonderful facilities and activities available on board.
The routing and activities are dependent on weather and ice conditions.
We will enjoy complimentary Zodiac landings each day (subject to weather), take part in digital photography workshops, frequent wildlife sightings and numerous Enrichment programs with special guest speakers.
The ship will carry a complement of double sea kayaks as well as 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all onboard guests at once, which will allow for a truly immersive experience.
We retrace our route and return via the Drake Passage to Ushuaia. Our final evening at sea will also be our last time to enjoy dinner together and reminisce about our amazing life changing experience.
We bid farewell as we disembark this morning and join our charter flight back to Buenos Aires.
Today is at your leisure. We will enjoy our last dinner tonight at the hotel before we leave the hotel late this evening to start our journey home.
We continue our journey home across the International Dateline.
We arrive into Auckland this morning.
Highlights Reel
Inclusions
- Economy Class air travel ex Auckland
(Additional cost to upgrade to Business Class available on request) - All prepaid airline/government taxes and fuel surcharges
- First Class hotel accommodation where applicable
- Verandah Staterooms on the cruise ship.
- All meals on board the cruise ship and open bar
- All Port Taxes & service fees, gratuities on the cruise, tips to coach drivers & guides
- Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
Fully escorted
Exclusions
- Any meals and sightseeing tours not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance (assistance and advice for this will be offered)
- Items of a personal nature