Expedition Antarctica: Weddell Sea intensive (Christmas cruise)
A journey heading towards the pack ice boundary, drifting icebergs, and the majestic ice shelf for explorers.
Duration
23 Day
Number
Starts from
Ushuaia
Price
from 23.388 €
1. Highlights of the Route
- The destination of the journey is the ice landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, icebergs in the Weddell Sea, and millions of penguins on the subantarctic islands.
- Start and end of the journey in Ushuaia, Argentina.
- 5-star expedition ship with polar class PC6 for genuine Antarctic adventures.
Your Trip at a Glance
Experience an exclusive route to the pack ice border with drifting icebergs and the majestic ice shelf – true adventures in Antarctica’s largest marginal sea! Observe penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds on flexible courses through the pristine ice landscape, while spectacular glaciers and mighty icebergs pass by you.
Actively and up close, you will experience Antarctica during numerous Zodiac rides, landings, and hikes. The expedition experience is enriched by exciting lectures, pre- and recaps from knowledgeable experts who offer you deeper insights into the fascinating world of this continent.
From the cracking of pack ice in the Weddell Sea to monumental icebergs – this journey reveals Antarctica in all its facets. The 16-member expedition team accompanies you and imparts valuable knowledge while you experience the breathtaking atmosphere of the southernmost continent up close. Immerse yourself in pure adventure and be captivated by the majestic world of ice.
Arrival Package:
We would be happy to plan an individual follow-up program for you or your entire journey to and from the destination.
Post Itinerary Package:
We would be happy to plan an individual follow-up program for you or your entire journey to and from the destination.
2. The Itinerary
1st Day: Ushuaia
Special flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. Departure at 6:00 PM.
2nd Day: At Sea
Day at sea and relaxation on board.
3rd Day to 4th Day: Falkland Islands
You explore the Falkland Islands, a dream destination for bird watchers, with over 60 bird species, including the endemic Falkland Pipit and majestic albatrosses. The capital Stanley impresses with Victorian architecture and British charm.
5th Day to 6th Day: At Sea
Days at sea and relaxation on board.
7th Day to 9th Day: South Georgia
You explore the subantarctic animal paradise, where you will be greeted by enormous glaciers and fjords. On the coasts and steep slopes of South Georgia, you encounter dense colonies of king penguins. After landing on the black shores of the island, you observe elephant seals and fur seals from a safe distance. On this island, you also follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who found his final resting place here in 1922.
10th Day: At Sea
Day at sea and relaxation on board.
11th Day to 12th Day: South Orkney Islands
You explore the lonely, glaciated world of the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea, a region with extensive ice deserts. These islands offer you the opportunity to observe chinstrap and Adelie penguins in their natural environment. With a bit of luck, you may also spot icebergs off the rugged coasts. During a Zodiac visit to the Argentine research station Orcadas, you experience how polar researchers live in this remote area, weather permitting.
13th Day to 15th Day: Weddell Sea
You explore the mystical ice world of the Antarctic Sound and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Every day, new fascinating motifs for eye and camera present themselves from the deck and the Zodiacs, including numerous impressive tabular icebergs. In good visibility, you experience the table volcano Brown Bluff, whose over 700-meter-high brown tuff cliffs, surrounded by mighty glaciers, offer a breathtaking sight.
16th Day 17th Day: Deception Island and South Shetland Islands
You explore the long chain of islands of the South Shetlands, including the legendary Elephant Island, known for Shackleton’s enduring crew. Rock peaks stand out sharply against the horizon, while the evening sun makes snow fields glow soft pink. A journey into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is only possible with small ships, such as Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ new expedition class.
18th to 20th Days: Antarctic Peninsula
Your journey continues to the Antarctic Peninsula, where majestic glaciers and gigantic icebergs glitter in Paradise Bay and the impressive Lemaire Channel welcomes you with mountain flanks up to 1,000 meters high.
21st to 22nd Days: Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage.
23rd Day: Ushuaia
Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina at 6:00 AM. Special flight to Buenos Aires.
- Departure From: Ushuaia
- End Point: Ushuaia
3. Services Included
Included
- Antarctica cruise in the booked cabin category.
- Zodiac excursions.
- Guided shore landings.
- Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual learning formats.
- Scientific lectures and entertainment on board.
- Welcome champagne, minibar refilled daily with non-alcoholic beverages, coffee machine, 24-hour cabin service.
- Full board with early riser breakfast, breakfast, bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner.
- Fitness area with sea view and course program.
- OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with sea view, steam sauna and relaxation area.
- Free rental rubber boots.
- Free rental parka.
- One pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic walking poles directly in the cabin.
- Comprehensive information material before and after the trip.
Excluded
- International flights: We can book a suitable flight for you at an additional cost.
- Customary tips for staff at the end of the trip.
- Personal expenses, for example in the on-board shop.
- Internet on board.
- Drinks at the bar.
- Massages and similar services.
- Personal travel insurance.
4. Travel Dates and Prices
Please contact us directly for the current daily prices of the trips and the prices for single occupancy or special cabins. Our polar experts will answer all your questions about the itinerary, the ship, and the cabins.
Appointments on request. Please contact us directly using the contact form.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy per cabin or suite and subject to availability.
For solo travelers, cabins or suites may be available without a single supplement, subject to availability. Please contact us for details for solo travelers.
Got any questions about this trip?
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