Antarctica Cruises | Weddell Sea Quest | Ushuaia

Day 1: Departure from Ushuaia

Boarding will be in the afternoon. Passengers will meet the lecturers and their expedition staff. Afterwards they will be able to settle into their respective cabins and then begin the navigation through the famous Beagle Channel, through the Mackinlay Pass.

Days 2 and 3: At Sea. Crossing the Drake Passage

This passage marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters., sustaining the biodiversity of the region. Staff will be on deck with passengers for seabird identification. Upon arrival in the South Shetland Islands, if conditions in the Drake Passage allow, expedition staff will accompany passengers on the first disembarkation to have an encounter with the penguins and seals

Days 4 to 6: Exploring the Weddell Sea

The navigation between huge tabular icebergs will be exciting. It will be worth to be on deck in the early morning to see a unique sunrise. If conditions allow, we will visit Esperanza Bay and the Argentinean base Esperanza. The Weddell Sea represents the center of the peninsular population of Adélie penguins.

Days 7 and 8: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands

The history of the Antarctic Peninsula will thrill everyone in a way comparable to that of the early explorers. Colourful icebergs and diverse shapes float on the waters surrounding the continent. We can explore the pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, as well as admire the diversity of the local wildlife: chinstrap penguins, gentoos, crabeater seals, sea lions, as well as whales and orcas. Depending on ice conditions we will sail through some beautiful channels, such as the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel and the Lemaire Channel.
It is planned to sail towards the Polar Circle, visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, among other trips. Also explore the South Shetland Islands, sail to the flooded caldera of Deception Island and visit Half Moon Island.

Days 9 and 10: At Sea. Crossing the Drake Passage, northbound

We will sail north across the Drake Passage. Together with the lecturers and naturalists on deck we will be able to admire the seabirds and whales. Everyone will be able to relax and reflect on the experience.

Day 11: Arrival in Ushuaia

We will arrive early in the morning in Ushuaia, disembarking after breakfast.

OBSERVATIONS:

The itinerary may vary according to local weather, ice conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities. We will always seek to facilitate the best results of the prevailing conditions. A daily schedule will be posted on board.

Price includes

Cruise and accommodation on board the USHUAIA according to the itinerary.
All meals during the voyage on board the USHUAIA.
All zodiac and shore excursions and activities during the voyage.
Program of conferences given by renowned naturalists and experienced members of the expedition team.
Taxes and port charges during the program.
Pre-departure briefing material.
Detailed logbook.

Not Included

bar and telecommunications
Tipping (suggested USD15 per person per day)
Personal insurance

Notes

CABINS:

The vessel has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 90 passengers in 46 comfortable cabins and suites, also providing ample deck space and an open bridge policy.
The bathroom is shared between two cabins (maximum four people), with internal access from the cabins. Shared shower and toilet. Each cabin has its own washbasin.

Individual passengers can choose from:

Booking an exclusive single cabin, such as the Premier Single category, which is available at a special single rate.
Booking a double cabin (excluding Suites) for single occupancy by paying a 50% supplement of the per person rate for double cabins.
Booking a Suite for single occupancy by paying a 100% supplement.
Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender in all twin categories except for Suites.

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Health insurance: requires participants to purchase a medical insurance which includes air medical evacuation from Antarctica.

Cancellation insurance: strongly recommends participants to purchase a trip cancellation insurance.

Passengers must fill in and sign an on-line Participation Form, which must be in the hands of the provider at least 60 days before the date of the voyage departure.

Itineraries: Even though the company will make all efforts to comply with the programmed itinerary, it must be taken into account that in this type of adventure trips to antarctic regions which have a severe and unpredictable climate, security is always the most important aspect in any trip to Antarctica. For that reason, it is that the provider of the services reserves the right to modify the itinerary here described without prior consultation, due to climate problems or any other event of force majeure beyond the control of the provider of the services.

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

In the Antarctic Peninsula, the average temperature is around 0°C. We must take into account that many times the chill sensation can decrease due to the strong winds. That is why we recommend several layers of warm and light clothes. A jacket and windproof trousers as outer garments.

Sunglasses with high UV protection
Woolen hat and scarf
Soft Shell jacket
Waterproof hooded parka
Thermal underwear
Thermal Gloves
Waterproof thermal trousers
Thermal socks
Thermal underwear, including vest and clothes with a high collar
Soft Shell jacket and trousers
Swimming suit (probably bathing in thermal waters)
Comfortable clothes to wear on board (the average temperature is around 20°C)
Comfortable shoes to wear on board

Prices per person

Activities

Hotels

Destinations

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is located in the south of Argentina, in the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego; it is the southernmost city in the world; it is situated on the coast of the bay with the same name, on the Beagle Channel.Ushuaia is surrounded by sea, lakes, woods and mountains. It is a pretty and picturesque city which has an important accommodation infrastructure providing high quality services for tourists from all over the world during the whole year.

Ushuaia