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Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition - Ocean Explorer
Looking to experience the uncharted side of Antarctica? Trips that cross the Antarctic Circle offer a unique journey into the unknown, with rare landings in areas most expeditions don’t touch. If your goal is to explore deeper into the icy wilderness, this is your route!
SPECIAL OFFER
8.3*
ECO SCORE
138
PASSENGERS
14
DAYS
3.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Antarctica: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Ocean Explorer
Setting foot on the 7th Continent is a polar achievement relatively few people experience in their lifetime. Even more rare is the incomparable milestone that’s achieved when a traveler crosses the iconic Antarctic Circle. Navigating south of 66°33' S is—for most guests—the highlight of the 14-day itinerary Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition, which rewards passengers daily with views of dramatic ice formations, humpback whales swimming alongside the ship, leopard seals diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding off icebergs into crystal waters, or giant petrels soaring above the crackling sea.
- • Travel on a classic expedition vessel with only 138 fellow passengers and enjoy activities like kayaking and paddle boarding.
• Cross farther south than most Antarctica trips and view massive tabular icebergs along with large groups of Weddell seals.
• This reliable operator with over 30 years of expeditions under their belt, always delivers a wonderful experience offered by an enthusiastic crew. An excellent choice for the very active traveler.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Save up to 30% on select dates!
Rates:
From $14,171 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
January to March offers warmer temperatures and heightened wildlife activity. This season is perfect for spotting seals, penguins, and whales, with stunning landscapes and exploration opportunities in these remote regions.
Inquire for specific dates.
January – March;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Uses state of the art technology to reduce carbon emissions associated with waste disposal.
Conservation
Aided in eradicating invasive rodents in South Georgia to restore ground-nesting bird populations.
Waste
Piloted an Arctic-wide recycling program for cruise lines.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
Day 2 - Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.
Days 3 and 4 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Your days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh air and views on the outer decks.
Days 5 to 7 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with five different species of seals. Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment, while sea kayaking, paddle excursions, or camping are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).
Days 8 and 9 - Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
Days 10 and 11 - Northbound Along the Peninsula
By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Days 12 and 13 - Crossing the Drake Passage
As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.
Day 14 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Please Note: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
*Mandatory Transfer Package Includes: One pre-night’s hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.) Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires; Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE); Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.); Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia.
Package Rate Including BA to Ushuaia Air: $995pp
Activities Available: (Some at extra cost. Ask your Travel Curator.)
Flightseeing (Included)
Camping (Optional)
Sea Kayaking (Optional)
Paddling (Optional)
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (Optional)
Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship. Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis. Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing
areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.
• Capacity: 138 Guests
• Cabins: 70 Cabins
• Specialists: Credentialed Experts, 105 Staff and Crew members
ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Magellan Awards "Best Overall Small Cruise Ship"
2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards – "Best Small Ship Line"
"Contemporary meets cozy in this modern ship with its airy Scandinavian style and floor to ceiling windows. Because the conservation organization in Antarctica only allows 100 passengers on shore at one time and some passengers are always in transit from the ship to shore in zodiacs, passengers get to go to shore mostly all at the same time, which means longer shore visits and no waiting for those who choose this charming ship. In the Arctic, this ship size also saves you time. This reliable operator consistently delivers fantastic experiences, blending adventure and luxury on a stylish and spacious vessel."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
This state of the art, X-bow ship will cut through rough polar seas “like butter” which could become very important as you travel down the coast to cross the Antarctic Circle. At 138 passengers, the small size offers more shore time than larger ships too.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities; All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; All shore landings per the daily program; Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
A photographic journal documenting the expedition; A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions; An official parka to keep; Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; All luggage handling aboard the ship; Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person; Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1; One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.); Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day; Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility.
