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Epic Antarctica: Circle, Falklands & South Georgia - Ultramarine
If you're hoping to experience landings below the Antarctic Circle along with spectacular South Georgia, this brand new ship will offer a truly epic combination of destinations--plus flightseeing!
SPECIAL OFFER
8.3*
ECO SCORE
199
PASSENGERS
23
DAYS
3.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Antarctica: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Ultramarine
Our Epic Antarctica voyage is called so for a reason—it includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine. From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage. Start with the Falklands, reminiscent of both sandy Cape Cod and the English moors, home to albatross, dolphins, and five species of penguins. From there, venture to South Georgia where you’ll enter the home of 300,000 breeding king penguins, 50 million other seabirds and 5 million seals. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and finally cross the Antarctic Circle—a significant milestone for any world traveler.
- • Enjoy a fantastic flightseeing tour via this purpose-built ship's helicopter along with many other activity options like camping, 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 28% per person on 2024 dates! (Rates below reflect special)
Rates:
From $32,383 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Jan 13 – Feb 4, 2024
Ask us for later dates.
January
Hover here for specific dates
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 Ushuaia, Argentina
Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet boasts many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants that you can enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking.
Day 2 - Embark
As you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. On board to ensure your comfort and safety, your team will also help make your wildlife dreams come true.
Day 3 - At Sea
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology and history that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Days 4 and 5 - Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily Zodiac excursions and landings. Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit the cathedral and museum.
The Archipelago is rich in wildlife, especially birds, and home to Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black-browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and possibly the elusive Cobb’s wren. Your expert education team will be sure to enrich your understanding of the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.
Days 6 and 7 - At Sea
Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps nourish the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to this part of the world. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent the area.
Days 8 to 11 - South Georgia
This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and seals. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts. One significant and historic site is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station. Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, it is the tremendous abundance of wildlife that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures.
One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on a beach, and the next, you may visit another beach blanketed with hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. This fragile and interwoven relationship is something your Expedition Team will instill in you during your time here.
Days 12 and 13 - At Sea
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team.
Days 14 to 16 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The experience is hard to put into words, but the most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and solitude; the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.
Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal, or maybe you’ll come eye to eye with a humpback whale while you are cruising in a Zodiac. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. If you find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an optional kayaking adventure (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or a swim in Antarctic waters during the Polar Plunge!
Days 17 and 18 - 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 latitude of 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 19 and 20 - Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Days 21 and 22 - Crossing the Drake Passage
After more than three weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.
Day 23 - Disembark in Ushuaia
After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be transferred to town.
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.
Activities Available: (Some at extra cost. Ask your Travel Curator.)
Flightseeing (Included)
Camping (Optional)
Sea Kayaking (Optional)
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (Optional)
Special Offer Details: Save up to 33%, $26,519 per person on 2023 dates! Rates below reflect lowest possible rates. Ask your Travel Curator for current rates.
Ultramarine
The newest ship in this operator's fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
• Capacity: 199 Guests
• Cabins: 102 Cabins
• Specialists: Credentialed Experts, 140 Staff and Crew
ACHIEVEMENTS
2019 Magellan Awards "Best Overall Small Cruise Ship"
2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards – "Best Small Ship Line"
"The newest addition to this seasoned operator's fleet of ships, Ultramarine has some of the largest cabins of all the ships we offer. She's purpose-built and perfect for outstanding, highly adventurous expeditions to the polar regions. If you're hoping for kayaking, camping, paddle boarding and now with Ultramarine, flightseeing, you're in for a trip of a lifetime with this polar-passionate operator."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
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Questions?
Rates
Questions?
PENTHOUSE SUITE
The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. One double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, shower, bathtub. Solo Rate: $79,913
From in USD:
$46,351pp
I've sent hundreds of travelers with this operator, and they're perfect for active travelers who want to get outside. Their focus is getting on shore for adventures. I'm excited about this new ship!
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.
