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Wild Isles of the South Atlantic – Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Wild Isles of the South Atlantic – Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

From USD $12,895

Description

Join a unique voyage from Ushuaia to Montevideo via the wild isles of the South Atlantic! Visit the magnificent Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and the incredible natural paradise of South Georgia to witness some of Earth’s most miraculous wildlife!
Experience some of Earth’s most spectacular wildlife destinations on this unique, brand new itinerary by Albatros Expeditions.
From Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego, Ocean Albatros will set out into the Southern Ocean, aiming for the rugged Falkland Islands. Windswept, treeless and rarely visited, these storied islands are a haven for wildlife, with hundreds of recorded bird species and a huge variety of marine mammals. We will spend two days exploring the wild western isles of the Falklands; teeming with wildlife, we will visit penguin colonies, albatross rookeries, and have excellent opportunities to see seals, whales and dolphins. From here we will head to Stanley, the islands’ small but perfectly formed capital. With a distinctly British feel, Stanley is nestled amid rugged hills on the shores of pristine South Atlantic. Have a browse in the city’s quaint shops, visit the Historic Dockyard Museum, or enjoy a hearty local welcome in one of the city’s pubs. 
Following the Falkland Islands, we venture out even further into the South Atlantic to visit South Georgia. A strip of jagged glacier-clad mountains piercing the brooding sky, South Georgia leaves a mark on every visitor, and it is no mystery why. The shores brim with wildlife, with thousands of King Penguins, elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals. Offshore, the fertile waters support huge numbers of whales, including humpbacks and blue whales. The vast penguin colonies, seal-filled seas and albatross-packed skies have to be seen to be believed, earning this wildlife paradise the nickname ‘Galapagos of the South’. 
On our last leg we will enjoy some relaxing tranquil days at sea as we chart a course for Montevideo, the vibrant capital of Uruguay. Watch the mercury rise as we sail into the tropics, and a suite of whales, dolphins and albatross pass by the vessel. One of South America’s most distinctive cities, Montevideo offers incredible wine and dining, sunny days on the beach, or the chance to simply relax, sip a yerba mate and soak up the Rioplatense vibe.
Join us for a truly unique adventure off the beaten path in the wildlife paradise of the South Atlantic. Experience with us! 

Trip Name
Wild Isles of the South Atlantic - Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Passenger Capacity: 169 (95 cabins) Length: 104.4 m Built: 2022 The Ocean Albatros, sistership to the Ocean Victory, will join the fleet of Albatros Expeditions in November 2022. The Ocean Albatros will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, any various exciting new destinations in between. With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros will definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.  The vessel will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and be one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests. Unlike the Ocean Victory, the Ocean Albatros will also offer a unique panorama sauna, and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement. BRIDGE Due to its important role as a control center for all nautical and technical processes, the ship's bridge is a vital, sensitive place. Therefore, the bridge may not be accessible to the public at all times. Conditions permitting, we will be happy to welcome you into the bridge for a visit. Guests must be accompanied by the master or our expedition leader. STATEROOM SERVICE Your stateroom is serviced daily. We provide a turn-down service. We provide meal to room only for serious cases of guest being sick. Our suites will have VIP services. ZODIAC LANDINGS One feature of our expedition cruises includes landings and excursions aboard Ocean Albatros's fleet of 18 inflatable, motorized rubber "Zodiac" boats. The Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment. The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines and share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago. Your safety and comfort are our #1 priority, and your expedition leader will carefully plan for as many Zodiac excursions as possible, dependent upon the local weather and prevailing conditions. In each case, the expedition leader makes the final decision if the landing is possible or not. Safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive a mandatory instruction of the safety guidelines. Life jackets are mandatory to wear. Please note, we highly recommend the use of waterproof bags in order to protect your personal camera or binoculars, as both hands must be free of everything during boarding. Participation is fairly easy and comfortable for able-bodied guests but can be more challenging for those with physical handicaps. GRATUITIES Following international standards in the service industry, it is customary to leave gratuity for the ship’s crew at the end of the voyage. All gratuities will be divided among the crew. Typically, a recommended amount is approximately 13.5 USD per person per day. Gratuity is, of course, not required and any gratuity payments are voluntary. DRESS CODE The dress code on board is casual. Ties, jackets and evening dresses you may leave at home. It is rather more important to wear the right clothes in order to adapt to the different weather conditions. We recommend comfortable, breathable, waterproof and windproof clothing. Also, you should have a pair of gloves, thermal underwear and sturdy footwear in your luggage. For the captains and farewell cocktail, we recommend a smart casual dress style. INTERNET / PHONE Keep in mind, we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Where accessible, internet access is available for an extra charge. Mobile phone reception may be possible in select regions along our route. For further details please contact your mobile phone operator. Prices can be found in the information folder in your state room. Please ensure that your ‘Data Roaming’ function is switched off. RECEPTION The daily office hours of the board reception are from 06:00 until 23:00. ALBATROS OCEAN SHOP The selection of items available for purchase varies by ship, and may include a range of warm and practical clothing, as well as souvenirs, local arts and postcards at reasonable prices. A small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects are also sold. HEALTH / MEDICAL EMERGENCY Each of our vessels has a small medical facility equipped with the necessary equipment and medicine to handle small emergencies. The infirmary is always staffed by a professionally licensed, English-speaking physician and nurse. Should a serious incident occur, the nearest hospital will be contacted. All guests must have personal travel/health insurance. Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, you should be able to move on board and ashore without the help of others. Please be aware that the ship does not provide wheelchair accessible state rooms. Due to safety reasons a cruise is only possible for pregnant women until the 24th week of pregnancy. The state of pregnancy must be presented by a medical certificate. PHYSICAL DISABILITIES / WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY Guests with physical disabilities are recommended to travel with an accompanying person. The processes on board should be handled without external help. The gangway can be – depending on the individual disability – a challenge. The angle of inclination of the gangway varies due to tide and different circumstances in the respective port. Please note that the guest’s participation in shore excursions as well as the (dis-)embarkation by Zodiac can be denied by the expedition leader due to security reasons. The instructions of the expedition leader must be followed. The ship is not suitable for wheelchairs. SEASICKNESS / STABILISATORS The ship is equipped with stabilizers in order to reduce the ship’s roll. However, these expeditions are hosted in remote regions, and it is possible to periodically encounter changing environments and climate patterns, including rough seas and large swells. Seasickness patches (Scopoderm or similar) work solely or in part to help cure nausea for most people. These medicines can cause sleepiness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor prior to departure to help ensure your comfort while travelling. SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS All meals on board the vessel is chef-prepared. If you have special dietary requirements (food allergies, intolerances, health conditions or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible - ideally, no later than 2 weeks before departure. In order to ensure efficient service, please re-confirm your requirements with the crew upon boarding the ship. LAUNDRY If you wish to have some laundry done while aboard the ship, laundry service is available for an additional fee.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN USHUAIA, EMBARKATION
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map, setting an easterly course for the Falkland Islands.
Day 2 - DAY 2 AT SEA - EN ROUTE TO THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
Following the ocean currents of the South Atlantic, we head towards the rarely-visited Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). While the indigenous Yaghan people of Tierra del Fuego may have visited the islands, the Falkland Islands had no indigenous population when Europeans arrived in the early 16th Century. The islands' sovereignty has been contested ever since, and tensions resulted in a conflict over the islands between Britain and Argentina in 1982. While the conflict spurred much-needed development assistance from the United Kingdom, it also left much of the islands heavily mined. Since the conflict however, the islands have flourished, selling lucrative fishing rights to their rich waters. The de-mining operation was completed in 2020.The waters around the Falklands are some of the richest in the world, with huge whale, seal and penguin populations, so keep binoculars at the ready! Be sure to also join your Expedition Team lecturers to hear about these islands' fascinating history, biology and unique 'Kelper' culture. During our crossing to the Falkland Islands, your Expedition Leader will brief you on how to behave onshore to get the best possible wildlife experiences while minimising disturbance. Your Expedition Team will assist you to clean and biosecure your clothing and equipment - a vital role our guests play in protecting the unique ecology of the Falkland Islands. 
Day 3 - DAY 3-4 WESTERN FALKLAND ISLANDS
During our first two days in the Falkland Islands, we will venture to some of the outer islands in the West Falklands - 'Camp', as the locals call the area outside the capital, Stanley.The outer islands of the Falklands are much more wild and more remote than the mainland, and host the majority of the islands' wildlife. Islands such as West Point, Carcass and Saunders are well known for their white sandy shores and spectacular wildlife. Southern Rockhopper Penguins, Black-Browed Albatross and King Cormorants commonly nest together in vast cliffside colonies; penguins nurture their eggs and chicks in clefts between large cylindrical nests where cormorants and albatross nest. Be sure to look out above to see the vast albatross coming in to land - often less than gracefully! The islands are also home to a vast number of other bird species such as the endearingly cheeky Striated Caracara (watch all unattended possessions!), and in the water a number of species such as commerson's dolphins and South American sealions can be seen playing. 
Day 4 - DAY 5 STANLEY, FALKLAND ISLANDS
During the following morning we will cast anchor in the sheltered natural harbor of Stanley (sometimes known as Port Stanley), and land in the centre of this small city by Zodiac. Stanley is the only settlement on the islands of any size, with a population of around two thousand people - the majority of the islands' population. Look closer and you will notice a very distinctly British feel to Stanley. Victorian houses lining the harbourfront could be on any swanky London terrace; red telephone booths and post boxes stand by the jetty; cosy whitewashed pubs serve fish and chips alongside foaming pints of ale.The Falkland Islanders are proud of their unique homeland, and Stanley is a great place to explore and soak up the local vibe. Highlights in the city include Christchurch Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral on Earth, as well as excellent shops selling local products (watch out for high quality woollen good in particular), cafes and pubs offering a warm welcome, and an excellent museum; visitors are spoiled for choice! A short drive or a pleasant walk from the city are several stunning beaches. Once heavily mined, these are now open, and locals and foreigners alike often visit to see the abundant penguins and spectacular gold-white sands. Be sure to keep watch for wildlife while strolling through town - even close to shore, penguins, giant petrels and sea lions are very common! 
Day 5 - DAYS 6-7 AT SEA TOWARDS SOUTH GEORGIA
From the Falklands, we set out eastwards again, following the ocean currents towards South Georgia. Here we enter the Furious Fifties, the stretch of powerful water marking the entry to the Antarctic ecoregion. Watch the mercury drop as we sail further east. Your crossing will benefit from our vessels' powerful engines, and the stability provided by the specially-designed X-Bow - making the journey in just two days!In order to protect the extremely delicate and rich ecosystem of South Georgia, our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to thoroughly biosecure your clothing and equipment. The Team will also continue their in-depth lecture program, now focussing on the fascinating history, biology and wildlife of South Georgia. Be sure also to wrap up warm and join your Expedition Team out on deck! Due to the mixture of temperate and polar waters, this region of the South Atlantic is one of the most biologically productive on Earth, and is a haven for vast quantities of wildlife - from whales and albatross to penguins and seals. Watch the waves carefully - in this region, sub-Antarctic species (such as fur seals) mingle with true polar species (such as Adelie Penguins), creating a fascinating ecological mix.
Day 6 - DAY 8-11 SOUTH GEORGIA
Jagged mountains pierce the brooding clouds of the Southern Ocean. Icebound peaks loom over stormy beaches, and glaciers peek from the head of deep fjords. Peer closer, and you will see greenery among the ice, movement on the beaches and wings in the skies above. South Georgia was once one of the most degraded environments on Earth. Hearing of the rich hunting, sealers flocked to the island after its discovery by Captain James Cook. Once the seals had been almost wiped out, South Georgia became the world's largest whaling area, with several settlements built to carry out this industrialised slaughter. Norwegian whalers introduced reindeer, which soon destroyed the islands vegetation, while brown rats devoured seabirds and their eggs. Thankfully, extensive conservation has restored this magnificent island to its former glory and removed the reindeer and rats - and glorious it truly is. Beaches throng with hundreds of thousands of elegant King Penguins, which must vie for space with the territorial Antarctic fur seals - who themselves must avoid the gigantic southern elephant seals. Tiny South Georgia Pippits and Pintail Ducks (once almost extinct) are now abundant, and petrels, albatross and shags nest on the steep hillsides. In the sea, leopard seals stalk penguins, fur seal pups play in the shallows, and offshore, a huge variety of whales gorge on krill. Nowhere else on Earth boasts such a diversity and volume of wildlife!Our exact itinerary will be dictated by weather and sea conditions - nevertheless, our experienced Expedition Team and Captain will maximise opportunities to explore. South Georgia is one of those locations which grabs hold of the senses and never lets go; even long after departure, the jewel of the South Atlantic will captivate visitors for years to come. 
Day 7 - DAY 12-15 AT SEA TOWARD SOUTH AMERICA
We are now into the last leg of this adventurous voyage, heading northwestwards towards Montevideo, Uruguay - one of the most important ports for historical expeditions, as it is for ours today.During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us westward. As we traverse from chilly Antarctic waters into more temperate climes, watch as the variety of birds and marine mammals changes and diversifies. During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Senior Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Southern Ocean adventure. Skål! 
Day 8 - DAY 16 MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - DISEMBARKATION
The city of Montevideo sits at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, the vast estuary which holds not one but two capital cities (the throbbing Argentine capital of Buenos Aires is just across the water). We will head for the northern, Uruguayan shore, where our voyage ends in the delightful capital city of Montevideo. This vibrant city is the perfect introduction to the Southern Cone, offering incredible wine, gourmet cuisine and a relaxed beach lifestyle. Trees, cars, grass and a bustling capital city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of the Southern Ocean!After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime. 
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-03-202604-04-2026USD $12,895Category F Stateroom - Triple Stateroom (Porthole)
20-03-202604-04-2026USD $15,095Category D Stateroom - Albatros Stateroom (Porthole)
20-03-202604-04-2026USD $15,995Category E Stateroom - French Balcony Stateroom
20-03-202604-04-2026USD $16,395Category C Stateroom - Balcony Stateroom
20-03-202604-04-2026USD $18,995Category G Stateroom - Single Stateroom (Porthole)
20-03-202604-04-2026USD $21,495Category B Suite - Balcony Suite
20-03-202604-04-2026USD $27,595Category A Suite - Junior Suite
20-03-202604-04-2026USD $30,995Premium Suite - Freydis Suite
20-03-202604-04-2026USD $30,995Family Suite - Brynhilde Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the Falkland Islands and South Georgia: Witness incredible wildlife, including penguin colonies, albatross rookeries, and diverse marine mammals in these remote and rugged islands.
    • Journey to Montevideo: Conclude your voyage in Uruguay's vibrant capital, enjoying its unique culture, beautiful beaches, and culinary delights.

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