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Christmas in Antarctica

Christmas in Antarctica

From USD $9,100

Description

‘Tis the season . . . to be in Antarctica! Enjoy the ultimate White Christmas on a special celebratory season voyage. Penguin chicks hatch, skuas are on alert, and late-bloomers try to finish off their nests. With 24 hours of daylight, we pack in continental landings, visits to historic sites and scientific stations, and perhaps an after-dinner Zodiac cruise. You could share protected channels with minke and humpback whales, kayak amongst ice floes and drift near curious wildlife or sleep like a true Antarctic explorer when you camp out on the ice!

Your Voyage Includes: Flight from Puerto Williams, Chile to Punta Arenas, Chile.

Trip Name
Christmas in Antarctica
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 71 metres Passenger Capacity: 50 Built / refurbished: 1985 / 2000 Polar Pioneer is one of the most popular style of vessels currently used in Antarctica and the Arctic. Originally built as an ice-strengthened research vessel in Finland in 1982, she was refurbished in 2000 and converted into a passenger ship for expeditions to the polar regions. Polar Pioneer’s excellent reputation for polar expedition cruising is due to her strength, maneuverability and size. She is small and nimble, which means she can sail up close to landing sites and venture where other, larger ships can’t. Carrying just 54 passengers, she allows us to offer you a far more personal and intimate experience of the destination we are visiting. Dining Our professional chefs present three healthy, delicious meals daily, with morning and afternoon tea available in the dining rooms in between. All of our produce is sourced locally, with fresh fruit and vegetables, and freshly baked bread and pastries, served wherever possible. We are able to cater for a range of special meal requests, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, lactose free and other allergy specific requirements – please ensure you list this on your personal details form. Observation Decks Our spacious observation decks provide a congenial place to watch for wildlife or follow the ship’s progress on nautical charts. Rug up for unparalleled scenery from the outer decks or flying bridge, where our naturalists help you identify wildlife. Learning and Lectures At sea, join our polar specialists as they entertain and inform us with illustrated talks, and prepare us for making shore visits with mandatory safety and environmental briefings. Captain and Crew Our highly experienced Russian captain and crew are among the best ice navigators in the world. Our efficient stewardesses attend to rooms and serve our meals, whilst the crew work mainly behind-the-scenes to help our expedition leader get the ship to where we want to go. Getting Ashore Polar Pioneer boasts a fleet of Zodiacs that transport us ashore to penguin rookeries, scientific stations and historic sites, and provide us with a platform for photography. Our small excursion crafts take us beyond the reach of giant cruisers, and our philosophy of “getting out amongst it” is put to practice. Medical Clinic A basic medical clinic is managed by our English-speaking Ship’s Doctor, who is available at all times to assist with bouts of sea sickness and other unexpected emergencies. On-board Entertainment From socialising in our fully-stocked lounge bar to enjoying Captain’s drinks, trivia nights and charity auctions, or escaping to the sauna for some R&R; our small ship offers some fun entertainment options for when we’re not out and about. Technology and Connectivity Polar Pioneer has communication services that are available for an additional fee. These include satellite telephone, email and fax. Please note that these services are basic and not suitable for continuous use. Internet access is available on board for an additional cost. Please note that due to the remote nature of our expeditions, connection cannot always be guaranteed. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 – Ushuaia
Enjoy a warm, late afternoon welcome from our friendly expedition team and Russian crew. You'll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship before our evening departure. Excitement lifts as we lift anchor and set sail down the Beagle Channel, keeping watch for Magellanic penguins, dolphins and albatross. Please note: We recommend you arrive into Ushuaia at least one day prior to your departure start date to avoid issues with flight and luggage delays. A luggage transfer from your Ushuaia hotel to ship is included today. Ushuaia port is a short walking distance from your town; you are required to make your own way to port in time for boarding this afternoon.
Day 2 - Days 2 to 3 – Drake Passage
Fall in love with gliding albatross or the heroics of tiny storm petrels as we cross the Drake Passage. Outer decks and our warm bridge offer excellent bird watching and our naturalist’s informative talks, safety and environmental guidelines prepare us for our Antarctic landings. We have time to meet fellow travellers, relax and prepare for the days ahead. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, and the appearance of penguins and seals in the waters around us herald our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.
Day 3 - Days 4 to 9 – Antarctic Peninsula
If weather permits, early risers are rewarded with spectacular views of ice-clad mountains along the Danco Coast, then soaring Anvers Island as we reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Over the next six days we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations and celebrate Christmas with our expedition 'family' in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. In Zodiacs, we cruise amongst an iceberg fantasia, where seals bask on floes and our kayakers glide into secluded bays. Off the ship is where we like to be, even camping out one night if conditions allow. Thanks to the small number of people on board, spontaneity and flexibility is possible, enhanced enjoyment the result.
Day 4 - Days 10 to 11 – Drake Passage
As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner with our newfound friends.
Day 5 - Day 12 – Punta Arenas
Dawn greets us in the Beagle Channel. After breakfast, we disembark for a tour of Puerto Williams before boarding our flight to Punta Arenas. Additional Information: On arrival in Punta Arenas a transfer is included to Aurora Expeditions preferred hotel. It is advised that you overnight in Punta Arenas, but not mandatory.
Day 6 - Please Note:
Please note that all of our itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. Our itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-12-201829-12-2018USD $0Triple Cabin
18-12-201829-12-2018USD $0Twin Public
18-12-201829-12-2018USD $0Twin Economy Private
18-12-201829-12-2018USD $0Twin Private
18-12-201829-12-2018USD $0Mini Suite
18-12-201829-12-2018USD $0Captain's Suite

Inclusions

    • Celebrate a white Christmas in Antarctica
    • Penguin colonies alive with nest building
    • Crabeater and Weddell seals hauling out on the ice
    • Visit historic sites and working scientific stations
    • Camp out under the midnight sun
    • Kayak alongside penguins, seals and whales

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