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Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Endeavour)

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Endeavour)

From AUD $12,400

Description

This expedition offers you the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula. Extended time in the region allows you to go beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and venture south of the Antarctic Circle, home to fantastic ice formations and wildlife including the Weddell seal. You’ll enjoy more time for communing with penguins and visits to less-frequented landing sites.

Trip Name
Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Endeavour)
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 137m Passenger Capacity: 199 Built: 1982 - refurbished 2010, 2014 & 2017 Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout. Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear. Features of the Ocean Endeavour   VOYA spa treatments and beauty products, Choice of 13 cabin categories, Bright, spacious cabins and common areas, Plenty of deck space for observation, Lounge with expansive views, Quiet zone for contemplation, Newly-refurbished restaurant, Contemporary dining with complimentary wine with dinner, Juice and smoothie bar, Lecture theater, Polar library, Polar boutique, Health and Wellness, Spa treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA - Organic Beauty From The Sea, Spa menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Quark Explorer’s treatment, and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals, Yoga and stretching classes, His & Hers saunas, gym, and heated salt water pool Full range of adventure activities including: kayaking, camping, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and hiking/ walking. Deck plan varies for the trips to Antarctica

Itinerary



Day 1 - 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 rich architecture and European heritage, you will independently transfer to your included hotel.
Day 2 - Day 2 — Fly to Ushuaia and Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier. Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel willsail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!
Day 3 - Days 3 and 4 — Crossing the Drake Passage
The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the sea—spotting and snapping shots of seabirds swooping around the ship—as well as chat with your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.
Day 4 - Days 5 to 7 — South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit 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.The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360-degree views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, and the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect yourfootwear. Each day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Day 5 - Days 8 and 9 — Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south—66°33’ S. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line, you and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!Make a toast 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, penguins and some of the most awe-inspiring ice formations you’ll see anywhere on the continent.
Day 6 - 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 be 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 offering presentations and looking out for species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Day 7 - 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, perhaps 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 8 - Day 14 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia & Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after breakfast. After disembarking, you will get a little taste of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Day 9 - 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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $12,400Triple
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $18,500Twin Porthole
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $26,700Owner's Suite
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $19,200Twin Window
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $19,900Upper Deck Twin
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $20,700Twin Porthole Suite
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $21,700Superior Twin
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $22,300Single Inside
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $23,000Top Deck Double
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $24,100Twin Window Suite
16-01-202029-01-2020AUD $25,400Junior Suite

Inclusions

    • Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;
    • Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay;
    • Witness the quintessential Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales and more;
    • Experience the Western Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites; and
    • Learn about Antarctica’s geology and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists.

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