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Discover Antarctica 10 Days (Ocean Endeavour)

Discover Antarctica 10 Days (Ocean Endeavour)

From NZD $11,940

Description

Raw, rugged and remote – the Great White Continent awaits

Antarctica – it’s a place of extremes, where the wildlife and landscape paint a picture like nowhere else in the world. Take to the extraordinary islands around the Antarctic Peninsula, spending 10 days on an unforgettable polar expedition – a stunning reward for conquering the Drake Passage. Amid the Antarctic’s barren beauty, you may well encounter orcas, humpback whales, seals, penguins and more. Explore the ice-filled waters by Zodiac then set foot on the rock and ice that makes up this mysterious continent, spending your evenings and days at sea staying in modern and comfortable lodgings and enjoying its health and wellness facilities. Welcome to the pinnacle of adventure travel – an expedition to Antarctica.

Is this trip right for you?

This is our classic Antarctica cruise, perfect for first time explorers or seasoned adventurers.

Although our ice-strengthened ships are big and sturdy, the Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings, so please be prepared with medications to combat this – we’d hate for you to miss a single minute of this journey. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.

Believe it or not, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing. And yet it can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It’s best to dress in layers when you journey outside and we’ll provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy, warm and highly fashionable (in Antarctica, at least). Please see the Essential Trip Information for information about what to bring.

Depending on the weather, you’ll be zipping around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. Being cold and miserable is one thing; having no photos to show for it is another. Sturdy sea legs are needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.

The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure, and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands; the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to others (which are equally as interesting). We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.

Trip Name
Discover Antarctica 10 Days (Ocean Endeavour)
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 137m Passenger Capacity: 199 Built: 1982 - refurbished 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018 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: Ushuaia
Welcome to Ushuaia in Argentina – the world’s southernmost city. You’ll be briefed at the hotel tonight on the journey and details for tomorrow’s embarkation, but if you happen to arrive early there are a surprising amount of ways to entertain yourself at ‘the End of the World’. Check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the region’s history or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you’re after any last-minute essentials before departing. Oh, and because this is Argentina – if all else fails, head to a local restaurant to get your fill of red wine and steak. A traditional asado experience – muy bueno!Meals IncludedThere are no meals included on this day.Special InformationAn arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions. Please speak to your booking agent for more details.
Day 2 - Day 2: Ushuaia – Embarkation Day
This afternoon you’ll board the Ocean Endeavour, settle into your cabin and begin cruising down the stunning Beagle Channel, named for Charles Darwin’s ship. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and as the ship pulls away from port there’s always an air of anticipation. Wave goodbye to Argentina and know that the next time you see land you’ll be staring at Antarctica.Meals IncludedBreakfastDinner
Day 3 - Days 3-4: Drake Passage
The time has come to cross the Drake Passage, the legendary body of water named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake. If the conditions are right, enjoy some time out on deck to spot dolphins, orcas or perhaps albatross. If the waters are a little rough, the Ocean Endeavour is equipped with some seriously lush facilities for you to take advantage of. As well as safety briefings, a comprehensive lecture program will run throughout the journey delivered by experts in Antarctica’s history, geology and biology. With any luck we’ll make it to land by early evening on Day 4 – a moment that always brings much excitement.Meals IncludedBreakfast (2)Lunch (2)Dinner (2)
Day 4 - Days 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula
The adventure truly begins once the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake and exchanged for three incredible days of exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Stare wide-eyed at glaciers, mountains and an unimaginable array of wildlife as the sheer magnitude and rawness of the area comes to light. Every day is a new adventure, and you’ll explore ice-filled bays and channels as well as Antarctica itself on Zodiac excursions and by foot. While the landscapes will no doubt take your breath away, Antarctica is all about the wildlife. Visit penguin rookeries, spot humpback and minke whales and look out for leopard seals, all while calving glaciers crack through the immense silence. The landing sites visited will depend on the ship's location and weather conditions.Meals IncludedBreakfast (3)Lunch (3)Dinner (3)
Day 5 - Days 8-9: At Sea
Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula as we begin our return leg to Ushuaia. Take the opportunity to share photographs with fellow travellers, use your now expert skills in wildlife spotting and enjoy the final lectures from your polar experts. It’s also a great opportunity to make use of the Ocean Endeavour’s health and wellness facilities, including its saunas, spa, heated pool, yoga classes and gym.Meals IncludedBreakfast (2)Lunch (2)Dinner (2)
Day 6 - Day 10: Ushuaia – Disembarkation Day
Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close after breakfast this morning. Farewell your shipmates and transfer to the airport if you’re flying out today, or perhaps spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world. If you would like to spend more time in Ushuaia, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).Meals IncludedBreakfast
Day 7 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-12-202019-12-2020NZD $11,940Cabin Category 3
10-12-202019-12-2020NZD $13,435Cabin Category 4
10-12-202019-12-2020NZD $14,930Cabin Category 5
10-12-202019-12-2020NZD $16,425Cabin Category 6
10-12-202019-12-2020NZD $17,920Cabin Category 7
10-12-202019-12-2020NZD $19,415Cabin Category 8
10-12-202019-12-2020NZD $20,910Cabin Category 9
10-12-202019-12-2020NZD $22,405Cabin Category 10

Inclusions

    • Discover the wonder of the earth’s southernmost reaches; each day offering new polar experiences. Ice walking, penguin spotting, whale watching – you’re set for an unforgettable adventure.
    • Freezing is great but freedom is better. Customise your trip with a range of optional activities on top of regular Zodiac excursions, such as kayaking and camping adventures, and even a polar plunge!
    • Onboard the Ocean Endeavour, you’ll be treated to high-quality food and one expedition crew for every eight passengers, ensuring a personal touch. Plus, you could consider booking a single share cabin for even greater comfort.
    • Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages between them. Experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history, they’ll share their knowledge during a comprehensive lecture program.
    • Rest assured that footprints are all you’ll leave behind. Your Antarctica expedition is carbon offset, and we serve only sustainably sourced seafood, avoid single-use plastics and use biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning products.

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