fbpx

Journey Below the Antarctic Circle 2019 (RCGS Resolute)

Journey Below the Antarctic Circle 2019 (RCGS Resolute)

From USD $14,295

Description

This remote stretch of the Antarctic Peninsula is visited for just a few short months each year. From January onwards, seasonal ice conditions give us our best chance of achieving our objective – crossing the Antarctic Circle. Here we witness expansive landscapes, sizable Adelie penguin rookeries and we hope to see the large tabular icebergs that have drifted north from the Bellingshausen Sea. We always anticipate
exciting ice navigation on this expedition. Detaille Island, below the Circle is a spectacular location. The snowy peaks which surround us, soar more than 2,000 meters above the ice-strewn waters. We aim to cross 66 degrees, 33 minutes South of latitude, which officially marks the position of the Antarctic Circle on the global map. We then return north, along the heavily glaciated coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing through the Argentine, Fish and Yalour Island archipelagos along the way and into the Gerlache
Strait and Danco coast region.

Our program of off-ship excursions is well underway and there is an exciting selection of activities to choose from – including short or long hikes ashore, visits to historic points of interest and wildlife colonies, zodiac cruising looking for whales and seals or simply photographing the incredible icebergs. Such activities are enjoyed in the company of our onboard team of wilderness guides, naturalists, marine biologists, historians and photographers. For those with an adventurous streak why not spend a night ashore camping like the early Antarctic explorers?

Trip Name
Journey Below the Antarctic Circle 2019 (RCGS Resolute)
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
We board our expedition ship in the late afternoon, “throw the lines”, and launch into our adventure. Heading eastwards, we navigate through the Beagle Channel and into the Drake Passage.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 3 Drake Passage
We awake to the gentle motion of the ship as we transit the Drake Passage. This famed stretch of water is known for the challenging weather conditions it posed to the great square-rigged ships of the sailing era. We hope to have an easier time of it as we head south toward the Antarctic Circle. Along the way, we witness many spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. Onboard entertainment in the form of educational presentations about the Southern Ocean, Antarctic wildlife, glaciers, ice and polar history will be punctuated by fantastic meals and announcements from our staff as a new species of bird is spotted.
Day 3 - Days 4 - 10 Antarctic Circle and Antarctic Peninsula
Our first goal is to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and, depending on ice conditions, we hope to make a landing at Detaille Island. This is a breathtaking location and home to an old British Antarctic Survey hut. We then chart a course north along the rugged coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula. Landing sites typically include the Yalour Islands, Petermann Island, Neko Harbour and Wilhelmina Bay – a known ‘ hotspot’ for humpback whale encounters. In all locations we will encounter an abundance of Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, as well as skuas, penguins, and other seabirds. If weather conditions permit you will have the opportunity to spend the night camping ashore in Antarctica, an experience that you'll never forget
Day 4 - Day 11 Deception Island, South Shetland Islands
We cross the wildlife ‘ super highway’ of the Bransfield Strait and make landfall at the stunning location of Deception Island. The old whaling station begs exploration onshore and there is an exceptional hike to a high point on the wall of the volcanic caldera. Nearby Livingstone Island is simply spectacular, with its snowy peaks and towering cliffs. Other great locations in the South Shetlands include Hannah Point, Half Moon Island, and the rocky spit of land at Yankee Harbour, where we often see Weddell seals sunning themselves.
Day 5 - Days 12 - 13 Drake Passage
Pushing out of the MacFarlane Strait and leaving the icy landscape behind, we chart a course back to South America. Our onboard presentations continue and the seabirds once again join us for our journey north. Our expedition leader delivers a memorable voyage recap and we celebrate with a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. Ifconditions allow, we attempt a rounding of Cape Horn. It’ s a fitting place to reflect on a remarkable journey to the frozen continent.
Day 6 - Day 14 Ushuaia, Argentina
In the early morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for onward flights.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-01-201930-01-2019USD $0Triple Private
17-01-201930-01-2019USD $0Twin Private
17-01-201930-01-2019USD $0Superior
17-01-201930-01-2019USD $0Superior Plus
17-01-201930-01-2019USD $0Shackleton Suite
17-01-201930-01-2019USD $0One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Cross the fabled Antarctic Circle visiting remote historic locations and wildlife colonies
    • In-depth exploration of the Gerlache coastline and Antarctic Peninsula
    • Visits to historic sites and science stations
    • Learn about the environment, wildlife and ecology of Antarctica from polar experts

Map