• Antarctica
  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Falklands & South Georgia
    • Explorers' Quest
    • Falklands, South Georgia, Peninsula
    • Exclusive South Georgia
    • Spirit of Shackleton
    • Emperor & King Penguins
    • Classic South Georgia
  • Ross Sea
  • Atlantic Ocean Crossing
  • Antarctic Air-Cruises
  • Extreme Antarctica
  • Vessels
• Arctic
• Africa & Madagascar
• Latin America & Galápagos
• Asia
• Australasia
• RMS Titanic Dive
• National Geographic Cruises
• Special Tours

Spirit of Shackleton

Aboard the M.S. Expedition

Embarkation and disembarkation: Ushuaia

• 20 days 11 - 30 JAN 2013
• 21 days 11 - 30 JAN 2014

Day 1

Arrive Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Arrive at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

Day 2

Embarkation

Embarkation on the Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. We enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Day 3

At Sea

As we make the passage east, become acquainted with the ship. We also begin lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Days 4-5

Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins and Albatross are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest Black Browed Albatross colony in the world. Port Stanley provides an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters.

Days 6-7

At Sea

Sailing east we set course for South Georgia Island. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare us for landings. Keep your eyes peeled for the many whales.

Days 8-11

South Georgia

Home to many marvels, including Shackleton's Grave, South Georgia is a former whaling station and home to prolific wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of King Penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting we will have three full days to explore this island.

Days 12-13

At Sea

We turn south and sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards as we head towards Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Days 14-17

Antarctica

Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent. Take two excursions per day (weather conditions permitting), and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin colonies Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals, and Orca, Humpback and Minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The Peninsula also has a remarkable human history. During the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Days 18-19

Drake Passage

Reflect on our memorable adventure and take in some final lectures as we head back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out for your last chance to spot whales.

Day 20

Depart Ushuaia

We disembark in the morning.

The itinerary descriptions reflect the plans for this expedition and should be read as general guides only. These are expeditions to remote and rarely visited regions of the world, and flexibility is required. Our exact program will vary based on local weather and ice conditions, availability of local permissions, and government orders.