Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Aboard the MS Expedition
Embarkation and disembarkation: Ushuaia
- 14 days December 2012 - March 2013
- 14 days December 2013 - March 2014
Day 1
Arrive Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Arrive at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world 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.
Days 3-4
Drake Passage
Our adventure begins with a 400-mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from your expedition team, and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the ship's wake.
Days 5-6
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
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 7-8
Polar Circle Crossing
Set off southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins.
Days 9-11
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
We will then turn north for the first time and head back through the 'inside passage' (pending ice conditions) to continue our exploration of the Antarctic peninsula.
Days 12-13
Drake Passage
Begin your north-bound journey to our home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of our Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some final whale sightings.
Day 13
Depart Ushuaia
We disembark in the morning.
