12 Day Voyage from £6,508
Celebrate Christmas and the New Year in a frosted Antarctic wilderness of glistening white as far as the eye can see. Observe snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers and spectacular iceberg sculptures like enormous works of avant-garde art and visit historic sites of the early explorers and the remains of whaling operations.
Hear the cries of penguins multiplied by the thousands, watch leopard seals and sea lions perfectly at ease in the company of visitors, feel the unspeakable magnificence of spotting a whale as it surfaces from beneath cold ocean waters.
Astounding animal encounters - opportunities found nowhere else on earth. And the best part of it all is that upon returning to our start point, it will somehow seem different, because our journey has provided a true understanding between nature and voyager.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Ushuaia, Argentina
Tierra del Fuego might well be considered the "Land at the End of the World" but, for you today, it is just be the beginning. A spectacular jumping off point and return port for your Antarctic expedition.
Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your 11 day Silversea Expedition - "Classic Antarctica". Meet some fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found on board the Silver Explorer. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.
Day 2 : At Sea
The welcoming Expedition Team presents talks that will prepare us for the exciting adventures ahead. Tonight, we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Silver Explorer crew.
Day 3 : Stanley, Falkland Islands
Stanley is the capital of the remote Falkland Islands, and has a distinct British ambience. Stroll through the charming streets of this colourful little town, lined with quaint cottages and a variety of traditional pubs. Visit the 19th-century Anglican cathedral and wander through the small local museum. Some lingering reminders of the 1986 Falklands War between Britain and Argentina may still be seen though the island has settled back to its quiet business of raising sheep.
Day 4 : West Point Island, Saunders Island, Falkland Islands
Watch for Peale's dolphins and the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson's dolphin as we approach small West Point Island. Upon landing by Zodiac, we find photographic opportunities are everywhere as we walk across the rolling moorland. Our 1.25-mile hike takes us to Devil's Nose, a rocky promontory where we hope to encounter a colony of approximately 14,500 pairs of black-browed albatross that nest side-by-side with feisty rockhopper and Magellanic penguins. Learn about the island's unique vegetation including the rare Felton plant. After our hike, we will enjoy tea and cookies at the settlement. The hospitable island owners, Lily and Roddy Napier, are always happy to answer your questions and share their stories.
Following lunch, the Silver Explorer will anchor off Saunders Island - the second largest offshore island within the Falkland Islands archipelago. We plan to land our Zodiacs at The Neck, a narrow part of the island, where we will begin our explorations, hoping to encounter four different types of penguin species: king, gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic.
Day 5 : At Sea
Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur's Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.
Days 6 - 10 : Antarctic Peninsula
Beyond the furthest reaches of Tierra del Fuego and beyond imagination lies the last great frontier - Antarctica's vast white wilderness. Landscapes formed by the harshest wrath of nature, yet blessed by an isolated independence. A place unlike anywhere else on earth, where unique nature and wildlife species exist and, in fact, thrives despite the harsh climate.
While sailing to Antarctica, every turn can be a new and breathtaking adventure. As the pack ice becomes thicker, it's apparent to everyone that you are moving closer into Antarctica's vast white wilderness. Guests find this part of the world irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for humpback, Minke, and orca whales to surface from below the frigid waters. Each day you will attempt Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, you will cruise amidst colourful icebergs or step ashore to visit a variety of penguin rookeries and perhaps scientific research stations on complimentary excursions led by your team of natural history experts.
A flexible itinerary allows you to take advantage of favourable ice and weather conditions. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine your best course depending on weather, ice conditions and wildlife you may encounter. Here are some of the places you may visit:
Aitcho Islands, South Shetland Islands (just off the Antarctic Peninsula at the entrance to the English Strait)
- As you step off the Zodiac to explore the island, it's very likely you'll be greeted by the locals…penguins. Penguin breeds living here include gentoos and chinstraps. Other annual breeders include the Southern giant petrels.
- While heading back to the ship, you may have company as a leopard or southern elephant seal follows alongside your group's Zodiac.
Brown Bluff, Tabarin Peninsula (a 2,200-foot-bluff on the Antarctic continent)
- Brown Bluff is an ice-capped, 745-metre-high, flat-topped mountain with a prominent cliff of reddish-brown volcanic rock.
- Adelie and gentoo penguins, kelp gulls, and pintado petrels use this as a breeding area.
- Birds such as the all-white snow petrel and skuas may be seen from a distance.
- As you explore the area, a Weddell seal may be seen basking in the sunlight.
- Wait long enough and you might see the Adelie penguins standing along the rocks finally make their way into the surf.
Cuverville Island, Errera Channel
- The island was discovered by Gerlache's Belgian Antarctic expedition of 1897–99, and was named for a vice admiral in the French navy.
- Large, bare rock areas provide nesting sites for gentoo penguins.
- Snow petrels and pintado petrels also may be seen whilst Wilson's storm-petrels nest in the higher scree of the island.
- During Zodiac tours, hauled-out Weddell and Antarctic fur seals may be seen.
Paradise Bay (on the Antarctic peninsula)
- The bay is well named for its spectacular scenery of mountains, glaciers and icebergs.
- From the ship, observe Argentina's Almirante Brown Station, one of many Antarctic research stations.
- Here, you will actually set foot on the continent of Antarctica.
- View the wildlife from sea level while cruising in your Zodiac with one of our experienced Expedition Team members. There's a good chance you'll come across a crabeater seal relaxing on a nearby ice floe, or if you're very lucky, you may find your Zodiac surrounded by minke whales.
Paulet Island
- As you arrive, you may well be amazed by the sight of Adelie penguins covering the island. The island is home to the 80-90 thousand Adelies that come here to breed.
- On a nearby hill, view a massive colony of blue eyed shags.
- Kelp gulls and snowy sheathbills are amongst the birds that breed on Paulet Island, and Wilson's storm-petrels are regularly seen.
- Listen as your Expedition Team guide tells of Otto Nordenskjold and his party that over-wintered on the island in 1912. Remnants of their hut still remain.
- If time permits, take a Zodiac cruise to view impossibly blue icebergs, Crater Lake and the Adelie penguins making themselves at home on the ice floes.
Petermann Island, Wilhelm Archipelago
- The island is named for German geographer August Petermann and was first discovered by a German expedition in 1873-74.
- Your on board Geologist will take the opportunity to point out various geological features such as the many basaltic dikes along the shoreline, and the more granite composition of the small summit, where rock surfaces show glacial polish and some glacial grooving.
- During your landing, we will be able to observe rookeries of Adelie penguins, gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags.
Pleneau Island, Wilhelm Archipelago
- Pleneau Island lies at the south end of the Lemaire Channel, and was first explored during Charcot's 1903–05 French Antarctic Expedition. The island was named for the expedition's photographer, Paul Pleneau.
- Amongst the common breeding birds are Gentoo Penguins, kelp gulls and south polar skuas.
- See the gentoo penguins during a landing whilst looking out for southern elephant seals that are often hauled-out in wallows. Enjoy spectacular glacial and ice scenery.
Port Foster, Whalers Bay (Deception Island)
- Deception Island is home to a collapsed volcano and an excellent example of a 'caldera' where it is believed that the volcano's summit collapsed with one section sinking far enough to allow the sea to flood the interior. We plan to sail inside this breached wall through a narrow entrance called Neptune's Bellows.
- Your resident geologist will take the opportunity to explain the unique volcanic features of the area while your historian will introduce you to the whaling history of Deception Island. It is said that it was from here that Nathaniel Palmer allegedly became the first American to sight the Antarctic continent in 1820 when he stood at Neptune's Window and looked out across Bransfield Strait.
- Still visible on the island are the boilers used to make whale oil in the early 1900s.
Port Lockroy, Goudier Island
- Built by the British as a listening station for enemy activities during WWII, then used as a research station in the 1950s, and since 1962 as a museum and gift shop.
- Snowy sheathbills and gentoo penguins roam outside the museum.
- Perhaps sight a whale or two on your Zodiac cruise.
Ukrainian Research Station 'Vernadsky' (located on Galindez Island)
- While on shore, you can tour the museum or stop in their lounge for some light shopping, fun and drinks.
- Surrounded by icebergs this is a perfect opportunity for Zodiac cruising and watching the various wildlife. It's not uncommon to come across one of the world's top predators, the leopard seal, while navigating through the ice.
- Gentoo Penguins, kelp gulls, blue-eyed shags and skuas are amongst the birds that breed here.
- Weddell Seals are occasionally hauled out and could be seen during a Zodiac cruise.
Days 11 - 12 : Drake Passage Return
Navigating your return through the Drake Passage, you have the chance to spot seabirds and wildlife you may have missed on the first trip. Take this opportunity to listen to additional presentations offered by on board specialists and swap prized photos with new found friends as you make our return journey to Ushuaia.
Day 13 : Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, disembark Silver Explorer and transfer to Ushuaia International Airport for your charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions.
DEPARTURE DATES :
| 2011 : | 22 December | Voyage 7128 |
Antarctica At Christmas - CRUISE ONLY PRICES : 2011
| 2011 | ||||
| Suite | 22 December | |||
| Voyage 7128 | ||||
| Adventurer Class | Silver Sailings Fares* | 6,508† | ||
| Explorer Class |
Silver Sailings Fares* | 6,913† | ||
| View Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 7,723† | ||
| Vista Suite |
Silver Sailings Fares* | 8,128† | ||
| Veranda Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 9,748† | ||
| Expedition Suite |
Silver Sailings Fares* | 11,728 | ||
| Medallion Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 13,753† | ||
| Silver Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 14,563† | ||
| Grand 1 Suite |
Silver Sailings Fares* | 16,993† | ||
| Owner's 1 Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 18,208† | ||
† This category is wait list only.
All above prices are in £s per person based on two people travelling together and sharing a double suite.
Single occupancy supplement, starting at Vista - 200%; Veranda - 200%
*SILVER SAVINGS FARES:
All prices are in British Pound Sterling, cruise-only per person based on double occupancy. Silver Savings Fares are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may change at any time without notice. Silver Savings Fares could increase or be closed for specific suite categories or entire voyages. Contact your travel professional or Silversea to determine the Silver Savings Fares available at the time of booking your voyage(s).
Port charges and Handling Fees of £75 per person are in addition to the cruise fares and are not subject to savings programme.
All prices are in British Pound Sterling, Cruise-Only per person based on double occupancy.
Ushuaia Charter Air Service :
Fares are cruise only. In addition to the rates listed above, guests are also required to purchase Silversea's Ushuaia Charter Air Service round trip between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, including transfers in Ushuaia between airport/pier, on day of embarkation/disembarkation for an additional charge of £520 per person to be added at time of booking.
YOUR VOYAGE PRICE INCLUDES:
- Voyage in cabin grade of your choice including full board.
- Premium beverages on board.
- Gratuities on board.
- 24 hour suite service.
- Complimentary hosted adventures ashore.
- Complimentary professional parka and backpack
NOT INCLUDED :
- International flights between UK and Buenos Aires. See FLIGHT PACKAGE below
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
| FLIGHT PACKAGES | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
| UK to Buenos Aires prices from | ||
| London | £2,299 | £5,099 |
| Other UK | £2,299 | £5,099 |
YOUR FLIGHT PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Return economy/business class flights from UK, including applicable taxes and current fuel surcharges (except departure tax from South America which has to be paid for locally).
- Applicable transfers.
All above prices are in £s per person.
