17 Day Voyage from £5,697
Follow in the footsteps of brave and daring explorers with names like Roald Amundsen, James Weddell, James Clark Ross, and Ernest Shackleton on this - the Explorer's Antarctica.
A frosted wilderness of glistening white as far as the eye can see. Natural ice sculptures like enormous works of avant-garde art. This is the modern explorer's final frontier. 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.
Depart from Buenos Aires J. Newbery Domestic Airport, fly to Ushuaia International Airport and transfer to the port. Embark Prince Albert II and depart on your 17 day Silversea Expedition - "Explorer's Antarctica". Meet some fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.
Day 2 : At Sea
The welcoming Expedition Team presents talks that will prepare you for the exciting adventures ahead. Tonight, you are invited to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Prince Albert II crew.
Day 3 : West Point Island, Falkland Islands and Carcass Island
Watch for the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson's dolphin as you approach West Point Island. Upon arrival, you can walk across rolling moorland and admire colonies of Black-browed albatrosses that nest side-by-side with feisty Rockhopper penguins. Learn about the island's unique vegetation including the rare Felton plant. The hospitable island owners are always happy to answer our questions and share their stories.
As your Zodiac lands at Leopard Beach, Carcass Island, you may be surprised by the white sands, verdant tussock grasses and the large variety of land birds seen during your time ashore. The island is home to Magellanic and Gentoo penguins as well as the endemic Falkland flightless steamer duck and rare Ruddy-headed goose. Before heading back to the ship, you stop by for a spot of tea with the island owners.
Day 4 : 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, wander through a small local museum, and see lingering reminders of the 1986 Falklands War.
Days 5 - 6 : At Sea
As you begin to venture farther south, you experience midnight sunsets on deck and view nature's splendour through your cameras and binoculars. It is very possible to have sightings of Humpback and Killer or Orca whales and perhaps even the Wandering albatross, which can be recognised by its black wingtips and large wingspan.
Days 7 - 9 : South Georgia
This breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands attract an astounding concentration of wildlife including: Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species like the Black-browed, Light-mantled sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni penguins.
South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton's arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship, the Endurance. You visit Shackleton's grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken.
Day 10 - 11 : At Sea
Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region's distinctive wildlife and nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Onboard diversions may include wine tastings, photographic workshops, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.
Day 12 : Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands
Awesome glaciers flecked with pink algae greet you as you approach Elephant Island - so named for its abundance of Elephant seals. When Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, the crew was stranded here for 105 days in 1916. Elephant Island is home to several Chinstrap penguin rookeries, as well as 2,000-year old moss colonies. Weddell seals, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins can also be found on the spit of land Shackleton’s men named 'Point Wild'.
Days 13 - 15 : 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. Witness the dramatic beauty of spectacular iceberg sculptures, marvel at calving glaciers and experience up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for Humpback, Minke and Orca whales surfacing from below the frigid waters. Each day you will attempt at least two Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, will visit a variety of penguin rookeries and scientific research stations. Perhaps a Zodiac cruise amidst colourful icebergs or a special excursion with an expert guest naturalist will be the highlight of your day's agenda.
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.
Days 16 - 17 : Drake Passage
The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that float in the air currents of your ship's wake. Varieties like the Black-browed albatross, Sooty shearwaters and White-chinned petrels.
As you return to Ushuaia, listen to additional presentations offered by onboard specialists and swap prized photos with new found friends.
Day 18 : Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II 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 :
| 2010 : | 10 November | Voyage 7022 | Itinerary (pdf) |
| 19 December | Voyage 7025 | Itinerary (pdf) | |
| 2011 : | 25 January | Voyage 7103 | Itinerary (pdf) |
Explorer's Antarctica - CRUISE ONLY PRICES : 2010/11
| 2010 | 2010 | 2011 | ||
| Suite | 10 November | 19 December | 25 January | |
| Voyage 7022 | Voyage 7025 | Voyage 7103 | ||
| Adventurer Class | Silver Sailings Fares* | 5,697 | 7,206 | 8,347 |
| Explorer Class |
Silver Sailings Fares* | 6,057 | 7,696 | 8,897 |
| View Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 6,777 | 8,606 | 9,947 |
| Vista Suite |
Silver Sailings Fares* | 7,137 | 9,026 | 10,447 |
| Veranda Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 8,577 | 10,846 | 12,547 |
| Expedition Suite |
Silver Sailings Fares* | 10,317 | 13,086 | 15,147 |
| Medallion Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 12,117 | 15,326 | 17,747 |
| Silver Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 12,837 | 16,236 | 18,797 |
| Grand 1 Suite |
Silver Sailings Fares* | 14,997 | 18,966 | 21,947 |
| Owner's 1 Suite | Silver Sailings Fares* | 16,077 | 20,296 | 23,497 |
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 - 125%; 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 £100 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 :
Guests booking a voyage embarking and/or disembarking in Ushuaia are required to purchase, in addition to the cruise-only fare, Silversea’s Ushuaia Charter Air Service between Buenos Aires Domestic Airport/AEP (Santiago/SCL on select voyages) and Ushuaia, including applicable Ushuaia transfer(s) between airport/pier.
Purchase of Ushuaia Charter Air Service as confirmed by Silversea is mandatory for all guests, may only be cancelled upon complete cancellation of your cruise reservation, and is 100% non-refundable 60-0 days prior to the initial sailing date.
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).
- 1 night hotel stay pre-cruise in Buenos Aires
- Silversea's Ushuaia Charter Air Service.
- Applicable transfers.
All above prices are in £s per person.
