Antarctica, Antarctica & South Georgia

South Shetlands, South Georgia & Antarctica aboard Ocean Victory

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On this extraordinary 18-day voyage, follow in the wake of courageous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton to Antarctica and the South Shetlands before heading via Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea to South Georgia and Falkland Islands.

Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route for the South Shetland Islands, making Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts along the way. Continuing southward, we will explore the Antarctic Sound with its mighty tabular icebergs and enter the Weddell Sea in search for wildlife.

Sailing onwards between Elephant Island and South Georgia offers a small glimpse into the passage made famous by Shackleton 100 years ago, when he navigated the 1300 km course through open seas of Drake Passage in an effort to save his stranded crew. South Georgia is one of World’s greatest natural wonders. Wildlife-packed beaches, active research stations, former whaling stations and a visit to Shackleton’s final resting place are on our agenda.

On our last leg towards Puerto Madryn in Argentina, we will pay a visit to the fascinating Falklands. Port Stanley with its quaint English architecture will be our first call before venturing further west for Zodiac landings and wildlife observations on pristine and sheltered beaches.

After leaving Falklands, the last seadays can be spend bird watching from top deck and attending lectures, work shops and photo re-caps in Ocean Victory’s many lounges.

Highlights

• KAYAKING Glide through the waters and take in the royal grace of the icebergs, see the varied birds and seals, and maybe even the whales in their natural habitat under the supervision of experienced kayak guides

• LECTURES Our primary focus is knowledge, and we apply this to every aspect of a journey. From the staff that forms our expedition team, to the routes our ship follows, and of course, the program onboard.

• PHOTOGRAPHY

• WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS One of the greatest pleasures of our expeditions, is being able to experience the Polar regions' wildlife from a safe distance, respectfully enjoying their beauty in their natural habitat.

• ZODIAC Essential for expedition cruises, Zodiacs are robust boats that can go up on a beach, a rocky outcrop, a river bank or even an ice floe push through bergy bits of ice floating in the water.

DAY 1 ARRIVAL AND EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA.

Arrive and embark in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship, Ocean Atlantic. Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

DAYS 2-3 AT SEA. DRAKE PASSAGE, KING GEORGE ISLAND

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds, heavy sea, and its nickname ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Atlantic, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and soon you can tick it off on the list yourself! In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with our first sight of seals, penguins and albatrosses. Having crossed the Drake, we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, we hope to make our first landfall on King George Island before continuing further south to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

DAYS 4-6 ANTARCTIC SOUND AND WEDDELL SEA

Over the coming days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience at the very tip of the Continent. During these days in the Antarctic Sound, named in 1902 after the Swedish vessel Antarctic, the Captain and the Expedition Team will keep a watchful eye on the mighty tabular icebergs, born from the floating Larsen Ice Shelf further south. We aim to have both continental and island landings on the shores of Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for some of the unusually large penguin colonies, which have recently been observed. The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to the guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

DAYS 7-11 DRAKE PASSAGE AND SOUTH GEORGIA

From the Weddell Sea we continue our journey into the open sea, just as Ernest Shackleton and his men did more than hundred years ago. Having lost their ship Endurance deep south in the Weddell Sea they moved slowly north on ice floes and later in open lifeboats until they reached Elephant Island. From here started one of the most remarkable boat journeys in the polar history, when Shackleton and five of his men for two weeks navigated the 720 nautical miles to South Georgia to call for recovery of the stranded crew on Elephant Island. After passing Elephant Island at close distance we on the other hand will reach the mighty South Georgia after just a few days at sea! South Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences with a wealth of breeding penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals, all seeking shelter in this oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history pops up in most of fjords we will explorer – not least in Grytviken the only inhabited settlement on this mountainous island. Grytviken is also the last resting place for Ernest Shackleton, after he died on yet another Antarctica voyage in 1922. We will explorer the fjords of the north coast for 2-3 days and take as many shore landings as time and the swelling sea will allow us.

DAYS 12-13 SOUTH ATLANTIC, APPROACHING FALKLAND ISLANDS

Days at sea are great for participating in lectures, photo sessions and recaps, reading books in the ship library and watching the ubiquitous storm petrels and albatrosses from top deck. Or just to relax.

DAYS 14-15 PORT STANLEY AND FALKLAND ISLANDS

During the morning we approach Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon Ocean Atlantic will cast anchor the sheltered natural harbor of Port Stanley. Utilizing our Zodiacs, we will land in town center, and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Stanley. On the following day we will make landings – weather permitting – at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife spots.

DAYS 16-18 AT SEA TOWARD SOUTH AMERICA. PORT MADRYN AND DISEMBARKATION.

We are now into the last leg of this adventurous voyage, heading for Argentina’s “Wildlife Port” Puerto Madryn. Sheltered by the famous Península Valdés deep into Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn was a favoured port for – among others – the Welsh settlers, who came here in the middle of nineteenth century. After a hearty farewell to vessel and crew, we disembark in the morning after breakfast. Transfer to the airport in Trelew.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

18 February, 2024 to 06 March, 2024
Ocean Victory

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Category F

$9,290 USD pp

Triple Cabin (Porthole) 22 m2 There are four Triple cabins on board Ocean Victory featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Triple cabins are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accomodated.

Category D

$11,590 USD pp

Albatros State Cabin (Porthole) 22 m2 The standard cabin on Ocean Victory is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the zodiacs. The cabins are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Victory. The standard cabins all have a double bed or 2 single beds and bathroom with bathtub. The cabins are located on deck 3 except for 1 which is located on deck 4.

Category E

$12,090 USD pp

French Balcony Suite (Porthole) 16 m2 The French Balcony Suite is a standard cabin with a french balcony, a double bed or two single beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.

Category C

$13,190 USD pp

Balcony State Cabin 24 m2 The most abundant type of cabin on Ocean Victory, the Balcony State Cabins are located in decks 4 & 6. They have a private balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom with bathtub and a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child if traveling as a family. If you desire to book two cabins with connecting doors, this is also a possibility under this category.

Category G

$14,890 USD pp

Single Cabin (Porthole) 18 m2 Standard single cabin onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located cabin close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures on the zodiacs.

Category B2

$14,890 USD pp

Balcony Suite 28 m2 Ocean Victory has 4 Balcony Suites on board located on the Bering & James Cook deck respectively, located on deck 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom with bath and private balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.

Category B1

$14,890 USD pp

Balcony Suite 35 m2 Ocean Victory has 2 Balcony Suites on board located on Deck 4. The suites feature double or twin beds, a seating area, bathroom and a large private balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.

Category A

$19,790 USD pp

Category A Junior suite 42 m2 The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Victory have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom with bathtub and private balcony. The cabin can accommodate up to 3 people. Located on the Amundsen deck 7.

Premium Captain Suite

$23,690 USD pp

Premium suite 45 m2 – PS The largest of all the cabins on board the Ocean Victory is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and spacious bathroom with bathtub. Located on deck. 4.

Ocean Victory

Vessel Type: Luxury X-Bow®-Infinity Class Vessel

Passenger Capacity: 174 passengers in 93 cabins

Built: 2021

With a total of 93 comfortable cabins for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel will also be environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.

Now, for the technical details:

With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.

The vessel is part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption.

Beagle Restaurant

Dinner always starts with delicious hot soups, cold cuts and crisp, fresh salads. Several choices of entrees are offered each evening, to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements; always including a meat choice, fish choice and vegetarian choice.

After dinner, freshly prepared desserts, including ship-made ice cream or cakes are a great way to end a meal and satisfy any sweet tooth.

A selection of wines and beers is available to perfectly compliment your visit to our restaurant… and if you’re interested in relaxing during your time off from activities and landings, delight onboard Ocean Atlantic by raising your glass to the experience of a lifetime!

Our bar is fully equipped with a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and more, to quench your thirst and reward the explorer in you.

Knud Rasmussen Library

Honoring the great explorers, the lecture room allows for an adventure within an adventure. Here you can find sagas, narratives and practical information on the polar regions, in various languages and subjects. From encyclopedias of the polar wildlife and fauna to narrations of the many challenges faced by the first expeditions, this is the perfect location for entertaining your brain while we sail.

Albatros Nordic Bar Lounge

The Albatros Nordic Bar Lounge provides a bit of warm Nordic hospitality to the Antarctic. Offering a large choice of drinks, including wine tasting menus from Gerard Bertrand, this is the perfect place to relax after an unforgettable day and make new international friends.

Albatros Observation Lounge

Celebrate your dream polar adventure, engage in conversation and relax while admiring the icy landscape of the polar regions. At our Nordic Bar Lounge we aim to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere with varied cocktails and drinks, appetizers and smaller events. Or try one of our unique wine-tasting menus from Gerard Bertrand.

Shackleton Lecture Lounge

What makes a good expedition? It is a combination of its landings and the experiences onboard the ship. At Albatros Expeditions we are honored to have an amalgam of experts in our expedition team, from climatologists and geologists to renown photographers, all eager to share their adventures and knowledge with our guests.

Kayaking

Inclusions

• Voyage in selected cabin category
• Accommodation in shared inside or outside cabins as booked
• English speaking expedition team
• Shore landings by zodiac
• Information briefings and lectures held on board by expedition team
• All meals while on board
• Welcome and farewell cocktails
• Free tea and coffee on board
• Complimentary use of boots for shore landings
• Digital journal link after voyage (Includes voyage log, gallery, species list and more)
• Port Fees, taxes and AECO fees and tariffs
• Expedition parka to keep
• Special photo workshop

Exclusions

• Flights to/from departure port unless specified in itinerary
• Hotel accommodations unless specified in itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Cancellation insurance
• Additional excursions and activities not mentioned in itinerary
• Meals when not on board the ship
• Beverages other than tea/coffee and water
• Gratuities for crew (recommended USD$14.00 per passenger per day)
• Any items of a personal nature