The Antarctic Adrenaline Adventure - No Set Itinerary Expedition
Looking for excitement? A true Antarctic adventure? Join this unique adventure voyage with an included kayak excursion for all guests, extended stays onshore and extra camping options. This unique voyage has NO SET ITINERARY, and we will allow the rhythms of the ice, sea and weather to lead us to adventure.
Join us onboard our purpose-built, ice-class expedition vessel to experience the majesty and wonder of Earth's last frontier up close and personal. Our vessels enable us to get closer to nature, with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft and a team of experienced expert expedition guides. This unique voyage is specially designed for those seeking adventure on Antarctica, with extra camping options, snowshoeing excursions and a kayaking excursion included for all guests.
Departing Argentina's southernmost city of Ushuaia, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route to the last continent. The unique X-Bow design of our expedition vessels offers exceptional stability at sea, giving you a smoother ride across some of Earth's most challenging waters, while the vessels' speed allows us to maximise our time in Antarctica to offer a superlative exploration experience.
Continuing southward from the South Shetland Islands, we will delve deeper into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the famous Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise straight out of the frigid water. Icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields characterise this wildly beautiful alien landscape. Our skilled Captain and Expedition Leader will work hard to maximise opportunities to explore the White Continent. This unique thrill-seeker's voyage offers a complimentary kayak excursion to all guests, as well as extended stays on shore to allow longer showshoeing excursions. This thrill-seekers expedition will also offer extra camping opportunities, allowing guests to test themselves like the explorers of old. Shore landings and Zodiac safaris will allow us to experience penguin colonies, historical sites and breathtaking glaciers, while our knowledgeable onboard Expedition Team will offer a selection of specially crafted lectures to inform your matchless expedition experience.
With an extra day to explore compared to our Classic Antarctic voyages, you will have even more time to experience the White Continent. This voyage has no set itinerary - however, we always aim to visit locations which showcase the best of Antarctica; wildlife sightings and weather conditions will decide the exact sites we visit as we move with the rhythms of nature; perhaps a well known penguin colony will draw us west, and whale and seal sightings will draw us back again! Wherever the whims of Mother Nature take us, jaw-dropping scenery and landscapes are guaranteed!
Crafted to ensure our guests can expereince all the thrills Antarctica offers, this voyage offers a unique experience for the brave few.
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.
After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.
Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement - and you will complete the crossing twice!
Our days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our arrival in Antarctica - your Expedition Leader will brief you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica's delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!
We will cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of our voyage - watch the mercury plummet as we sail southwards into Antarctic waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels, albatrosses and potentially penguins, seals and whales in abundance. Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall in the South Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of our second day in the Drake Passage, marking the start of our exploration on the Last Continent.
With no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be - flowing with the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best opportunities Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs in the first half of the brief Antarctic summer, when sea ice is at its maximum - this offers us ample opportunities to explore in the icy wilderness of the last continent. Our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain - however we will aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region.
Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a complimentary kayak excursion in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a snowshoe hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Awake to the icy wind and the bray of penguins during one of this voyage's several camping options. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs drift silently past the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.
This time of year, expect to see penguins carefully constructing their pebble nests and fiercely defending their precious eggs from hungry skuas and Giant Petrels. The start of the Antarctic summer also sees the return of groups of humpback whales - these ocean wanderers come to Antarctica to feed on the abundant krill this time of year. With luck, we may even see the young of these gentle giants.
There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be the ultimate adrenaline-fuelled experience on the White Continent.
We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards.
During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål!
On the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Category F Stateroom - Triple Stateroom (Porthole)
Category D Stateroom - Albatros Stateroom (Porthole)
Category E Stateroom - French Balcony Stateroom
Category C Stateroom - Balcony Stateroom
Category G Stateroom - Single Stateroom (Porthole)
Category B Suite - Balcony Suite
Category A Suite - Junior Suite
Premium Suite - Freydis Suite
Family Suite - Brynhilde Suite
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Passenger Capacity: 169 (95 cabins)
Length: 104.4 m
Built: 2022
The Ocean Albatros, sistership to the Ocean Victory, will join the fleet of Albatros Expeditions in November 2022.
The Ocean Albatros will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, any various exciting new destinations in between.
With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros will definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities. The vessel will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and be one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests. Unlike the Ocean Victory, the Ocean Albatros will also offer a unique panorama sauna, and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement.
BRIDGE
Due to its important role as a control center for all nautical and technical processes, the ship's bridge is a vital, sensitive place. Therefore, the bridge may not be accessible to the public at all times. Conditions permitting, we will be happy to welcome you into the bridge for a visit. Guests must be accompanied by the master or our expedition leader.
STATEROOM SERVICE
Your stateroom is serviced daily. We provide a turn-down service. We provide meal to room only for serious cases of guest being sick. Our suites will have VIP services.
ZODIAC LANDINGS
One feature of our expedition cruises includes landings and excursions aboard Ocean Albatros's fleet of 18 inflatable, motorized rubber "Zodiac" boats. The Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment.
The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines and share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago.
Your safety and comfort are our #1 priority, and your expedition leader will carefully plan for as many Zodiac excursions as possible, dependent upon the local weather and prevailing conditions. In each case, the expedition leader makes the final decision if the landing is possible or not. Safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive a mandatory instruction of the safety guidelines. Life jackets are mandatory to wear.
Please note, we highly recommend the use of waterproof bags in order to protect your personal camera or binoculars, as both hands must be free of everything during boarding. Participation is fairly easy and comfortable for able-bodied guests but can be more challenging for those with physical handicaps.
GRATUITIES
Following international standards in the service industry, it is customary to leave gratuity for the ship’s crew at the end of the voyage. All gratuities will be divided among the crew. Typically, a recommended amount is approximately 13.5 USD per person per day. Gratuity is, of course, not required and any gratuity payments are voluntary.
DRESS CODE
The dress code on board is casual. Ties, jackets and evening dresses you may leave at home. It is rather more important to wear the right clothes in order to adapt to the different weather conditions. We recommend comfortable, breathable, waterproof and windproof clothing. Also, you should have a pair of gloves, thermal underwear and sturdy footwear in your luggage. For the captains and farewell cocktail, we recommend a smart casual dress style.
INTERNET / PHONE
Keep in mind, we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Where accessible, internet access is available for an extra charge. Mobile phone reception may be possible in select regions along our route. For further details please contact your mobile phone operator. Prices can be found in the information folder in your state room. Please ensure that your ‘Data Roaming’ function is switched off.
RECEPTION
The daily office hours of the board reception are from 06:00 until 23:00.
ALBATROS OCEAN SHOP
The selection of items available for purchase varies by ship, and may include a range of warm and practical clothing, as well as souvenirs, local arts and postcards at reasonable prices. A small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects are also sold.
HEALTH / MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Each of our vessels has a small medical facility equipped with the necessary equipment and medicine to handle small emergencies. The infirmary is always staffed by a professionally licensed, English-speaking physician and nurse. Should a serious incident occur, the nearest hospital will be contacted. All guests must have personal travel/health insurance.
Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, you should be able to move on board and ashore without the help of others. Please be aware that the ship does not provide wheelchair accessible state rooms.
Due to safety reasons a cruise is only possible for pregnant women until the 24th week of pregnancy. The state of pregnancy must be presented by a medical certificate.
PHYSICAL DISABILITIES / WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
Guests with physical disabilities are recommended to travel with an accompanying person. The processes on board should be handled without external help. The gangway can be – depending on the individual disability – a challenge. The angle of inclination of the gangway varies due to tide and different circumstances in the respective port. Please note that the guest’s participation in shore excursions as well as the (dis-)embarkation by Zodiac can be denied by the expedition leader due to security reasons. The instructions of the expedition leader must be followed. The ship is not suitable for wheelchairs.
SEASICKNESS / STABILISATORS
The ship is equipped with stabilizers in order to reduce the ship’s roll. However, these expeditions are hosted in remote regions, and it is possible to periodically encounter changing environments and climate patterns, including rough seas and large swells. Seasickness patches (Scopoderm or similar) work solely or in part to help cure nausea for most people. These medicines can cause sleepiness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor prior to departure to help ensure your comfort while travelling.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS
All meals on board the vessel is chef-prepared. If you have special dietary requirements (food allergies, intolerances, health conditions or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible - ideally, no later than 2 weeks before departure. In order to ensure efficient service, please re-confirm your requirements with the crew upon boarding the ship.
LAUNDRY
If you wish to have some laundry done while aboard the ship, laundry service is available for an additional fee.
Kayaking (345.00 USD)
Snowshoeing (225.00 USD)
Camping (395.00 USD)
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
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
Expedition
Highlights
• Ultimate Antarctic Adventure: Embark on an exhilarating Antarctic journey with no set itinerary, allowing the dynamic forces of ice, sea, and weather to guide your adventure into the unknown.• Thrill-Seeker's Dream: Experience the White Continent like never before with complimentary kayak excursions, extended onshore stays for snowshoeing, and optional camping opportunities, offering a unique and adventurous perspective.
• Uncharted Exploration: Navigate the Antarctic Peninsula through the famous Gerlache Strait, where the X-Bow design of our purpose-built vessels ensures stability, enabling maximum exploration of glittering ice cliffs, penguin colonies, and breathtaking glaciers.
Our Associates Include
