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Ultimate New Year’s: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle (Ocean Albatros)

Ultimate New Year’s: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle (Ocean Albatros)

From $ 41,015 AUD

Description

Experience a New Year’s Eve like no other on this epic 23-day trip to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia (AKA the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’) and the Antarctic Circle. See the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world on the Falkland Islands, witness tens of thousands of penguins waddling about on South Georgia and watch icebergs emerge over the horizon as you cross the Scotia Sea and approach the Antarctic Peninsula. See the site where famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried and visit historic landing sites and scientific research bases. Weather permitting, you’ll top it all off by crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S before beginning your journey home through the infamous Drake Passage.

Trip Name
Ultimate New Year's: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle (Ocean Albatros)
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
23
Capacity
187
Highlights
  • Celebrate the new year on the White Continent, venturing into the Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle as you toast to the year that’s been and the adventures that lie ahead!
  • Observe penguin rookeries and see hundreds of thousands of birds on the island of South Georgia.
  • Embark on Zodiac cruises led by an expert Expedition Team. Visit scientific research bases and iconic landing sites, spotting wildlife and learning about the unique ecosystems that surround you.
  • Visit the former Grytviken whaling station and the gravesite of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
  • Wander the streets of the Falkland Islands’ capital city, Stanley – this charming port is dotted with colourful houses perfect for photos.

Itinerary

No two Polar voyages are the same and this is part of the excitement of travelling in these remote regions. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. Onboard, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is.

Day 1 - Ushuaia
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica! When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for tonight. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting to meet the other travellers who will be joining you for your adventure. If you arrive in Ushuaia with time to spare, maybe search for souvenirs in the local shops or try the local Argentinian cuisine. Otherwise, you can simply relax at the hotel in preparation for the start of your epic adventure!
Day 2 - Ushuaia
This morning, you can head out to explore more of Ushuaia – maybe check out the Maritime Museum or browse the knick-knacks sold on the city’s main street. This afternoon, your journey officially kicks off as you board your ship – the Ocean Albatros – and meet your Expedition Team. Settle into your cabin, then have a safety and orientation meeting. Tonight, join your group and the captain for a welcome dinner and raise a glass as you set sail!
Day 3 - Southern Ocean
As you sail south, the Expedition Team will prepare you for your upcoming expeditions with briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety. Learn about the wildlife, history, geology and geography of the areas you’ll soon be exploring with a program of onboard educational talks from your expert guides.
Day 4 - Falklands Islands
Gear up for two days of birdwatching as you witness the biodiversity of the Falkland Islands. This South Atlantic archipelago is home to the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world, as well as peregrine falcons, kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks and turkey vultures. Be sure to have your binoculars and camera at the ready! Five species of breeding penguins also reside here. Weather permitting, you’ll visit Saunders Island – the second largest island in the Falklands – and the Neck, a narrow peninsula where the black-browed albatross build their nesting colonies.
Day 5 - Falklands Islands
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Day 6 - Southern Ocean
Cross the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. Keep an eye out for the world’s largest bird – the wandering albatross. This seabird has a wingspan of up to 3.5 m (11.5 ft) and can weigh up to 12 kg (26.4 lb)! A range of other bird species will also be hitching a ride on the updrafts created by ocean swells and waves, including the tiny Wilson's storm petrel and the southern giant petrel. Watch the horizon for your very first iceberg sighting and always be on the lookout for whales during these two days at sea.
Day 7 - Southern Ocean
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Day 8 - South Georgia
Learn why South Georgia is also known as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ when you arrive on this mountainous island that’s teeming with wildlife. See tens of thousands of penguins, seals and seabirds going about their daily lives among the scenery of enormous icebergs, glaciers and mountains. Learn about the history of the island as you travel down its coast. You’ll visit the historic Grytviken whaling station and the graveyard where Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried. Shackleton is known for leading the ill-fated Endurance expedition – he led the rescue of all 27 of his crew members after their ship was crushed by sea ice.
Day 9 - South Georgia
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Day 10 - South Georgia
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Day 11 - Scotia Sea
Continue south and watch the icebergs grow bigger and more plentiful as you approach the Antarctic Peninsula. Deepen your knowledge of the natural wonders you’re about to witness firsthand during educational talks, presentations and wildlife spotting sessions with the Expedition Team.
Day 12 - Scotia Sea
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Day 13 - South Shetland Islands
Arrive in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula and spend four days forging memories that will last a lifetime. Venture out on Zodiac cruises, taking excursions to scenic bays, famed landing sites and channels filled with icebergs. You might also visit active scientific research bases and historic landing sites. These four days will be filled with wildlife encounters – see multiple species of penguin, seals and whales. Soak in the feeling of being in the vast, unspoiled wilderness of Antarctica.
Day 14 - South Shetland Islands
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Day 15 - South Shetland Islands
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Day 16 - South Shetland Islands
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Day 17 - South Shetland Islands
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Day 18 - Antarctic Circle
Your adventure reaches its pinnacle as you approach – and hopefully cross – the Antarctic Circle at the famed latitude 66°33’S. Cherish this moment as you pass through the Lemaire Channel on your way to the Circle. This 11-km-long channel is filled with icebergs and surrounded by towering peaks up to 1000 m high. Weather permitting, you’ll cross the Antarctic Circle and celebrate with your fellow adventurers – this crossing is a rare achievement!
Day 19 - Antarctic Circle
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Day 20 - South Shetland Islands
Travelling back through the South Shetland Islands, put your newfound knowledge to the test as you try to identify fur, leopard and Weddell seals from each other. Head out on more Zodiac cruises with your camera at the ready for the best photo ops of the peninsula’s diverse wildlife.
Day 21 - Drake Passage
Spend these two days at sea, crossing the Drake Passage – the infamous body of water separating the South Shetland Islands and the tip of South America. Celebrate your adventure with your group as you approach Ushuaia once more. You’ll watch a slideshow of memories from the trip, take part in a photography contest with your fellow travellers and enjoy a farewell dinner together. Toast to an unforgettable New Year’s and the adventure of a lifetime!
Day 22 - Drake Passage
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Day 23 - Ushuaia
This morning, disembark in Ushuaia as your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 65,600-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 61,455-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 92,850-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 76,410-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 41,015-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 62,785-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 54,640-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 57,305-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 53,010-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 47,830-
22-12-202613-01-2027AUD $ 50,495-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (21 nights)

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Map