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Peregrine Travel Centre

Mission 90: An Atlantic Odyssey

Mission 90: An Atlantic Odyssey

From $10,560 AUD

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Description

Who gets to do this anymore—embark on an epic transatlantic voyage that traverses over 90 degrees of latitude and 7,000 nautical miles of the Atlantic, from the Old World to the southern tip of the New World, as golden age explorers have through the ages. Blue-water sailors and ocean enthusiasts of all stripes will delight in distant blue horizons by day, and star-filled skies by night. Enjoy the comforting amenities of National Geographic Orion. Learn from experts onboard, relax with a good book (or three!) and dine well daily. Life at sea is a tonic for the soul, a time to live in the moment and bask in the change from normal daily life at home.

Explore the remote and geologically stunning island of Santo Antão in the Cape Verde Islands. Navigate the storied Strait of Magellan en route to Isla Magdalena, home to 120,000 nesting Magellanic penguins. And explore historic Punta Arenas, the largest city in Patagonia.

Hear a rich program of lectures and presentations by our staff of Naturalists and Historians for an in-depth and engaging experience. Go to expeditions.com/expertbios to see your staff.

Trip Name
Mission 90: An Atlantic Odyssey
Days
26
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 103 metres Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins) Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014 Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration. National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices. National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment. Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck. While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Lisbon, Portugal/Embark
Arrive today in Lisbon and transfer to National Geographic Orion. Set sail in the early afternoon. (L,D)
Day 2 - DAY 2-6: At Sea, Northern Hemisphere
Settle into life aboard Orion, and the rhythm of a sea voyage. Meet your expedition staff and fellow travelers; head up to the bridge to meet the Captain and his officers. Join your naturalists on deck to scan for marine mammals and seabirds, as you ride the Canary Current south toward the Cape Verde islands, and enjoy engaging presentations on a wide range of subjects—everything from the Portuguese and Spanish navigators of the 15th-century Age of Discovery to talks from our photography team on how to organize and share your images. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 7: Santo Antão, Cape Verde
Land ho! On this leg of our voyage, we spend a full day ashore on the geologically stunning island of Santo Antão. Local vans transport us from the small port on the dry eastern side, over hand laid cobblestone roads to the summit of the island, where you’ll be amazed by the steep deep valleys and rugged sharp ridges to the northwest. Active guests may choose a challenging hike down the Cova Caldeira and through the lush, sub-tropical Paul Valley to a remote village for a traditional lunch. Or, take a scenic island drive, along the rim of the Caldeira to the north side of the island, where you’ll see the terraced landscape and small huts built into this incredibly steep terrain. Stop for lunch a charming villa in the dramatic valley of Ribeira Grande, taste the local spirits known as grogue, and return to the ship in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 8-11: At Sea: Crossing the Equator
Navigate south across the Equatorial Countercurrent, and celebrate the equator crossing as mariners have for centuries. If conditions permit, we may launch Zodiacs mid-ocean, for an equator crossing to remember—with photos to prove it! Spend time on deck, soaking up the tonic of sea air, mild weather, and beautiful views, perhaps with a book and drink in hand. Plus, treat yourself—it’s on us: Enjoy your choice of one of our rejuvenating wellness treatments—simply choose which aboard ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 12-24: At Sea, Southern Hemisphere
Continue south and search for wintering humpback whales along the Abrolhos Shelf, off the coast of Brazil. Look for marine life, read in the library, workout in the fitness center. Attend talks by our Lightroom Photo Specialist. Bring your external hard drive packed with photos, and benefit from the time and expertise of a mentor to help you edit and get organized. The pace and rhythm of these days are unhurried by definitely engaging. Spend evenings on deck learning southern constellations under starry skies. And celebrate your epic adventure at our festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 25: Puenta Arenas, Chile
Be on deck this morning, as Orion navigates the Strait of Magellan, en route to Isla Magdalena. Spend the morning ashore at the Penguins National Nature Reserve, home to 120,000 nesting Magellanic penguins. One of the largest and most important Magellanic penguin breeding colonies in the world, photo opportunities abound here. This afternoon, Orion will dock in Punta Arenas, the largest city in Patagonia. Tour the historic city center, Plaza de Armas and a local handicraft market. Visit the Patagonia Institute and the Salesian Museum, to learn the region’s ethnology, archaeology, and wildlife. Alternatively, go for a hike in the Magallanes National Reserve, which offers outstanding views of the valley below and of Punta Arenas. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 26: Punta Arenas/Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for an overnight flight home. Guests who have booked the Torres del Paine extension remain aboard as Orion navigates the western reaches of the Strait of Magellan. (B,L,D; Disembarking guests: B,L)
Day 8 - DAY 27: Kirke Narrows/Puerto Natales
Join the naturalists on deck this morning as Orion navigates Kirke Narrows, at the southern end of the Chilean Fjords. This narrow passage can only be transited in daylight and at slack tide, and is one of only two passages providing access to Puerto Natales. Arrive to Puerto Natales midday, and disembark to continue on the Torres del Paine extension. Or, be our guest for a night at The Singular Hotel before transferring back to Punta Arenas the following day for connecting flights home. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Please Note:
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-10-201701-11-2017AUD$21,690Category 6
06-10-201701-11-2017AUD$15,690Category 4
06-10-201701-11-2017AUD$11,940Category 2
06-10-201701-11-2017AUD$10,560Category 1
06-10-201701-11-2017AUD$15,840Category 1 Solo
06-10-201701-11-2017AUD$18,740Category 5
06-10-201701-11-2017AUD$13,270Category 3
06-10-201701-11-2017AUD$19,900Category 3 Solo

Inclusions

    • Skills@Sea lets you take advantage of your voyage time with the attention of expert mentors to guide you to new skills
    • Learn to better express the world as you see it through words with National Geographic Traveler Contributing Editor Andrew Evans, and capture the essence of your experience
    • Do you love standing on the bridge to watch the workings of a ship? Join oceanographer Jim Kelley for a beyond basics navigation course, both modern and traditional
    • Wish you could improve, edit and organize your photos? Bring your external hard drive packed with photos and benefit from our expert photo team for a Lightroom tutorial and hands-on instruction
    • Attend cooking and baking demonstrations under the guidance of National Geographic Orion’s chef and chief baker
    • A wine specialist adds tastings, discussions, and daily features with the menu
    • Spin the globe and participate in a National Geographic GEO BEE—with a total prize of $10,000 in travel vouchers!
    • Tap into the tonic of wellness: Voyage-adapted yoga stretching and toning; cardio and weights in the fitness center; and a classic Swedish sauna. Plus, enjoy your choice of a rejuvenating wellness treatment—it’s on us

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