Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia & South Atlantic Islands aboard Vega

Description

Live your transatlantic dream on this Exceptional 21 day voyage aboard our Luxury ice-class expedition ship. Your journey across the Atlantic Ocean starts with the notorious two-day Drake Passage sea crossing. We’ll start this epic journey by getting a taste of the icy magestic wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula. Following our exploration of Antarctica we’ll continue towards the rarely visited South Orkney islands where we hope to spot different species of wildlife. From here we’ll follow our journey toward the “Serengeti of the Atlantic”, South Georgia, where we for sure will see thousands of King Penguins. We’ll spend the next days at sea enjoying some fascinating lectures whilst sailing to the remote Gough and Tristan da Cunha Islands on our way to Cape Town. This defintely is a Transatlantic voyage like no other!

Trip Name

Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia & South Atlantic Islands aboard Vega

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 115 metres Passenger Capacity: 152 Built: 2020-2021-2022 Our brand new ship has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible. Sophisticated Elegance. We know how important outdoor space is, so our spacious, relaxing public spaces provide wide open, unobstructed views throughout the ship. The destination will always be in view. Your Wellbeing. The safety & happiness of our guests is paramount to our 120-strong crew on board as well as our passionate expedition team who'll be serving up thrilling shore excursions and lasting memories. Cabin Types. Our 76 cabins including 6 suites have all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. Our stylish cabins all have desks, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 USHUAIA

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

Day 2 - DAY 2-3 AT SEA

As you cruise to your next port of call, spend the day at sea savouring the ship’s facilities and learning about your destination’s many facets from the knowledgeable onboard experts. Listen to an enriching talk, indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa, work out in the well-equipped gym, enjoy some down- time in your cabin, share travel reminiscences with newly found friends: the options are numerous.

Day 3 - DAY 4 SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

While the South Shetlands’ proximity to Antarctica makes the ice-bound sea impassable during winter, these are the first islands to see snow melt in spring and the slightly warmer temperature means that the fauna is also different from what you see in Antarctica proper. As we go ashore by Zodiac, notice ferns, grasses, lichens and native flora that have more in common with Patagonia than they do with Antarctica.

Day 4 - DAY 5-6 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

Day 5 - DAY 7 SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

While the South Shetlands’ proximity to Antarctica makes the ice-bound sea impassable during winter (April to November), these are the first islands to see snow melt in spring (March) and the slightly warmer temperature means that the fauna is also different from what you see in Antarctica proper. As we go ashore by Zodiac, notice ferns, grasses, lichens and native flora that have more in common with Patagonia than they do with Antarctica.

Day 6 - DAY 8 SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS

Located east of the South Shetland Islands, the South Orkney Islands are rarely visited. Often shrouded in mist, the archipelago’s four islands are surrounded by icebergs and sea ice that often presents a challenge when landing. Unfortunately, the former sealing and whaling industries decimated the islands' populations of sea mammals, however, seal populations have started to make a return. Those lucky enough to make a shore landing can also observe nesting Adélie penguins, gentoo penguins and downy snow petrels.

Day 7 - DAY 9 AT SEA

Day 8 - DAY 10-11 SOUTH GEORGIA

Often called the “Galapagos of the Poles”, South Georgia has a number of landing sites where you get up close to half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world. If you are lucky you will also see harrumphing elephant seals - from a distance! We also visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is buried.

Day 9 - DAY 12-14 AT SEA

Day 10 - DAY 15 GOUGH ISLAND

Located 1700 Nautical miles from Cape Town, Gough Island is difficult to locate on a map. With just a permanent group of Scientists Gough is definitely one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet, home also to some of the world’s rarest birds: the Gough Moorhen and the Gough Bunting. We hope to spot some migrating whales and other fascinating wildlife in the vicinity of the atlantic Gem.

Day 11 - DAY 16 TRISTAN DA CUNHA

With barely 250 permanent inhabitants, Tristan da Cunha is far from the beaten path. The island teems with wildlife such as Northern rockhopper penguins, the endangered Tristan Albatross and sea lions while the surrounding upwellings attract vast numbers of Whales and Dolphins.

Day 12 - DAY 17-20 AT SEA

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 13 - DAY 21 CAPE TOWN

Ending our epic transatlantic journey with one of the most spectacular city sceneries in Africa . Domiated by Table Mountain , Cape town is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nearby splendid vineyards , wonderful harbour fronts and surprising restaurants where one can indulge on the delicious seafood

Day 14 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

Learn about the fascinating fauna and unlikely flora on the South Shetland Islands
Observe Adélie penguins, blue-eyed shags, skuas and elephant seals on Petermann Island
Discover the island where Shackleton’s ill-fated crew sought refuge
Step ashore the rarely visited South Orkney islands and observe nesting penguins
Visit Gough Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet