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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 2018/19 (Resolute)

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 2018/19 (Resolute)

From USD $19,795

Description

This is our most far-reaching polar expedition and includes visits to three different locations. The sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands and the island of South Georgia are home to a proliferation of unique wildlife and birdlife. There are penguin rookeries with more than 100,000 nesting birds and the beaches are covered in fur seals and elephant seals.

Seabirds, including many of the albatross species call these islands home, nesting and raising their young in this wild and remote environment. Both locations feature a fascinating history and stunning scenery.

To the south lies Antarctica – the frozen continent and our final destination on this outstanding voyage. Icebergs in all shapes and sizes fill the waters, and yet more unique wildlife can be found living in sizable colonies. The waters are full of life and we frequently encounter whales including humpback, minke and orca.

On this voyage, our days are spent exploring on shore in the company of expert guides – including naturalists, marine biologists, ornithologists and adventurers as well as our resident photography professional. Cruising in our inflatable Zodiac boats is another memorable activity. For the adventurers, we provide plenty of opportunities to explore on long hikes ashore, or by sea kayak. This enduring itinerary remains one of the most popular voyages we operate and appeals to those who ‘want to see it all!’

Trip Name
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 2018/19 (Resolute)
Days
19
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 / USHUAIA (ARGENTINA)
Our journey to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia andAntarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia, in southernArgentina. We gather at our central meeting point and transferto the pier and embark our expedition ship. After settling in toour cabins and exploring the ship, we meet our expedition teamand fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy awelcome cocktail and dinner and cast off, bound for Antarcticaand the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2 - DAY 2 / AT SEA – TOWARDS THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
Sailing northeast towards the Falkland Islands we are joined byhundreds of seabirds, including the wandering albatross, whowe come to know well on this journey. Giant petrels and smallerCape petrels are also constant companions. Photographingthese magnificent birds from the deck of the ship takes patienceand skill and our photography expert will be on hand to showyou the best techniques. Join the ship’s Captain on the bridgeand learn about the operations of our modern expedition vessel.Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with aseries of presentations about the environment, wildlife andhistory of the Southern Ocean and the locations we hope to visitin the coming days.
Day 3 - DAYS 3-4 / THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
Having arrived in the Falkland Islands overnight, we launch theZodiacs and are excited to make our first shore excursion thismorning. Our plan will be to explore several locations in theWest Falkland archipelago. These remote islands are hometo a proliferation of seabirds and migratory birds includingthe stunning black- browed albatross. Our first penguinsightings will be on West Point Island with its bustling rookeriesof rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, we observe nestingmagellanic penguins as well as oystercatchers, geese and thestriated caracara – a bird of prey.The following morning we arrive in Stanley, the capital of theFalkland Islands. As we wander through the charming streetsof brightly painted houses, we learn how this quiet harbour wasonce a major port in the 19th century for tall ships roundingthe fabled Cape Horn. There are several interesting activities toenjoy today. Stanley has an excellent museum that outlines thehistoric events that took place during the conflict with Argentinain 1982. The waterfront memorial built to commemorate thelives of the British servicemen killed during the war is a soberingreminder of recent history. Stanley’s famed philatelic museumwith its impressive collection of historic stamps is anotherinteresting diversion.
Day 4 - DAYS 5-6 / AT SEA – TOWARDS SOUTH GEORGIA
We chart a southeasterly course bound for South Georgia.The seabirds once again join us in the Southern Ocean. Oureducational presentations continue and are always popular.History is a key theme of this voyage and the epic story ofSir Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expeditionis central to any trip to South Georgia. Perhaps you will pickup some valuable tips from our onboard photographic guide,learning about image composition, the subtle polar light and allthe basics of good camera craft. We will also learn about Polarconservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of ourOne Ocean Expeditions’ guides and crew.
Day 5 - DAY 7-9 / EXPLORATION OF SOUTH GEORGIA
South Georgia has often been called the ‘Serengeti of theSouthern Ocean’ – and as we approach the deep bays of thisrugged, rocky outcrop, you will begin to see why. Launching theZodiacs we begin our exploration of the island, in the vicinity ofElsehul Bay. Large numbers of fur seals and the much largerelephant seal will line the dark sand beaches. Living in thetussock grass, king penguins and their chicks may number upto 100,000 birds in some locations, including Salisbury Plain,St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour. The island is also home tolarge numbers of nesting albatross as they fill the skies above,coming and going from the nest.South Georgia is a thrilling location for history lovers and therusting relics of the early whaling industry are all around us.We hope to observe several of the old stations at locationsincluding Leith, Husvik and Stromness. A highlight is a visit toGrytviken – the largest of the whaling stations, situated at thehead of Cumberland Bay. It is here we visit the gravesite of SirErnest Shackleton. For many, being in the presence of the greatexplorer will be a highlight of the trip. An excellent museum atGrytviken, maintained by the South Georgia Heritage Trust andthe restored church built by the original Norwegian whalersprovides a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Day 6 - DAYS 10-12 / AT SEA – TOWARDS ANTARCTICA
Weather and ice will dictate our crossing of the Scotia Sea fromSouth Georgia to Antarctica, leading us perhaps to the SouthOrkney Islands or Elephant Island. As with all of our itineraryplanning, our Expedition Leader and Captain will make adecision based on the conditions at the time. The South OrkneyIslands represent the peaks of a submarine mountain rangecalled the Scotia Arc, connecting South Georgia to the SouthShetland Islands. Often shrouded in fog and surrounded by icemuch of the year, a chance to visit these islands doesn’t comeoften. As we edge ever closer to the frozen continent, largeicebergs announce our arrival in Antarctic waters. If conditionsallow, we will hope to see the dark cliffs of Elephant Islandappear on the horizon. Shackleton and his men were encampedhere for many months, having lost HMS Endurance in the thicksea ice, far to the south in the Weddell Sea in 1915. From thetiny beach at Point Wild, Shackleton and six companions setoff on the rescue mission to South Georgia, aboard the tinylifeboat, James Caird. To this day, the epic ocean crossing isconsidered one of the greatest in history. If conditions allow, wewill attempt a landing at Point Wild on Elephant Island.
Day 7 - DAYS 13 - 16 / SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTICA
Around 60 miles off the coast of the Antarctic mainland wefind the South Shetland Island chain. Possible landing sitescould include King George Island, Half Moon Island or YankeeHarbour. Weather conditions permitting we sail the ship intothe flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. There aresome outstanding hikes at these locations and the old whalingstation and aircraft hangar at Deception Island beg for furtherexploration.After so much anticipation, we enter the icy waters of theAntarctic Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour or CiervaCove. Snow covered mountains soar from the dark waters.Along the shoreline in the bays and harbors of the Peninsulalives an incredible abundance of wildlife. Large rookeries arehome to chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins. Seals live onthe ice floes, including the powerful leopard seal that we hopeto encounter. Gulls, skuas and cormorants are also foundnesting and feeding at many sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.We explore by Zodiac boat and ashore where a range ofexciting activities await. Locations we hope to visit includeWilhelmina Bay, Orne Harbour, Cuverville Island and theErrera Channel. Join the photographic guide taking picturesof stunning icebergs. Or enjoy a hike to the top of a snowymountain saddle with one of our adventure guides. If theopportunity presents itself, visit a science base or an old historichut. The sea kayakers may range up to several miles from theship, for a truly memorable experience.
Day 8 - DAYS 17-18 / AT SEA – TOWARDS ANTARCTICA
After several busy days of exploration along the AntarcticPeninsula, it’s time to return to South America. The educationalpresentations continue and we enjoy an entertaining andmemorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. Join ourphotography experts in the multimedia room and downloadand back up your precious images. If weather conditions allow,we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretchof water is home to legendary tales of exploration and earlynavigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expeditionto some of the most remote corners of the planet. Approachingthe entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light, weenjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.
Day 9 - DAY 19 / ARRIVE USHUAIA (ARGENTINA) – VOYAGE CONCLUDES
In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is timeto say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. Guests willbe transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flightshome. It will be possible to connect to flights through to BuenosAires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoy anight in town or venture further afield to explore the highlights ofPatagonia.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at thetime of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may change. The ship’s Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leadercontinually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weatherand ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a largenumber of outstanding landing sites and zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavyice may hinder our a planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
30-01-201917-02-2019USD $0Triple Private
30-01-201917-02-2019USD $0Twin Private
30-01-201917-02-2019USD $0Superior
30-01-201917-02-2019USD $0Superior Plus
30-01-201917-02-2019USD $0Shackleton Suite
30-01-201917-02-2019USD $0One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Fantastic glaciated scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
    • Outstanding wildlife observation on shore, zodiac cruising and from the ship
    • Visits to historic sites and science stations
    • Learn about the environment, wildlife, history and ecology from polar experts

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