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   FALKLAND ISLANDS - S.G. - ANTARCTICA

FALKLAND ISLANDS - SOUTH GEORGIA - ANTARCTICA ITINERARY:

Day 1 – USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
Tierra del Fuego might well be considered the “Land at the End of the World” but, for us today, it is just be the beginning. A spectacular jumping off point and return port for your Antarctic expedition. Embark Prince Albert II and meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders.

Day 2 – AT SEA
As we set sail on our initial transit, the welcoming expedition staff presents talks that will prepare us for the exciting adventures ahead. Learn about the interworkings of the Prince Albert II and interact with our officers regarding navigation techniques. Our open bridge policy welcomes guests 24 hours a day except when in port and weather permitting. Tonight, we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Prince Albert II crew.

Day 3 – WESTPOINT ISLAND, FALKLAND ISLANDS
CARCASS ISLANDS, FALKLAND ISLANDS
Watch for the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson’s dolphin as you approach West Point Island. Upon arrival, walk across rolling moorland and admire colonies of Black-browed albatrosses that nest side-by-side with feisty Rockhopper penguins. Learn about the island’s unique vegetation including the rare Felton plant. The hospitable island owners are always happy to answer your questions and share their stories. As your Zodiac lands at Leopard Beach, Carcass Island, you may be surprised by the white sands, verdant tussock grasses and the large variety of land birds seen during your time ashore. The island is home to Magellanic and Gentoo penguins as well as the endemic Falkland flightless steamer duck and rare Ruddy-headed goose. November offers the opportunity to witness courtship rituals of penguins and seabirds, plus wildflowers are in bloom. Before heading back to the ship, enjoy a cup of tea with the island owners.

Day 4 – STANLEY, FALKLAND ISLANDS
Stanley is the capital of the remote Falkland Islands, and has a distinct British ambience. Stroll through the charming streets of this colourful little town, lined with quaint cottages and a variety of traditional pubs. Visit the 19th-century Anglican cathedral, wander through the small local museum, and see the lingering reminders of the 1986 Falklands War.

Days 5-6 – AT SEA
As we begin to venture farther south, experience midnight sunsets on deck, or bring your cameras and binoculars to view nature’s splendour. It is very possible to have sightings of of Humpback and Killer whales, and perhaps even the Wandering albatross, which can be recognised by its black wingtips and large wingspan.

Days 7-8 – SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND
This breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands attracts an astounding concentration of wildlife: Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship, the Endurance. Visit Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken.

Day 9 – AT SEA
Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s distinctive wildlife and nature. Lectures and seminars are presented by knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields. Onboard diversions may include wine tastings, photographic workshops, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 10 – SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS
Long known as the ‘Inaccessible Islands’, the South Orkneys remain one of the globe’s most remote land masses and are the habitat for almost 200,000 pairs of Adelie penguins, 600,000 Chinstraps, and about 11,000 Gentoos. Giant and Cape petrels, Blue-eyed shags, and Kelp gulls nest in the cliffs. The South Orkney Islands also have two scientific stations, Orcadas, on Laurie Island, belonging to Argentina, and Signy, a British station.

Day 11 – ELEPHANT ISLAND, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Awesome glaciers flecked with pink algae greet us as we approach Elephant Island – so named for its abundance of Elephant seals. When Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, the crew was stranded here for 105 days in 1916. Elephant Island is home to several Chinstrap penguin rookeries, as well as 2,000-year old moss colonies. Weddell Seals, Gentoo, and Macaroni penguins can also be found on the spit of land Shackleton’s men named ‘Point Wild’.

Days 12-14 – ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Beyond the furthest reaches of Tierra del Fuego and beyond imagination lies the last great frontier – Antarctica’s vast white wilderness. Landscapes formed by the harshest wrath of nature, yet blessed by an isolated independence. A place unlike anywhere else on earth, where unique nature and wildlife species exist and, in fact thrive despite the harsh climate. Witness the dramatic beauty of spectacular iceberg sculptures, marvel at calving glaciers and experience up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for Humpback, Minke, and Orca whales breaching from below the frigid waters. Each day we will attempt at least two Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, will visit a variety of penguin rookeries and scientific research stations. Perhaps a Zodiac cruise amidst colourful icebergs or a special excursion with the expert guest naturalist will be the highlight of your day’s agenda.

Days 15-16 – DRAKE PASSAGE
The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that float in the air currents of our ship’s wake such as the Black-browed albatross, Sooty shearwaters and White-chinned petrels. As we return to Ushuaia, listen to additional presentations offered by onboard specialists and swap prized photos with new found friends.

Days 17 – USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
After breakfast, disembark Prince Albert II.
 

Date	Day	Port	Arrive	Depart
14 Nov 2008	Fri	Ushuaia, Argentina		5:00 PM
15 Nov 2008	Sat	Day At Sea
16 Nov 2008	Sun	Westpoint Island	7:30 AM	11:30 AM
16 Nov 2008	Sun	Carcass Island	1:30 PM	5:30 PM
17 Nov 2008	Mon	Port Stanley, Falkland Islands	8:00 AM	Noon
18 Nov 2008	Tue	Day At Sea
19 Nov 2008	Wed	Day At Sea
20 Nov 2008	Thu	South Georgia	8:00 AM
21 Nov 2008	Fri	South Georgia		4:00 PM
22 Nov 2008	Sat	Day At Sea
23 Nov 2008	Sun	South Orkneys	Noon	4:00 PM
24 Nov 2008	Mon	Elephant Island	3:00 PM	4:00 PM
25 Nov 2008	Tue	Antarctic Peninsula
26 Nov 2008	Wed	Antarctic Peninsula
27 Nov 2008	Thu	Antarctic Peninsula
28 Nov 2008	Fri	Drake Passage
29 Nov 2008	Sat	Drake Passage
30 Nov 2008	Sun	Ushuaia, Argentina	8:00 AM

 

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