Key Features
• Sail to the Falkland Islands to explore the archipelago
• Follow in the footsteps of Shackleton to South Georgia
• View colonies of king penguins, fur & elephant seals
Included
18nts shared cabin on board MV Polar Star; 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches & 18 dinners included.
Transport
M/V Polar Star - an icebreaking ship that carries passengers to the ends of the earth in comfort with an informal, intimate style. It is compliant with all the necessary Maritime regulations and is a proud member of IAATO, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.
Group Size
M/V Polar Star can carry just over 100 passengers, and Zodiac boats can carry up to 16 passengers.
Tour Staff
Our strong team of expert lecturers, specialist crew and ship staff ensure that we are looked after and well informed throughout the voyage. Their relaxed enthusiasm and expertise makes for a very informal and enjoyable experience!
The Falkland Islands
From Ushuaia we head northeast to the Falkland Islands. This archipelago of over 400 islands is an important breeding ground for penguins, elephant seals and sea lions and an abundance of seabirds along the endless beaches, including the black-browed albatross. We spend time in Stanley, the most isolated capital in the world, and learn about the island's heritage.
'The Alps in mid-ocean'
Sailing south, the deep fjords and soaring alpine peaks of South Georgia provide stunning photo opportunities. Here is the most important colony of king penguins, fur seals and elephant seals and it is estimated that over 10 million sea birds visit South Georgia each year. During the spring months the hillsides are carpeted with wild flowers. The islands are steeped in the history of Antarctic exploration and here we find the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, possibly the most accomplished and courageous of all polar explorers.
To the ends of the earth
We push further south and on to Antarctica via the black sands of Deception Island, which, amongst other rocky outcrops, make up the South Shetland Islands. These dark colours are in stark contrast to the white of Antarctica which we explore before turning north and sailing back towards Ushuaia.
MV POLAR STAR
Our ship is the first icebreaker to be fully converted and upgraded for expedition cruising and is renowned for being one of the safest and most comfortable ice class vessels available for polar cruising today. With its ice-breaking capabilities, M/V Polar Star can safely explore areas that can't be reached by most other Polar operators.
M/V Polar Star, member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), meets and exceeds the latest SOLAS, ISM & MARPOL regulations for safety and the environment. The vessel can comfortably carry 100 passengers and is equipped with ten 16-man Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats) for excursions. The space available on board, and the organisation of the trip allows the sense of intimacy in keeping with our 'small group' philosophy.
Life onboard
Excellent onboard facilities include: large panoramic lounge/lecture room affording fine views; library; shop; laundry; gym; bar; comfortable restaurant serving superb variety of international cuisine; friendly and attentive hospitality staff; onboard team of expert guides. The ship's 'open bridge' policy offers general freedom of access on board throughout our voyage. The ship is informal, so casual, comfortable dress fine; there is a general no smoking policy on board, with a number of designated smoking areas on deck.
Specialist staff
M/V Polar Star takes pride in the high standard of the staff onboard, including: highly experienced ship crew; welcoming hotel staff; on-board physician; team of specialist expedition staff. En route, travellers will be rewarded with a comprehensive series of informative talks, lectures and discussions on subjects such as the natural environment, wildlife and regional heritage. Our on-board team are experts in their field, actively involved in current and contemporary research.
Excursions
When possible we plan at least two excursions each day. Some will be land based, with the opportunity to discover the surprisingly diverse flora and fauna of the area; others will be water-based exploration by Zodiac, perhaps cruising amongst icebergs or along coastlines marvelling at the marine life and dramatic landscapes around us. We only try to take a maximum of 12 passengers per 16-person zodiac, so that there's more room for comfortably taking pictures.
Cabins
Prices are based on the use of outward-facing, twin-share (K1) cabins. These are cosy and comfortable with two beds(one of which is a bunk, but the upper bed is not used), a porthole and share a toilet/shower with one other cabin. It may be possible to upgrade to a superior cabin with private facilities or single occupancy. Prices and availability on request.
Comment
Travel in these extreme regions means that itineraries can and do change to take into account local weather, sea and ice conditions. Flexibility and a sense of adventure are the key to getting the most from expedition cruising.