Canadian Polar cruise specialist, One Ocean Expeditions (OOE) is launching its 2017/18 Antarctic season with the chance to explore further south of the Antarctic Circle than was previously possible on any of its other cruise expeditions, with the launch of a revised Antarctica ‘Deep South’ itinerary for the 2017/18 season. It is one of four new Antarctic itineraries OOE is operating next season. These include expeditions that take you into the New Year in Antarctica, Christmas in South Georgia, plus a 17-night trip with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
Christmas in Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands, December 14 – 30 2017: By using two flights – outbound from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands and return from Stanley in the Falklands to Punta Arenas, this 16-night expedition reduces time at sea resulting in more in-depth exploration in destination, allowing four days in the Antarctic Peninsula and four days, including Christmas Day, in South Georgia. Highlights include Elephant Island, named aptly by early explorers who saw elephant seals on the shore. This remote spot provided refuge for Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew following the loss of their ship, the Endurance, in the ice of the Weddell Sea. Prices start from US$15,295 per person based on triple share on board the One Ocean Voyager (Akademik Sergey Vavilov).
Antarctica and South Georgia, December 20 2017 – 13 January 2018: Passengers ring in the New Year on this 16-night voyage, which packs in all the highlights of a traditional 18-night itinerary by saving time at sea, using a flight at the end of the voyage from Stanley in the Falklands to Punta Arenas, Chile. With three days spent in South Georgia, there is plenty of time to approach the wildlife, including enormous colonies of king penguins, which often share the beaches with fur and elephant seals and gentoo penguins, while giant petrels and other sea birds swoop overhead. Prices start from US $14,795 per person based on triple share on board the ice–strengthened ship, One Ocean Navigator (Akademik Ioffe).
Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica, February 3 – 20, 2018: Once again, by flying out of Punta Arenas to Stanley and disembarking in Ushuaia, Argentina, this reduces travel at sea and allows all the locations of a longer voyage to be visited in this 17-night itinerary. This is the perfect time of year for spotting abundant wildlife, whales and sights of fur seals and penguin chicks along the peninsula, always a favorite for amateur and professional photographers and nature lovers alike. Prices start from US $16,395 per person based on triple share, travelling on the One Ocean Navigator (Akademik Ioffe).
Antarctic – ‘Deep South’, February 20 – 3March 2018: This itinerary usually requires 13-nights. However, due to the inclusion of the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, combined with disembarkation in Ushuaia, two days at sea are saved in transit and added ‘in destination’, allowing travel further south of the Antarctic Circle than on other voyages. Marguerite Bay, well below the furthest point of most ships, is home to two important science stations and John Rymill’s southern base for the early 1930’s British Grahamland Expedition. Weather permitting this cruise will include visits to these historic locations. Prices start from US $11,495 per person based on triple share, on board the One Ocean Voyager (Akademik Sergey Vavilov).
Early booking incentive – There is an early booking incentive of US$1000 per person available on all new bookings received by November 1, 2016.
For further information on One Ocean Expeditions’ cruises visit:
http://www.oneoceanexpeditions.com/voyages/regions/antarctic
SOURCE: One Ocean Expeditions