Antarctica Cruise: Classic Voyages

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

  You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small, but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentinean town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy some hand crafted chocolate in town. This evening meet some of your fellow travelers at the orientation briefing.

• Day 2 Embarkation Day

  The Beagle Channel sets you on your way as the ship sails in the late afternoon. The channel opens up to the vastness of the southern ocean, where your next land sighting will be along the Antarctic Peninsula. Named after the famed ship in which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents many great photo opportunities to capture sea birds hovering overhead.

• Days 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage

  The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You'll have plenty of time to stare out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.

  Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures from your Expedition Team. You'll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.

• Days 5-8 The Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

  With the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make a final approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready, as the continent's coastline will make its first appearance, signaling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic. You'll see plentiful icebergs floating by and be fixated on the surface of the ocean as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes.
  
  As exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites we may visit, including Neko Harbor, Orne Harbor or Paradise Bay. While weather dictates which specific landing sites we can visit, each one presents a new collection of wildlife and natural attractions.
  
  Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and camping in Antarctica are a couple of optional activities available on selected voyages.

• Days 9-10 The Antarctic Circle

  Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted at 66° 33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne! Make a toast and take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people.

• Days 11-12 Northbound Along the Peninsula

  By now, your knowledge of Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like 'bergy bits' and pancake ice will seem normal too, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head back towards the Drake, Zodiac excursions will continue to fill your days, while the Expedition Team will help fill in any blanks that remain in your newly acquired knowledge of the Antarctic.

• Days 13-14 Drake Passage to Ushuaia

  Re-crossing the Drake, Antarctica fades away and you'll be left with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the time passing the Drake Passage fly by, independent of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up their series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of some of the great landing sites and wildlife you've visited over the course of your voyage.

• Day 15 Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina

  Today you'll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and your fellow travelers. You'll disembark in the morning so that you may catch your homeward bound flights. Outbound flights should not be scheduled until after noon.

  Please note: The 14 day itinerary on the Sea Spirit spends one less day exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

"Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent" Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

  With a population of over 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going, accessible feel, with dramatic mountain surroundings it is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. You can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city or visit the many boutique shops and cafes while preparing for your upcoming adventure. This evening meet some of your fellow travelers at the orientation briefing.

• Day 2 Embarkation Day

  Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as we depart - the next time you see land we'll be in the world's most southern continent!

• Days 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage

  Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You'll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while we'll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

• Days 5-8 South Shetland and Antarctic Peninsula

  When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. We can finally begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for Humpback and Minke Whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard Seal.

  The majesty of the Peninsula's mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a Chinstrap Penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you'll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you're feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!

  Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor. You can make a bit of noise yourself too by listening to the echo of voices bounce off a giant glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you on this wonderful part of the world.

• Days 9-10 Drake Passage to Ushuaia

  The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

• Day 11 Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

  Today you'll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and your fellow travelers. You'll disembark in the morning so that you may catch your homeward bound flights. Outbound flights should not be scheduled until after noon.

  Note: The 10-day itinerary spends one less day exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, while the 12-day itinerary will have one additional day exploring the peninsula.

"Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings" Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

  Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers you a small-town feel but has many shops, museums, cafes and restaurants to enjoy before your voyage. If you're feeling adventurous, the nearby national park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of hiking and outdoor activities. In the evening meet some of your fellow travelers at the orientation briefing.

• Day 2 Embarkation Day

  As we embark, the anticipation and excitement grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. As every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. They're onboard to ensure your comfort and safety, as well as help make your wildlife dreams come true.

• Day 3 At Sea

  There are many activities to keep you engaged while we're at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship or attend illustrated presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on procedures for your Zodiac cruises and shore landings. You'll also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures, a truly intimate way to experience the Antarctic.

• Days 4-5 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

  Upon arrival in this archipelago your cameras will get their first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of the Falklands. The archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings.

  Port Stanley is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel to it, complete with a bit of a ramshackle charm. You'll be free to explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit numerous churches and museums.

  In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper penguins. If lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! We can expect to see black-browed albatross and two endemic species; Cobb's wren and the Falkland's flightless steamer duck.

  Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you get the most out of your time in the Falklands.

• Days 6-7 At Sea

  Sailing south, you'll officially enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Ship staff will be sure to keep you posted when we cross this invisible, yet important line.

• Days 8-11 South Georgia

  This remote outpost was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and elephant and fur seals. Today, South Georgia Island wildlife populations have rebounded, but you'll still see remnants of those old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.

  One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, a museum, gift shop, church and a research station of approximately 20 scientists and support personnel.

  While South Georgia's history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day we may visit another beach with thousands of fur seals or elephant seals with (non-native) reindeer grazing in the background. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island, this fragile and symbiotic relationship is something that your Expedition Team will share with you during your time here.

• Days 12-13 At Sea

  Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with seminars from your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will be greeting you upon your arrival in Antarctica. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar. If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, which are officially in Antarctica.

• Days 14-17 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

  The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you'll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, at the next moment you'll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into the brilliant blue sea or a penguin comes waddling by to inspect your footwear.

  Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether it is trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Curious whales, such as Minkes, are often attracted to Zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and every landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.

  As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you'll treat yourself to an extra special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional (extra cost) kayaking excursion or going for a swim in the Antarctic!

• Days 18-19 Crossing the Drake

  After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure.

  Enjoy some final moments mingling with your fellow travelers. The noisy, busy, populated world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.

• Day 20 Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

  After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. We will transfer you to the airport for your homeward flight. Flights should be scheduled after noon.

  Please note: The 19 day itinerary on the Ocean Diamond and Sea Adventurer spends one less day exploring South Georgia (days 8-10).

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

One night of pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast, (the number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel.), shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping, all meals on board, all shore landings per the daily program, leadership throughout the voyage including shore landings and other activities, photographic journal on DVD documenting the voyage, a pair of waterproof boots for the duration of the voyage, an official Quark Expeditions parka to keep, hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin, a group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia to the airport, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program, Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person.

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; supplement for single hotel accommodations; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunications charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will guarantee double/triple occupancy rates for hotel rooms and ship cabins even if we are unable to match you with a roommate. If you request a single cabin, rates are 1.7 times the cabin cost.

Our trips are scheduled to take advantage of the Antarctica summer. Daytime temperatures may vary between 25° to 45°F and if the sun is shining, it can get warmer. Daylight lasts 20 hours per day!

To confirm reservations on an Antarctic cruise, a deposit of 20% is required at time of booking. Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure. Prices and payments are in U.S. dollars. Deposits and payments for pre-expedition and post-expedition services are specific to each item, and are explained and communicated at time of purchase.

All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received up to 180 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $1000 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 and 121 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited. Please note that for cancellations received within 120 days prior to departure, all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 120-day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately. For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate, including kayaking, camping, skiing, or mountaineering (if applicable and which, at the discretion of the Captain and Expedition Leader, may or may not be utilized). It is understood that refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the services for any reason whatsoever.

This policy is different than the general cancellation policy published in our current travel catalog and is strictly adhered to.

If any trip must be delayed due to bad weather, cancelled or delayed transportation, sickness or any other situation for which REI Adventures catalog information cannot make provisions, all costs incurred during such delays must be borne by trip members.

A complete equipment list is sent to all trip members when they sign up. No special gear is required for this trip and you probably own most of it already. The dress code on-board is casual and comfortable. On deck, you need to have a warm polar fleece jacket with a rain shell that fits over it. Layering works best. Pull-on rubber boots (calf to knee high) are a must for landings and are available to borrow on all ships.

The trip is rated easy to moderate [2]. During most shore landings, trip participants will have the opportunity to walk for short distances (less than 1 mile) while visiting penguin rookeries and exploring the landscape. Dependent on location, walks may involve crossing snowfields or bare, rocky terrain. Individuals prone to motion sickness should carry appropriate remedies as high seas may be encountered while crossing the Drake Passage.

A valid passport is required for travel to South America. A visa is not required for travel to Antarctica. Extensions may require visas when traveling to additional South American countries.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Weather

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. When the wind is constant, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Adequate wind/raingear is vital!
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• The dress code on board the ship is strictly casual, in the expedition spirit. There is no need to dress formally for meals.
• A few large zip-lock or waterproof bags are useful to keep camera equipment dry while riding in the Zodiac and during wet shore landings.
• Bring more memory cards/batteries than you think you will need. Extra supplies will be difficult to purchase or unavailable once the trip begins. It is not unusual for participants to shoot double the amount of photos then they normally would. Cold temperatures quickly eat up battery power. Carry batteries close to your body to keep them warm and bring plenty of spares.