OVERVIEW
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on this diverse expedition — you’ll experience the spectacular flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) before immersing yourself in the unique history and exquisite, rare wildlife of South Georgia.
Whether you’re visiting Antarctic research stations, witnessing a sudden minke whale breach from your Zodiac, sharing a magical moment with king penguins, or celebrating crossing the Antarctic Circle with like-minded travelers and crew, you’ll know this experience will live on in you forever.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers.
• See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as “the Galapagos of the South.” This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of penguin.
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyage on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside.
• Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
• Crossing of the Antarctic Circle.
• On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists.
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Day 2: Embarkation day.
Day 3: At Sea.
Days 4 & 5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
Days 6 & 7: At Sea.
Days 8 - 9 -10 & 11: South Georgia.
Days 12 & 13: At Sea.
Days 14- 15 & 16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 17 & 18: Antarctic Circle.
Days 19 & 20: Northbound Along the Peninsula.
Days 21 & 22: Crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 23: Disembarkation in Ushuaia.
NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader will determine the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Contact us for more details.
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ARRIVE IN USHUAIA, ARGENTINA.
Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet boasts many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants that you can enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby national park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking.
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EMBARKATION DAY.
As you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. On board to ensure your comfort and safety, your team will also help make your wildlife dreams come true.
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AT SEA.
Your days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh air and views on the outer decks.
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FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS).
Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily Zodiac excursions and landings.
Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit numerous churches and museums. -
FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS).
The Archipelago is rich in wildlife, especially birds, and home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black-browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and possibly the elusive Cobb’s wren.
Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.
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AT SEA.
Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps create the abundance of krill that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world.
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AT SEA.
Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent the area.
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SOUTH GEORGIA.
This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and seals. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.
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SOUTH GEORGIA.
One significant and historic site 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, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station.
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SOUTH GEORGIA.
Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, it is the tremendous abundance of wildlife that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures.
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SOUTH GEORGIA.
One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on a beach, and the next, you may visit another beach blanketed with thousands of fur or elephant seals. 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 interwoven relationship is something your Expedition Team will explain to you during your time here.
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AT SEA.
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica!
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AT SEA.
Your days at sea are filled with presentations, lectures and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA.
The experience is hard to put into words, but the most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and solitude; the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA.
Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal, or maybe you’ll come eye to eye with an Antarctic minke whale while you are cruising in a Zodiac. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
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SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA.
If you find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an optional kayaking adventure (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or a plunge into Antarctic waters!
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ANTARCTIC CIRCLE.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as few expeditions reach so far south.
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ANTARCTIC CIRCLE.
If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun and fantastic iceberg sightings.
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NORTHBOUND ALONG THE PENINSULA.
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.
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NORTHBOUND ALONG THE PENINSULA.
Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE.
After more than three weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins.
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CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE.
Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.
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DISEMBARKATION IN USHUAIA.
After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be transferred to town.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Staff and Crew 144.
- Guests 189.
- Length 124 meters.
- Breadth (Beam) 16 meters.
- Draft 9 meters.
- Propulsion 2 Wichmann Engines, 7375 horsepower.
- Ice Class 1D.
- Cruising Speed 5 knots.
- Registration Nassau, Bahamas.
- Lifeboats 2 fully enclosed.
SHIP AMENITIES:
- Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included).
- Bar staffed by a professional bartender.
- Massage therapy program.
- Library with a large collection of polar books and DVDs.
- Speed of vessel saves up to 12 hours on the Drake crossing, giving you more time to enjoy Antarctica.
- Internet access (review a PDF of the Onboard Internet Guidelines).
- Theatre-style auditorium.
- Clinic with licensed doctor.
COMMUN AREAS ABOARD OCEAN DIAMOND
Highlights of the Ocean Diamond include a bar staffed by a professional bartender, theater-style auditorium, clinic with licensed doctor, photography program including the services of a resident photography instructor, Polar Library containing a large collection of polar books and DVDs, Massage and Wellness program offering yoga classes, aromatherapy treatments and massage therapy. A passenger elevator makes navigating decks easy and chefs pamper guests three times daily with delicious meals.
ACTIVITIES ABOARD OCEAN DIAMOND
Zodiac cruising and hiking are included on every departure. Optional camping, kayaking and one-time paddling excursions are also available aboard the Ocean Diamond. Each expedition is staffed with expert captains, officers, expedition leaders and guides who help passengers get the most out of every activity.
CABINS DETAILS:
Triple
Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m) in size, this cabin has a two twin beds and an upper bed, and two portholes. Located on the Lower Deck, these cabins have a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.
Twin Obstructed View
Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double bed or two twin beds, and a picture window (the view is obstructed). Located on the Captain’s Deck, these cabins have a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin.
Twin Window
Between 183 and 200 sq. ft. (17 and 19 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double bed or two twin beds, and a picture window. Located on the Upper, Main and Captain’s Decks, these cabins have a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin.
Single Porthole
Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double bed and two portholes. Located on the Lower Deck, these cabins have a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.
Single Obstructed View
Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double bed, and a picture window (the view is obstructed by the lifeboats). Located on the Captain’s Deck these cabins have a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin.
Suite
Approximately 400 sq. ft. (37 sq. m) in size, these suites have one double bed or two twin beds, and two picture windows. Located on the Main Deck, these suites have two private bathrooms, and a separate sitting area with a sofa, chair, and small table. Two refrigerators, TVs, and DVD players are included in each cabin.
Balcony Suite
Approximately 325 sq. ft. (30 sq. m) in size, including the balcony, this suite has one double bed or two twin beds, and a full-size window with a sliding glass door that leads to a private deck with chairs. Located on the Observation Deck, this suite has a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin.
DECKPLAN
INCLUDED
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board.
- Beer and wine during dinner.
- All shore landings per the daily program.
- Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders.
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.
- Formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled.
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition.
- Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
- Coffee, tea, and cocoa available around the clock.
- A hairdryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
- Comprehensive onboard (2020-21 season) materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- All luggage handling aboard the ship.
- Group transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on day 1.
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, with breakfast.
- Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day.
- Group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport, and/or to luggage storage facility in the 2020-21 season.
For itineraries beginning and ending in Ushuaia:
- Group transfer in Ushuaia from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on day 1.
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, with breakfast.
- Group transfer from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day.
- Group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
EXCLUSIONS
- International airfare.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above.
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights.
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any other gear not mentioned above.
- Laundry, bar, massage services, and other personal charges unless specified.
- Phone and internet charges.
- Additional overnight accommodation.
- Optional adventure activities.
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.
NOTES:
- This trip is also available onboard the Ocean Adventurer. Contact us for more details.
- Voyages are subject to ice and weather conditions.
