Antarctica Cruise - Ship Ocean Diamond - 14 Days Itinerary

OVERVIEW

Not only does this expedition include the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, but it also offers the opportunity to venture farther south across the Antarctic Circle. As you head toward a milestone that few travelers reach, you’ll feel as if you’re in a world without borders, sailing across an endless stretch of sea dotted with ice.

Dramatic ice formations will ignite your imagination as you search the landscape for the wildlife that calls it home. Whether it’s humpback whales alongside the ship, a leopard seal diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding off an iceberg into crystal waters, or a giant petrel soaring above cracking sea ice, you’ll experience a sensory overload in Antarctica like you’ve never felt before.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Be one of the few travelers to venture to 66°33' S.

• Visit historic research stations in Marguerite Bay.

• Witness abundant Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales and more.

• Experience western Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites.

• Learn about Antarctica’s geology and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists.

• On select departures, arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of your journey.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Day 2: Embarkation day.
Day 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 5, 6, & 7: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 8 & 9: Antarctic Circle.
Day 10 & 11: Northbound Along the Peninsula.
Day 12 & 13: Crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 14: 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.

ARRIVE IN USHUAIA, ARGENTINA.

You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine 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 handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
EMBARKATION DAY.

As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds. Eventually the channel opens up to the Southern Ocean, and onwards to Antarctica.
CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE.

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.
CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE.

In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA.

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will 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, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA.

Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with four different species of seals. Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA.

Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment, while sea kayaking, paddle excursions, or camping are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. 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 southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
ANTARCTIC CIRCLE.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south — 66°33´S. If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, you and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of sparkling wine!
ANTARCTIC CIRCLE.

Make a toast 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, Adélie penguins and some of the most awe-inspiring ice formations you’ll see anywhere on the planet.
NORTHBOUND ALONG THE PENINSULA.

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary, yet there are still many tales to be told.
NORTHBOUND ALONG THE PENINSULA.

As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE.

As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions.
CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE.

Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.
DISEMBARKATION IN USHUAIA.

Today, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers, disembarking in the morning to catch your homeward flights or continue your travels on your own.

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.