E-mail a friendShip: Akademik Shokalskiy
Itinerary: Antarctic Quest via the Falklands and S. Georgia
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Sole PenguinPhoto by: Claudio Suter
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Days 1&2 : | Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina |
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| Days 3-5 : | Drake Passage and South Shetland Islands |
| Days 6-9 : | Antarctic Peninsula |
| Days 10-15 : | Shackleton |
| Days 16-20 : | Northward to the Falklands |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared Bath | Twin Shared | Twin Private | Superior | Suite | ||
| 20 | Nov 3, 2009 | $9,590 | $11,390 | $13,590 | $15,690 | $16,790 |
| Optional activity: Sea Kayaking | ||||||
| 20 | Jan 21, 2010 | $12,890 | $15,390 | $17,490 | $19,690 | $21,590 |
| Optional activity: Sea Kayaking | ||||||
| Destinations : Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Activities : Cultural Activities, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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If your goal is to set foot on Antarctica but also; having traveled to the extremes of the Southern Hemisphere; explore the historic Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and remote South Georgia, this is the ideal small ship expedition. From Shackleton's lonely grave to spectacular Iceberg Alley to Zodiac landings at remote penguin rookeries and other areas rich with wildlife, come follow the early explorers on a remarkable Antarctic experience.
Days 1&2 : Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
On arriving in Ushuaia, transfer to our conveniently located hotel and explore this pioneering port town on the edge of Beagle Channel. Next day, join your fellow travelers for a guided tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park, a haven for Ashy-headed Geese, Buff-necked Ibis, Fuegian red fox and other regional species. Savor a traditional Argentine asado barbecue lunch while learning more about local history and culture, then enjoy some free time to shop or relax before boarding our small expedition ship.
Days 3-5 : Drake Passage and South Shetland Islands
We cross the famed Drake Passage, named for the 16th-century English navigator Sir Francis Drake, looking out for Wandering Albatross and other seabirds from the ship's spacious decks and promenades. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath warmer waters from the temperate zones. Expect to sight the South Shetland Islands, lying just to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, late in the afternoon on Day 4. We hope to stop at Paulet or Elephant Island, home to a large Gentoo Penguin rookery. It was on Elephant Island that the crew of Shackleton?s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on in a small open lifeboat, crossing 1,300 km of open sea in order to arrange the rescue of their comrades. On some departures we're able to sail right into the sunken volcanic caldera of Deception Island, where adventurous travelers can test the thermal waters at Pendulum Cove.
Days 6-9 : Antarctic Peninsula
Our approach to the Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible part of the White Continent, brings breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, cascading glaciers and massive, flat-topped tabular icebergs in crystal blue seas. On our planned landings you can expect to see every manner of fascinating bird life, from enormous rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins, to Blue-eyed Shags, Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels, Snowy Sheathbills and Antarctic Terns. You may also sight Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, along with orcas, and humpback and Minke whales. As you'll see from the detailed ice charts (which one of the ship's officers will be happy to explain if you're interested), there are challenges to navigating the Antarctic Sound through the area known as Iceberg Alley; we'll try to loop down for a visit to the large Adelie Penguin colony on Paulet Island. Your exploration of the continent proper typically begins at Paradise Bay or nearby Neko Harbor. Depending on the thickness of the pack ice and iceberg conditions, we venture into spectacular Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, sailing past towering rock faces and magnificent glaciers. We also try to visit one of the many Antarctic research stations in the region, including Port Lockroy, a former British wartime outpost and scientific base that now houses a museum (and what is probably the world?s most remote post office, where you can mail a card home).
Days 10-15 : Shackleton
Our shipboard historian offers absorbing presentations on the exploration of the Southern Ocean as we continue on toward South Georgia. Remembered as the endpoint of Sir Ernest Shackleton?s heroic rescue trek following the sinking of the Endurance, the island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of 2,100 m mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands and deep fjords. Your many wildlife viewing opportunities over the next few days include thousands of King Penguins at Salisbury Plain; Wandering Albatross and fur seals at Prion Island; and southern elephant seals, plus King, Macaroni and Gentoo Penguins along Gold Harbor and other untouched beaches along the coast. On our visit to the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, you can pay your respects at the simple grave of Shackleton, who died here after suffering a heart attack during the Quest expedition in 1922.
Days 16-20 : Northward to the Falklands
Join us on deck as we make our way toward the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Our specific stops in the outer Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) will depend on local conditions. Typical sightings include Flightless Steamer Ducks, Magellanic Penguins and Gentoo Penguins on Carcass Island; Rockhopper Penguins as well as nesting Black-browed Albatross and Blue-eyed Shags on nearby New Island; plus Peale's and Commerson's dolphins, which frequently bow-ride and play alongside our Zodiacs as we explore the coastal waters. Walk over the tussock grass to enjoy tea and cake at a family "camp" (as Falklanders call their farms), and stroll among colorfully painted buildings in the historic capital Stanley, stopping for a pint at one of its British-style pubs.
Illuminating presentations and lively chats continue as the Expedition Team reviews the journey and invites your perspective on all we've seen and experienced. After docking in Ushuaia, enjoy breakfast on our last morning, then transfer to town or head directly to the airport for your flight home or on to other adventures.
-Sea Kayaking Supplement is $695 per person for Antarctic voyages ($795 per person for 2009-2010 Antarctica)
-Fuel surcharge (subject to change) of $58/night on ship, per person, for Antarctic departures, Oct 2008 - Mar 2009.
-Single Travelers: OPTIONAL single supplement of 70% for Standard Twins. There is no single supplement for travelers willing to share.
- All of the Akademik Shokalskiy's departures include optional sea kayaking. Sea Kayaking Supplement is $695 per person for Antarctic voyages ($795 per person for 2009-2010 Antarctic) and $495 per person for Arctic voyages
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Akademik Shokalskiy
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Cruising around icebergs in the Arctic
Akademik Shokalskiy is a terrific expedition ship, sister ship to the Polar Pioneer. Built in Finland in 1983, she is ice-strengthened and has stabilizers for more comfortable travel. In 1998 she was refurbished to provide comfortable accommodation for 46 passengers, an ideal number for expedition cruising. On board are a combined bar/lounge and a dedicated lecture room/library (stocked with a good collection of reference books and videos). All cabins have outside portholes, plus ample storage space. The spacious bridge (always open to us) and the decks are ideal for viewing during your Antarctica travel.
The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced navigators in the world and their enthusiasm for exploration is legendary. Akademik Shokalskiy is not a luxury vessel. Accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the meals, prepared by European chefs and served by Russian stewardesses, are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Naiads with outboard motors enables us to make landings and explore magnificent places where few others have ever been.
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Triple Shared Bath 2 cabins with 2 lower and 1 upper berth, shared facilities, sink in the cabin and porthole window |
Twin Shared 8 cabins with shared baths (106-124 sq. ft.) Cabins have two lower berths (except for 315 which has 2 lower, 1 upper), sofa, writing desk, bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, cabinets, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Twin Private12 cabins with private bath with shower (100-125 sq. ft.) Cabins have one lower and one upper berth (Some cabins have 2 lower berths), sofa, drawers, refrigerator, writing desk,bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Superior1 cabin (171 sq.ft) with one double bed, 1 sofa bed, private facilities, and 3 opening windows |
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Suite 1 cabin (250 sq.ft) with one double bed, 1 sofa bed, private facilities, and 5 opening windows |
