31 Days
Day 1 (March 26)
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia and sail through the Beagle Channel.
Day 2 & 3
In the Drake Passage we witness a multitude of Albatrosses, Petrels and Fulmars.
Day 4
At
Hope Bay and Brown Bluff we hope to set foot on the Antarctic
Continent. In this area chances are good for encounters with Gentoo
Penguins, Weddell Seals, Leopard Seals and Orcas. On some ice floes we
could also be lucky to see a juvenile emperor penguin.
Day 5
If
the sea ice conditions allow we will try and reach Devil and/or Paulet
Island at the tip of the Weddell Sea, with its many huge table icebergs
coming from the Larsen Ice Shelf. We will climb a hill with a gently
slope from where we have a great view on the surroundings. At Paulet
Island we will observe the last individuals of a large Adelie Penguin
colony near the ruins of the Nordenskiöld Expedition from the beginning
of the 20th century.
Day 6
At sea, we will
sail towards the South Orkney Islands. Our exact navigational course
will be determined by the prevailing ice conditions, in terms of both
extent of sea ice and density of icebergs, which vary from year to year.
Day 7
On
our way north we plan to visit South Orkneys, where the Scotsman Bruce
once wintered and where we now may visit the friendly people of an
Argentinean base.
Day 8
At sea, on our way to South Georgia, we witness a multitude of Albatrosses, Petrels and Fulmars.
Day 9 – 11
In
South Georgia we will pay visits to the abandoned whaling settlements
Grytviken, where now the penguins walk through the streets, and King
Edwards Point with the grave of Shackleton. We will walk near the big
King Penguin colony on Salisbury Plain and the breeding Wandering
Albatrosses on Prion Island in the Bay of Isles. The last day in South
Georgia we will spend in Cooper Bay where we will observe Chinstrap
Penguins and Macaroni Penguins and breeding Light-mantled Sooty
Albatrosses. Later we intend to sail to Gold Harbour to visit another
King Penguin colony and to see many Elephant Seals and Fur Seals. It is a
good area for long walks. We conclude our visit with zodiac excursions
in the magnificent Drygalski Fjord and Larsen Harbour.
Day 12 - 16
In
the westerlies we have a pleasant tailwind. On both sides of the
Antarctic Convergence, we observe many species and great numbers of
Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds.
Day 17
Today
we plan to approach the unique Gough Island for zodiac cruising around
the island, as always weather permitting. In previous years we managed
to circumnavigate all but four miles of the 33 mile circumference of the
island in the ship, saw spectacular scenery and an unprecedented
abundance of wildlife. We felt very privileged to be among the few
visitors who have been able to experience Gough and in particular, to
see it at such close quarters and in such favourable conditions. We hope
to be lucky to repeat this unique experience with you.
Day 18 – 20
In
the Tristan da Cunha archipelago we aim to call at the settlement at
the west side of the main island. We will also try to make landings at
Nightingale Island with millions of seabirds ranging from Yellow-nosed
Albatrosses to Brown Noddies. We allow one day in reserve for bad
weather. Please note that we will try and approach for landings, however
due to the weather conditions this is not always possible.
Day 21 - 24
At sea, we now enter sub-tropical waters with their own brand of seabirds and dolphins.
Day 25 - 27
St.
Helena has a good anchorage and landing site. On this island, we will
have ample opportunities to enjoy local culture, pleasant climate, and
endemic plants and birds. We will visit the place where Napoleon lived
in exile. There will be opportunities to explore the Island on your own
and for snorkelling, in the shallow surf near a wreck we can find a lot
of fishes.
Day 28 - 29
At sea.
Day 30 – 31
Ascension
Island is a dry volcanic island with a moist and richly vegetated top.
The Sooty Tern (wide-awake) colony sometimes consists of more than 1
million breeding pairs. We will try to climb the moist summit of
Ascension Island and make a zodiac-cruise around Boatswain Bird Island
offering also great opportunities for snorkelling. We may witness
egg-laying sea turtles coming ashore at night. Some of our passengers
may disembark and fly with the scheduled RAF (Royal Air Force) flight to
Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, UK. Others may proceed their voyage to
Cape Verdes.





