Expedition Itinerary - Ross Sea

(November 9 - December 7, 2011) 1911 was a remarkable year. In January, Robert Falcon Scott anchored off Ross Island in the Ross Sea. His intention: to be the first person to reach the South Pole. By December, the single most important goal of Antarctic exploration was claimed by Roald Amundsen. The Norwegian reached the South Pole on December 14, 1911, just five weeks ahead of Scott. During this 29-day cruise itinerary visit Emperor Penguin rookeries, historic huts and far flung southern Pacific islands.

 Day 1 - Christchurch, New Zealand

One hundred years ago, on a map of Antarctic exploration two solid lines ran from Lyttelton to the Ross Sea. Both were labelled - Shackleton. One represented his expedition itinerary in 1908 and the other his return in 1909. We know that "the Boss" stayed overnight in Christchurch before he embarked for Antarctica. You do the same.

Day 2 - Embarkation Day

Like Shackleton, Robert Falcon Scott boarded a ship in Lyttelton when he began his cruise to the South Pole. As this voyage celebrates the 100th anniversary of his departure and Amundsen's success, it is appropriate that you embark Kapitan Khlebnikov in Lyttelton.

Day 3 - At sea

In addition to commemorating the most significant year in Antarctic history, we celebrate the End of an Era. This will be the penultimate expedition itinerary for the legendary Kapitan Khlebnikov. While cruising at sea, the Expedition Team reminisces about the discovery of Emperor Penguin rookeries, the first visit to the Dry Valleys, and the other firsts made possible by this icebreaker.

Special guest Nigel Watson, Director of Antarctic Heritage Trust (NZ), cares for the expedition bases left by Scott, Shackleton and Borchgrevink in the Ross Sea Region of Antarctica. He provides insight into the current efforts to save the historic bases for current and future generations.

Day 4 - The Snares

Cruise in Zodiacs along the shoreline of one of the New Zealand subantarctic islands - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Five million Sooty Shearwaters populate The Snares. Three species of Albatross breed on the islands, including the Buller's Mollymawk. You may observe the endemic species of penguin - the Snares Crested Penguin. Pack binoculars.

Day 5-6 - Auckland Islands

The Auckland Islands are part of the UNESCO designated New Zealand subantarctic islands. Enderby, the largest island, is one of two of the islands visitors may explore. The rare Yellow-eyed Penguin breeds here, as do the endemic Auckland shags. During this cruise itinerary, a wildlife watch is established. You can volunteer to participate.

Day 7 - Campbell Island

The third and final New Zealand subantarctic island to visit is Campbell Island. The complimentary Quark Expeditions parka comes in handy, as rain falls 325 days a year, mainly as light showers or drizzle. However, the total annual accumulation is astounding - 1450 mm (57 inches).

Since New Zealand declared Campbell Island a nature reserve in 1954, vigorous eradication of introduced species has resulted in the successful recovery of native vegetation and invertebrates, and the return of seabirds. The rarest duck in the world, the Campbell Island Teal, has been reintroduced successfully. Perhaps you will spot one during your visit? Birders could increase your penguin life list by sightings of two additional species - Erect-crested Penguins and Eastern Rockhopper Penguins.

Day 8-9 - At sea

You have reached Antarctica, when the icebreaker crosses the Antarctic Convergence aka the Antarctic Polar Front. This biological boundary is unique to Antarctica. Encircling the continent, it is an irregular, invisible curve where the cold, northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. The zone is about 32 to 48 km (20 to 30 miles) wide, somewhere between 48° and 61° S.

While cruising, learn about distinctive marine life and climates that are associated with the Polar Front and the area just to the north of it. The Expedition Team leads seabird identification on deck.

Day 10 - Cape Adare

Step ashore at Cape Adare, and step into Antarctic history. Ten men overwintered in 1899, by spring only nine were alive. An Adelie Penguin rookery has over run the historic hut that still stands on the Cape. Special guest Nigel Watson provides an insider's insight into the hut's preservation.

Day 11-21 - The Ross Sea

From Cape Adare, Kapitan Khlebnikov negotiates the ice of the Ross Sea. The cruise itinerary is southward into the historic heart of Antarctic exploration. Visit Emperor Penguin rookeries and tour research stations. If conditions permit, participate in a farewell flight to the Dry Valleys, accessible only by helicopter. Plan to visit McMurdo Station and Scott Base, the contemporary legacy of the explorations of a century ago. Kapitan Khlebnikov's farewell voyage to the Ross Sea is not to be missed!

Day 22-23 - Balleny Islands

The uninhabited Balleny Islands straddle the Antarctic Circle. They form a chain that stretches across the Southern Ocean for 160 km (99 miles) from southeast to northwest. Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins breed on the volcanic islands. Go ashore and cruise in Zodiacs past ice tongues in the channels and bays.

Day 24 - At sea

During this portion of the expedition itinerary, you can - enjoy birding on deck, attend illustrated presentations and recaps, or just laze in your cabin, while you complete your journal.

Day 25-26 - Macquarie Island

Visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site today. Four species of penguin - Royal, King, Gentoo and Rockhopper breed on the island. Significantly, Macquarie is the only place on Earth where the white-chinned Royal Penguin is found. Elephant and fur seals laze about on the beaches. Australian researchers have been conducting studies on the island for half a century. The island has wonderful boardwalks laid down for visitors.

Day 27-28 - At sea

Throughout this expedition itinerary enjoy fabulous dinners - not the least will be the Captain's farewell dinner. This time the event is made even more momentous by the fact that Kapitan Khlebnikov will never return to the Ross Sea as an expedition vessel.

Day 29 - Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

After breakfast on board the ship, you will be transferred to the airport for a homeward flight.