Antarctic Cruise | Antarctic Peninsula - M/V Expedition
Written by Randy GreenCategory » Antarctica Cruise
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Antarctic Peninsula 2012 13-Day Itinerary
Vessel: Expedition
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city. Arrive in Ushuaia at any time.
Day 2 Ushuaia (B,D)
Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. We enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Day 3-4 The Drake Passage (2B,2L,2D)
Our adventure begins with a 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from your expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the ship's wake.
Day 5-10 The Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands (6B,6L,6D)
Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather conditions permitting), and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals, and Orca, Humpback and Minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The Peninsula also has a remarkable human history. During the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
Day 11-12 The Drake Passage (2B,2L,2D)
Today we begin our journey north to our home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff. Keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some final whale sightings.
Day 13 Depart Ushuaia (B)
To see more in-depth about our Antarctic landing sites, go to our Antarctica Guide.
Looking for longer Antarctica cruises? Check out our Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula itineraries!Save up to 15-20% off on selected departures when booked between May 1-31, 2012. New bookings only. Sale prices in red.
2012-2013 Rate Information
| Cruise | Date | N/D | Cat. 1A Quad | Cat. 1 Triple | Cat. 2 Twin | Cat. 3 Twin | Cat. 4 Twin | Cat. 5 Double |
| Antarctic Peninsula 13-Day Itinerary | Nov 7-19, 2012 | 12/13 | $4499 sold out |
$4999 sold out |
$6199 sold out |
$7499 $5999 |
$8199 $6559 |
$9099 $7279 |
| Antarctic Peninsula 13-Day Itinerary | Nov 18-30, 2012 | 12/13 | $4999 sold out |
$5499 $4675 |
$6799 sold out |
$7999 $6399 |
$8399 $6719 |
$9299 $7439 |
| Antarctic Peninsula 13-Day Itinerary | Nov 29-Dec 11, 2012 | 12/13 | $4999 |
$5499 sold out |
$6799 sold out |
$7999 |
$8399 |
$9299 |
| Antarctic Peninsula 13-Day Itinerary |
Dec 10-22, 2012 | 12/13 | $4999 sold out |
$5499 |
$6799 |
$7999 |
$8399 |
$9299 sold out |
| Antarctic Peninsula 11-Day Itinerary | Jan 2-12, 2013 | 10/11 | $5999 sold out |
$6449 |
$7849 sold out |
$9299 |
$9899 sold out |
$10599 sold out |
| Antarctic Peninsula 11-Day Itinerary | Jan 29-Feb 8, 2013 | 10/11 | $5749 sold out |
$6249 |
$7649 sold out |
$8999 |
$9599 |
$10399 |
| Antarctic Peninsula 11-Day Itinerary | Feb 7-17, 2013 | 10/11 | $5749 |
$6249 |
$7649 sold out |
$8999 |
$9599 |
$10399 sold out |
| Antarctic Peninsula 11-Day Itinerary | Feb 16-26, 2013 | 10/11 | $5849 |
$6349 |
$7749 sold out |
$9099 |
$9699 |
$10499 |
Category 1A: 2 upper berths, 2 lower berths, full ensuite washroom, porthole
Category 1: 1 upper berth, 2 lower berths, full ensuite washroom, porthole
Category 2: 2 lower berths, full ensuite washroom, porthole
Category 3: 2 lower berths, full ensuite washroom, small window
Category 4: 2 lower berths, full ensuite washroom, small window
Category 5: Queen bed, lounge area, full ensuite washroom, windows
Included in 2012-2013 Departures:
NOTE: In 2012-2013, we will not be offering package rates; prices above include items from the list. However, air, hotel and transfer packages are offered for an additional charge. Contact our office for pricing.
- One night's hotel on night prior to cruise start day.
- Cruise accommodation as indicated in itinerary
- All meals while on board the ship (Excluding Drinks)
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- 10:1 Expedition staff and naturalists ratio
- Spacious accommodation onboard the M/S Expedition
- Rubber Boots supplied on board
- Hotel to Ship Transfer
- Ship to Ushuaia Airport Transfer ( depending on your post cruise plans)
- Antarctica destination Guide Book
- All cabins have private facilities
Departure Information for:
All Tours:
Registration
To confirm your space on these tours, please complete the enclosed registration form (or download from our website) and mail to our office with a deposit of 20% of the tour amount to our office. VISA/MasterCard accepted for deposit only. Balance is due 90 days prior to departure and is payable by check only.
Cancellation Policy
In the event you must cancel your reservation, refunds will be made according to the following schedule: Deposit is nonrefundable. 90 to 61 days prior to departure, 50% of total is nonrefundable; less than 60 days prior to departure, 100% nonrefundable.
Insurance
Because many advance logistical arrangements have been made prior to the running of this trip, we must adhere to the above policy. In light of this, we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. An application form will be sent to you upon request, or you may purchase it on your own. Because of the remote location, emergency medical evacuation insurance is required. Please check your personal insurance coverage and make sure it is applicable in foreign countries. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is a component of the insurance program IWA offers.
The M/S Expedition

The M/S Expedition is a comfortable ice-strengthened vessel that has just been completely refitted.
The brand new top-of-the-line cabins provide a variety of affordable doubles and triples, higher end double cabins and luxurious suites. Singles are also available in all cabin categories. All rooms provide outside cabins with views (window or porthole) and full private en-suite bathrooms.
The ship holds 120 passenger plus crew.
For photos of ship cabins and amenities, please go to our Spitsbergen Gallery.
Amenities
Unlike many expedition ships, where public space is at a premium, the M/S Expedition has multiple large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and in between land excursions.
Amenities include:
- Polar Bear Pub
- Expedition Lounge / Albatross Bar
- A barbecue deck
- Top 360° view observation deck
- Fitness center/sauna
- A fine dining room serving international cuisine and large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting
Tech Specs:
- Built: Helsingor Skibsvaerft, Denmark 1972
- Ice class: Swedish/ Finnish 1B
- Length: 105.23 metres (345 feet)
- Breadth: 18.63 meters
- Max Draft: 4.71 metres
- Gross Tonnage: 6336 grt
- Cruising Speed: 16 knots
- Stabilizers: Fins, Type Brown/AEG
- Passenger Capacity: 120 passengers max
- Current Life saving & Rescue equipment: Covered motor lifeboats 4 pcs capacity of 192 people. Life rafts total capacity 260 people
M/S Expedition's Deck Plan


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