Astounding Antarctica

Locations: Ushuaia, Argentina; Drake Passage; South Shetland Islands; Antarctic Peninsula
Trip Lecturer: Dr. Laurance Doyle
Dates:

• January 25–27, 2021 (Buenos Aires pre-tour)
• January 27–February 7, 2021 (Main Trip)
• February 7–11, 2021 (Iguazú Falls post-tour)

Costs: 

• Pre-tour: Starting at $1,395/person for double occupancy
• Main Trip: Starting at $8,899/person for triple occupancy (porthole cabin)
• Post-tour: Starting at $2,195/person for double occupancy

Trip capacity: Maximum of 170 guests; ship will be shared with Washington and Lee University
Final payment deadline: Full payment due by June 1, 2020; bookings after June 1 are due in full at time of reservation.

Trip Overview

Experience the boundless beauty and pristine vastness of Antarctica. This remote continent and its precarious waterways have hosted some of the most courageous explorers in history and been the scenes of both triumph and tragedy since Captain Cook first sailed the region in 1773.

Embark from Ushuaia, Argentina, and cruise through the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands amid the Antarctic Peninsula—exploring dramatic landscapes and seeing the remarkable wildlife that call this continent home. Trek through penguin rookeries, observe vast flocks of seabirds, learn about Antarctic ice conditions, and discover the sites of both past and present scientific expeditions.

Your vessel for this amazing journey is the Ocean Victory, a brand-new craft designed specifically for polar cruising. Ninety percent of its staterooms have balconies, and its unique, inverted X-bow design slices through waves for added cruising comfort. Only three ships using this cutting-edge design have been built for travel.

Trip Highlights

• Explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, a beautiful island chain filled with an impressive variety of wildlife.
• Enjoy the company and keen insights of expert expedition guides, scientists, and lecturers throughout the journey.
• Explore at your own pace with numerous passenger landings and excursions throughout the voyage, aided by a nimble fleet of Zodiacs and experienced guides.

The trip includes the following: 

• A one-night hotel stay, including breakfast prior to embarkation
• Nine nights aboard the Ocean Victory
• A welcome and farewell reception and all onboard meals
• Onboard lectures by Dr. Laurance Doyle
• An English-speaking expedition team
• 24-hour, self-service coffee and tea facilities onboard
• All scheduled landings and excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)
• An expedition parka to keep
• Insulated boots for shore landings
• All shipboard gratuities, port fees, taxes, and tariffs
• Group transfers for guests arriving and departing during suggested times
• Transfers from the hotel to the ship on the day of embarkation
• All luggage porterage
• All port fees
• Emergency evacuation insurance up to a maximum benefit of $500,000 (USD) per person

The following are not included:

• Trip cancellation insurance and passenger travel protection plan*
• International airfare for main trip, pre-tour, or post-tour travel
• Costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas
• Any checked baggage fees imposed by airlines
• Meals and beverages other than those specified as included in the itinerary
• Personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges, and optional activities

*Trip cancellation insurance: Orbridge, our travel partner, strongly recommends that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. In addition, we recommend that you consider obtaining a policy that will cover some or all losses associated with damage or loss of luggage or personal effects. If you do not have travel and cancellation insurance and are interested in purchasing it, please contact Professional Travel Services (PTS) immediately after signing up for this trip. PTS can also assist in making air reservations. They can be reached at 855.828.0776.

Activity Level

This program offers a variety of activities including Zodiac cruises. Guests should be sure-footed on stairs and ramps, be able to walk or hike at least one mile on uneven and slippery terrain, and be comfortable managing landing on various terrain and boarding small vessels—both from shore and from the deck of the ship. Ship staff will assist guests during each landing. Walking poles will be available for use. While on board, guests should be able to manage unexpected and unpredictable motions from the movement of the ship.

Meet Your Trip Lecturer

Dr. Laurance Doyle is director of the Quantum Astrophysics Group at SETI Institute and principal investigator for its Humpback Whale project. Dr. Doyle previously served as director of the Institute for the Metaphysics of Physics at Principia College. He is a frequent lecturer on Principia Lifelong Learning trips.

Dr. Doyle will give onboard lectures on these subjects:

• NASA Astrobiology in Antarctica: A Proxy for Mars
• Shackleton's Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914 to 1917): A Lesson in Courage
• Wintertime Astronomy from Antarctica: When the Stars Never Set