USHUAIA TO USHUAIA – ANTARCTICA WITH CAPE HORN

SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Hanseatic Inspiration

The Hanseactic Inspiration raises the bar in the expedition cruise segment and features numerous structural elements that enhance the expedition experience even more. Retractable glass balconies on the sun deck give you the feeling of hovering directly above the water and you can stand on the circuit on the bow of the ship to be closer to the action – even closer than the captain.
The new ship can accommodate 199 guests on Antarctica and Arctic cruises (230 for other voyages) with exclusively outside cabins, almost all of which have their own balcony or french balcony. There are 3 first class restaurants on board as well as a spa, fitness centre, pool and multiple bars and lounges to help you relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring all Antarctica has to offer.

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Days 2 – 3 Drake Passage

The Drake Passage spans 1,000 kilometres from the southern-most tip of South America to the South Shetland Islands (the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula). Eventually, you’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

Days 4 – 10 South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

No two voyages are the same when visiting the Antarctica region as weather and ice will dictate where you will visit each day but your expedition team will carefully plan your days to make the most out of your time in Antarctica and to ensure you have plenty of unforgettable moments.

Places you may visit include:

Paradise Bay – you’ll never forget when you set foot for the first time on the Antarctic mainland, Snow-capped summits surround the bay, where icebergs drift and glaciers tower hundreds of metres above.

Cuverville Island –hundreds of Gentoo penguins that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Neko Harbour- gigantic glacier cliffs providing a unique backdrop

Lemaire Channel- sail one of the world’s most impressive shipping passages in the world with mountains soaring 1000 metres high.

Neumayer Channel and Port Lockroy- providing breathtaking panoramic views of glaciers.

ANTARCTIC SOUND AND WEDDELL SEA
When cruising in the Antarctic Sound, the deck becomes your front-row seat for unique natural spectacles, for example when the water is suddenly parted by the fluke of a majestic whale. The Weddell Sea is home to breathtaking ice formations, some of which are as tall as a house and covered by Adelie penguins, and dense pack ice. How far can your expedition ship go? For example, in 1903, the Nordenskjold expedition was forced to wait ten months to be rescued on the volcanic Paulet Island. Today, the island is home to countless penguins and, like Devil Island, makes for a very lively spectacle.

Day 11 Drake Passage

The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the westerly winds and the funneling effect of the passage. The Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward, is within the Drake Passage. When these two currents meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Black-browed Albatross, Sooty Shearwaters and White-chinned Petrels glide in the air currents alongside and in the wake of the ship.

Day 12 Cape Horn, Chile

Cape Horn is located at the southern end of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. It marks the north edge of the Drake Passage, the strait between South America and Antarctica. It lies within Chilean territorial waters, and the Chilean Navy maintains a station on Hoorn Island.

Day 13 Ushuaia, Argentina

Disembark following breakfast, and transfer to the airport for charter flight back to Buenos Aires