Buenos Aires and Voyage to Antarctica - MV Ocean Albatros

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Buenos Aires and Voyage to Antarctica - MV Ocean Albatros

16 Days - Expedition Cruises

Get up close to incredible numbers of penguins, seals and whales, and experience stunning mountain and coastal scenery, gigantic icebergs, glaciers and pristine icy bays and fjords on a trip of a lifetime to the Great White Continent. Aboard our ice-class expedition vessel, the brand new MV Ocean Albatros with capacity for just 194 guests, we travel at the peak of the Antarctic summer, when temperatures edge up above freezing and the days are long; it is the perfect time to enjoy the vast, almost other-worldly landscapes and outstanding wildlife of this extraordinary region. Our shore landings and cruises in sturdy Zodiac dinghies are a highlight and an integral part of the itinerary, enabling all our expedition guests to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many fascinating subantarctic islands. Embarking in Ushuaia in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route for the South Shetland Islands and the 1,300-mile long Antarctic Peninsula. Here, we’ll follow in the wake of the great pioneering explorers such as Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen, sailing deep into the ice-filled channels, inlets and bays of Antarctica. We’ll make Zodiac landings at vast penguin rookeries, historic research stations and fascinating lookouts along the way. Continuing southward, we’ll pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3,000-foot ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water. When the Ocean Albatros returns to Ushuaia, we pass close to the mythical Cape Horn – the southernmost point in South America and a celebrated maritime landmark. Any voyage to Antarctica is one of life’s great adventures, but with a maximum capacity of just 94 cabins aboard the Ocean Albatros, this cruise offers the perfect balance of extraordinary polar experiences and a comfortable first-class vessel. All shore landings, excursions, lectures and meals on board, plus your flights and pre- and post-cruise stays in Ushuaia and Buenos Aires are included, leaving you free to enjoy a magnificent expedition experience and some time in Buenos Aires, one of South America's most vibrant capitals.

Holiday Highlights

Step ashore on the world’s least visited continent and follow in the wake of great pioneering explorers such as Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen
Experience the incredible sights of calving glaciers, vast ice sheets and iceberg-filled bays amongst the mountainous terrain of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Wonder at the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the icy wilderness
All shore excursions on the MV Ocean Albatros’s fleet of Zodiac dinghies
Return domestic flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego
Cross the mighty Drake Passage, cruise down the famous Gerlache Strait and round mythical Cape Horn – the southernmost point in South America
Get up close and personal with incredible numbers of penguins and visit historic research stations and fascinating lookouts along the way
Visit the beautiful Andean-Patagonian forest scenery and lakes of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost National Park in Argentina
Spend a day at a traditional Estancia in the Pampas outside Buenos Aires and enjoy some Gaucho activities along with a delicious BBQ lunch
A programme of fascinating lectures by the on-board team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable expedition guides
A nine-night cruise on board the new MV Ocean Albatros with its state-of-the-art amenities, including a speciality dining meal in the panoramic restaurant

What's Included

The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room/cabin and includes:
Return scheduled flights to Buenos Aires
Return domestic flights to Ushuaia
One nights’ stay at a four-star hotel in Ushuaia with breakfast
Three nights’ stay at a four-star hotel in Buenos Aires with breakfast
Nine nights’ cruise on the MV Ocean Albatros, with daily breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner including one dinner at a speciality restaurant on board
All shore excursions by Zodiac dinghies
Lectures by the onboard expedition team
Sightseeing tour in Buenos Aires, full day ranch visit and morning visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia
Port charges
All transfers
Porterage of one item of luggage per person
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions. Onboard currency is the US dollar.
Not Included: US$14 per person daily for cruise staff gratuities, all drinks onboard, including speciality coffees, wifi/phone charges & laundry.

Itinerary

Day 1

You should arrive at your UK departure airport for your overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2

Arrive in Buenos Aires and enjoy a city tour of this exciting and vibrant city. Discover Plaza de Mayo, the historical and political core of the city including the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). Continue along Avenida de Mayo and the San Telmo district, one of the oldest districts in the city and known as the home of the ‘Tango’ dance. You will also visit La Boca with its colourful tin roofed houses and customs reflecting the influence of 19th century European immigrants in the typical ‘cantinas’ or small restaurants. Complete your tour with a visit to the stunning ornate graves at La Recoleta Cemetery including that of Eva Peron. Free time will be given for lunch and you will return to the 725 Continental hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 3

After breakfast, transfer to Jorge Newbery airport, the city’s second airport, for our domestic flight to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. We stay for one night at the four-star Los Acebos Hotel, with breakfast.

Day 4

Wake early and enjoy some magical views over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel from our hotel, located in a peaceful position on a forested hill above the town. After breakfast, we set off to explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Covered in beech forests, lakes and mountains, this is the southernmost National Park in the world and the terminus of the famed Pan-American Highway. In the afternoon, we board our ship, the MV Ocean Albatros and settle into our cabins. Our journey begins this evening as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel, with the coastline and mountains of Argentina on one side and Chile on the other.

Day 5

Sailing southwards, we cross the famed Drake Passage, a 500-mile-long body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for harsh conditions and its strong westerly winds, known as the Furious Fifties. While this passage may sometimes be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel which is purpose-built with stabilisers, powerful engines and a highly -qualified crew. Grab a book and settle down in the library or enjoy a lecture to learn of your adventures to come.

Day 6

You’ll feel the excitement begin to build as Antarctic wildlife starts to come into view. The area is well-known for its abundance of seabirds which follow the ship, sweeping low, their wing feathers almost touching the wave tops. Take up your position on the aft deck and look out for storm petrels, shearwaters, arctic terns and perhaps even a few albatrosses! As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, you may also spot humpback whales, dolphins and your first iceberg!

Day 7

Over the next few days, we’ll explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and the Antarctic Peninsula itself. As we sail into these calmer, protected waters, the ship will be a hive of activity as the Expedition team come into their own, organising multiple daily Zodiac excursions and landings. Most days will start early to take advantage of the Antarctic’s long summer days. After breakfast, you’ll head downstairs to the ship’s mud room to don your boots, waterproof trousers, and parka before walking down the short steps to your waiting zodiac dinghy. With just 10 people per dinghy, you are assured of a highly personal experience each time.

Day 8

Weather permitting, we'll visit: King George Island, Deception Island (an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim), and the British research base at Port Lockroy. Each day, you’ll cruise around each area, gazing in awe at the amazing blue hues of icebergs and glaciers and getting up close to seals and penguins in the water, followed by a shore landing to explore penguin rookeries or historic research stations. During lunch, the ship will navigate to the next landfall with the aim to have another zodiac excursion and shore landing in the afternoon.

Day 9

Wildlife continues to abound along the projected route with leopard, fur and crab eater seals resting on ice -floes around Cuverville Island, the humpback whales of Gerlache Strait and the dramatic Lemaire Channel’s orcas. Each day will bring new opportunities to spot wildlife or listen to fascinating lectures from the Expedition Team.

Day 10

Your last day of landings to explore the Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Look out for whales as some may try to swim alongside the ship! If conditions allow, for a short time, the ship might be able to fill and heat the open-air pool on the aft deck or organise a ‘Polar plunge’ for anyone brave enough to jump into the icy Southern Ocean!

Day 11

Time to sail northwards and back to the calm of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board providing the perfect opportunity to compare experiences with your fellow travellers.

Day 12

Round Cape Horn as you continue to sail back towards Argentina. Located on the southernmost point of South America, the Cape and surrounding Magallanes region are home to a wild ocean ecosystem that includes abundant marine mammals and the world’s southernmost kelp forest. Make the most or your last day at sea, perhaps with a visit to the panoramic sauna or simply savouring the sea views whilst you enjoy afternoon tea.

Day 13

This morning we disembark and catch our flight back to Buenos Aires where we stay for one night at the centrally-located four-star 725 Continental Hotel, with breakfast. This evening you may wish to round off your trip with a visit to one of the city’s famed tango shows.

Day 14

After breakfast, we drive out of the city towards the Pampas for a day at a traditional Estancia. Many Estancias were originally created by Irish migrants before continuing to be run by families for generations. Enjoy a welcome with refreshments before enjoying some traditional activities and exploring the grounds. An excellent lunch is included featuring Argentinian beef on the barbecue, which you can enjoy with local songs and dances. The ranch has plenty of horses and in true gaucho tradition, you’ll also see them showing off their equestrian skills with roping and ring games. Return to your hotel this evening in Buenos Aires.

Day 15

Today we board our afternoon overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 16

Land back in the UK after a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

4* 725 Continental Hotel - Buenos Aires

The four-star 725 Continental Hotel is located right in heart of Buenos Aires, a short walk from the Plaza de Mayo and one of the best shopping areas, the pedestrianised Florida street. Dating back to...

4* Los Acebos Hotel - Ushuaia

Surrounded by lush forests and the majestic peaks of the Andes Mountains, the comfortable Los Acebos Hotel in Ushuaia is located in an enviable position overlooking the spectacular Beagle Channel....

Launching in 2023, the brand new and exciting MV Ocean Albatros will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and by implementing the Green Initiative Programme, is one of the most comfortable, sustainable and environmentally friendly ships available. This sleek looking ship is rated the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and the smoothest of sailings.

The ship offers two restaurants including a speciality restaurant with panoramic views, a wellness area and polar spa, swimming pool, jacuzzi, pool bar, the Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, modern lecture lounge and other state-of-the-art amenities.

The 94 comfortable and tastefully decorated staterooms all offer unobstructed sea views, many from their own balcony. Most cabins can provide double or twin bed configuration along with a TV, table, chair, wardrobe and en-suite bathroom with shower.

Category B1 cabins and above also receive a VIP package which includes unlimited access to the speciality restaurant, coffee machine, upgraded toiletries, stocked mini-bar, free laundry and wine and fruit at the commencement of the cruise.

Deck Plan

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