Day 1
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located in the shadow of the Andes and right at the Beagle Channel shore. We’ll sail through this scenic waterway during the afternoon.

Day 2 & 3
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we glimpse at the first icebergs.

Day 4- 8
A typical itinerary in Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.

We will sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island.  On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island, we will find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. On Danco Island we can observe Chinstrap Penguins and possibly Weddell and Crabeater Seals. In Neko Harbour we will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers, other continent landings are for example possible on Portal Point .

During the cruise we will also offer zodiac cruises such as near Foyn Harbour on Nansen Island and Neko Harbour. When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, we will have the opportunity for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. In this area we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, we visit the British research station and post office Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we can also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags.

We sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales. A visit to one of the scientific stations in Antarctica will give you an insight about the life of modern Antarcticans working on the White Continent. Further south we may visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, where we will receive a warm welcome from the station crew. Sailing north through Neumayer Channel we arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape and again possibilities for zodiac cruising among the icebergs, where we may encounter Leopard Seals, Crabeater Seals and whales.

Day 9 - 10
In the Drake Passage we have again a chance of seeing many seabirds and to take advantage of the knowledge of our lecture team.

Day 11
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.




N.B.: on PLA26 we also offer kayakking for a maximum of 15 kayakers.

ITINERARY
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.

Taking the exorbitant high fuel prices into account, it is agreed that we have the right to reduce the speed of the engines (incl. sailing on one engine) wherever possible, unless this affects the character of the intended voyage substantially and jeopardizes the safety of the vessel, its crew, staff and passengers.

RUBBER BOOTS
Starting from season 2009/10 on board our vessel mv Plancius, will provide for all passengers free, the use of rubber boots. These rubber boots will be of high quality, perfect for the Antarctic conditions that we will encounter, to keep your feet dry, warm and comfortable for all landings. These rubber boots will be handed out on board.

FIELD CAMPING
On all our Antarctic 2009/10 mv Plancius departures we will now offer an exciting ‘open air’ camping option, which gives an intensive experience of Antarctic wilderness. We will provide special gear and field equipment which includes top quality wind and waterproof bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to tent system). This will keep you dry,  warm and comfortable during the night in the open air of Antarctica. A polar sleeping bag to keep you warm will also be provided. The maximum number of participants for this camping option is 15 participants per night.

We  will provide 1 camping guide. Camping is always subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations.