ocean diamond antarctic cruise

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

  • Overview

    Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. And this expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll encounter a world where nature creates the rules, her unpredictable temperament making each trip unique, exciting and personal. Imagine cruising in a Zodiac through crackling sea ice like shattered glass, witnessing penguins building their nests, or navigating through a maze of icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by its journey through the sea. You’ll enjoy iconic Antarctic highlights, exhilarating adventures and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

    Duration: 11 days
    Passengers: 189 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Ushuaia

      With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafés before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica.

    • Day 2 - Embarkation Day

      Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart—the next time you see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

    • Day 3/4 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while your Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

    • Day 5/8 - South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

      Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.

      Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

      The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, affords us the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here, you’ll have the choice between mountain hiking or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach, enjoying the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!

      Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.

      Each day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

    • Day 9/10 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

    • Day 11 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia

      You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Kayaking

    Kayaking is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the Polar regions.

    Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

    USD$ 1,169 per person

    Paddling Excursion

    Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.

    Important: This activity provides 1 kayaking excursion only.

    USD$ 217 per person

    Penguins

    Taking centre stage on your Antarctic Peninsula expedition, are the Brushtail penguin species. These photogenic and intriguing species include, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins. The species are in abundance across Peninsula and are always performing.

    On board voyages in our other details you may come across Rockhopper, Macaroni, Magellanic, King and Emperor penguins.

    Wandering Albatross

    Spectacular in flight and on the ground, with the largest wingspan of any bird on the planet; gracefully and effortlessly glides for thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean to their nesting site on South Georgia.

    Lemaire Channel – get your camera ready!

    In a continent of stunning views, Lemaire Channel has been called the Kodak Gap. Locked between the rocky vertical cliffs of Booth Island and the continent this one kilometer wide passage is one of the most photographed attractions of Antarctica. You will be glad your camera is digital.

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    Comfortable expedition boots and a high quality expedition parka, specifically designed for the polar regions.

    Transfers & Accommodation

    You arrival and departure transfers are included in your expedition, as is the first nights accommodation at the cruise hotel

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Pre-cruise accommodation at the starting point of your itinerary
    - Accommodation and all meals on board
    - All shore excursions and lectures
    - Photographic journal
    - Hot beverages
    - Comprehensive pre-departure information
    - All services and port taxes
    - Emergency evacuation insurance up to USD$100 000 per person

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.25.10 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    OCEAN DIAMOND

    The Ocean Diamond is a modern, stable super-yacht, and one of the largest of our small expedition ships. Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers, and with two stabilizers and an ice-strengthened hull, this outstanding vessel is ideal for polar expeditions. As one of the fastest, and most eco-friendly ships in Antarctica, it is also one of the most comfortable. There are 101 elegantly designed cabins and suites, all with exterior views, and expansive common spaces, a club lounge, and a spacious restaurant. The ship offers numerous adventure options, plus on-board features such as interactions with photography instructors. After a full day of exploration, passengers can relax, browse books or DVDs in the well-stocked polar library, or enjoy stunning polar scenery from the sun-lit, panoramic observation lounge.

    Features & Facilities
    • Elegantly appointed
    • Eco-friendly ship
    • Lounge/ Dining Room
    • Theatre-style auditorium
    • Massage therapy
    • Library
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 189
    Crew #: 144
    Ice Class: 1D
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 124m
    Width: 16
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 8282
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
ocean diamond antarctica cruise triple cabin

Triple

07 Feb 2020 - 17 Feb 2020
Newly refurbished cabin features 1 x Upper and 2 x Lower bunks, private facilities and a porthole.
USD$ 7,276pp
USD$ 7,276pp
ocean diamond antarctica cruise twin cabin

Twin Obstructed View

07 Feb 2020 - 17 Feb 2020
Newly refurbished cabins with Twin or double bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 10,404pp
USD$ 10,404pp
ocean diamond antarctica cruise twin cabin

Twin Window

07 Feb 2020 - 17 Feb 2020
Newly refurbished cabins with Twin or double bedding, private facilities and a window.
USD$ 10,948pp
USD$ 10,948pp
ocean diamond antarctica cruise suite cabin

Suite

07 Feb 2020 - 17 Feb 2020
Newly refurbished cabin with Twin or double bed, private facilities and 2 windows.
USD$ 11,832pp
USD$ 11,832pp
ocean diamond antarctica cruise single cabin

Single Obst View

07 Feb 2020 - 17 Feb 2020
Newly refurbished cabin with 1 double bed, private facilities and a porthole.
USD$ 12,444pp
USD$ 12,444pp
ocean diamond antarctica cruise single cabin

Single Porthole

07 Feb 2020 - 17 Feb 2020
Newly refurbished cabin with 1 double bed, private facilities and a porthole.
USD$ 12,920pp
USD$ 12,920pp