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Arrive in Ushuaia where you’ll be met by an Aurora Expeditions representative and transferred to your downtown hotel. Enjoy rugged mountain scenery, lively cafés, restaurants and bars.
EARLY BIRD BONUS AVAILABLE NOW
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~CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR IN ANTARCTICA~
Antarctica at its most accessible! Save time (and at least one Drake Passage crossing) on our unique 'Fly/Sail' voyages to the icy continent’s picturesque west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Mountains disgorging glaciers to the sea; humpback and minke whales feasting on krill; lively penguin colonies watched by hungry leopard seals – it all awaits you. Simply choose the dates that suit. Highlights - Skip one or both Drake Passage crossings (Fly/Sail) - Observe the drama of penguins raising chicks - Tour scientific research stations and historic huts - Paddle kayaks among breathtaking 'iceberg gardens'* - Enjoy humpback mothers and calves feeding - Experience polar diving and snorkelling with expert guides*. *surcharge applies
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina: Arrival Day
Arrive in Ushuaia where you’ll be met by an Aurora Expeditions representative and transferred to your downtown hotel. Enjoy rugged mountain scenery, lively cafés, restaurants and bars.
Day 2 - At sea
After checking out of your hotel, enjoy free time exploring Ushuaia and surrounds. Embark the Greg Mortimer late afternoon and sail down wildlife-rich Beagle Channel.
Day 3/4 - At Sea
Photograph seabirds and the swell of the Drake Passage, marvel at first icebergs and landing in the South Shetland Islands.
Day 5/10 - Antarctic Peninsula
Over the next five days a host of choices are open to us and depending on ice and weather conditions, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. On our Zodiac excursions, we cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, observing whales that are feeding near the surface, and landing on the continent and its offshore islands to visit penguin rookeries, seal haulouts, historic huts and a few of our other favourite spots along the peninsula. During this voyage, there will be an opportunity to camp ashore (weather and time permitting). This will give you the chance to sample the style of adventure that Scott, Shackleton and other legendary Antarctic explorers experienced, although with a modern-day spin on it.
Day 11 - King George Island & Charter Flight
Landing on King George Island, home to scientific bases; board our flight to Punta Arenas, enjoying a final night's stay in town.
Day 12 - Punta Arenas: Departure Day
After a delicious breakfast, bid new friends goodbye as you leave for home or to extend your adventure in South America.
Please note: Voyages ending in Ushuaia are one day shorter than the reverse direction as they do not include post-night accommodation.
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.
Greg Mortimer - Experience alpine ascents and ice climbing in Antarctica or rock climbing in East Greenland, joined by our internationally qualified climbing guides. Some experience necessary.
Camping has become our most popular optional activity.
We provide all the equipment you need to experience – albeit it in a more comfortable and civilised fashion – the feelings of the early Antarctic explorers. There really is no better way to witness the stunning silence and array of colours of an Antarctic night sky.
Greg Mortimer - Discover the underwater world of Antarctica and the Arctic!
Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you'll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautifully sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!
Greg Mortimer - Snowshoeing makes walking up gentle slopes and across Antarctica’s soft, powdery snow a breeze, allowing you to explore places others struggle to reach in boots alone. Armed with your very own set of snowshoes and ski poles, you’ll be led by our expert guides who will provide all the instruction you need. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to ascend to some of Antarctica’s best vantage points, stretch the legs and take in the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity for everyone, with no previous experience required. Join in on the fun and discover a different slice of Antarctica!
Greg Mortimer - One of the most unique ways to experience Antarctica and the Arctic. The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the European Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.
During January and February Antarctica's babies are born and fledging, its a magical time as new
life comes to Antarctica. The experience of seeing newly hatched penguins and seals pups just days old, is an
experience that will last forever.
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.
The South Shetland Islands are the undisputed capital of Antarctica, with some 12 different nations having research bases on the islands. Located on the very northern reaches of the Antarctic, the islands comprise of some of the Antarctic Peninsula prized sited, including; Elephant Island, Deception Island and Penguin Island. As the islands are further north, they are more temperate and thus home to large numbers of wildlife, the islands offer a great diversity of Antarctic landscape, geology and sights of interest including the King George Island airport and Russian Orthodox Church. For most cruises the islands will almost always be the first glimpse of Antarctica you will have from the decks of your expedition vessel.
Our Fly/Cruise programs an excellent choice to navigate the Drake Passage quickly. This expedition comprises of 1 or 2 charter flights across the Drake Passage, so you need not worry about crossing the passage by sea. These expeditions are great options and often allow for an increased amount of time around the continent.
On board you will be provided with expedition boots and a highquality wind and waterproof expedition jacket
Catering to both amateurs and the more experienced photographers, our onboard team of photography guides deliver photography workshops and one-on-one instruction from the deck or Zodiacs and during landings.
Your expedition on board the Greg Mortimer includes a charter flight to/from the ship.
GREG MORTIMER
The Greg Mortimer, named after the Australian adventurer and Polar tourism pioneer (Greg Mortimer OAM), this unique vessel utilises some of the latest advancements in naval design & technology to revolutionise the small ship expedition cruising experience. The X-BOW makes sailing smoother and faster while protecting the vulnerable environments visited using a virtual anchoring system. Shore excursions are made easier, with four sea-level Zodiac loading decks & a specially-crafted activity platform, designed in close consultation with our world-renowned expedition & activity leaders. Unlike many new ships, the Greg Mortimer is not striving for absolute luxury. It will of course, be brand new, modern and comfortable in every way, but will stay true to a relaxed, comfortable and homely style of travel, purely focused on the expedition and destination. Ship Features: - Highly qualified and experienced expedition team and international crew - X-BOW® hull, designed to offer faster and more comfortable travel enabling the ship to pierce through waves and maintain speed of travel, lower fuel consumption and reduced air pollution emissions - All cabins feature twin or king bedding configuration and private bathroom. 80% of cabins include a private balcony. 60% of cabins can accommodate a third person - Purpose-built activities preparation areas including four Zodiac launching platforms for fast and safe transition off the ship as you embark on multiple daily excursions - Observation lounge and viewing platforms offer spectacular panoramic views of scenery and wildlife. - State-of-the-art lecture theatre, two hot tubs/plunge pools, art room, library, gym, wellness centre and more!
| Luxury star rating: | 4 |
| Guests #: | 120 |
| Crew #: | 62 |
| Ice Class: | 1A |
| Speed: | 12 |
| Refurbished: |
| Year built: | 2019 |
| Length: | 104m |
| Width: | 18 |
| Draft: | 5 |
| Tonnage: | 7400 |
| Registry: | Bahamas |
| Elec Outlets: | 220V 2 Round plug |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
