ocean diamond antarctic circle cruise

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

  • Overview

    Not only does this expedition include the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, but it also offers the opportunity to venture farther south across the Antarctic Circle. As you head toward a milestone that few travelers reach, you’ll feel as if you’re in a world without borders, sailing across an endless stretch of sea dotted with ice. Dramatic ice formations will ignite your imagination as you search the landscape for the wildlife that calls it home. Whether it’s humpback whales alongside the ship, a leopard seal diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding off an iceberg into crystal waters, or a giant petrel soaring above cracking sea ice, you’ll experience a sensory overload in Antarctica like you’ve never felt before.

    Duration: 14 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

      You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

    • Day 2 - Embarkation Day

      As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. The channel opens up to the vastness of the Southern Ocean, where your next land sighting will be along the Antarctic Peninsula. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities to capture seabirds hovering overhead.

    • Day 3/4 - Crossing the Drake

      The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.

      You will spend this time preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures presented by your Expedition Team. You’ll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.

    • Day 5/7 - Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

      With the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make our approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready as the continent’s coastline makes its first appearance, signaling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic. You’ll see plentiful floating icebergs and be fixated on the ocean surface as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes.

      As exciting as it can be from on board the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the White Continent. There are several potential landing sites that we may visit, including Neko Harbor, Orne Harbour or Paradise Harbour. Although weather dictates which specific landing sites we can visit, each one presents a new collection of wildlife and natural attractions.

      Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and polar camping are optional activities available on select voyages (at an extra cost).

    • Day 8/9 - Antarctic Circle

      Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted at 66°33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne! Make a toast and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people.

    • Day 10/11 - Northbound Along the Peninsula

      By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like bergy bits and pancake ice will seem normal, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will fill your days, and your Expedition Team will continue offering presentations while giving you time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced.

    • Day 12/13 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage.

    • Day 14 - Disembark in Ushuaia

      Today you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers, disembarking in the morning to catch your homeward flights.

    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

    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.

    Whales

    Whale numbers swell in Antarctica over the southern summer. Arriving in Antarctica from November onwards, whale numbers reach their peak around December and January. Sightings and particularly breachings reach a pinnacle in February and March, when the Krill is closer to the surface. Some 10 species of whales are found in Antarctic water each summer, with the most abundant species being the Humpack.

    Shoot to your shutter's content!

    For aspiring photographers, the best time to shoot the Antarctic landscape is definitely October, November and March. At these times the sun is much lower in the sky and thus creates beautiful twilight hues and shadows, which contrast the landscape magnificently.

    Of course, if it is wildlife and Antarctica’s babies you are hoping to shoot, then January and February are the best times. Alternatively, consider an early season South Georgia & Antarctica expedition for the best of wildlife and photo opportunities in Antarctica.

  • 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 5.29.08 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 triple cabin

Triple

19 Feb 2019 - 04 Mar 2019
Newly refurbished cabin features 1 x Upper and 2 x Lower bunks, private facilities and a porthole.
USD$ 8,024pp
USD$ 8,024pp
ocean diamond twin cabin

Twin Obstructed View

19 Feb 2019 - 04 Mar 2019
Newly refurbished cabins with Twin or double bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 11,696pp
USD$ 11,696pp
ocean diamond twin cabin

Twin Window

19 Feb 2019 - 04 Mar 2019
Newly refurbished cabins with Twin or double bedding, private facilities and a window.
USD$ 12,240pp
USD$ 12,240pp
ocean diamond suite cabin

Suite

19 Feb 2019 - 04 Mar 2019
Newly refurbished cabin with Twin or double bed, private facilities and 2 windows.
USD$ 13,668pp
USD$ 13,668pp
ocean diamond balcony suite cabin

Balcony Suite

19 Feb 2019 - 04 Mar 2019
Newly refurbished cabin with Twin or double bed, private facilities, window and private balcony.
USD$ 13,940pp
USD$ 13,940pp
ocean diamond single cabin

Single Obst View

19 Feb 2019 - 04 Mar 2019
1 double bed, private facilities and a window.
USD$ 14,348pp
USD$ 14,348pp
ocean diamond single cabin

Single Porthole

19 Feb 2019 - 04 Mar 2019
Newly refurbished cabin with 1 double bed, private facilities and a porthole.
USD$ 14,348pp
USD$ 14,348pp