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 DECEMBER 17 - 31, 2004
Our Antarctic itinerary is always subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. It is rare that we ever follow an itinerary exactly as planned. One of the mottos of expedition travel is Flexibility is the Key.
We will take advantage of all our opportunities, while at the same time respecting the power of the Antarctic climate.
With that in mind, here is an outline of our exciting Antarctic itinerary:
Dec.17/04 - Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Overnight flight.
Dec.18/04 - Buenos Aires, Argentina – This morning we arrive to the capital city of Argentina! After checking into our hotel, there will be a chance to shower and have a rest. In the evening, we'll have a special Argentine dinner, officially welcoming all participants and introducing some of the Expedition staff.
Dec.19/04 - Buenos Aires, Argentina – A full day to explore the city! There will be some city excursions planned. Tonight we’ll visit an Argentine Estancia!
Dec.20/04 - Ushuaia, Argentina - This morning we fly to the southern-most city in the world in breathtaking Tierra del Fuego! This afternoon we'll board our expedition vessel, the M/V Polar Star at the dock in Ushuaia, Argentina. After checking into our cabins, there will be an Introductory Briefing in the Lecture Hall with our Expedition Leader Geoff and the entire Expedition Staff and Team. Then we'll cast off the lines and set sail down the Beagle Channel towards the Drake Passage! Our journey to Antarctica begins!! This evening, we'll also have a mandatory Emergency Drill. Be sure to get up on deck to look for the Southern Cross in the night sky!
Dec.21/04 - At sea - We spend the day at sea sailing across the infamous Drake Passage towards Antarctica. Our shipboard lecture and seminar series kicks off and there will be an important briefing on Antarctic Visitor Guidelines. Be sure to get out on deck in search of whales and seabirds, including the mighty Wandering Albatross!
Dec.22/04 - At sea - We cross the Antarctic convergence during our second day at sea. Our lecture and seminar series continues and we'll be instructed on Zodiac safety and landing procedures. Depending on weather conditions and the speed of our Drake Passage crossing, we may attempt our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.
Dec.23/04 - Antarctica - Our first full day in Antarctica! Almost 24 hour daylight will allow us take full advantage of our days here. Possible landing sites include Cuverville, Neko Harbour and Paradise Bay. Thousands of Gentoo penguins and their chicks await us at these sites, and we'll be in excellent whale watching territory. At Neko Harbour, we'll be able to hike up onto a small icecap for an incredible view of Andvord Bay. Be on the lookout for calving glaciers as we sail through some spectacular channels!
Dec.24/04 - Antarctica - A full day for exploring and making landings along the Antarctic Peninsula. If weather conditions permit, we'll attempt Zodiac landings and cruises in the Lemaire Channel, and the Yalour, Petermann and Pleneau Islands. This is Adelie penguin country! Not to mention the home of some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.
Dec.25/04 - Antarctica - Merry Christmas!! Hopefully Santa Claus will have made a special detour south to find us last night! A full day of Zodiac landings, cruises and educational activities. We hope to make visits to Port Lockroy, Gerlache Strait and the Melchior Islands. At Port Lockroy, an old British Antarctic Base, we have the chance to actually send letters and postcards home from Antarctica! Tonight we'll have some special Christmas celebrations!
Dec.26/04 - Antarctica - Today is a full day of landings and activities! By now the beauty and wonder of Antarctica will have cast its spell over us. We hope to try and explore some new areas today at the southernmost point of our expedition.
Dec.27/04 - Antarctica - Our final full day in Antarctica will be spent inside Deception Island and at Hannah Point. Chinstrap penguins will be our hosts today. This evening we bid farewell to Antarctica and begin our journey back to South America.
Dec.28/04 - At sea - We spend the day at sea reflecting on the experiences and adventures behind us. Our lecture series continues and we'll begin the Student Forum activities.
Dec.29/04 - At sea - Our education program and Student Forum wraps up. Weather conditions permitting, we'll sail around famous Cape Horn! This evening we arrive back to the Beagle Channel. Tonight we celebrate our expedition with a Farewell dinner & special presentations.
Dec.30/04 - Ushuaia, Argentina - This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia and disembark our expedition vessel to board return flights and begin our homeward journeys.
Dec.31/04 - Arrive home!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
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