Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Montevideo for South Georgia

Days 2 – 3: At sea

At sea, across the Southern Atlantic Ocean, in the Westerlies the ship is followed by several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels. At sea, on our way to South Georgia we will cross the Antarctic Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the temperature will drop by as much as 10 degrees C in the time span of only a few hours. Near the Convergence we will see a multitude of southern seabirds near the ship; several species of Albatrosses, Shearwaters, Petrels, Prions and Skuas.

Days 4 – 14: Sailing around and skiing across South Georgia

An exciting expedition with two adventure options: the normal sea voyage for “sea explorers” (with zodiac excursions and hiking options) and a land expedition for “ski explorers”. The sea explorers will circumnavigate the Island in 7while at the same time the ski explorers will attempt to traverse the Island on a self supplied ski trek from the South coast (King Haakon Bay) to the North coast (Fortuna Bay) in 4 days (PLA23: 9 - 13 December & PLA24: 20 – 24 December)

Ski trek across South Georgia: a group of up to 12 ski explorers and 2-3 mountain guides will attempt to traverse on an unsupported and self supplied trek across the island with skis (or snowshoes) hauling pulkas (sledges). The skiers will cover a total distance of 40 – 50 km retracing sections of the historic Shackleton route, which he covered in 36 hours.

On arrival day at King Haakon Bay, the expedition members will spend a night close to the shore preparing for the crossing. The expedition will then embark on their trek across alpine passes and glaciers aiming for reunion with the ship at Fortuna or Stromness Bay. After both expeditions have rejoined, all passengers will then continue to enjoy the latter part of the South Georgia cruise itinerary (PLA23: 13-14 December & PLA24: 24-25 December)

Sea voyage around South Georgia: The sea explorers who remain on board will say their goodbyes to the skiers at Pegotty Bluff, the historic camp site. It was from there on the 19th May 1916 that Shackleton, Crean and Worsley set off across the Island to Stromness in a 36 hours marathon trek. The same day, Plancius, will stop over at Cape Rosa, where we intend to make a landing. Shackleton’s James Caird landed at Cape Rosa after an epic 16 days voyage from Elephant Island. Truly a historic day!
During the night at sea we will pass Cape Disappointment (discovered by James Cook in 1775) and the expedition will reach the South East corner of South Georgia. Drygalski Fjord is a great scenic place for zodiac cruising, we hope to land at Cooper Bay. During the next few days the expedition will explore the beaches of Gold Harbour, Royal and St. Andrews Bay. The sites that we visit give us a good opportunity to see a wide spectrum of landscapes and wildlife, like King and Macaroni Penguins, Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Elephant Seals and the introduced reindeer.

There will be opportunities for walkers in the group to hike at Godthul, Maiviken, Gold Harbour and Stromness, the abandoned whaling village. Hikes will be guided and vary in length with approx 2 – 4 hours, 5 – 10 km. All hiking excursions are subject to weather and landing site availability.

At Grytviken we will also see an abandoned whaling village, where King Penguins now walk in the streets and seals have taken over the buildings. At Grytviken we’ll also offer a visit to the Whaling History Museum as well as to Shackleton’s grave near by.

In Fortuna Bay, the ship will most likely re-unite with the ski explorers. The beaches are inhabited by King Penguins and seals. We might even see reindeer! Both, sea explorers and ski explorers can follow the final section of Shackleton’s route to Stromness.

One of the final highlights might be our visit to Prion Island, where we will witness the breeding efforts of the huge Wandering Albatross and enjoy watching their displays. At Salisbury Plain, the second largest King Penguin colony in South Georgia, we will also see elephant seals. The voyage around South Georgia ends here and the ship will take course to the Falkland Islands around midday. Additional landing can take place on Ocean Harbour and Royal bay.

Days 15 – 17: At sea

On our way to Ushuaia we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Southern Atlantic.

Day 18: Arrival Ushuaia

Disembarkation

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