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DAY 1:
USHUAIA – Embark the M/V Polar Star in Ushuaia and be a part of our
exciting final Antarctic expedition of the season.
DAYS 2 – 3:
DRAKE PASSAGE – From the bridge, observation lounge or deck, spot the
first iceberg of the trip and watch for whale, dolphin and birds. Enjoy our
extensive and varied lecture schedule which will prepare you for the
experiences ahead.
DAY 4: SOUTH
SHETLAND ISLAND – On Deception Island, we will have the opportunity to
feel warm air escaping through volcanic vents in the ground – the phenomena
caused by the island’s dormant volcano. We also plan to explore Chinstrap
penguin rookeries on Half Moon Island and will be on the lookout for
Antarctic Tern, Kelp Gull, Skua, Antarctic Shag and Sheathbill as well as
visiting seals and whales.
DAYS 5-6:
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & WEDDELL SEA – As your Captain navigates through
ice in the Weddell Sea, we immerse ourselves in the natural and historic
richness of the region. Zodiacs will take us cruising around pristine white
icebergs and whisk us to land to be amongst crowds of busy penguins and
seals, both onshore and in the clear turquoise waters. We plan to visit the
volcanic Paulet Island at the rim of the Weddell Sea and home to an Adelie
Penguin rookery, Weddell Seal, Fur Seal, Blue Eyed Shag and Petrel. Here,
Adelie Penguins live amongst the ruins of the hut built by the crew of
Nordenskjöld’s infamous 1902-03 stranding. Landings are also planned for
Brown Bluff, a volcanic mountain, Devil’s Island and Snow Hill Island.
DAYS 7-9: AT
SEA & SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS – While at sea we spend time continuing our
education of the Antarctic or simply absorbing our breathtaking
surroundings. If weather conditions allow, we plan to land at South Orkney
Islands, an area with a long history in science and research and home to
the Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater and Elephant Seal – numbers which have
returned dramatically after near extermination by the sealing industry.
DAYS 10-13:
SOUTH GEORGIA – This is an unbelievable opportunity to see crowds of
Gentoo, Adelie, Marconi, King and Chinstrap penguins who live in an amazing
environment of rugged glacial peaks, fjords and tussock grass. We plan to
land at Grytviken, where, in the Whaler’s Cemetery, the grave of Polar
explorer Ernest Shackelton can be found, as well as an interesting museum
and Norwegian church. Other planned landings include Royal Bay, Fortuna Bay
and Stromness.
DAYS 14-15:
AT SEA – We steam for the Falkland Islands while relaxing on board,
attending lectures and spotting the beautiful and varied sea and birdlife.
DAYS 16 – 17:
FALKLAND ISLANDS – We land at Stanley and make a visit to the museum to
learn about the natural and political history of the area. This archipelago
is rich in scenery and wildlife, home to albatrosses, petrels, seals and
five species of penguin. We also hope to visit West Point and New Island.
DAYS 18: AT
SEA - With heads and hearts full of unforgettable experiences we leave
the Antarctic, bound for Argentina. Our day will be busy with the final
lecture program and debriefing.
DAY 19:
USHUAIA - We disembark after breakfast in Ushuaia fondly known as “fin
del mundo” (end of the world).Polar Star Expedition Calendar
POL 012606
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