“EXPLORER’S ANTARCTICA”

Ushuaia to Ushuaia
November 12, 2009 • 17 Days • Voyage 7927

Voyage Highlights:

• See snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers and spectacular iceberg sculptures
• Encounter Magelanic, rockhopper gentoo, macaroni, king, adelie, and chinstrap penguins
• Watch for seals, dolphins, and whales
• Identify seabirds including albatross, shearwaters and petrels
• Visit historic sites of the early explorers

DAY 1 – USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
Tierra del Fuego might well be considered the “Land at the End of the World” but, for us today, it is just be the beginning. A spectacular jumping off point and return port for our Antarctic expedition.

Depart from Buenos Aires J. Newbery Domestic Airport (AEP) fly to Ushuaía International Airport (USH) and transfer to the port. Embark Prince Albert II and depart on our 17-day Silversea Expedition – “Explorer’s Antarctica”. Meet some fellow explorers as we become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. This evening, we will be introduced to our Expedition Team.

DAY 2 – AT SEA
The welcoming Expedition Team presents talks that will prepare us for the exciting adventures ahead. Tonight, we are invited to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Prince Albert II crew.

DAY 3 – WESTPOINTISLAND, FALKLAND ISLANDS
               CARCASSISLAND, FALKLAND ISLANDS
Watch for the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson’s dolphin as we approach West Point Island. Upon arrival, we can walk across rolling moorland and admire colonies of Black-browed albatrosses that nest side-by-side with feisty Rockhopper penguins. Learn about the island’s unique vegetation including the rare Felton plant. The hospitable island owners are always happy to answer our questions and share their stories.
As our Zodiac lands at Leopard Beach, Carcass Island, we may be surprised by the white sands, verdant tussock grasses and the large variety of land birds seen during our time ashore. The island is home to Magellanic and Gentoo penguins as well as the endemic Falkland flightless steamer duck and rare Ruddy-headed goose. Before heading back to the ship, we stop by for a spot of tea with the island owners.

DAY 4 – STANLEY, FALKLAND ISLANDS
Stanley is the capital of the remote Falkland Islands and has a distinct British ambience. Stroll through the charming streets of this colourful little town, lined with quaint cottages and a variety of traditional pubs. Visit the 19th-century Anglican cathedral, wander through a small local museum, and see lingering reminders of the 1986 Falklands War.

DAYS 5-6 – AT SEA
As we begin to venture farther south, we experience midnight sunsets on deck and view nature’s splendour through our cameras and binoculars. It is very possible to have sightings of Humpback and Killer or Orca whales and perhaps even the Wandering albatross, which can be recognised by its black wingtips and large wingspan.

DAYS 7-9  – SOUTH GEORGIA, SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS
This breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands attract an astounding concentration of wildlife including: Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species like the Black-browed, Light-mantled sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni penguins.
South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship, the Endurance. We visit Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken.

DAYS 10-11 – AT SEA
Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s distinctive wildlife and nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Onboard diversions may include wine tastings, photographic workshops, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

DAY 12 – ELEPHANT ISLAND, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Awesome glaciers flecked with pink algae greet us as we approach Elephant Island – so named for its abundance of Elephant seals. When Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, the crew was stranded here for 105 days in 1916. Elephant Island is home to several Chinstrap penguin rookeries, as well as 2,000-year old moss colonies. Weddell seals, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins can also be found on the spit of land Shackleton’s men named ‘Point Wild’.

DAYS 13-15 – ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Beyond the furthest reaches of Tierra del Fuego and beyond imagination lies the last great frontier – Antarctica’s vast white wilderness. Landscapes formed by the harshest wrath of nature, yet blessed by an isolated independence. A place unlike anywhere else on earth, where unique nature and wildlife species exist and, in fact, thrives despite the harsh climate. Witness the dramatic beauty of spectacular iceberg sculptures, marvel at calving glaciers and experience up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for Humpback, Minke and Orca whales surfacing from below the frigid waters. Each day we will attempt at least two Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, will visit a variety of penguin rookeries and scientific research stations. Perhaps a Zodiac cruise amidst colourful icebergs or a special excursion with an expert guest naturalist will be the highlight of our day’s agenda.

DAYS 16-17 – DRAKE PASSAGE
The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that float in the air currents of our ship’s wake. Varieties like the Black-browed albatross, Sooty shearwaters and White-chinned petrels.

As we return to Ushuaia, listen to additional presentations offered by onboard specialists and swap prized photos with new found friends.

DAY 18 – USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II and transfer to Ushuaia International Airport for your charter flight to Buenos Aires J. Newbery Domestic Airport (AEP).
Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions.