Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica - ex. Montevideo: M/V Sea Spirit

Home » Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica – ex. Montevideo: M/V Sea Spirit

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Early summer is an extraordinary time of year in Antarctica. Penguins and seabirds are returning to their breeding colonies, elephant seals are engaging in epic battles, and the thawing of sea ice invites you into an unspoiled polar wilderness. With this special itinerary departing from Montevideo, you can experience the highlights of the South Georgia & Falkland Islands as well as Antarctica

Overview
Itinerary
Dates
Accommodation
Inclusions

Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the ship Sea Spirit and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come
- An opportunity to keep a lookout for marine mammals such as dolphins and whales
- Visit the world’s most impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife
Itinerary in Brief (code EXM)
- Day 1: Overnight stay in Montevideo, Uruguay
- Day 2: Embarkation in Montevideo
- Day 3-5: South Atlantic Ocean
- Day 6-7: Falkland Islands
- Day 8-9: Southern Ocean
- Day 10-14: South Georgia
- Day 15-16: Southern Ocean
- Day 17-20: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 21-22: Drake Passage & Beagle Channel
- Day 23: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
*Please note the cruise departing 25 Feb 2020 (code EXU) is a reverse itinerary where passengers will embark from Ushuaia and disembark in Montevideo. Please refer to Dates Tab for departure dates.
*Please note the cruise departing 25 Feb 2020 (code EXU) is a reverse itinerary where passengers will embark from Ushuaia and disembark in Montevideo. Please refer to Dates Tab for departure dates.

Day 1: Montevideo, Uruguay
Welcome to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. The southernmost capital city in the Americas, Montevideo is often described as a "vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life."

Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage. For the rest of the day you are free to explore this welcoming seaside city.

Day 2: Embarkation in Montevideo
We provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds.

Day 3-5: Sail across the South Atlantic Ocean
Sailing south through the South Atlantic Ocean toward the Falkland Islands, we keep a lookout for dolphins and whales. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas.
Day 6-7: Falkland Islands

The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate visiting one or more of the isolated outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters in and around the archipelago are home to various whale and dolphin species. Our route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these windswept islands.

We also intend to visit Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.

Day 8-9: Sail cross the Southern Ocean

From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia, passing the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our expert staff prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.

Day 10-14: South Georgia exploration

South Georgia the premier destination for subantarctic wildlife viewing in a supremely scenic wilderness environment. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.

The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are dependent on the weather conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place. We also hope to offer a hiking expedition over part of the famous “Shackleton Walk” from Fortuna Bay to the abandoned whaling station at Stromness.

Our days in South Georgia are filled with meaningful activities, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

Day 15-16: At sea
After our amazing time in South Georgia we proceed southwest toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

Day 17-20: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Ice-strewn bays and channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. Antarctic research stations of various nationalities can also be found here.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites rich with wildlife, fascinating geology, and historical significance. Our first encounter with Antarctica will likely be Elephant Island, where men fr om Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter. We also hope to visit Deception Island, a flooded but still active volcanic caldera containing the remains of a derelict whaling station.

Farther south, the Antarctic Peninsula itself contains sheltered bays, abundant wildlife, and fantastic vistas of mountains and glaciers. Weather and ice permitting, we plan to spend a day in the vicinity of the peninsula with the hope of making a landing on the continent of Antarctica.

Antarctica is a true wilderness and is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate our route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition wh ere we exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and Zodiac excursions.

Day 21-22: Cross the Drake Passage
From Antarctica we head north through the Drake Passage toward South America. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. This is also the time for our End of Voyage ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.

Day 23: Disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to airport/town
After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia. A group transfer to the airport or to the town centre will be arranged for you. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice!
Departs - Selected dates (listed below)
Ship Cabin: M/V Sea Spirit
Triple Classic
- Cabin size: 24m²
- Located on Ocean deck
- Twin beds and sofa bed
- Picture window for exterior view
- Refrigerator
- Satellite telephone access
- TV/VCR
- Individual temperature control
Main Deck Suite
- Cabin size: 23m²
- Located on the Main deck
- Twin beds king-size bed
- 2 portholes for exterior views
- Refrigerator
- Satellite telephone access
- TV/VCR
- Individual temperature control
Classic Suite
- Cabin size: 21m²
- Located on the Ocean deck
- Picture window for exterior view
- Twin beds or king size bed
- Refrigerator
- Satellite telephone access
- TV/VCR
- Individual temperature control
Superior Suite
- Cabin size: 20m²
- Located on the Club deck
- Twin beds or king size bed
- The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club deck.
- Refrigerator
- Satellite telephone access
- TV/VCR
- Individual temperature control
Deluxe Suite
- Cabin size: 24m²
- Located on the Sports deck
- Twin beds or king size bed
- Private balcony
- Refrigerator
- Satellite telephone access
- TV/VCR
- Individual temperature control
Premium Suite
- Cabin size: 30m²
- Located on the Sun deck
- Twin bed or king size bed
- Private balcony
- Refrigerator
- Satellite telephone access
- TV/VCR
- Individual temperature control
Owners Suite
- Cabin size: 43m²
- Located on the Sun deck
- King size bed
- Separate living room with game and meeting area
- A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV
- Private deck
- Jetted bathtub
- A sofa bed
Ship Deck Plan

Ship Specifications
Length: 90.6 meters

Beam: 15.3 meters

Speed: 15 knots

Passengers: 114
Crew: 72
What's included?
- 1 pre-voyage hotel night
- Group transfers to/from ship
- On-board accommodation
- All meals during voyage
- Activities/shore excursions as specified
- Expedition parka
- Gumboots on loan
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
- Port taxes
- Pre-departure materials
What's not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Optional sea kayaking - AU$1210 per person
- Emergency evacuation insurance (minimum benefit USD$200,000)
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.