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Experts since 1991, making Cold Oceans Expeditions
for hundreds of delighted guests.
ATLANTIC ODYSSEY
From Antarctica to Europe
38 DAYS
 Costs, Dates and Cabin Locations (Deck Plans)
This
unique voyage takes us from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, further
south to the mysterious Antarctica, and then all the way north to Europe.
After
exploring Ushuaia, we sail out along the Beagle Channel and across the Drake
Passage. Icebergs become a familiar sight as the ship approaches Antarctica.
Our small,
specially designed expedition ship cruises south, taking full advantage of the
24 hours of daylight during the austral summer. Ice-strengthened hull and
state-of-the-art equipment allow us to navigate safely through the pack ice and
narrow waterways. Our zodiac excursions, guided by foremost Antarctic experts,
offer the freedom to explore remote locations and observe the abundant wildlife.
Antarctica and the
Sub-Antarctic Islands are some of the last truly unspoiled regions of the world.
The White Continent, with its multi-colored ice caps, glistening glaciers and
towering snow-capped mountains, offers unparalleled scenery and photographic
opportunities. Enormous number of penguins, whales, seals and seabirds
congregate in the food-rich waters along the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic shores.
During
our unique small-group cruise we will explore the spectacular landscape with
icebergs, glaciers, snow-capped mountains and abundant wildlife, including many
species of seals, seabirds, whales and vast number of penguins.
Later
on, the scenery changes dramatically. Now accompanied by flying fish as well as
birds and dolphins, we visit St. Helena Island, where Napoleon lived in exile.
We continue to Ascension Island and visit a spectacular Soothy Tern colony with
over a million of birds. There are great opportunities for snorkeling around
these tropical islands. W will admire the volcanoes of the Cape Verde Islands
and Micronesian flora and fauna of the Azores, before sailing on to England and
finally docking in Vissingen, Netherlands.
Please
note that this itinerary is for guidance only. The exact program may vary
depending on local ice and weather conditions and to take advantage of
opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Day 1
Ushuaia
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia and sail through the Beagle Channel.
Day 2 - 3
Drake Passage
In the Drake Passage we witness a multitude of albatrosses, petrels and fulmars.
Day 4
Antarctic Peninsula
At Hope Bay and Brown Bluff we hope to set foot on the Antarctic Continent. In this area chances are good for encounters with Gentoo Penguins, Weddell Seals, Leopard Seals and Orcas.
Day 5
Antarctic Peninsula
From Devil Island at the tip of the Weddell Sea is surrounded by huge tabular icebergs of the Larsen Ice Shelf. We will climb a hill with a gently slope from where we have a great view on the surroundings. At Paulet Island we will observe the last individuals of a large Adelie Penguin colony near the ruins of the Nordenskiöld hut, which remains from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition in the years 1902/03.
Day 6
At sea
At sea we will probably sail along the sea ice drifting north out of the Weddell Sea. On the floes we may see some juvenile Emperor Penguins.
Day 7
South Orkney ISLANDS
On our way north we plan to visit South Orkneys, where the Scotsman Bruce once wintered and where we now may visit the friendly people of an Argentinean base.
Day 8
At Sea
At sea, on our way to South Georgia, we witness a multitude of albatrosses, petrels and fulmars.
Day 9 - 11
SOUTH GEORGIA
In South Georgia we will pay visits to the abandoned whaling settlement Grytviken, where now the penguins walk through the streets, and the polar explorer Shackleton’s grave nearby. We will walk near the big King Penguin colony on Salisbury Plain and the breeding Wandering Albatrosses on Prion Island in the Bay of Isles. The last day in South Georgia we will spend in Cooper Bay where we will observe Chinstrap Penguins and Macaroni Penguins and breeding Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses. Later we intend to sail to Gold Harbour to visit another King Penguin colony and to see many Elephant Seals and Fur Seals. It is a good area for long walks. We conclude our visit with zodiac excursions in the magnificent Drygalski Fjord and Larsen Harbour.
Day 12 - 16
AT SEA
In the westerlies we have a pleasant tailwind. On both sides of the Antarctic Convergence, we observe many species and great numbers of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds.
Day 17
Gough Island
Today we plan to approach the unique Gough Island and might, as always weather permitting, offer a zodiac cruise. In 2003 we managed to circumnavigate all but four miles of the 33 mile circumference of the island in the ship, saw spectacular scenery and an unprecedented abundance of wildlife. We felt very privileged to be among the few visitors who have been able to experience Gough and in particular, to see it at such close quarters and in such favourable conditions. We hope to be lucky enough to repeat this unique experience with you on board.
Day 18 - 20
Tristan da Cunha
In the Tristan da Cunha archipelago we call at the settlement at the west side of the main island. We will also try to make landings at Nightingale Island with millions of seabirds ranging from Yellow-nosed Albatrosses to Brown Noddies. We allow one day in reserve for bad weather.
Day 21 - 24
AT SEA
At sea, we now enter sub-tropical waters with their own brand of seabirds and dolphins.
Day 25 - 26
St. Helena
St. Helena has a good anchorage and landing site. On this island, we will have ample opportunities to enjoy local culture, pleasant climate, and endemic plants and birds. We will visit the place where Napoleon lived in exile. There will be opportunities to explore the Island on your own and for snorkelling, in the shallow surf near a wreck we can find a lot of fishes.
Day 27 - 28
At sea
Day 29 - 30
Ascension Island
Ascension Island is a dry volcanic island with a moist and richly vegetated top. The Sooty Tern (wide-awake) colony sometimes consists of more than 1 million breeding pairs. We will try to climb the moist summit of Ascension Island and make a zodiac-cruise around Boatswain Bird Island offering also great opportunities for snorkelling. We may witness egg-laying sea turtles coming ashore at night. Some of our passengers may disembark and fly with the RAF (Royal Air Force) flight to Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, UK. In the evening the vessel will depart from Ascension Island.
Day 31 - 35
At Sea
At sea, we witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas join us to cross the Equator (“the Line”).
Day 36
Cape Verde Islands
The Cape Verde Islands offer a variety of nature phenomena and friendly locals. We land at Praia, on the main island Sao Tiago, where we will explore the island by bus, making excursions, here and there during the main part of the day. In the evening we will have the opportunity to visit a café in Praia with Cape Verdian music and other expressions of local culture.
Day 37
Cape Verde Islands
In the early morning we plan to sail by Boavista with its satellite islets Curral Velho and Baluarte, breeding places for Magnificent Frigate-birds, Brown Boobies, and several species of procellariiformes.
Day 38
SAL
Sal - Europe by regular flights
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