Shackleton Odyssey - 20 days

FROM USD $12,510

Taking in the magic of the Antarctic landscape, South Georgia, The Shetland Islands and The Falkland Islands while following in the footsteps of the ill fated Shackleton Expedition of 1914. This a truly epic expedition into our planets truly last untamed frontier.

Day 1: Ushuaia

Embark Polar Pioneer at 4 p.m. to a warm reception from your crew before we cast off and sail down the Beagle Channel. Overnight - Aboard ship (D)

Day 2: Drake Passage

Crossing Drake Passage, our historian breathes life into Shackleton’s epic adventure, while our expedition staff prepare us with environmental and Zodiac briefings and natural history talks. We have time to enjoy the petrels and albatross that often accompany our ship. Overnight - Aboard ship (B, L, D)

Shackleton Odyssey - 20 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!

Day 3: South Shetland Islands

We mark our entry into Antarctica’s biologically rich waters by crossing the Antarctic Convergence. Excitement builds as icebergs and the South Shetland Islands appear. We hope for an evening landing. Overnight - Aboard ship (B, L, D)

Days 4 - 7: Antarctic Peninsula

We make use of daylight to explore the Antarctic Peninsula’s spectacular western side. We visit penguin rookeries, sites of historic interest and cruise in Zodiacs amongst grounded icebergs, listening for courting leopard seals. As autumn arrives, penguin chicks fledge and the waters are alive with humpback and minke whales. Overnight - Aboard ship (B:4, L:4, D:4)

Day 8: Elephant Island

Shackleton’s story comes to life at Elephant Island. We hope the often tempestuous seas will allow a landing at Cape Wild, where 22 men spent a winter beneath upturned boats, awaiting the return of the Boss. Overnight - Aboard ship (B, L, D)

Day 9: South Orkney Islands

We deviate from Shackleton’s James Caird route long enough to visit the wild and remote South Orkney Islands. Fantastic icebergs often collect along the shores and we hope to land and stretch our legs. Overnight - Aboard ship (B, L, D)

Day 10: At Sea

Today we traverse some of the most productive waters in the world, keeping an eye out for fin, sei and possibly even blue whales. Overnight - Aboard ship (B, L, D)

Days 11 - 15: South Georgia

We aim for King Haakon Bay, where Shackleton made landfall, to disembark those adventurous souls keen to recreate the Boss’s South Georgia crossing. We enjoy extraordinary wildlife landings as we make our way around to meet them in Fortuna Bay, with many of us hiking the final stretch to Stromness. South Georgia is breathtakingly beautiful. (B:5, L:5, D:5)

Days 16 - 17: Back to Sea

We will leave South Georgia on the afternoon of day 15 to begin cruising towards the Falklands. On this leg we are usually travelling into the prevailing weather so it is difficult to estimate our arrival time in the Falklands. We will continue our lecture program. While at sea there is ample opportunity to observe the sea birds that follow the ship, join the whale watchers on the bridge, or just relax and read a favourite book. (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Day 18: The Falkland Islands

We will be aiming to land at Sea Lion Island which is a low-lying island that appears dull and uninteresting as we approach. But don't be fooled! The mud flats, beaches and tussock grass are teeming with creatures including, of course, the sea lions that breed here. A resident pod of orcas live in the waters around the island. If we land on Sea Lion Island we will spend as much of the day as possible here, and take a walk to a cliff top where rock-hopper penguins nest beside blue-eyed shags. Sea Lion Island is one of nature’s gems. (B, L, D)

Day 19: Back to Tierra del Fuego

Time to head back to Tierra del Fuego, with lectures and videos to complete our Antarctic education. This is a time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and felt, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life. Overnight - Aboard ship (B, L, D)

Day 20: Ushuaia

During the early morning we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia about 0700. As soon as customs have cleared the ship we will be free to disembark. Tour arrangements draw to a close, happy onward travels. (B)

Prices & Departure Dates

Prices are per person based on low season for the lowest price twin lower deck cabin with en suite. There are a further 5 cabin categories, offering superior accommodation facilities. Please enquire for details.

If you are a single traveller and are happy to be paired up in a cabin with another single traveller of the same sex on this expedition, this can be arranged, provided there is another single traveller booked on the expedition date of your choosing.

If booking a triple cabin with en suite, then discounts of between 20% and 25% will apply, depending on cruise and time of travel

Our Antarctic Expeditions are specialist voyages and places are limited, please contact us via email or telephone to check availability and to make a reservation.

As our suppliers accept payment in USD only, prices in currencies other than USD are listed as a guide only and the final amount to be paid, will be recalculated at the time of payment and will be dependent on current exchange rates. These trips cannot be booked online.

Shackleton Odyssey - 20 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!

Experiences

If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.

Wild at Heart

A penguin gliding through the water in Antarctica

Marine Life

With 70 percent of the planet's surface under water, there is a whole aquatic world, just waiting to be discovered! Marine life provides some of the world's most incredible wildlife spectacles. From whales, dolphins, seals and penguins in the Galapagos and icy waters of Antarctica to brightly coloured tropical fish, amazing coral and sea turtles in the Red Sea.

The Great Outdoors

A boat sailing along the Dalmation Coast in Croatia

Sailing & Cruising

Sail the open seas aboard a traditional gulet in Turkey or island hop the picturesque Dalmation Coast in Croatia. See the best of ancient Egypt onboard a Nile cruiser or dahabeya, cruise through the breathtaking three gorges of the Yangtze River in China or along the Euphrates in Syria or the stunning Neva and Volga Rivers in Russia. Or those with a real sense of adventure can to travel to end of the world on an incredible Antarctic expedition, witness a wildlife extravaganza on the remote Galapagos Islands or explore mighty Amazon Rainforest on a riverboat.

Highlights & Inclusions

Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.

Trip Highlights

Ushuaia - the southernmost city in the world and the capital of the Argentinian province of Tierra del Fuego
The Drake Passage
The Falkland Islands
South Shetland Islands - a 540km chain of Antarctic islands which lie approximately 120 kms north of the Antarctic Peninsular
Diverse wildlife including penguins, seals, whales & birdlife
Shore excursions as and where possible

The Beagle Channel
Falkland Islands - a group of over 740 islands, a nature lovers paradise with beautiful white sand beaches, jagged cliffs and spectacular wildlife.
South Georgia - beautifully rugged island, with snow covered peaks, emerald green bays and an abundance of wildlife.
Antarctic Peninsular
Glaciers, soaring icebergs & the Southern Ocean

What's Included

Ship’s accommodation and use of all public areas (open to all passengers).
19 nights accommodation on board the Polar Pioneer ship
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities
All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

All meals on board ship
Triple or twin cabins with private ensuite facilities - option to upgrade to superior cabins or suites subject to availability - contact us
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide service
Coffee, tea, cocoa and bottled water available around the clock

What's Not Included

Flights, airport arrival & departure taxes, airport arrival transfer
Any meals ashore
Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls

Visa, vaccination charges and travel insurance - please note emergency medical insurance is mandatory
Emergency evacuation charges
Optional end of voyage tips

Polar Pioneer

Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 56 passengers. A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring.

This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, manoeuvrability and small number of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary.

The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses.

Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, the accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.

Polar Pioneer Technical Specifications

Passenger Capacity: Maximum 56 passengers

Built: Finland 1985
Ice Class: ice strengthened
Length: 71.6 metres
Bean: 12.8 metres
Draft: 4.5 metres
Gross Tonnage: 2140 tons
Cruising Speed: 11-12 knots
Maximum Speed: 14 knots
Zodiacs: Equipped with 6 Mark V heavy duty Zodiacs

The Antarctic Ship we use on our Antarctic peninsular adventure

Facilities

Bar, lounge, library, lecture room, sauna, 2 dining rooms and a medical clinic. A laundry service is available onboard but there are no facilities for dry cleaning. Cabins are cleaned daily by the crew.

The Bar

There is a well stocked bar onboard, serving a selection of alcoholic beverages (including wine) and soft drinks which will be charged to your account and can be paid for by Visa, Mastercard or USD cash on the last day of the expedition.

Meals

Onboard we provide three hearty and healthy meals a day. Breakfast is buffet style whilst lunch and dinner are served by the catering staff. We are able to cater for most special dietary requirements but these must be specified at the time of booking. Tea, coffee, juice, fruit, biscuits and cake are available 24 hours a day from the dining room.

Officers & Crew

The Polar Pioneers Russian Captain, officers and crew have enormous experience, particularly in ice operations and navigation at the poles. The Russians are considered to be the world's leaders in icebreaker operations. There are around 23 Russian crewmembers.

Expedition Leaders & Staff

The Polar Pioneer has a team of expert naturalists, historians, earth scientists and special guest lecturers onboard, that make each journey an unforgettable adventure. Education and interpretation are key elements of the voyages and we have built up a team whose experience and enthusiasm ensures you come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these magnificent, far flung corners of the globe.

Aurora Expeditions

This expedition is proudly run in conjunction with our Antarctic Partners - Aurora Expeditions. Aurora Expeditions are a world leader in polar cruising and specialise in small group expedition-style travel to polar regions. Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora's owners are veterans of almost three decades of Antarctic research, private Antarctic mountaineering expeditions and polar travel. Aurora offers travellers the chance to have an intimate experience in these regions with flexible, innovative itineraries and their expert naturalists, historians, staff and crew help to unlock the wonders of Antarctica.

Types of Cabin

Triple - shared facilities

2 cabins

Location: Main Deck
Size: Total Cabin: 4.23m x 2.41m = 10.2sqm
Cabin: Two lower bunks and one upper bunk, a desk, a small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes.
Showers and toilet facilities are close by and shared with other Main Deck cabins.

Twin - shared facilities

12 cabins

Location: Main Deck
Size: 4m x 2.45m = 9.8sqm
Cabin: Two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space, a couch and a porthole.
Showers and toilet facilities are close by and shared with other Main Deck cabins.

Twin - En Suite

12 cabins

Location: Upper Deck and Captains Deck
Size: U. Deck Bedroom/bathroom: 4.11m x 2.60m = 10.7sqm.
U. Deck Bathroom: 1.2m x 2.56m = 3sqm
C. Deck Bedroom/bathroom: 4.94m x 2.43m = 12sqm.
C. Deck Bathroom: 1.1m x 1.7m = 1.9sqm
Cabin: Two lower bunks, a desk, windows and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Room 402 and 403 have upper and lower bunks and a couch.

Mini Suite

2 cabins

Location: Captains Deck

Size: Living room/bedroom/bathroom: 4.53m x 3.70m = 16.8sqm.

Bathroom: 1.2m x 1.6m = 1.93sqm.

Cabin: Double bed in separate room, foldout couch that can be used as a single bed, TV/Video, windows, desk, table area, fridge and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.

Captain's Suite

1 cabin

Location: Captains Deck

Size: Living room/bedroom: 4.5m x 5m = 22.5sqm.

Bathroom: 1.2m x 1.6m = 1.93sqm.

Cabin: Double bed in separate room, foldout couch that can be used as a single bed, forward and port windows, lounge and table area, TV/Video, fridge and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.

Polar Pioneer Deck Plan

Polar-Pioneer-deck-plan