Cruise Antarctica & Solar Eclipse 2021 - 15 day tour

26 November 2021. Welcome to Ushuaia! As the world's most southern city, Ushuaia's nickname of 'the end of the world' is well deserved. On arrival, make your way to the port and board our home for the next two weeks, the Ocean Victory expedition cruise ship. This evening is free to settle in aboard the ship and you'll enjoy a refreshing welcome cocktail.

If arriving into Ushuaia with plenty of time, you may wish to take a day trip to the picturesque archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers and flower-filled meadows.
Overnight: Ocean Victory ship   |  Dinner

Ushuaia - South Georgia. On day 2 we set sail on our incredible Antarctic adventure. Sailing east on the South Atlantic Ocean, your days are spent relaxing aboard the ship and watching the world go by. There is plenty to see and do onboard, with three restaurants, a swimming pool, library and a piano bar, as well as a gym and sports facilities. All meals, snacks and hot drinks are included onboard and you can watch the ocean pass us by from the observation lounge. There will also be a number of lectures and workshops to get involved in, during which you'll learn more about this incredible region of the world and the upcoming total solar eclipse.

The South Atlantic is one of the world's remotest corners and you can gaze out over the endless blue waves from the observation lounge or the top deck. If we're lucky then we may spot some of the species of whale and dolphin which inhabit the region. Species including orcas, fin whales and the majestic blue whale may all be spotted with a bit of luck and a keen eye. From the top deck gazing skywards, storm petrels and giant winged albatrosses can also be seen swooping over the ocean.
Overnight: Ocean Victory ship  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

We arrive at South Georgia Island on day 5. South Georgia lies around 830 km northeast of Coronation Island and 550 km northwest of Zavodovski Island. Truly off the beaten track! Over the next few days we'll explore the island, which is sparsely inhabited with a population of around 30 individuals in the summer months and even fewer in winter. Outnumbering the human residents are the huge colonies of penguins, sea lions and seals which take shelter on the rocky outcrops and beaches of the island, including Salisbury Plain. Giant elephant seals lumber on the beach and king penguins huddle together for warmth. Endemic species including the South Georgia shag, South Georgia pipt and South Georgia pintail can also be spotted.

We'll take as many shore landings as possible during our stay off the coast of South Georgia. Watch this incredible wildlife from a respectful distance, explore magical fjords, take in beautiful glaciers and visit the tiny, mostly abandoned settlement of Grytviken. Grytviken was the final resting place for the famed explorer Ernest Shackleton after he died on an Antarctic voyage in 1922. You're more likely to see a penguin or a seal wandering the streets than you are a person.
Overnight: Ocean Victory ship  |  Breakfast x 4, Lunch x 4, Dinner x 4

South Georgia - South Orkney Islands. 4 December 2021. Today is eclipse day! We have chosen the best possible spot to watch the eclipse aboard our ship. We'll be in position along the central axis of the eclipse, east of the South Orkney Islands. Eye protection will be provided and our expert astronomers will be on hand to talk you through this once in a lifetime spectacle as it unfolds. The total eclipse will last for just under 2 minutes, beginning at 07:33:26 UTC time. During this time we will be plunged into total darkness.

Solar eclipses usually occur twice a year, however total solar eclipses are rare. A total solar eclipse is when the moon perfectly aligns in front of the sun, plunging the entire area into total darkness. Look out for Baily's Beards as the eclipse unfolds - these small blots of light appear just before the total eclipse and are caused by gaps in the mountains and valleys on the Moon's surface allowing sunlight to pass through in some places but not others.

Having watched the eclipse, we continue towards Antarctica, ready to explore the world's most remote and unexplored continent.
Overnight: Ocean Victory ship   |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

South Orkney Islands - South Shetland Islands. Today we continue south towards the Antarctic Peninsula. As we near this pristine wilderness and the South Shetland Islands, the presence of wildlife begins to multiply. Leopard, fur and weddell seals relax on Cuverville Island, giant humpback whales breach on the Gerlache Strait and orcas leap from the water in the Lemaire Channel. Whilst we can't guarantee any wildlife sightings, there is an excellent chance of spotting some of these species, which are found in good numbers in this untouched paradise.
Overnight: Ocean Victory ship   |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We are amongst the most southern human beings in the entire world at this moment. During the next two days we'll be exploring the wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands. Our itinerary must be flexible over these two days and is subject to change depending on the weather conditions. Your captain and expedition leader will ensure you get the most from your visit and will manage this itinerary.

Projected activities include making landfall on Elephant Island. Located in the north-eastern reaches of the archipelago, Elephant Island is perhaps most famous for the incredible rescue mission that took place here in 1916, when 22 members of Shackleton’s Endurance expedition were rescued after being stranded on the island for 135 days following a shipwreck. We also plan to visit Deception Island, where a now-extinct volcano has warmed the waters enough for a swim. On Half Moon Island you can spot nesting Wilson's storm petrels and adorable chinstrap penguins.
Overnight: Ocean Victory ship  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

South Shetland Islands - Ushuaia. On day 13 we begin our voyage back towards mainland South America. This will involve crossing the famous Drake Passage, where the cold waters of Antarctica meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This interaction causes an upwelling of nutrients from the seafloor, resulting in an incredible diversity of algae, krill and other small sea creatures. Spend these days on the open-air decks, spotting seabirds and marine life with the help of the expedition lecturers on hand.

Known for its strong winds, you can rest easy as we cross the passage in our rugged expedition ship. Sailors consider navigating the Drake Passage a significant achievement, and now you can cross it off your list.
Overnight: Ocean Victory ship   |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2