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Aboard the M/V Plancius
Ushuaia / Ascension (31 days) – Ascension / Praia, Cape Verde (8 days)
The first part of our Odyssey is south from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula where we shall visit Hope Bay or Brown Bluff, and Paulet Island, where we see Adelie penguins and the majestic icebergs of the Weddell Sea. On our way to South Georgia we sail by the South Orkneys, where the Scotsman Bruce once wintered. At sea, we spot a multitude of albatrosses, petrels and fulmars. We call at Grytviken, a former Norwegian whaling station, where you may visit the excellent whaling museum and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave. On Salisbury Plain you will marvel at King Penguins and on Prion Island, at the Wandering Albatrosses and Giant Petrels. From South Georgia we sail to Tristan da Cunha, followed constantly by many seabirds around the ship. Tristan has a small village and on nearby Nightingale Island, albatrosses, petrels and millions of shearwaters, as well as Fur Seals and Elephant Seals can be found. Now accompanied by flying fish, as well as birds and dolphins, we visit St. Helena where Napoleon lived in exile, and continue to Ascension Island, where we visit a Sooty Tern colony with over a million birds. Around these tropical islands there are great opportunities for snorkelling. The Cape Verde Islands offer a great variety of natural attractions, including volcanoes, and are home to very friendly people.
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia and sail through the Beagle Channel.
Day 2/3: Drake Passage
In the Drake Passage we spot a multitude of sea birds, including albatrosses, petrels and fulmars.
Day 4: Antarctic Continent
At Hope Bay and Brown Bluff we hope to set foot on the Antarctic Continent. In this area we may see Gentoo Penguins, Weddell Seals, Leopard Seals and Orcas.
Day 5: Weddell Sea, Antarctic Continent
From Devil Island at the tip of the Weddell Sea is surrounded by huge table 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 Expedition from the beginning of the 20th century.
Day 6: 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 the South Orkneys, where the Scotsman Bruce once wintered and where we may visit the friendly people at an Argentine base.
Day 8: At sea
On our way to South Georgia, we see a multitude of albatrosses, petrels and fulmars.
Day 9/11: South Georgia
In South Georgia we will pay visits to the abandoned whaling settlements Grytviken, where now the penguins walk through the streets, and King Edwards Point with the grave of Shackleton. 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 for zodiac cruising around the island, as always weather permitting. In previous years 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 to repeat this unique experience with you.
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 25/27: 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 28/29
At sea.
Day 30/31 (April 24/25): 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 scheduled RAF (Royal Air Force) flight to Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, UK. Others may proceed their voyage to Cape Verdes.
Day 1: Ascension
In the evening the vessel will depart from Ascension Island.
Day 2/6: 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 7: Fogo, Cape Verde
We land at Fogo. This is the great vulcanological laboratory of the Cape Verde Islands. Here we shall see lava as fresh as is possible because it emerged from the ground within the last 10 years and with the dry atmosphere of the islands there is little weathering to take place. We shall land a short distance from the capital, Sao Felipe and shall take an excursion into the very crater to the village of Portela where the people, unbelievable as it seems, make wine. This is perhaps not, one of the greatest vintages of the world but it deserves tasting because of its curiosity. On returning to Sao Felipe we shall relax for a while before re-embarking for an early dinner after which we shall try an evening zodiac cruise in order to see the sea birds before dark.
Day 8: Praia, Cape Verde
Praia on Sao Tiago, the main island of the southern group, has a character of its own. We shall make an excursion to Cidade Velha, steeped in history, and shall observe the massive fortress on the hill, built to deter English marauders in the period when the Crowns of Portugal and Spain were united and Portuguese possessions became as fair game to the likes of Drake and Raleigh as were Spanish ones. We shall see the ruins of the Cathedral, the oldest Christian Church in the tropics, and the slave whipping post in the main square. The village is well watered and there are plantations of sugar cane, which support a rum distillery, and several species of birds. We shall have another guided stroll around the City of Praia, which is the capital of the Cape Verdes, and which has given rise to a unique variety of folk music, which we shall hear as we pass the various bars!
Shortly after midnight we fly to Lisboa in Portugal (not included in the cruise rate).
Passengers can also disembark in Praia, evening Day 8 and stay for a day or more in a hotel in Praia and take a later flight to Lisboa.
Note All itineraries are for guidance only. Programmes may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary for each voyage will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Ushuaia - Ascension
Departure: 29 Mar – 28 Apr 2012
Prices from €7,090 per person based on double occupancy.
Ascension – Cape Verde
Departure: 28 Apr – 5 May 2012
Prices from €950 per person based on double occupancy.
For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact us.
All rates are quoted per person in EURO, based on twin occupancy. Please note that all dates & rates are subject to change. All voyages will operate subject to a minimum of 70 participants. ‘Plancius’ carries a maximum of 110 passengers.
Single occupancy
All cabins 1.7 times the share price.
Prices include:
Prices do not include:
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to the vessel; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).