Shirley Richards

The enthusiasm of the crew and the good-natured care they took of passengers was outstanding.

Across The Circle - Fly In 2011/2012 Overview

Ever since Captain Cook crossed the Antarctic Circle in 1773, Latitude 66°33’ S has beckoned explorers and adventurers. Even today, our champagne toast as we cross the line depends on the weather and ice gods. It’s worth every effort, as this voyage takes us to such magnificent sites along the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, as Crystal Sound and the Gullet. Our scuba divers may explore new sites while we visit penguin rookeries and other wildlife spectacles of the Antarctic summer.

“Cruising past the Antarctic circle, it's easy to see how difficult conditions were for early explorers. Our comfortable ship Polar Pioneer and its experienced crew travels without a rigid timetable, setting course based on a combination of conditions, passenger's interests and our famous enthusiasm for discovering new places.”

Gary Miller - Expedition Leader, Aurora Expeditions

dates & prices



New Year Voyage

Name: 9 Day Voyage
Dates: 28-Dec-11 to 05-Jan-12
Embark: Punta Arenas, Chile
Ship: Polar Pioneer
Inclusions: View inclusions for this trip
Activities: Kayaking, Camping

INCLUDED IN THE EXPEDITION PRICE

+ Flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island.

+ Ship’s accommodation and use of all public areas (open to all passengers).

+ All meals on board ship.

+ All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs.

+ Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services.

+ Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board.

+ Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities.

+ Pre-departure information and briefing.

 

NOT INCLUDED IN THE EXPEDITION PRICE

+ Air transport and airport transfers before and after the cruises.

+ Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes.

+ Hotels and meals not included in ship cruise itinerary.

+ Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance, items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.

+ Emergency evacuation charges.

+ Customary end of voyage tips.

Close
DECK CABIN PRICE
Main Triple, shared facilities US$5,900
Main Twin, shared facilities US$6,525
Upper/Captain's Twin, private facilities US$7,300
Captain's Mini Suite, private facilities US$8,300
Captain's Suite, private facilities US$9,400

Prices quoted are per person in US dollars, twin share. Single costs are 1.7 times the twin share rate.
Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases.



Itinerary

Day 1
Today we board our flight in Punta Arenas. On arrival to King George Island we will be transferred to the port to board our ship, Polar Pioneer.

Day 2 - 6
Our biologists reveal Antarctica’s natural history, while environmental and safety briefings prepare us for our adventure ahead. We make full use of daylight hours, taking every opportunity to explore the Peninsula’s wonders. Our expert guides will lead us ashore as kayakers paddle amongst the ice, and, if the weather permits, anyone with the desire to camp out. Zodiac cruises, whale watching and a continental landing are on our wish list; flexibility is the key. We may visit scientific stations and historic sites, but our focus is close encounters with nature.

Day 7 - 8
Bidding goodbye to Antarctica, we return to the realm of the albatross as we cross Drake Passage. It’s a time of photo-sharing, reflection, entertaining talks and maybe even a party or two.

If weather permits, we’ll round Cape Horn before attending a special farewell dinner.

Day 9
Dawn greets us in the Beagle Channel. We enjoy an early breakfast before disembarking in Ushuaia.

Activities

TRIP DATES ACTIVITIES
New Year Voyage 28-Dec-11 to 05-Jan-12 Kayaking, Camping

How to Prepare

To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe expedition we have developed some import pre-departure information to help you prepare for your voyage. We strongly recommend you download the documents below and read carefully. Our reservation staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Before you depart for your expedition we will send you a detailed pack including your itinerary, travel documents and any other essential information relevant to your voyage.

Is your passport valid?
Your passport will be required to have validity that will extend to six months after the date of your return.

Visa arrangements?
Your visa arrangements are your responsibility. Please contact our reservations staff for assistance, or if you are unsure if you require a visa.

Travel insurance?
All passengers are required to provide travel insurance details including policy number and emergency contact number to Aurora Expeditions prior to departure. We strongly recommend insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation from the vessel.

Emergency contact details?
So that you can be contacted in the case of an emergency, remember to provide your family or friends with a copy of your travel documents as well as Aurora Expeditions’ and your Ship’s contact numbers.

Remember to pack any valuables or essential items such as medication in your hand luggage to avoid issues in the case of lost baggage.

Antarctica Landing & Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

Antarctica Photography Hints

Antarctica Polar Clothing

Antarctica Recommended Reading

How to Book

Contact us

If you are interested in an Aurora Expeditions voyage, please contact our sales team to check availability.
Either email an expert here or call our experienced consultants direct on + 61 2 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (within Australia).

Complete a booking form

Once availability is confirmed, please download, print and complete the booking form. Please return it to us, along with your deposit to secure your berth.  Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of contract before sending us your signed booking form.

Terms & Conditions

Click here to view the terms and conditions.

Preparation for your voyage

On receipt of the booking form, we will contact you to confirm your booking and our reservations staff will send you a comprehensive pre-departure kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list and information tailored to your voyage.

Aurora Expeditions – Your Personal Travel Agent

Aurora Expeditions is a licensed travel agent. Our experienced reservations consultants all have specialised expertise on the destinations we travel to. Each voyage has a dedicated travel expert solely working on developing dynamic itineraries for our passengers.  Contact our reservations team and allow us to create a personal itinerary to compliment your voyage, including airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and pre and post voyage travel options.

We look forward to assisting you with your journey of a lifetime.

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Buenos Aires

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Cuzco & Machu Picchu

Explore the haunting beauty and cultural wonders of the Peruvian Andes and visit the fabled lost city of the Incas.