DETAILS
While there are many captivating places in the world, few can compare to Antarctica, the islands of South Georgia and the Falklands for awesome beauty and remarkable wildlife. The images that greet you in these remote and unspoiled places are simply overwhelming: Icebergs as blue as a clear summer sky; jagged mountains laced with a snowy white mantle; and thousands upon thousands of penguins stretching as far as the eye can see. Next January, join us on our voyage to this incomparable part of the earth aboard the new state-ofthe-art 152-guest expedition cruise ship Vega.
- Pricing from
- $18,450
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Jan 19, 2024 - Feb 7, 2024
Vega Stateroom Types and images
Swan Hellenic’s Vega is a new-generation expedition cruise ship. Although at 10,500 tons the ship is large enough to accommodate more than 250 passengers, Vega will accommodate a maximum of 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and balcony suites. The low guest density results in one of the most generous indoor and outdoor space-to-guest ratios among cruise ships.
Vega has been designed to meet the stringent requirements of the new Polar Code for ships navigating in Polar regions. Its high PC5 Category A ice-strengthened hull, and other technical and mechanical features allow the ship to cruise the world’s remote regions in safety and utmost comfort. Technologically advanced hybrid engines and a system of powerful batteries make it possible for the ship to cruise in ecologically sensitive areas, leaving a minimal footprint, while a computer-controlled Dynamic Positioning System allows the ship to maintain position without anchoring. Operated by a complement of 120 experienced European officers and international crew members, Vega will carry a fleet of Zodiacs, versatile landing boats, kayaks, and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that will reveal marine life in the deep. Powerful stabilizers provide a smooth ride. All staterooms and suites face outside and are equipped with private facilities, climate control, TV, Wi-Fi and USB connections as well as other amenities. Of the ship’s 76 staterooms, 60 have balconies. Public areas include a spacious observation lounge that is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for lectures and presentations; a club lounge; a restaurant that accommodates all guests at one seating; an outdoor café/bar that surrounds the heated swimming pool; a wellness area with gym, spa and sauna that includes an adjoining outdoor jacuzzi; library; beauty salon; a “mud room” with lockers for storing expedition gear; and an infirmary that is attended by a full-time doctor. The ship also features expansive open-deck areas. Two elevators connect all decks. Attentive service is provided on a 24-hour basis.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
DEPART THE US/BUENOS AIRES, Argentina
Arrive in Buenos Aires, the beautiful capital of Argentina. Transfer to the Alvear Icon Hotel. In the evening, meet fellow travelers, your guest lecturers and trip director at an evening cocktail reception.
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day 3
BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA/SHIP EMBARKATION
Transfer to the airport for the group flight to Ushuaia, claimed to be the world’s southernmost city, located in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, between the famed Beagle Channel and the mountains. On arrival, transfer to the pier to embark Vega, which will begin cruising this evening. As the ship navigates the Beagle Channel, enjoy spectacular vistas of glaciers and misted mountains. (B, D)
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days 4-5
AT SEA
Attend lectures and enjoy the ship’s facilities as Vega cruises through the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Look for albatross, Cape petrels and whales that may accompany the ship on its passage. (B, L, D)
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days 6-9
EXPLORING ANTARCTICA
Explore the pristine wilderness of Antarctica and its surrounding islands. As Vega cruises through scenic waterways, witness a breathtaking panorama of icebergs, blue glaciers, and jagged snow-capped mountains. Aboard the ship’s Zodiacs, cruise among ice floes and explore penguin rockeries. Although the itinerary varies according to local ice and wind conditions, we plan to land at such places as Petermann Island, the habitat of Gentoo and Adélie penguins, and where humpback and minke whales are often sighted offshore; Paradise Harbor, the habitat of Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins and Weddell seals; and Deception Island, known for its volcanically-heated hot springs. Navigating through the magnificent Lemaire, Errera, Neumayer and other protected channels is also planned. (B, L, D)
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days 10-11
AT SEA
Follow Shackleton’s rescue root as Vega cruises to South Georgia. (B, L, D)
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days 11-14
SOUTH GEORGIA
Mountainous and magnificent, the remote, crescent-shaped island of South Georgia is renowned for its rich wildlife, its stunning natural beauty and its vital role in the history of Antarctic exploration. First claimed in 1775 by the ubiquitous Captain Cook, the island has hosted such explorers as Larsen and Shackleton as well as a long succession of sealers and whalers. South Georgia’s more regular visitors include four species of albatross, eight species of penguin, and a million of southern fur and elephant seals. We have three days to explore this extraordinary island. At the Bay of Isles we will discover a truly amazing site, a rookery of 3-foot-high king penguins that numbers some 75,000 birds. We will search the grassy slopes for nesting wandering albatross with 12-foot wingspans, view other bird colonies and stop at Grytviken to see the abandoned whaling station and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. (B, L, D)
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days 15-16
AT SEA
Cruising toward the Falklands. (B, L, D)
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days 17-18
FALKLAND ISLANDS
Spend two days in the Falkland Islands, consisting of two main islands and some 200 small ones, which are mostly rugged, rocky moorlands. Located in the exceptionally rich waters of the southern Atlantic, they harbor an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including over 219 bird species and the world’s largest numbers of black-browed albatross and Rockhopper and Gentoo penguins. Explore Stanley, the quaint capital of the islands; Westpoint Island, where we will enjoy a walk across the moors to a busy rookery of Rockhopper penguins; and Saunders Island, whose dramatic beaches harbor large numbers of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, cormorants and black-browed albatross. (B, L, D)
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day 19
AT SEA
Enjoy closing lectures and the ship’s amenities as Vega cruises back to Ushuaia. (B, L, D)
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day 20
USHUAIA/USA
Disembark in Ushuaia. Transfer to the airport for the group flight to Buenos Aires to connect with flights to the United States. (B)
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