The Weddell Sea has become synonymous with the torturous northerly drift of Shackleton's Endurance expedition. Travel where few are able, on a truly exploratory voyage of sunsets and ice sculptures. A spectacular way to spend Christmas or to see in the New Year!

We break new ground whenever we travel on this easterly route as the ice here is notoriously unpredictable. This trip is built for the adventure seeker who wants to explore

From Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America, we set sail for the volcanic South Shetland Islands, where we'll make several landings each day - with location and frequency dependent upon weather and ice conditions. Our first landing may be on Deception Island, site of a large chinstrap penguin colony. Deception is a mountainous and volcanically active island where steam rises from the black sand beaches.

Weather permitting, our next stop will be Esperanza Base, Argentina's scientific research station. There's a large Adelie penguin colony in the area nad, by this time of the year, many will be tending to newborn chicks. Next we'll see how far the sea-ice will let us push thought the begs into the heavily-iced Weddell Sea.

James Ross Island boasdts two volcanic mountains named Erebus and Terror, after the ships in Ross' expeditions. From here we travel back to the north and visit Paulet Island, site of one of the largest Adelie penguin colonies. Then we'll attempt a landing on Elephant Island, where the Endurance sailors took refuge while shackleton went to seek refuge.

Peregrine Mariner

 The ‘Peregrine Mariner’ is a relatively new, well equipped, ice-rated ship that is state of the art in terms of stability, speed, and comfort amongst expedition ships. She can carry up to 110 passengers and is kept in top condition. While this is every bit an expedition product, this ship is ideal if you want that extra stability and comfort.

The large cabins all have an outside view, with portholes or a window, and are comfortably furnished. Most of them have private or semi-private facilities. On-board facilities include a spacious top deck, where you can enjoy spectacular views, and a refreshing sauna - a great place to relax after your shore excursions. There is also a well-stocked library, a comfortable lounge and a friendly bar. Other facilities include a gift shop and laundry. 

Actual cabin layout may not be exactly as shown.

Specifications

Registered Name:	Akademik loffe
Length:	117.04m
Breadth:	18.28m
Draft:	6.09m
Engines:	5,000 kW diesel, twin engine, twin propeller, 600 kW bow and stern thrusters
Ice Class:	KM*L1(1)A2, Canadian Type B
Gross Registered Tonnage:	6450
Crew:	53
Passengers:	110
Registry:	Russia

This expedition is for people who enjoy active adventures. Every sailing offers an average of three shore landings per day while in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. The education program covers a wide range of topics from identifying seabirds to the future of Antarctica. Optional adventures - camping, kayaking, mountaineering and cross-country skiing - are available on selected departures. You'll sail about 1800 nautical miles from Ushuaia to Ushuaia. Some departures may be operated in the opposite direction.

Day 1
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Your last contact with civilization, Ushuaia, Argentina is rustic, quaint and vibrant. You will be at the end of the world as you know it. If you arrive early, you could hike, kayak or mountain bike. Ushuaia is an adventurer's paradise.

Day 2
Embarkation Day
You are transferred to the port by motor coach to board the ship in the late afternoon.

Day 3-4
Crossing the Drake Passage
Our Adventure Ships don't have elevators. Good news for fitness buffs who want to keep fit while at sea. You'll climb stairs to and from the dining room, outside decks, and your cabin. In between we'll keep you busy learning how to identify seabirds on the wing as well as entering and exiting a Zodiac safely. We are preparing you for the shore landings to come.

Day 5-9
Antarctica
Adventure options - kayaking, camping, mountaineering or cross-country skiing - should be booked at the same as you make your expedition reservations. If you decide that the adventure options are not for you, your voyage will still be exhilarating. Zodiacs will zip you ashore to hike the steep hills of penguin rookeries. You'll negotiate iceberg graveyards past seals floating on ice floes. Research stations and spy bases could be on the agenda. Every expedition is unique. Landings and wildlife sightings are subject to weather, ice conditions and the natural cycles of wildlife.

Day 10-12
The Drake Passage
The education program continues with subjects that range from the Antarctic Marathon to whales of the Southern Ocean. You can stand topside identifying seabirds. You'll be an expert by the time you enter the Drake for the return journey.

Day 12
Disembarkation, Ushuaia, Argentina
Breakfast will be aboard the ship. Your luggage will be transferred to the end of the quay for storage. Unless you have booked one of the morning flights out of Ushuaia? Then we'll transfer you as a group directly to the airport.

• Hotel accommodation, with continental breakfast, the night prior to embarkation
• Shipboard accommodation from day of embarkation to disembarkation *All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage
• Zodiac transfers and sightseeing while aboard
• Education program
• Group transfer between hotel and vessel upon embarkation
• Group transfer between vessel and airport following disembarkation
• Rubber boots loan service
• Complimentary parka on Akademik Shokalskiy and Ocean Nova
• Photographic Journal on DVD
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program