One Ocean Expeditions adds three new Antarctica itineraries for 2016/17

Small ship cruise operator One Ocean Expeditions has revealed details of three new Antarctic itineraries it has added for the 2016/17 season.

Taking place aboard the 92-passenger, ice-strengthened Akademik Sergey Vavilov two of the new itineraries make use of charter flights to allow participants more time to explore the region and spend less time at sea.

The first new itinerary for 2016/17 is a 10-night voyage entitled ‘Quest For The Antarctic Circle’. It features an Antarctic Circle crossing previously only available on departures of 11 nights or more. Despite being a relatively short voyage this trip crams in up to a possible eight days of off ship excursions. Departures are scheduled for 7 January and 11 February 2017, and prices start from $10,095 (approximately £6,575) per person based on triple cabin occupancy.

The second new itinerary is an 11-night voyage entitled ‘Antarctica and the Falkland Islands – Sea Birds and Penguins’. Deperating on 6 December 2016 this voyage has been designed for keen ornithologists and amateur twitchers alike with potential sightings of up to eight species of penguin, with some guarding their eggs and newborn chicks. Prices start from $10,395 (approximately £6,770) per person based on triple cabin occupancy.

Flights from Punta Arenas in Chile to Stanley in the Falkland Islands and King George Island in Antarctica introduced in 2015 will continue for those who would prefer to cross the Drake Passage in just over two hours, saving more than three days at sea. By keeping the length of its trips the same, One Ocean Expeditions has incorporated two additional days of sightseeing into its itineraries, giving passengers more time to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, history and scientific interest that Antarctica has to offer.

Those seeking a longer voyage should consider the new 21-night ‘Antarctica In Depth’ itinerary offering up to 16 days of exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea and Falkland Islands. Combining two back-to-back voyages that start and finish in Stanley guests will have the opportunity to partake in camping, sea kayaking, snow shoeing, ski touring, bird watching, mammal spotting, hiking and field photography. Departure dates are 17 December 2016, 7 January and 11 February 2017, with prices starting from $14,995 (approximately £9,767) per person based on triple cabin occupancy.

All prices include return flights between Punta Arenas and Stanley or King George Island, airport transfers, accommodation and meals on board, plus guides, wet weather gear, excursions and activities as included in each itinerary. One Ocean Expeditions is currently offering a travel credit worth up to $1,000 (approximately £651) on 2016/17 season bookings made before 1 December 2015.

(Photo credit to C. Lawton / One Ocean Expeditions)