Ross Sea & Antarctic Peninsula cruise
Why Join This Cruise:
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The remote Ross Sea region of Antarctica is inaccessible but for two months every year when the ice thaws allowing access to five historic huts of some of the greatest polar explorers
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This region has large breeding colonies of both Adélie and Emperor Penguins which number in the millions, along with Minkie & Killer whales, Weddell, Crabeater and the rarely sighted Ross seal
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By special permission landings are to be made on the Sub Antarctic Islands of Campbell, Maquarie, Enderby and Snares, which support the highest density of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere
Trip Overview
The Ross Sea region is only accessible for two months of the year when the ice has thawed & broken up enough for vessels to navigate her waters. First discovered in 1842 by Sir James Clark Ross this area has been explored by some of the most famous polar adventurers including Borchgrevink, Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen, Richard Byrd and Sir Edmund Hillary. Step back in by time visiting 5 of their historic huts, the oldest dating back to 1899, which has been preserved as it was left. Get the chance to visit some of the modern research stations run by New Zealand the US & Italy.
Along with its history this region is the breeding ground for millions of Adélie and Emperor penguins and many colonies will be visited. There are also large numbers of Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals along with the rare pack ice specialist the Ross seal. During the sea crossings whales are regularly encountered and the Sub Antarctic islands are abound with various Albatross and Petrel species, Snares, Crested penguins, Elephant seals and Hookers sea lions.
Voyage Outline
Days 1 to 2: London / New Zealand
Day 3: Dunedin
Day 4: Dunedin / Port of Otago / Embarkation
Day 5: The Snares
Days 6 to 7: Auckland Islands
Day 8: At Sea
Days 9 to 10: Macquarie Island
Days 11 to 14: At Sea
Days 15 to 24: Antarctica’s Ross Sea region
Days 25 to 28: At Sea
Days 29 to 30: Campbell Island
Day 31: At Sea
Day 32: Bluff / Disembarkation/ Return flight
Day 33: London