Highlights

• Outstanding wildlife observation on shore, Zodiac cruising and from the ship

• In-depth exploration of the Gerlache coastline and Antarctic Peninsula

• Visits to historic sites and science stations

• Learn about the environment, wildlife and ecology of Antarctica from polar experts

Ship: Akademik Ioffe

Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 117 metres
Passenger Capacity: 96
Built: 1989
The Akademik Ioffe is modern, comfortable, safe and ice strengthened. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, we have public spaces onboard the ship ideally suited for each and every need.
A separate lounge and bar, as well as a library provide ideal places to sit and relax or catch up on some reading. A selection of movies and documentaries can also be watched in the lounge.
The sumptuous meals prepared for you by our culinary team are enjoyed in our dining room, which can host all passengers in a single seating and will keep you feeling healthy and strong for the myriad of activities offered throughout the voyage.
Other facilities include the theatre style presentation room, gift-shop, fitness room, massage room, hot water spa, sauna and plunge pool. There’s also a dedicated expedition ‘mud-room’ where you prepare for your off-ship excursions.
Features:
Superior Comfort and Stability
Highest standards of Marine Safety
Comfortable Bar
Bridge
Communications
Dining Room
Fitness and Fitness Room
Gift Shop
Wellness Centre
Presentation Room
Top Deck and Observatory
Multimedia Room

Itinerary

Day 1 - Ushuaia:
Our journey to Antarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia,in southern Argentina. We gather at our central meeting point,transfer to the pier and embark our expedition ship. Aftersettling in to our cabins and exploring the ship, we meet ourexpedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the airas we enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner and cast off, boundfor Antarctica and the adventure of a lifetime.

Days 2 - 3 - At Sea:
We chart a southerly course for Antarctica. This stretch ofthe South Atlantic is rich in its bio-diversity and showcasesan abundance of wildlife. We will be joined by hundreds ofseabirds including the wandering albatross. Giant petrels andsmaller Cape petrels are also constant companions as we makeour way south. Photographing these magnificent birds takespatience and skill and our photography expert will be on handto show you the best techniques. Join the ship’s Captain on thebridge and learn about the operations of our modern researchvessel. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate uswith a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlifeand history and the locations we hope to visit in the comingdays. As we approach the coastline of Antarctica, we anticipatean increase in whale sightings.

Days 4 - 5 - South Shetland Islands & Antarctica:
We awaken today and the magnificent snowy peaks of theSouth Shetland Islands are laid out before us. Depending onice and weather conditions, we plan on entering the McFarlaneStrait, which separates Greenwich and Livingstone Islands. HalfMoon Island or nearby Yankee Habour are possible landingsites. A short way to the south-west lies Deception Island – aflooded volcanic caldera. Navigating the ship into the narrowpassage takes great skill. The old whaling station here begsexploration and there are some fantastic hikes available alongthe black sand beach to investigate the old aircraft hangarand other relics. A hike of several kilometers up to a high pointknown as Neptune's Window is another option.Overnight we cross the Bransfield Strait and are now along thecoastline of continental Antarctica. Over the next four days, ouritinerary is deliberately flexible to account for early season iceconditions, and to take advantage of optimal snow conditionsat several of our favourite landing sites. Our planned explorationstarts in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour and neighbouringCierva Cove – both beautiful locations and the perfectintroduction to Antarctica.

Days 6 - 9 - Antarctica:
Heading south along the coastline of the continent, our busyprogram of activities will now be in full swing. Our days arespent exploring on and off the ship. Popular activities includeguided hikes on shore and visits to wildlife colonies with ourexpert naturalist guides, while the historic huts and sciencestations provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and thepresent. Zodiac cruising among the ice is always a memorableactivity.Based on site characteristics, the ski-touring group may set offto explore the pristine terrain and range several kilometres inlandwith our experienced mountaineering guides. What a uniquethrill it is to carve ‘fresh tracks’ in the virgin snow of Antarctica.The expedition snow shoe group may follow in the tracks of theskiers, climbing to high points which afford breathtaking views.If you are not up to the more strenuous snow shoeing program,you will be able to try this unique activity at many of our landingsites.Our expedition sea kayakers will head out on excursionswhich may last all day. An overnight kayak/camping excursionis available to the more adventurous in the group. Everyoneaboard will have an opportunity to camp onshore for the nightin Antarctica if the weather conditions co-operate. We have allthe gear to keep you warm, dry and as comfortable as possible.Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to spend anentire day with our expedition photographer, on an all-day fieldworkshop.We range as far south as ice conditions permit and hope tonavigate as far as Neko Harbour and into the Errera Channel.Witnessing the migration of the penguins early in the season, asthey busily re-establish their rookeries and prepare nests, is afascinating experience.

Day 10 - South Shetland Islands:
The adventure is not over and we plan an additional dayof exploration in the South Shetlands. Prevailing weatherconditions will dictate our landing locations. Aitcho Island isa possibility and is a great spot for a hike or a Zodiac cruise.There are several other landing sites in the South Shetland'sincluding Half Moon Island, or the broad pebbly beach atYankee Harbour, where we sometimes encounter Weddellseals sunning themselves. This is another great spot for ahike. Hannah Point, with its elephant seal colony and nestingAntarctic petrels - could also fature. In the evening, we navigatenorth and into the Drake Passage, charting a course for SouthAmerica.

Days 11 - 12 - At sea:
Making our way back to South America, the educationalpresentations continue and we enjoy a memorable voyagerecap by our Expedition Leader. Join our photography expertsin the multimedia room and download and back up yourprecious images. If weather conditions allow, we hope to makea rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is hometo legendary tales of exploration and early navigation. It is afitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition. Approachingthe entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light, weenjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

Day 13 - Ushuaia:
In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is timeto say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. Guests willbe transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flightshome. It will be possible to connect to flights through to BuenosAires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoy anight in town or venture further afield to explore the highlights ofPatagonia.

Please Note::
Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at thetime of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may change. The ship’s Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leadercontinually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weatherand ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a largenumber of outstanding landing sites and Zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavyice may hinder our planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.

Departures

• Depart: 6th November, 2019 - Return: 18th November, 2019

  

  Main Deck Triple Share - Price

  Located on Deck 3 these cabins have bunk beds and a sofa bed. Facilities are shared. There is a washbasin with cold/hot water in the cabin, a writing desk/chair and ample storage space. All cabins have a porthole.

  

  Twin Semi Private - Price

  Located on Deck 4 these cabins have one lower berth and one sofa bed, a writing desk and ample storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins). All cabins have a window which opens. Additional features and amenities: Toiletry kit Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Bathrobes

  

  Twin Private - Price

  These cabins are located on Deck 4 and 5. All cabins have two lower berths, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window. Additional features and amenities: Toiletry kit Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Bathrobes

  

  Superior - Price

  Located on Deck 6 these cabins have two lower berths, a sofa, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window. Additional features and amenities: Toiletry kit Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Vanity kit Upgraded bed linen/duvets

  

  Shackleton Suite - Price

  These cabins are located on Deck 4 and 5. All cabins have one double berth, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, a writing desk/chair, TV/DVD Player, IPod Dock Alarm Clock. Facilities are private and all cabins have windows, which can be opened. Additional features and amenities: Upgraded bed linen/duvets CD player/mini stereo system with connection for Ipod™/mp3 player Use of our CD selection Mini bar/ice bucket Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Toiletry kit Vanity kit Organic cotton luxury logoed bathrobes Arrival gift basket with healthy snacks and a bottle of wine Binoculars and wildlife reference book

  

  One Ocean Suite - Price

  Located on Deck 5 this cabin has a double berth, one sofa bed and separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, TV/DVD Player, IPod Dock Alarm Clock and IPod Speaker System for main room. Facilities are private and have a bathtub. This cabin has windows overlooking the bow, which can be opened. Additional features and amenities: Upgraded bed linen/duvets CD player/mini stereo system with connection for Ipod™/mp3 player Use of our CD selection Mini bar/refrigerator Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Toiletry kit Vanity kit Organic cotton luxury logoed bathrobes Arrival gift basket with healthy snacks and a bottle of wine Binoculars and wildlife reference book