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
Stability and Strength. Our ship was purpose built to conduct sensitive hydro-acoustic research and science in the polar regions. The original design brief dictated that the vessel offers a very high level of stability. This is achieved through a sophisticated internal trimming system, controlled via a series of gyroscopic sensors around the vessel. This stability feature is something you will greatly appreciate should you encounter less than ideal sailing conditions.
Maneuverable, Quiet and Fast. With both bow and stern thrusters and twin reversible propellers, the ship can spin on its own axis – greatly assisting embarkation of the zodiacs in windy conditions. You will notice there is little – if any – ambient noise or vibration, which makes for a quiet ship. The ship is fast, with a top speed of 14.5 knots in open water. Unmatched stability, coupled with superior speed allows for more time at your destination (rather than ‘at sea’) and more flexibility with itinerary planning – a critical factor in polar waters where ice and weather conditions sometimes dictate our daily itinerary.
Superb Design and Layout. Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree views of the stunning polar landscapes – as well as a great place for an outdoor barbecue, which usually happens once on every voyage. Inside there are comfortable presentation spaces for lectures and film screenings and there’s a multimedia computer lab with several large screen workstations where guests can download and back up photos.
Six Different Cabin Categories. All cabins feature outside windows allowing ample natural light to filter in. Cabins all have lower berths (some triple share cabins have one upper/lower bunk scenario and feature port holes). Akademik Ioffe carries a maximum of just 96 guests – making for true, small-ship expedition cruising. This is particularly important in Antarctica where visitor guidelines dictate that no more than 100 people can be on shore at any one time. We fall under this limit and that equals maximum time ashore at all locations. Ships carrying more than 100 guests compromise your time ashore.
Enjoy Great Dining? So do we. The exciting schedule of onshore excursions, zodiac cruises and onboard activities are guaranteed to work up a serious appetite. Although the ship operates in some of the most remote locations in the world, you can expect an exceptional variety of tasty meals, prepared by a team of professional international chefs. Breakfasts are usually buffet style. Lunches offer a great choice of light meals - as well as more substantial options for those who are hungry - and each evening there is a hearty three-course meal offering both variety and choice. There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines. You can get a cup of tea or coffee at any time of the day or night and we always offer afternoon tea with cakes and biscuits. Guests with dietary restrictions or special meal requirements are also well catered for.
Join us on the Bridge. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.
Operational Safety. There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard Akademik Ioffe have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.
Relax — You're on Holiday. The ship also features a Finnish dry-heat sauna, a plunge pool, a hot water Jacuzzi, a small gymnasium and day spa with massage therapist.
An expedition gear package is included. An expedition cruise requires a fair bit of planning and some special items of clothing and equipment are needed. You will have use of an expedition wet weather gear package free of charge, which includes a quality waterproof/windproof jacket and bib-pants as well as insulated, comfortable rubber boots designed for extended walking. A set of expedition binoculars and a walking pole are also available for the duration of your voyage. This saves you buying expensive items you may only ever use once and eliminates the need to carry such cumbersome gear all the way to the ship. If you do have your own gear, of course you are welcome to bring it. Make sure it is wind and waterproof. 

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 $ 9295.00 USD

  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 $ 11695.00 USD

  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 $ 12795.00 USD

  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 $ 13695.00 USD

  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 $ 15495.00 USD

  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 $ 17395.00 USD

  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