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Ports of call: Antartica cruise aboard Explorer II: Ushuaia, Argentina; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; South Georgia; Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica; Drake Passage.
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2009:
January 25. |
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| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
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| January 25, 2009 | Ushuaia, Argentina | - | 19:00 |
| January 26, 2009 | At Sea | - | - |
| January 27, 2009 | Port Stanley, Falkland Islands | 8:00 | 19:00 |
| January 28, 2009 | At Sea | - | - |
| January 29, 2009 | At Sea | - | - |
| January 30, 2009 | South Georgia | - | - |
| January 31, 2009 | South Georgia | - | - |
| February 01, 2009 | At Sea | - | - |
| February 02, 2009 | At Sea | - | - |
| February 03, 2009 | Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica | - | - |
| February 04, 2009 | Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica | - | - |
| February 05, 2009 | Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica | - | - |
| February 06, 2009 | Drake Passage, Argentina | - | - |
| February 07, 2009 | Drake Passage, Argentina | - | - |
| February 08, 2009 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembarks | - |
| - Information above subject to change, please confirm details at time of booking. |
Unforgettable Shore Excursions
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Learn about the history and culture of the small provincial city of Ushuaia with a Musical Show about Darwin and the HMS Beagle's voyage. You'll hear about its interesting history, and visit different parts of the city to see how it grew in size and population, and the buildings have changed throughout the years.
Take a trip back in time to Tierra del Fuego's first prison, established in 1896. Inside, you'll learn about its construction, and life behind its iron doors. The first inducement for population growth that Ushuaia experienced was due to the installation of the penal colony that later was transformed into a penitentiary. The impression this old building generates is sad, yet strangely grand and prestigious - and life in the town was closely related to life inside the prison.
Sample Shore Excursions:
- Tierra del Fuego Railroad, Lapataia Bay & Old Prison Museum Tour: Enjoy nature at its very best on this combination bus and train ride in the world's southernmost National Park. Also, in order to get introduced to part of the history of the town, today you will learn about the life & history of the prisoners during those days when they were the greater part of the inhabitants of this place.
You'll travel aboard the Tierra del Fuego Southern Railway on an authentic steam engine, lovingly restored and re-built to offer modern comforts. From the train's large windows, you'll enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, crystal lakes and the vast natural forests of the Andes Cordillera.
A visit to the Prison will complete the tour and you will learn more about the life of the prisoners that built the original train, their work routine, punishment, closure and the sad story of some of its more notorious occupants.
- Escondido Lake Tour: This tour combines the history and culture of the small provincial city of Ushuaia, with a drive to the countryside where you'll not only have the opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of its landscape, but experience the local cuisine as well.
Departing from the city, travel along the Pan American Highway toward the north side of the island. During your scenic drive, enjoy the view of the lakes and valleys of the region as you make your way across the Fuegian Andes, passing forests, peat bogs and glaciers up to Garibaldi Pass at an elevation of nearly 1,500 feet. The combination of water, forest and mountain is a perfect scenery for contemplation and relax.
- Beagle Channel Wildlife Cruise and Ride: From the port of Ushuaia, you board a catamaran for a two-hour trip to admire the stunning landscapes and natural wonders that surround the town. It is said to be one of the most dramatic settings in the world, with jagged mountain peaks as its backdrop. Your journey on a comfortable catamaran will provide an exhilarating outing as you cruise the Beagle Channel and out to Sea Wolves Island Nature Reserve. The catamaran offers both enclosed rooms and open deck space for the best viewing possibilities.
- Tierra Mayor Trekking: This is a trekking tour, suitable for everybody interested in exploring the Tierra del Fuego and Tierra Mayor Valley Natural Reserve. Your starting point is the mountain refuge Nunatak, nestled in the heart of the reserve and overlooking the Alvear Mountain Range. You'll then trek through a peat bog, which leads to a millennial forest filled with lengas and cohiues decorated with moss and lichen. At the refuge, you'll enjoy a hot chocolate and piece of cake before returning to the pier.
- Ushuaia Horseback Riding: After a short ride to Relinchos del Hipico, Ushuaia's Horseback Riding Club, you'll be directed to your designated horse and begin your journey across Tierra del Fuego, "The End of the World". As you ride alongside the slope of Mount Susana, through the forest and towards the Beagle Channel seacoast, you'll enjoy the pure air and a close encounter with Fuegian Nature at its best. Afterward, you'll return to Club Hipico for a snack and a chance to sample Mate, the traditional Argentinean beverage, before returning to the pier.
- Ushuaia Overview and Songs of the Beagle: This tour combines the history and culture of the small provincial city of Ushuaia with a musical show about Darwin and the HMS Beagle's voyage. You'll hear about its interesting history, and visit different parts of the city to see how it has grown in size and population, and how the buildings have changed throughout the years.
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Located about 480 miles northeast of Cape Horn, the Falklands Islands (also known by the Spanish name of Islas Malvinas) are the most easily accessible sub-Antarctic islands. Their off-the- beaten-track location and intriguing history make for a unique destination. The Englishman Strong arrived in the islands in 1690 and named the Falkland Sound for a British peer. Later this name was applied to the entire group. Seventeenth century seafarers from St. Malo gave the islands their French appellation, Iles Malouines, which in turn became the Spanish Islas Malvinas. In 1764 France established a small colony, which it sold two years later to Spain. The Spanish established a military garrison and a penal colony. When the British built an outpost at Port Egmont and the Spanish expelled their occupants, it brought Spain and England to the brink of war. Although the British were reinstated in 1771, they withdrew from the islands a few years later. In 1806, at the start of the South American wars of independence, the Spanish abandoned what is now Port Louis. Then the United Provinces of the River Plate (later part of Argentina) raised their flag here in 1820. This prompted the arrival of British warships in 1833 that expelled a token Buenos Aires force. Years of stability followed, lasting until April 1982 when Argentina invaded and occupied the islands. Britain mounted a counter- invasion and recaptured the Falklands by June of that year. There may be some additional vehicles available for private tours to Gypsy Cove. A rough stone road has been built most of the way there now. Visits to Cape Pembroke Lighthouse or to some of the battlefield sites may also be possible. Please remember that these require off- road driving and can be quite bumpy and arduous.
Sample Shore Excursions:
- The Lagoon, Bluff Cove Tour:
The tour will depart the pier in mini-coaches with a driver and experienced local guide. After 30 minutes on the Stanley road guests will transfer to 4x4 vehicles, with expert local drivers as this is "off road" travel. There will be a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle. This trip will give a taste of traditional Falklands "off road" driving skills and a view of typical sheep farming country.
The beautiful sand beach at the Lagoon is home to a variety of Falkland wildlife. Approximately 1000 pairs of Gentoo penguins breed here, occasionally accompanied by up to 5 pairs of breeding King penguins. Magellanic penguins also nest in burrows close by. From December there is a colony of Magellanic gulls, with dolphin gulls and South American terns nesting amongst them. Many other birds nest nearby including: Upland geese, Ruddy headed geese, Magellanic oyster catchers and Falklands flightless steamer ducks. Skuas, gulls and snowy sheathbills hang around the rookery hoping to take eggs or chicks from the penguins. At this extremely photogenic site sea-lions and dolphins may also be seen.
- Ride to the Rockhopper Penguins Tour:
View over 400 rockhopper penguins in their natural environment with stunning views of Berkeley Sound in the background. This is your one and only opportunity to photograph these cute penguins on your ship itinerary! You will be picked up by your experienced local driver/guide in Port Stanley and driven 60 minutes to the penguin colony. Your journey will be in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle and will begin on the road to the Murrell Farm where it will then become an exciting overland experience - driving over the rolling peaty moor. This exclusive tour will take in views of your ship as well as Stanley. These penguins have never before been available for viewing by cruise passengers. It is merely the building of the road that has now made them accessible. You will have one hour and 20 minutes to photograph these penguins with only a small group of people along.
- Falkland Battlefields Tour:
This tour takes in Fitzroy and the three Battle Memorials depicting the fierce battle between Argentina and Britain in 1982. You will be met at the Jetty Visitor Centre and transported by coach, accompanied by our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide.
Many of the mountain battlefield sites can be seen on the journey to our main destination of Fitzroy and Mount Pleasant, approximately 1 hour by coach from Stanley. Here, the British Logistic Landing ships Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram were bombed by Argentinian Skyhawk aircraft, whilst transferring troops, ammunition and equipment on June 8th, 1982. There are memorials here for the Welsh Guards and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, as well as some personal memorials that have been constructed on the hillside above. There will be a short call into Fitzroy Settlement, to use the rest rooms. Fitzroy is primarily a sheep farm, but a process of diversification is currently taking place here, as on other Falkland farms. Returning to the Stanley area, if time allows, we shall turn west towards Moody Brook, where the Royal Marine barracks for the small detachment posted here until 1982, was situated. A small plaque is placed here in recognition of their services. During this tour there are many opportunities for photography: the Battle Memorials, picturesque Fitzroy Settlement, the rugged mountain scenery and the great views of Stanley from the Moody Brook area.
Exploration by Zodiac: These represent possible excursions for this port as a port of call. Actual excursions offered may vary and no tours may be offered on embarkation or disembarkation day in this port. A program of shore excursions may be made available for purchase on board the vessel. Advance information will be sent with final documentation where applicable. When included in the cruise package, shore excursions are non- refundable.
Selection of shore excursions for this port are being finalized. Please return to our site soon for details. In the case of turnaround ports, a selection of transfers and post- cruise tours will be made available onboard the ship and detailed in a disembarkation questionnaire received mid- cruise.
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