Even today after many decades of exploration, Antarctica remains a world apart, a majestic last frontier surpassing even the most jaded of travellers’ expectations. Join us aboard the MS Island Sky and follow in the footsteps of researchers, pioneers, adventurers and discoverers on this expedition cruise to the seventh continent. It is hard to put into words the sheer grandeur of an Antarctic landscape. This most southern of continents, this desert of ice, is so unique and uncommon to man’s experience, that even the most dramatic of photographs pale into insignificance when one is confronted by the sheer magnitude, beauty and wonder of an Antarctic landscape. Enormous icebergs rise from the sea, hillsides are covered with thousands of penguins and seals basking on icebergs dot the channels and straits we will sail though; the sights, sounds and emotions will stay with you forever.
For most travellers the Antarctic experience is a once in a lifetime visit, it is therefore important that the trip should be as rewarding as possible and the 100-passenger MS Island Sky is the perfect vessel both in terms of the educational experience on board and the number of opportunities to go ashore. Antarctica is to be experienced, not just to be seen, and we believe the only way to do this is on board a small ship. Our indepth itinerary allows for ten days of exploration on the Peninsula and has been timed for late summer when whale sightings are at their peak, the penguin chicks begin to fledge and brave their first swim and the snow algae is in bloom. In between our landings and while at sea, you can pass the time on deck looking for wildlife, attend the series of lectures by members of the expedition team and simply relax on board enjoying the facilities.
- Buenos Aires: Explore the vibrant city with highlights such as the historic Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo's cobblestoned streets, and the colorful zinc houses of La Boca.
- Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands: Experience ten days of Antarctic exploration, witnessing diverse wildlife including penguins, seals, and whales, and visiting iconic sites like Deception Island and Lemaire Channel.
- Drake Passage: Enjoy the adventure of crossing the Drake Passage, spotting seabirds like the black-browed albatross and cape petrel, and keeping an eye out for whales in this rich marine area.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Arrive this morning and transfer to our centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon is free to relax in the hotel or maybe join an orientation tour of the city including the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and the Cabildo (Old City Hall) before we continue towards the most traditional neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo which is characterised by its old colonial houses and the cobblestoned streets. End the tour in La Boca to look around the colourful zinc houses which used to be the refuge and home for the first immigrants and popular artists. The evening is free for independent exploration.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ushuaia. On arrival transfer to the MS Island Sky and start our adventure this evening as we cruise down the Beagle Channel.
Start your voyage with two leisurely days on board. Attend some lectures, look for wildlife or simply relax as we make our way across the Drake Passage towards Antarctica. Named after the 16th century English seaman, Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage separates the southernmost tip of South America from Antarctica. This is a particularly good area to spot many species of seabirds including the black-browed albatross, cape petrel and Antarctic prion and we will also be on the lookout for whales.
We have ten days of exploration around the Peninsula which will include many of the best places to see the vast biodiversity of Antarctic species and iconic icy environments from glaciers to enormous tabular icebergs. Whilst we arrive with a planned itinerary, the final schedule will be determined by our Captain and the Expedition Leader based on sea, weather and ice conditions. Using our Zodiacs we will make daily landings and we have planned sites to see gentoo, chinstrap and hopefully Adelie penguins, as well as elephant seals, Antarctic fur seals, crabeater seals, Weddell seals and, if we are lucky, the iconic predator leopard seals at this busy time of year when the penguins are fledging. We will weave through the South Shetlands and hope to visit inside the caldera of Deception Island, stopping at Whaler’s Bay with its enormous whale oil storage tanks from its historic heyday. We cross the Bransfield and explore the islands around the Gerlache Strait, a body of water rich in plankton and humpback whales feeding in the summer months. Depending on ice conditions, we hope to travel through the Lemaire Channel down to Peterman Island with a vista that has an edge-of-the-world feeling. We have requested permission to visit a working Antarctic research station and will hopefully have the opportunity to send a postcard from the UK base of Port Lockroy. Through the Errera and Neumayer channels, surrounded by high white peaks, we will search for orcas and enjoy the grandeur of the white wilderness.
Enjoy a final two leisurely days on board and reminisce with your fellow travellers about all you have seen and experienced during our expedition. If we are lucky, we may have albatross and giant petrels scouring our wake.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The evening is free for independent exploration.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Arrive this morning.
Please note that flexibility is key to a successful expedition in Antarctica. Although we have outlined an itinerary below, this is only a preliminary plan, our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter.
Island Sky
| Length: | 90 Metres |
|---|---|
| Built/Refurbished: | 1992/2018 |
With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.
There is a high ratio of crew to passengers- the friendly crew of 75 crew and Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.
Your SuiteOnboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.
Your SpaceThe spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.
Your DiningAnother benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus.
