Compare Emperors & South Pole by White Desert vs Last Discovered Continent by Poseidon Expeditions
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 67,977 | $ 6,295 |
| Price Per Day | $ 8,497 | $ 484 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
Food and drink (including all alcohol) in Antarctica |
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| Description |
This 8-day adventure takes you into the heart of Antarctica to see the Emperor Penguins. Then its to the lowest point on earth - the South Pole! |
Averaging 23 square metres/250 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer. |
Day 1:
With the official destination registered as “Unknown International Airport” we fly to Antarctica (5.5 hours) crossing the thousands of icebergs spread across the Southern Ocean. Halfway through the flight, we cross into the polar circle and into 24hrs continuous daylight. Landing on the specialist ice runway, you will transfer to our camp and go for a gentle trek around the Oasis.
Day 2:
Settle into White Desert’s ‘Whichaway’ Camp and do as much or as little as you like each day. Activities range from gentle treks to the incredible ice waves, to kite-skiing, ice climbing and even abseiling into crevasses!
Day 3:
We fly two hours across Antarctica, providing immense views of the high polar plateau before landing at the Emperor Penguin colony. You will be the only people to witness this incredible wildlife spectacle and able to get up close and personal to these real life stars of “March of the Penguins”.
DAY 4:
We explore the ice waves beneath our camp, delving into the series of ice tunnels that are as surreal as they are beautiful. The day ends with a visit to the nearby Russian science base to learn more about their work, followed by a sauna.
Day 5**
You will leave early on the morning in the DC3 Bassler Turbo prop plane. The plane will fly across stunning mountain ranges before landing at 83 degrees South to refuel. You will have a chance to walk around the high polar plateau before continuing onto the pole. At the South Pole itself, you will have lots of time for photos, a tour around the base and a chance to visit the souvenir shop before camping down for the night.
Day 6:
After a night spent camping, you will be given a hearty breakfast, before boarding the plane once again for the flight back to our camp. The flight is the perfect chance to really appreciate the immense scale of Antarctica, before you return to our camp for a three-course dinner and some champagne to celebrate your achievement.
Day 7:
Today is an easier day with talks from our polar explorer staff about some of the lesser known history of Antarctica and their world record breaking expeditions. Then, its time for kite-sking aroundcamp, followed by a giantabseil off the near by Nunatak mountain.
Day 8:
The flight out of Antarctica will be the last of your unforgettable Antarctic memories before you delve back into the noise and heat of Africa. You will be transferred to your hotel where you will have a chance to relax in a hot bath and think back to your Antarctic adventure!
**Note:
Please bear in mind that the South Pole is situated at an apparent altitude of 4,000m with an approximate ambient temperature of -25 C. Those with pre-conditions for altitudes sickness should not choose this option. If you are unsure in anyway, please contact White desert for any advice or further information.
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina.
Despite its small size, the city of Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the main starting point for voyages to Antarctica.
Admire the surrounded views of Beagle Channel and the Andes Mountains. If you arrived early, you may want to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost on the planet. Stroll along the main street of Avenue San Martin, and pause at one of the many cafes, shops or restaurants.
Day 2: Ushuaia, embarkation.
This afternoon, embark the Sea Spirit and set sail down the picturesque Beagle Channel as the sun sets and dinner is served.
The Сaptain and our Expedition Team will welcome you and raise a toast to success of our expedition.
Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage.
The Drake Passage spans 600 miles from the top of South America to the South Shetland Islands. The Sea Spirit’s stabilizer fins will help to make the crossing comfortable.
Lectures and presentations by our friendly team of Antarctic experts prepare us for what lies ahead. At the Antarctic Convergence, watch for sea mammals, albatrosses and petrels in these krill-rich waters. If the Drake has behaved, we will approach the sub-Antarctic South Shetlands during the afternoon of Day 4.
Day 5-6: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
The Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands provide exceptional opportunities to discover the unique wildlife and awesome landscapes. Depending on weather and ice conditions, the captain and expedition team will direct the Sea Spirit to a variety of secluded bays and harbors to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing. While we have a plan, flexibility is the key to successful expedition cruising. With the help of our expedition team, look for the four penguins, six seal and several whale species on your Antarctic checklist. We’ll also find a time for our most adventurous travelers to take a polar plunge, perhaps in Neko Harbor or the relatively warm waters of volcanic Deception Island.
Day 7-10: Antarctic Continent.
As we head south along the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ill understand why the imposing, snow-covered Lemaire Channel is called “Kodak Alley.” We’ll also try to visit a research station during the voyage, although the work schedules of the scientists may not always permit this. At the Ukrainian base of Academician Vernadskiy, you might want to sample the throat-burning gorilka, or Ukrainian pepper vodka, distilled on location. A Zodiac cruise of Paradise Bay, with its many glaciers, offers an experience like no other on the globe. Cruise by massive icebergs, with cracks and crevices reflecting an amazing spectrum of blue colors. Conditions permitting, we’ll set foot on the actual Antarctic Continent at Hope Bay or perhaps another site.
Day 11-12: Drake Passage.
As the Sea Spirit heads back to Ushuaia, there are some final opportunities to ask questions of our Antarctic experts, to share photos and experiences with newfound friends, and to enjoy our festive farewell dinner. Wave goodbye to the birds and whales, until you meet again on your next voyage to the White Continent!
Day 13: Ushuaia, disembarkation.
Disembark following breakfast, and transfer to the airport or the city centre.
