Canadian polar-cruise specialist One Ocean Expeditions is introducing new itineraries for the 2016–2017 season aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov. The flagship offering is a 21-night Antarctica in Depth voyage that features more than 30 off-ship excursions across the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea and the Falkland Islands. The itinerary includes options to camp onshore and go sea kayaking, as well as snowshoe and ski outings. Guests can also enjoy birdwatching, guided hikes, marine-mammal spotting and dedicated field photography opportunities. Fares start at $14,995 per person for triple-share cabins, with departures on Dec. 17, 2016, and Jan. 7 and Feb. 11, 2017.
For travelers seeking a shorter crossing, the 10-night Quest for the Antarctic Circle departs Jan. 7 and Feb. 11, 2017, and includes a crossing of the Antarctic Circle. Rates begin at $10,095 per person based on triple-share cabins.
Also new for the season is an 11-night Antarctica and the Falkland Islands — Sea Birds and Penguins voyage designed specifically for birdwatchers. Timed to coincide with peak penguin activity, including nest building and the arrival of chicks, the route visits locations in the Weddell Sea, Elephant Island and the Falklands where up to eight penguin species may be observed. This departure runs on Dec. 6, 2016, with fares starting at $10,395 per person for triple-share cabins.
All fares include round-trip flights between Punta Arenas and either Stanley or King George Island, airport transfers, onboard accommodation and meals, experienced expedition guides, wet-weather gear and the excursions and activities outlined in each itinerary.