Ross Sea & Grand Southern Antarctica

Starting from Ushuaia and ending in New Zealand, this voyage takes you across the Ross Sea, where around one third of the world's population of emperor penguins breeds.

You visit the volcanic Peter I Island; explore the outer fringes of the pack-ice in the Amundsen Sea, and pause at the huts of British explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott. En route you explore Campbell Island, home to the southern royal albatross, and the South Shetland Islands, where you visit enormous rookeries of penguins, land on beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals, and see wallowing elephant seals. You sail on to the Antarctic Peninsula, with plenty of time to experience its magic.

A typical Ross Sea itinerary is shown below, on board Ortelius.

Helicopter transfers

During this voyage passengers are transferred ashore by Zodiac inflatable. If Zodiacs cannot be used the ship's two helicopters will be deployed. Potential locations for helicopter landings are Peter I Island, the Ross Ice-shelf, the Dry Valleys, McMurdo Station, Cape Evans (the site of Scott's hut) and Cape Royds (where Shackleton's hut is located). A total of five helicopter landings are planned, however it is impossible to predict the exact number as the expedition visits some of the world's most remote areas, where the forces of nature, weather and ice conditions may all affect helicopter usage.

Special note – crossing the date line

Both trips are of identical duration i.e. 31 nights / 32 days. However, if you look at the dates of operation, it appears that one lasts for 32 nights, while the other lasts for only 30 nights. This is due to the effect of crossing the International Date Line at 180⁰ longitude. At this point one day is added to the trip that heads from Argentina to New Zealand, while one day is deducted from the reverse trip.

Typical itinerary

The full itinerary detail is available on our website.

1. Day 1: In the afternoon embark in Ushuaia, and set sail along the scenic Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening.
2. Days 2-3: At sea
3. Day 4: Arrive in the Antarctic Peninsula
4. Day 5: Sail through the Penola Strait and cross the Polar Circle before landing at the Fish Islands.
5. Days 6-7: At sea
6. Day 8: Sail to Peter I Island
7. Days 9-14: At sea
8. Days 15-15: Sail along the Ross Ice Shelf
9. Day 16: Sail along the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf, then continue west
10. Days 17-21: Ross Island, Cape Royd and Cape Evans
11. Days 22-23: Sail northward
12. Day 24: Cape Adare
13. Day 25: Navigate through the sea ice at the entrance of the Ross Sea
14. Day 26: Sail along the side of Scott Island
15. Days 27-29: Head towards Campbell Island
16. Day 30: Campbell Island
17. Day 31: Head to Invercargill, on the mainland of New Zealand
18. Day 32: Disembark at Bluff near Invercargill, and begin your homeward journey

You should note: Some trips operate in reverse, starting from Bluff, near Invercargill, and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina. The itinerary is the same as described above, but in the opposite direction. Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions. 

• Available^*: Feb to Mar
• Group size: Varies according to vessel
• Price excluding international flights: From £25,500 pp
• Included in the price/package:
  • Accommodation in twin-share cabin
  • All meals on board ship
  • Guided shore excursions
• Activities available:
  • Photography
  • Walking
  • Glacier walking

Departures

This is a group trip with fixed departure dates. Please refer to our website for further information.