Day 1: Miami (November 6, 2002, or February 23,
2003)
We depart on our flight to Santiago, Chile.
Day 2: Santiago, Chile
We arrive in the morning and transfer to our hotel to spend the rest of the
day at leisure, with lunch and dinner on our own.
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Day 3: Santiago - Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia for a sightseeing tour of this southernmost city in the
world. Here we board 'Explorer' and settle in for our first night on board.
'Explorer' B,D
Days 4-5: Drake Passage
As we sail south toward Antarctica, our lecturers begin their informal
series of enlightening discussions on the fauna, birds and history of the
exploration of Antarctica. 'Explorer' B,L,D
Days 6-9: Antarctica
As conditions permit, we plan to land on the Antarctic Peninsula and on a
number of islands, which may include the South Shetlands - including
Deception Island, and possibly Elephant Island, where Antarctic Explorer Sir
Ernest Shackleton's men wintered. We also hope to sail through Paradise Bay
and the Lemaire Channel, with other possibilities for exploration including
a scientific research station and the remains of early-century whaling and
sealing industries.
On most days we make two landings, heading out in our swift and versatile
Zodiacs, accompanied by lecturers, to explore islands filled with thousands
of penguins, to photograph nesting grounds of seabirds, and to cruise
iceberg-strewn passageways of breathtaking beauty. 'Explorer' B,L,D
Days 10-11: At Sea
As we approach South Georgia, we begin to spot wildlife from the deck.
Marine mammals and sea birds feast off the rich krill found in these waters.
'Explorer' B,L,D
Days 12-14: South Georgia
South Georgia is actually a continuation of the Andean mountain range. We
spend our days exploring the island's many glacier-carved coves and its
historic sites, including Grytviken, a former whaling station and site of
Shackleton's grave. As always, weather shapes our explorations, but we hope
to visit Salisbury Plain, situated between two glaciers, where a vast colony
of stately king penguins stretches as far as the eye can see. A neighboring
island is home to nesting wandering albatross, with fur and elephant seals
slumbering on the beach and in high tussock grass. 'Explorer' B,L,D
Days 15-16: Cruising the South Atlantic
Lecturers recap our adventures in South Georgia while the ship passes
through nutrient-plentiful waters that create a rich environment for marine
mammals and fish. We may spot whales from the deck. 'Explorer' B,L,D
Day 17: Southeast Falkland Islands
The ship stops in these remote and rarely visited islands off the south
coast of East Falkland Island, where the rolling hills and huge clumps of
tussock grass provide a habitat for cormorants, elephant seals, sea lions
and three species of penguins. 'Explorer' B,L,D
Day 18: Port Stanley - Santiago - Miami
Today, disembark the ship for a short drive into Stanley, where we enjoy its
quaint streets, colorful houses, museums, shops and cathedral. Later, board
our flight to Santiago and make our onward connection. B
Day 19: Miami
After a morning arrival, we connect to homebound flights.
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