Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey Cruise

These 20- to 24-day voyages encompass the best of the Antarctic Peninsula and the enchanting wildlife haven of South Georgia. Discover the historic Falkland Islands and stand in awe before the world’s largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia. In Antarctica, experience the serenity and grandeur of the most remote place on earth, where penguins nest, whales feed and captivating seals frolic in ice-speckled seas. Highlights include marveling at the iridescent blues of icebergs and South Georgia’s enormous king penguin colonies, walking along beaches lined with elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals and photographing curious seals while Zodiac cruising through glassy waters.

A variety of added-cost adventure activities make this South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey Cruise unique. In particular, certain 21-day departures offer a chance for passengers to attempt Shackleton’s epic crossing of South Georgia’s interior on foot, or via snowshoes, skis or snowboard, providing an opportunity for history buffs and polar adventurers to attempt the same historic feat. Also available on select departures are programs for sea kayaking, snowshoeing and snorkeling.

Cruise aboard the adventure-ready polar expedition ship Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle for their state-of-the-art design and technology, plus excursion-minded preparation rooms and multiple boarding platforms for efficient embarkation and disembarkation. These small ships average 132 guests, with an educational and engaged team of expedition guides providing programming aimed at immersion into the surrounding polar wilds.

In addition to the main 21-day itinerary that includes a visit to Elephant Island, various alternative itineraries exist. An alternative 21-day itinerary skips Elephant Island, spends more time at the Falkland Islands and along the Antarctic Peninsula and less time at South Georgia. An alternative 23-day itinerary adds time to attempt crossing the Antarctic Circle. A 24-day itinerary spends less time exploring the Peninsula in order to add a unique stop at the rarely visited South Sandwich Islands. And a 20-day itinerary follows the path of Shackleton’s fateful Trans-Antarctic Expedition, including an optional hike from Fortuna Bay to Stromness that follows the final stage of Shackleton, Worsely and Crean’s improbable traverse of South Georgia.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and South Georgia cruises.