2028 DEPARTURE
23 DAYS | 22 NIGHTS
9 February – 2 March 2028
Ushuaia – Ushuaia

ONLY 6 CABINS LEFT

$31,398.00 USD
Per Person Double/Twin Share

This price includes your 2-night (7th and 8th of February) Buenos Aires city stay package

Come with us to explore in depth one of the most incredible places on our planet.
An extended expedition in ‘The Falkland Islands, South Georgia & The Antarctic Circle’

This will be an action-packed adventure covering many of the most spectacular must-see locations found in the southern polar region. Explore the jaw-dropping wildlife of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia before spending an impressive 7 days in the White Continent, including crossing the Antarctic Circle.

The Falklands which have a spectacular and rugged landscape presents the perfect treat for all wildlife lovers. It is rich in birdlife and marine mammals but also has a fascinating history. Not all voyages go there!

South Georgia is home to one of the greatest wildlife extravaganzas on the planet. You will witness the colony of king penguins and seals in unimaginable numbers. Whether you’re looking for wandering albatross or following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia is a must visit destination. Not all voyages go there!

Antarctica is where the gigantic icebergs and icy landscapes all meet the horizon and it’s here where plentiful and playful wildlife await. You will set foot on the 7th continent, zodiac cruise with curious humpbacks and watch the action of penguin rookeries.

This voyage would not be complete unless we took the time and continued south to the Antarctic Circle. Not all voyages go there!

February is Antarctica’s most active month as all wildlife maximises the Austral summer’s brief window. Penguin chicks start fledging and learning to swim, skuas and leopard seals seek prey, and whale sightings become more common.

7 Reasons to visit Antarctica in February

1. Penguin chicks are now very active and are chasing both parents for food as soon as they return from fishing trips

2. It’s peak whale spotting season as all migrating pods will have made it down to Antarctica’s rich waters

3. February is the perfect month to reach the Antarctic Circle, now that the sea ice has receded to its summer minimum

4. The adult penguins watch on as their chicks are fledging and learning to swim in the shallows

5. Humpback whale encounters increase, now they’ve spent their summer gorging on krill.

6. On South Georgia, cute and curious fur seal pups congregate along the beaches to keep a watchful eye on the massive king penguin creches.

7. In the Falkland Islands black-browed albatross chicks are maturing on the nests, alongside the rockhopper penguins with whom they share their colonies.

This once in a lifetime expedition was developed with many considered elements to design the best experience for you. See below what inspired our choices.

WHY THIS ITINERARY

G&T believe that 23 days is necessary to have the full immersive experience. There are many 10day 14day and 18day itineraries that all just miss the mark. If you are considering Antarctica, it is worth the extra time and dollars to do it well.

WHY FEBRUARY

The Antarctica season is limited and within the season all months are different for different reasons. It is hard to pick a time to travel but considering all on offer, February is the best blend of weather, wildlife encounters, access to shore landings, sunlight hours and photography.

WHAT SIZE SHIP

There are many different ships that explore this region. Some are extremely large with big passenger numbers. Some are medium with 300 – 400 passengers. But the smaller ships with less than 200 passengers are the pick by far. The bigger the ship the cheaper the experience in many ways (not just in dollar sense.) To have a small ship with no more than 180 guests allows us great access and maximises the on and offshore zodiac experiences. Incredibly less is more 😉

SHIP LAYOUT

The right size ship still needs ample space for all guests to enjoy the adventure. You do need room to relax and take in all the scenery without being crowded. Be it from the deck, the library, the sauna or the spa. The fully glassed restaurant and bar area. The viewing options are endless.

WHAT STYLE OF SHIP

Some of the ships are still the older style expedition ships that do the job but don’t offer a lot of wow. The modern ships offer fantastic facilities, comfort, style, and plenty of space for wellbeing. You can even work out in the gym to keep up your fitness levels. There will be no cabin fever on our ship.

BALCONY ROOMS

Speaking of cabin fever, the opportunity to have your own balcony to experience a quiet moment amongst the grandeur is difficult to find without paying top dollar. Ocean Albatros however offers great rates for these cabins and has the experience covered.

STAFF & CREW

It was 100% our top priority to find the company with the best certification and qualifications amongst their staff and crew. It will be the crew that makes your experience first class and on Ocean Albatros we will have a ratio of 1:7 (staff to guests).

ZODIACS

The cruise is all about fun and adventure and the zodiacs certainly add to that element. Your ship will have plenty to accommodate the passenger numbers with several launch areas which saves time and gives you the maximum time on the ocean. The launch areas are easy to navigate because they won’t be crowded.

OFF SHIP EXPERIENCES

Ocean Albatros offers a great blend of both onshore and water-based zodiac excursions. She even offers ‘The Citizen Science Program’ which allows guests to join in with the research and data collection while out on the excursions. You may even wish to make a splash and take up the challenge of the ‘Polar Plunge’ – a right of passage for some!

REPUTATION AND OUR OPINION

A lot of research has gone into finding the perfect adventure for our Clubbers and we trust that you all trust our judgement and choices. We are chasing a once in a lifetime experience here and want to make sure we get it right.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Most important for G&T Travel Club. As you know we never compromise value. We don’t just look for the cheapest but chase the best value. We make sure that our product is what our Clubbers now come to expect, and we are confident that all the above will tick all your boxes.

Learn about the Ocean Albatros

HOW WE DIFFER

The following are some of the considerations we made when creating the best Antarctica experience.

ANTARCTICA 2028 ITINERARY

On arrival in Ushuaia, you will be transferred to your hotel for a complimentary pre-cruise accommodation. This evening there will be a briefing to meet fellow travellers and be talked through your ship’s next day, departure plans.

Once onboard the ship, you will set sail through for the Southern Ocean via the Beagle Channel. You’ll not know whether to settle into your luxury cabins or discover the ships fantastic facilities or race to the viewing decks for 360-degree views. The programme of talks will begin, and you’ll soon be on deck again looking for albatrosses and other seabirds – or perhaps slip into holiday mode and enjoy the ship’s spa.Once onboard the ship, you will set sail through for the Southern Ocean via the Beagle Channel. You’ll not know whether to settle into your luxury cabins or discover the ships fantastic facilities or race to the viewing decks for 360-degree views. The programme of talks will begin, and you’ll soon be on deck again looking for albatrosses and other seabirds – or perhaps slip into holiday mode and enjoy the ship’s spa.  Once onboard the ship, you will set sail through for the Southern Ocean via the Beagle Channel. You’ll not know whether to settle into your luxury cabins or discover the ships fantastic facilities or race to the viewing decks for 360-degree views. The programme of talks will begin, and you’ll soon be on deck again looking for albatrosses and other seabirds – or perhaps slip into holiday mode and enjoy the ship’s spa.

On arrival in the Falklands, the excitement builds as we may head to either Saunders Island or West Point, in search of the spectacular colonies of black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins. Up to five different species of penguins can be seen in these islands, along with many endemic bird species. During your time in the Falklands, the aim is to get your ship into the gusty Port of Stanley. This quaint town is the main hub of the islands, with shops, pubs and an excellent small museum.

You will soon see why it is vital to take an extended expedition into the far southeast down to South Georgia. Your ship will move through the wild waters of the Southern Ocean and cross the Antarctic Convergence. The onboard educational programme continues, with talks preparing you for the jaw-dropping wildlife and epic tales of the very brave polar explorers who have passed through the region before us.

Exploring South Georgia feels like falling into a live-action wildlife documentary. Its densely packed shorelines burst with king penguins, elephant seals and fur seals, all against a backdrop of jagged mountains. Conditions permitting, you’ll visit the enormous king penguin colonies, where the wind carries a cacophony of trills and the biggest challenge is deciding where to point your camera. The human history is also fascinating, with historical whaling stations like Grytviken, where fans of legendary polar explorer Ernest Shackleton will be able to visit his graveyard to toast the Boss himself in awe of his achievements.

Now heading southwest from South Georgia, you’ll cross the Scotia Sea towards Antarctica. The educational programmes will continue as you decide how much or how little you wish to participate. It is now time to be on deck, cameras ready as you will be rewarded with your first sightings of grandeur icebergs floating like silent giants.

The White Continent is simply breathtaking, and every moment is a feast for the eyes (and your camera lens!). Your action-packed itinerary will aim to have you off the ship twice a day exploring Antarctica’s spectacular landscapes and wildlife. You may head ashore to enjoy the drama of a gentoo penguin rookery, or on a zodiac cruise among the icebergs. At this time of year, humpback whale sightings are an extra treat. For those who have signed up for optional activities, the team will look for the right conditions to offer ocean kayaking (optional).

For a real treat and just one of the reasons why we chose Ocean Albatros, is that you can join in on the ‘Citizen Science Programme’. You will take the zodiacs out and you can help to collect samples for important research projects – ‘you sign up on board’.

The Antarctic Circle is the most southerly of the five major circles of latitude that mark the maps of Earth. Your Captain will sail south during your time in Antarctica, with the aim to bring the ship to the magic line of latitude at 66°33’S, exploring along the way. February is the best time to achieve this as the ice is open and welcoming. Here, a toast and celebration await as you cross the Antarctic Circle – an achievement that very few travellers get to experience. Please note that the exact timings and routing will be based on the weather and ice conditions.

After the most exciting southerly experience your exploration will continue as you now head north once again towards the South Shetland Islands. You will all be absolute experts in sea life spotting’s by now. Spend any free time out on deck looking for the blow of humpback whales – which are plentiful at this time of year. You will delight in the splash of the cute penguins twisting through the water. Enjoy watching the shape of an iceberg change as you sail past and discover new angles against the horizon. It may even be time to indulge and enjoy a little spa treatment or massage.

Bid Antarctica farewell as you make the journey north across the famous Drake Passage to return to South America. Many use this time to sort through their plethora of photos. You may need to do the same You may need to simply sit, breathe and pinch yourself to check that this journey you have been on, is real and not just a dream. The education programme is still in full swing, with many more great opportunities to learn about the history, wildlife and geology of the incredible locations you have just explored. As you approach civilisation again, you will celebrate the conclusion of your adventure with a specialised slideshow. A great way to relive all the spectacular images in your head. Some of you may even wish to enter in the guest photo competition.

Tonight, will be our final meal together – ’The Last Supper’ and one to truly remember for many years to come.

As we return to the hustle and bustle of civilisation it can feel a little jarring after 3 weeks of exploring some of the most remote locations on our planet.

Sadly, it’s now time to say goodbye to your expedition team, crew and The Ocean Albatros that has proven to be an exceptional home away from home.

As you fly back to Buenos Aires (or onwards to another adventure) we are sure that your friends and family eagerly await your return home to hear all about your ‘Action in Antarctica’.

NOTE: TIA ‘This Is Antarctica’ – Flexibility is key for an adventure in Antarctica as each voyage will be dependent on weather conditions and wildlife encounters. But this is why we chose February!!!

VIEW THE ANTARCTICA BROCHURE

PRICE INCLUDES

  • 23 days Polar Expedition onboard MV Ocean Albatros
  • Comprehensive pre departure information
  • $700.00 USD City Package in Buenos Aires:

2 night’s accommodation (Superior Hotel TBA) with return airport-hotel transfers and an included city tour. THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES THE NIGHTS of the 7th February & 8th February.

  • Shared transfer from Airport – Hotel in Ushuaia on day 1
  • 1 pre-cruise hotel nights’ accommodation in Ushuaia – Double/Twin share basis
  • Shared transfer from Hotel – Port for embarkation day 2
  • Shared transfer from Port – Airport on disembarkation on day 23
  • Cat C Superior Balcony Cabin for the voyage – Double/Twin share basis
  • All meal as full board during the voyage
  • Complimentary beer and soft drinks included with lunch
  • Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks included with dinner
  • All shore excursions and zodiac activities (some optional extras available)
  • Complimentary 500Mb Wi-Fi onboard (option to purchase more if required)
  • $100.00 USD credit to use onboard Ocean Albatros
  • Educational lectures by expert polar guides
  • Ratio of 1:7 staff to crew onboard
  • Access to onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • All port taxes and entry fees to historical sites
  • Post voyage digital log
  • COMPLIMENTARY WINDPROOF/WATERPROOF OUTER JACKET TO KEEP
  • COMPLIMENTARY INNER LINER JACKET TO KEEP
  • LOAN RUBBER BOOTS FOR THE VOYAGE DURATION
  • Gools and Thommo as your hosts throughout the entire tour.

PRICE EXCLUDES

  • Any flights to and from embarkation/disembarkation points
  • Any additional pre/post accommodation, meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Any transfers not specified in the inclusions
  • Travel Insurance (Compulsory and Comprehensive)

INSURANCE MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM $150,000 USD COVERAGE FOR:

Medical expenses, evacuation (vessel to shore), emergency repatriation, pre-existing medical conditions.

  • Visas applicable to your nationality
  • Vaccinations if your doctor deem them necessary
  • Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, additional Wi-Fi, additional beverages etc.
  • Additional onboard purchases at the gift shop
  • Additional ‘optional activities’ you may wish to add (Kayaking, Photography)

THESE NEED TO BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

  • Staff tips/gratuities are customary to reward at the end of the journey

NB: SUGGESTED FLIGHTS FOR YOU TO BOOK

AUSTRALIA – BUENOS AIRES – note the nights of 7 FEB/8 FEB are included in your bonus 2-night city layover

9 FEB – BUENOS AIRES – USHUAIA – arrival transfers and 1 night in Ushuaia included

After the cruise you will need 2 MAR – USHUAIA – BUENOS AIRES – AUSTRALIA

NB: G&T normally collect a tipping kitty for ease of dispersal when we have many different components to the tour. However, in this case it is just the one entity and cruise ships always have a room tipping policy with a provided envelope on the last day of the voyage. If you like I can ask Cassis for an indication of what would be a good guideline.

THIS TOUR IS COSTED IN USD – CONVERSION PROCESS TO AUD

As you know G&T Travel Club run with very narrow margins, this adventure is a little different to all others and we are not adding any margin for us at all. It is all costed in USD and needs to be paid abroad in USD. Therefore, we can invoice you on the day with that day’s conversion rate. You will have 3 days to make payment (it must be in G&T Travel Club account within the 3 days). If it takes longer than the 3 days and if the AUD devalues against the USD in that time, we do reserve the right to adjust your invoice.

NB: The rate used will be the National Australia Bank USD buy rate.

GRAB YOUR SPOT – SPOTS ARE LIMITED ‘FIRST IN FIRST SERVED’

Booking a cruise of this nature is a very different process than a land package.

Generally, once they quote you, you are given 3 days to pay a deposit. We have been given a grace period of 1 month to sell the cabins and forward the deposits.

NB: Deposit amount required is 20% of total package price.

To secure the best group rate and achieve our additional value add inclusions we had to work within very strict guidelines given by the Cruise Company. Our group booking rate is based on a minimum of 12 cabins being sold. These cabins must be of a double/twin occupancy totalling 24 berths. If we need more than the 12 cabins, we will need to go off to procurement and request more.

SOLO TRAVELLERS

This will be a significant investment by you, and we encourage you to find a travel buddy. Do note that most of the time is not spent in your cabin, so certainly something to consider. If you do wish to travel solo and secure a single cabin – we are happy to check availability and get a quote for you. PLEASE ADVISE ASAP.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to go to our online booking form.