Seabourn 2021 - 2022

hundreds of species of birds and mammals including guanacos, foxes, cougars and huemul. Some 15 birds of prey species including Andean condors breed in the area, as well as ostrich-like rheas. DAY 8 | PUERTO NATALES & SMYTH CHANNEL The gentle hills and pampas countryside surrounding Puerto Natales supports cattle and sheep ranching. Chilean flamingos dot the quiet bays while eagles and Andean condors soar overhead, especially now in the spring lambing season. The nearby Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument is world-renowned for the mummified remains of an extinct Mylodon giant ground sloth discovered there. In the afternoon, we leave via the Smyth Channel , dominated by the looming cone of Mount Burney, the southernmost of Chile’s 2,000 volcanoes. DAYS 9-10 | DRAKE PASSAGE Your Antarctic voyage truly begins with crossing the Drake Passage , infamous for strong currents and winds. In reality, the strait is often a tranquil ‘Drake Lake,’ barely disturbed by the ship’s wake. Your Expedition Team will point out the noticeable change to Antarctic waters and identify ever-present petrels on the waves, albatrosses gliding just above the sea, and the exciting appearance of any whales or dolphins. DAYS 11-15 | THE ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE You will never forget your first sighting of Antarctica and its islands. Regardless of weather conditions, you will find yourself spellbound by the vision of a completely unspoiled landscape of ice, rock and ink-blue sea. For the next five days, your Captain and Expedition Leader plan your itinerary, daily landings, scenic cruising and exploration operations to offer you the widest variety of experiences possible based on conditions and wildlife reports. The numbers and concentrations of wildlife thriving in Antarctica must be seen to be believed. Visits to breeding colonies of different penguin species; sightings of crabeater, Weddell and leopard seals basking on ice or swimming; and watching various species of whales feeding, breaching or passing in review punctuate your every waking hour. Petrels, skuas, gulls and other seabirds fill the skies. And inspiring, panoramic views of mountain ranges, glaciers and sculpted icebergs lend a dreamlike quality to every hour. For these five days, you are privileged to experience this truly wild place in a level of luxury previously unimaginable. Antarctica has been a source of inspiration for as long as humans have been aware of its existence. DAYS 16-17 | DRAKE PASSAGE Relax on another crossing of the Drake Passage . You may share tales of your personal adventures with shipmates, some of whom may become lifelong friends. Expedition Team members are once again around the ship to point out birds and any marine life as you sail northward. Albatrosses glide over the South Atlantic Ocean, petrels and gulls circle your ship and possibly whales or dolphins briefly appear. As you approach the tip of South America, you see more birds and then sight the rocky prominences at the southern end of the great cordillera of the Andes. DAY 18 | USHUAIA & BUENOS AIRES Monte Olivia towers above Ushuaia , Argentina as you approach from the Beagle Channel. You have arrived at the southernmost city on earth, referred to as El Fin del Mundo, the ‘end of the world.’ Today you will disembark and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Buenos Aires . But for the rest of your life you may occasionally experience an emotional lift, simply recalling that such places such as the Chilean Fjords and Antarctica exist. Included air to BUENOS AIRES Pacific Ocean Atlantic Ocean SAN ANTONIO Puerto Montt Jorge Montt Glacier Pío XI Glacier Puerto Natales Ushuaia Darwin Channel Eyre Fjord Peel Fjord Calvo Fjord Brujo Glacier Lemaire Channel Paradise Bay Drake Passage King George Island Gerlache Strait Weddell Sea Hope Bay Antarctica Sound Bransfield Strait Note: routing/ activity dependent on weather and ice conditions. HIGHLIGHT: ADÉLIE PENGUINS. Endearing Adélies enjoy the widest distribution among penguin species in Antarctica, from the peninsula right around the coast. They gather in colonies of very different sizes, building rough stone nests for their two eggs. They are shamelessly curious and comically self-confident, their simple tuxedo-color pattern. However, they swim far and risk much to sustain their meager lives. ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS 63 Included charter flight