The X-BOW EXPRESS
9 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina
Visiting: Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
Ocean AlbatrosGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
189
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Meat, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Cruise, Expeditions, Luxury, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This is our new 9-day voyage to the Great White Continent. Experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery and gigantic icebergs in just 9 action-packed days. Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage, navigating towards the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic peninsula. Here we will be making Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries and fascinating lookouts along the way. Continuing southward, we pass the famous Deception Island, with its snow capped volcanic cliffs and colonies of penguins. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days! When Ocean Albatros returns to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, depending on weather conditions, we might pass close to the mythical Cape Horn - the southernmost point on South America; a celebrated maritime landmark. We call this trip the X-Bow Express, because the design of our ship allow us to make a solid expedition to Antarctica in only 9 days, allowing our guests to make the most of their valuable time! Any voyage to Antarctica is an adventure, but with a maximum capacity of 186 guests aboard Ocean Albatros, this cruise offers a unique experience for the few. Shore landings, excursions, lectures and Zodiac safaris are easily accommodated to help you enjoy a matchless expedition experience. Onboard our brand new strong, ice-classed expedition vessel, Ocean Albatros, we are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, hopefully enabling all expedition guests to set foot on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding islands. With the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessels, we might be able to do a first landing or activity in the South Shetland Islands already on Day 3 late in the afternoon.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Ship
Accommodation Name: MV Ocean Atlantic
Meals Included: Dinner, Snacks
Arrive and embark in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon we embark the ship Ocean Albatros, our home for the coming days.
Our journey begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
Day 2 - 3 : At Sea. Drake Passage, Possible First Zodiac Landing
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation: Ship
Accommodation Name: MV Ocean Atlantic
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds, heavy sea, and its nickname ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and soon you can tick it off on the list yourself!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with our first sight of seals, penguins and albatrosses.
Having crossed the Drake, we will explore the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.
With the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Albatros will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessel, we might be able to do a first landing or activity in the South Shetland Islands, weather permitting.
Day 4 - 6 : Antarctic Peninsula And South Shetland Islands
Location: South Shetland Islands
Accommodation: Ship
Accommodation Name: MV Ocean Atlantic
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Over the next days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.
Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the Zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.
For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, our ships offer excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. Our ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.
Day 7 - 8 : Depart Antarctica - At Sea
Location: South Shetland Islands
Accommodation: Ship
Accommodation Name: MV Ocean Atlantic
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. On our way we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.
During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition team on board, visit our shop, unwind in the spa or enjoy the ship’s facilities designed to provide a comfortable relaxing time.
Day 9 : Back To Ushuaia And Disembarkation
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Ship
Accommodation Name: MV Ocean Atlantic
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our expedition cruise, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.
Ship Details
Ocean Albatros
Ship Overview
This stylish cruise ship, ideally suited for our business model of small ship expeditions, will be deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctic region voyages, with sales launching from November 2021. With a total of 93 comfortable staterooms for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel will also be environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
Ocean Albatros
Adults Only Areas:
N/A
Ship Children Facilities:
N/A (Due to safety precautions, children under 12 years of age will be taken into consideration on each landing. It is entirely at the Expedition Leader’s discretion to permit children on excursions and shore landings.)
Ship Nursery:
N/A
Smoking Areas:
Designated outdoor areas
Ship Size:
104.4m
Ship Class:
Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A. Solas 2012 classification
Ship Style:
Expedition
Ship Type:
Exploration Passenger Ship
Ship Kind:
Expedition
Ship Currency:
Shipboard account
Ship Language:
English
Ship Capacity:
189
Ship Crew Count:
100
Number of Decks:
9
Number of Cabins:
93
Number of Large Cabins:
93
Number of Wheelchair-Friendy Cabins:
2
Ship Launch Year:
2021
Ship Gross Tonnage:
8500
Ship Length (Meters):
104 M
Ship Width (Meters):
18 M
Ship Speed (Knots):
16 Kn
What's Included
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Accommodation
Onboard Ocean Albatros.
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Meals – Full Board
Whilst onboard Ocean Albatros
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Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!
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Information briefings and lectures by expedition team.
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Tea and coffee included 24 hours a day
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All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
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Expedition parka
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Rubber boot rentals
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Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
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Visual Journal link after voyage including voyage log, gallery, maps, species list and more!
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Country Entry Visas
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Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
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Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
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Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
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Personal expenses
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Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
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Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
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Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
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Meals not on board the ship
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Transfer to/from the ship
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
As we travel in remote areas and for safety reasons, AE cannot accommodate children under 8 years of age (weight of 29 kg and 1.2 m. tall). Although AE accepts children over 8 years of age there is no childcare or special programming onboard.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
SInce 1986
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
As well as supporting numerous projects, we have a program of onboard fundraising to projects, that have a global and local positive impact on the areas we operate. This program includes raffles, auctions and donations.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Albatros Expeditions, we recognize our responsibility to contribute positively to a social, environmental and economically sustainable development. We will comply with all applicable laws regarding human rights, environment and corruption, and apply internationally recognized principles when local laws and regulations set lower standards.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We recommend that you always check the latest updates, advice, or travel policy from Albatros Expeditions, your own government, and the country of embarkation, as learnings and scientific insight, and travel advice changes regularly.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your cruise Ticket, Embarkation Letter (Containing embarkation/disembarkation procedures, times, places), Pre-Departure Guide/Important Information Guide, Participant Declaration Form (Here you can state your dietary needs and insurance details to comply with health protocols), Covid Guest Briefing
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Albatros Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of albatros expeditions charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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