Hondius

Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, optimized for the most innovative exploratory voyages throughout the Arctic and Antarctica. The main focus of the ship's design revolves around discovery, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities and the related shore activities. A swift zodiac embarkation is guaranteed with two separate gangways and in addition a zodiac embarkation indoor-platform which can also be used for special outdoor activities such as kayaking. The vessel can carry up to 174 passengers accommodated in contemporary designed cabins and suites. Its distinctive informal cozy public areas include a dining room, and a large observation lounge and bar area. The adjoining lecture room will be reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops and exhibitions.

Info

Embark

Embark the ship in Ushuaia.

Day 1: Ushuaia

Your voyage of discovery begins in the most southern Argentinian city of Ushuaia. Settle into your cabin as the ship sets sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.

Days 2-3: Drake Passage

For the next two days the Hondius will traverse the Drake Passage and share some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions. Experience the rolling seas, cool breezes and local wildlife including light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels and Antarctic petrels.

Days 4-7: Antarctica

Spend the next four days exploring Antarctica and its dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife. The ship will first pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollart Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands. Depending on weather conditions you may visit Neko Harbour and its mammoth glaciers and the beautiful Paradise Bay with its sprawling ice-flecked waters where you may sight humpback and minke whales on a zodiac cruise. Port Lockroy offers you the chance to visit the former British research station, now a museum and post office and the Pleneau and Petermann Islands where the ship will sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adelie penguins, leopard seals and humpback whales.

Days 8-9: Drake Passage

Spend the next two days on your return voyage through the Drake Passage where you again will be greeted by a vast array of seabirds as you journey northwards to Ushuaia.

Day 10: Ushuaia

Your incredible Antarctic adventure ends in Ushuaia where you will disembark the ship.

Disembark

Disembark the ship in Ushuaia.

Includes

9 nights' accommodation on board the Hondius
All meals on board
Snacks, coffee and tea
All shore excursions and activities by Zodiac
Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
Programme of lectures by naturalists and experienced expedition staff
Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
Fuel surcharges, where applicable, are shown separately on the website and will be charged at the time of reservation
AECO fees and governmental taxes
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme