Antarctic Circle Quest Expedition Cruise

Essential Information

Trip Profile

Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions.

Accommodation

11 nights on the ship.

Food

Full board while on the ship.

Reality Check

Travelling Conditions The voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as passengers' wishes and particular interests wherever possible. The atmosphere onboard is relaxed and friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists and polar experts, on hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world. The ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable with a wet / mud room in which to hang gear and store boots ready for the next adventure.

On the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the time with the potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind - if you are not dressed appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, the majority of landings are 'wet' which means that the Zodiacs beach and you are helped to slide into the ankle deep shore break before walking up onto dry land (wellington boots are issued to all passengers). There are, of course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes fairly deep snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each adventure, you can have a sauna and/or a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or something stronger from the bar.

Optional activities

Sea kayaking option On many of our Antarctic voyages there is the chance for some members of the party to take regular sea kayak excursions in place of the Zodiac excursions. There are a limited number of kayaks on each ship, and you must book and pay for this option in advance. All kayak trips are expertly guided, and are subject to suitable locations and weather conditions. Should the kayaking not be possible, a place on a Zodiac is always available. Basic kayak competence is required; please ask for the Kayaking Information Sheet for more detail.

Camping on Ice option Spending a night camping on ice is a unique experience we offer on some of our Antarctic voyages. No previous experience is needed to participate in our camping option. We provide the equipment: you contribute a desire for a personal and intimate connection with the continent.

Diving in Antarctica does not only offer ice, but also an interesting marine life, such as kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Antarctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fishes, sea-hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. You may have the possibility to snorkel or dive with Fur seals, Leopard seals and Penguins. The dive sites will vary from shallow ice diving, diving along a wall, from a beach or from the zodiac. The maximum depth is around 20 metres / 60 feet.

Normal group size and age

Full complement of qualified Expedition Staff. Please see Ship Info page for full details regarding passenger and staff numbers. Minimum age 18.

Misc

The Ships:

The Sea Spirit takes a maximum capacity of 112 passengers, the Ocean Nova takes a maximum of 68 passengers, the Plancius takes a maximum capacity of 114 passengers, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov takes a maximum capacity of 90 passengers, and the Akademik Ioffe takes a maximum capacity of 96 passengers. For full details see the Ship Info page.

Icons explained

The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together. All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please see our Solo Departures page.

Leisurely grade trips are designed for people who are in good health and enjoy the outdoors.

Polar Expedition: At the ends of the earth and far from the madding crowd, the Polar Regions are perhaps the last pristine wildernesses left on the planet.

Special Interest: For those who have a passion for archaeology, food, flowers, languages or yoga. Solar eclipse departures and specialist conservation holidays are also included.

Wildlife: Trips may be wholly wildlife focused, or contain an element of wildlife viewing within a less specific itinerary.

Wilderness: Visit the deserts, jungles, plateaux, tundra and mountains of all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Expedition Voyages and other cruise itineraries. These holidays can feature expeditions to the Polar regions, voyages down great rivers such as the Nile or discovering the secrets of Darwin’s Enchanted Islands.