Antarctic Cruise: Follow in Shackleton’s Footsteps

This December, we offer the unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legendary explorer, Ernest Shackleton. Travelling far into Antarctic waters, we’ll have the unique experience of learning from renowned Shackleton historians, biographical writers, the Chairman of the James Caird Society, and even the Hon. Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter of ‘The Boss’ himself, all whilst enjoying the spectacular wildlife of this untouched wilderness.

In the early 1900s, Shackleton embarked on several expeditions to the previously untracked Antarctic Peninsula: the coldest, windiest, driest and iciest place on Earth. He is perhaps most famous for his heroic leadership during the ill-fated voyage of the ‘Endurance’. On his third visit to the continent, Shackleton had planned to cross Antarctica via the South Pole, but his ship became trapped in the pack ice and, after 10 long months of battling the elements, ultimately sank. Along with five brave crew members, Shackleton boarded a small lifeboat and set sail for the island of South Georgia. Following a relentless hammering by the Southern Ocean, Shackleton and his men made landfall 16 days later. After finding refuge at a whaling station, Shackleton returned to the remainder of his stranded crew, completing a full evacuation. Miraculously, every single member of Shackleton’s crew survived, and he returned to Britain a hero.

After departing Ushuaia on 29th December, we’ll celebrate a New Year to remember in the Beagle Channel before crossing the Southern Ocean and Antarctic Peninsula. Count yourself among the very few to visit the magnificent Point Wild on Elephant Island, where the crew of the ‘Endurance’ miraculously survived for four-and-a-half months in treacherous conditions! Enter the rarely seen King Haaken Bay, where Shackleton finally reached land after a death-defying open water journey in search of rescue. Join a celebratory gathering in the South Georgian town of Grytviken and take a short walk to Shackleton’s grave for one final goodbye. All the while, you’ll be surrounded by extraordinary landscape and one of the richest oceans on the planet, complete with a staggering array of wildlife. In springtime, the pack ice will slowly retreat to reveal millions of penguins, seabirds and other creatures that leave the vastness of these turbulent waters to converge on the continent to breed and raise their young. We will have chances for numerous species of seal, whale and dolphin, as well as up to seven species of penguin and large pelagics, such as Black-browed and Wandering Albatross.

Quite unlike Shackleton, you will experience the wonders of Antarctica from the comfort of the luxury vessel ‘Island Sky’. This ship not only exudes old world charm, but she is one of the few vessels in her class to boast three decks of luxury suites with sliding glass doors, offering you immediate access to the majesty of Antarctica from the privacy of your room. This is a trip like no other!

For prices, availability and full details of this once in a lifetime expedition, please fill in the contact form below or phone 01962 733051.