Seabourn Cruises’ 21-day Ultimate Antarctica and Patagonia features an itinerary that is filled with a wide range of experiences all packed into one trip; and it may even be the answer to your holiday gifting problems. Spend time with penguins, sneak away to “The Switzerland of South America” and view Chilean fjords, all the while cruising along the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans — that sounds like a great gift to me.
With 330 crew members, 650 foot length, and eight decks, the Seabourn Quest will serve as your luxury transportation for the tour. Guests can choose a number of staterooms ranging from ocean view suites to the lavish Owner’s Suite. All Veranda Suites feature a queen or two twin beds, a private veranda, dining table, living area, spacious bathroom, a fully stocked bar and fridge, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax.
Week one entails departure from the beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina as you make your way over to Uruguay. Noted as South America’s second smallest country, Uruguay is known for its secretive banking system guaranteed by law, rocky coastlines and sandy beaches. Following two days at sea (weather permitting), your next stop will be the Falkland Islands where its landscapes hold unusual wildlife and colonies of penguins.
Starting off your next week will be an Antarctic experience which spans five days and will be chosen by an expedition team. Once done, the ship will head to Ushuaia, Argentina, passing Cape Horn along the way. Regarded as the southwest most city in the world, Ushuaia is a charming port city with a rich art culture and a great location for cross-country skiing.
Weeks three and four are mainly focused in Chile with stops in Punta Arenas, Puerto Chacabuco, Castro, Isla Chiloe, Puerto Montt, and Valparaiso (Santiago). In between, you’ll get to cruise past Glacier Alley, through the Cockburn Channel and Strait of Magellan among others.
During all of the land stops, there will also be opportunities to participate in land tours with their full list of shore excursions highlighting the best of each port. In Buenos Aires, travelers can spend a day with the Gauchos, taste the local cuisines before an evening of tango or hire a private car for half- or full-day private ventures. Puerto Montt adventures range from hikes in Alerce Andino National Park to fly fishing on the Maullin River and horseback riding or river rafting.
Based on cabin or suite choice, the price for this trip starts at USD $12,999 and can be booked up until January 3, 2014. The cruise departs either January 4 or January 25, 2014. The ship is also filled with a number of public areas and entertainment such as an atrium, boutique, casino, salon, gym, pool, dining venues, spa and bars.
