Halal Cruise - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

10 days

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Halal Cruise - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Join us onboard a unique new adventure to Antarctica - the first ever fully Halal-certified cruise to Antarctica! This once-in-a-lifetime voyage promises thrilling experiences on the Last Continent, with every detail tailored to accommodate Muslim guests. Our vessel, the Ocean Albatros, offers Muslim-friendly amenities, an alcohol-free environment, and Halal-certified dining on an adventure like no other. Additionally, we are happy to announce that we will be offering ladies-only hours daily to enjoy our beautiful sauna with a panoramic view aboard our ship.

Embark on an unforgettable expedition aboard our purpose-built ice-class vessel, the Ocean Albatros, to explore the wonders of Earth's final frontier. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, we navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards the South Shetland Islands, aiming to arrive on the third day of our journey, weather permitting. With our vessel's unique X-Bow design providing exceptional stability, we traverse challenging waters with ease, maximizing our time in Antarctica. 

Continuing southward to the Antarctic Peninsula, we venture into the iconic Gerlache Strait, where towering ice cliffs and majestic peaks adorn the landscape. Led by our skilled Captain and Expedition Leader, we provide Zodiac landings to explore penguin rookeries, jaw-dropping Antarctic scenery and historical sites, while enjoying scenic Zodiac cruises amidst icebergs, whales, and seals.  

With an average occupancy of 175 guests, our cruise offers an intimate and unparalleled experience. Days are filled with shore landings, Zodiac safaris, and informative lectures by our Expedition Team, ensuring a truly remarkable expedition. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime in Antarctica, where jaw-dropping scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters await. 

About

Inclusions

  • 10-day cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
  • Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
  • Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boots loan scheme
  • Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
  • English-speaking Expedition Team
  • Fully certified Halal kitchen on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages at dinner (served at a-la-carte dinners)
  • Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
  • Taxes and landing fees
  • Welcome and Farewell Parties
  • Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!

Exclusions

  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
  • Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'

Flights are not included and should be booked independently either yourself, or via a travel professional.

After crossing the Drake Passage, you'll be exploring Antarctica. The goal for the days around the South Shetland islands and Antarctic peninsula is to offer activities which will allow everyone to explore off the ship as much as possible (weather permitting). Weather dependent, we will try to offer two activities per day, usually either a landing or a Zodiac cruise.

Typically, there will be a morning activity after breakfast and an afternoon activity after lunch. We always try our hardest to meet this expectation, but because weather in Antarctica can be extremely unpredictable, we ask everyone to be mindful of our remote location and thank everyone in advance for their flexibility. Activities we offer include landings, Zodiac cruises and ship cruises. Regulations in Antarctica limit the number of people ashore at any time, so we will usually aim to offer a Zodiac cruise while our first group of guests are ashore, and reverse this for the second group ashore to maximise exploration time. No matter the day’s planned activities, the onboard Expedition Team and Expedition Leader will work as hard as possible in conjunction with the Captain and Crew to maximize exploration opportunities.

A “typical” expedition day may look like this (subject to weather and sea conditions and sailing schedule):

  • 06.45: Wake-up call
  • 07.00-08.00: Breakfast
  • 08.30-11.30: Morning activity - landing and/or Zodiac cruise
  • 12.30-13.30: Lunch during vessel repositioning
  • 14.30-17.30: Afternoon Activity - landing and/or Zodiac cruise
  • 18.30-19.30: Evening Recap and Briefing with the Expedition Team
  • 19.30: Dinner
  • 21.00: Evening entertainment or presentations with the Expedition Team.

In between our landings and activities we offer three hearty daily main meals. Albatros Expeditions always have allergy flexible options, healthy selections as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

Our hardworking galley crew deliver multiple Breakfast options, served in a buffet style, including a cooking station where eggs are made to order. At Lunch we are also met with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering choices. Safe to say you will have the energy for your next outing!

When it is Dinner time, you can choose to eat at the main Beagle Restaurant or book a table at the Antarctic Panorama Specialty Restaurant. Your evening meal is served a la carte, with fresh new options daily and always a selection of fixed items. There is always a vegetarian and pescetarian option available. 

Onboard you will also have the option to join Afternoon Tea with sweets, cakes or snacks served each afternoon. Albatros Expeditions have tea and coffee freely available all day throughout the vessel, while specialty coffee, is available at the ship’s bars.

Whilst Antarctic weather is consistently chilly, the summer months can be surprisingly mild, and generally have temperatures ranging from -2°C (28°F) to 6°C (46°F). The extended daylight during the summer warms up more sheltered areas and on calm windless days, a t-shirt can even be of more use than a parka! However, Antarctic weather is highly changeable and can harbor storms, snow fall, rain or fog, which can occur at a moment’s notice at any time of year. Bigger storms are rare but can lead to further rapid drops in temperature, and glacially-generated katabatic winds can blow out of nowhere. In other words, we would remind our guests that it is crucial to be ready for any weather conditions! Waterproof layers are an essential for any venture off the ship, and we advise guests to dress in several warm layers (including hats, gloves, scarfs etc.) to adjust as the weather dictates - woolen, down or synthetic fibres are prefereable to cotton or other materials. We also highly advise guests to consider sun protection - the lack of ozone over Antarctica means direct and reflected sunlight can burn skin very quickly; sunglasses are essential! Albatros Expeditions provide sturdy landing-appropirate waterproof insulated rubber boots for all guests, as well as an expedition parka for Antarctic voyages.

No sophisticated medical facilities are available in the Polar Regions. Our vessels carry a qualified physician and have a limited infirmary with basic medications and equipment. Passengers are further advised that medical evacuation, if available, is expensive, and we strongly recommend you acquire medical insurance that would reimburse you for this cost. Please note, the locations being traveled in are very remote, and in the areas where Medevacs (Medical Evacuations) are possible, it might take up to 2 days to be reached. This expedition is therefore intended for persons in reasonably good health. Passengers who are not fit for long trips for any reason, including disability, heart or other health conditions, are advised not to join the tour, as it would entail an unreasonable risk to your health and the safety of you and others on the expedition.

Together with your Travel Agency, Albatros Expeditions (AE) require you complete this confidential personal Participant Declaration so that the shipboard physician is fully aware of your medical conditions and needs ­and can better care for you onboard. This is part of AE’s obligation for self-­‐sufficiency under the terms of the Antarctic Treaty System. In addition, you are expected to carry your own regular medications, which may not be available aboard.

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Halal Cruise - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Halal Cruise - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Halal Cruise - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Halal Cruise - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Itinerary

  • Ushuaia, Argentina, embarkation

    Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.

    After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.

  • At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Southbound

    As we sail through the renowned Drake Passage, linking Patagonia to the Antarctic Peninsula, brace yourself for its notoriously turbulent waters and fierce westerly winds, aptly called the Roaring Fifties. Thankfullu, our purpose-built expedition vessels ensure a comfortable journey, with their uniquely stable X-Bow and powerful engines, guided by an expert crew. Embrace this exciting crossing, considered a badge of honour by seasoned sailors, as you traverse it twice during our expedition.

    In the Drake Passage, our focus turns to preparing for our arrival in Antarctica. Your Expedition Leader will provide thorough safety briefings and guidelines to minimise our impact on this pristine environment. Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist in biosecuring your gear while offering tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration, wildlife, and more.

    On the third day, we'll cross the Antarctic Convergence, marked by a sudden drop in temperature as warmer currents give way to Antarctic waters. This transition fosters a surge in marine life, promising sightings of petrels, albatrosses, and possibly even penguins, seals, and whales. Weather permitting, we aim to land on the South Shetland Islands on the afternoon of the third day of our expedition, starting our exploration of the Last Continent.

  • The Antarctic Peninsula

    Next, we venture further south along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region. This icy expanse requires meticulous planning by our Expedition Leader and Captain, who will plot a route to explore a variety of sites highlighting the area's staggering natural beauty.

    The Gerlache Strait, consisting of the 'spine' of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of mountainous glaciated islands, offers a plethora of iconic Antarctic experiences. From Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay, to witnessing penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential stop promises awe-inspiring encounters. Explore historic huts at Damoy Point, witness humpback whales feasting on krill in Wilhelmina Bay, and marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery of the Lemaire Channel. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty can be found at every turn.

    While our exact destinations will depend on weather and ice conditions, your Expedition Leader will ensure guests are informed of our plans through nightly briefings. In the ever-changing Antarctic environment, flexibility is key as we adapt plans to suit the conditions. When not off the vessel exploring, our guests can enjoy enriching onboard experiences such as lectures, recaps, spa treatments, or simply soaking in the majesty of Antarctica from one of our comfortable lounges.

  • The South Shetland Islands

    Our Antarctic odyssey culminates amidst the rugged beauty of the South Shetland Islands. This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. Despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels.

    The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. Experience the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, or witness the bustling penguin colonies on Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or immerse yourself in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.

    As we bid farewell to the South Shetland Islands, we carry with us memories of their stark beauty and abundant wildlife, a fitting conclusion to our extraordinary Antarctic expedition.

  • At Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage Northbound

    We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards.

    During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure!

  • Back to Ushuaia and disembarkation

    On the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.

Location

Things to keep in mind


CANCELLATION CONDITIONS

In case of cancellation of the cruise cancellation fees are:

Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refundable less an administration fee of minimum USD 1,000.00 per person.

From 179 days to 91 days prior to departure cancellation costs are 25% of the total cruise tariff.

From 90 days until departure cancellation costs are 100% of the total cruise tariff.

PAYMENT CONDITIONS

Payments for the cruise are to be made in USD by credit card according to the following schedule:

First 25 % - A deposit will be required at time of booking.

Final 75 % - 90 days prior to the cruise

If booking is made less than 90 days before to departure, full payment is due within 72 hours.

Payment can be done via our website: https://albatros-expeditions.com/payment/pay.php

Traveling to Antarctica on an expedition voyage differs from participating in large cruise ship voyages as it is

not possible to plan all details to the same extent.

Many elements of the voyage are hard to predict, and the itinerary and places to visit are subject to changes.

Wind, ice and currents all play their part in the voyage, which may cause changes in the program. The

Expedition Leader, together with the Captain, will always discuss and coordinate the route and daily program.

They will always ensure the greatest possible benefit from the voyage, based on the current conditions – and

the possibility to observe whales, penguins and other Antarctic animals.

What makes expedition voyages special is the possibility to cruise close to sights, glaciers, wildlife, bird

colonies. To further enhance the experience, Zodiac boats are often used to bring the guests to the shore

providing an excellent way of getting even closer to Antarctica’s stunning nature.

Antarctica is the largest wilderness area on earth, unaffected by large-scale human activities. Accordingly, this

unique and pristine environment has been afforded special protection. Furthermore, Antarctica is remote,

inhospitable, unpredictable and potentially dangerous, and in that regard, we encourage all passengers to take

out proper medical and evacuation insurance prior to their voyage.

FAQ