Spread the love

With the launch of its 2019/20 season, Expedition Cruise Specialist, One Ocean Expeditions (OOE) continues to bring innovation and diversity to its Antarctic expedition cruise program.http://www.tourismlegal.com.au/

Sustainability, conservation and responsible tourism remain at the forefront of OOE’s philosophy and programming. Year after year, the company introduces new elements to further increase guests’ engagement with easier access to the world’s most remote regions to ensure exceptional cruising experiences.

Starting in November, OOE unveils new direct flights from Santiago to the Falkland Islands exclusively for guests travelling on board OOE’s latest acquisition, RCGS Resolute The new international flight route brings a faster, easier and more efficient transfer to Antarctica than before. The shorter flying time to the South Atlantic Ocean increases time spent in the destination and more opportunities to further explore the ‘white continent’.

One of the key features of this new air access is that it eases the transportation logistics into Mount Pleasant airport in Stanley, Falkland Islands, as well as allowing more time to join pre and post cruise excursions. Guests will have the chance to dive into history with the option of visiting the local museum or splurge in wildlife viewing while visiting Gypsy Cove, with its plethora of sea birds, including Magellanic penguins; a favourite of many!

Another advantage of the new flights is the additional time given to approach the infamous Elephant Island, where polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s stranded crew took shelter for four and a half months.

OOE will operate three new Antarctic cruise itineraries on its three-vessel fleet, starting November 2019.

Christmas in Antarctica and the Weddell Sea – December 16-28, 2019 (Akademik Sergey Vavilov): This new 12-night voyage is the ideal place to ring in Christmas. It has been in the making for some time, with the intricacies of the itinerary adding more time to visit the classic locations along the western side of the Peninsula. The experience provides an authentic “expedition” cruise experience into the wild and unknown environment, while entering the icy realms of the Weddell Sea. This is the prime experience to witness massive ice shelves, ice floes and towering icebergs. A reminder of the white continent’s raw and overwhelming beauty.

Antarctica in-Depth (Circle Crossing Voyage) – December 28, 2019 – January 7, 2020 (Ioffe) / 11 February 11 – 21, 2020 (Vavilov):  The new 10-night post-Christmas Circle Crossing itinerary embarks in Ushuaia and uses the flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas on the return. This gives 7 days of excursions, including a memorable crossing of the Circle (ice-permitting). Using the experience of OOE’s exceptional Expedition Leader, it explores the area based on the seasonal conditions, providing flexibility to possibly discover Crystal Sound, Penola Strait, Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Sound. Guests can experience the same new itinerary onboard in February in the opposite direction; starting with a flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island and finishing in Ushuaia, with the same great stops along the way.

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica – Mega Colonies – December 31, 2019 – January 17, 2020 (RCGS Resolute): This new 17-night Mega Colonies cruise takes advantage of the direct South American flight from Santiago to Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands.  On this voyage, OOE aims to prioritise the region’s largest penguin colonies, including St Andrew’s Bay and Salisbury Plain on South Georgia; Paulet Island and Bailey Head and also the Danger Islands, to experience the newly discovered mega-colony of Adelie penguins. Every photographer’s dream!

This particular voyage hosts penguin researchers who will discuss marine conservation, protected areas and the impact on penguin population health, whilst our albatross experts will share their expertise on conservation and protection measures put in place to minimise seabird mortality. The lessons learnt here can be applied to other wildlife protection in the Antarctic.