Expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor has left Ushuaia in Argentina on is first voyage to Antarctica.

The departure is the first of in a series of eight 11- to 19-night sailings by the luxury polar-class vessel. 

The 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor’s Antarctica season runs until February 2022 when it relocates to Cape Town.

The vessel joins the likes of Silversea which has resumed Antarctica itineraries with two ships.

Crystal Endeavor’s voyages include Zodiac landings, sea kayaking and expedition hikes to experience wildlife such as penguin colonies, seals, whales and seabirds. 

Cruises cross of the Drake Passage with visits to the South Shetland Islands, Weddell Sea, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsula.

The itineraries are designed to be flexible, allowing the captain and experts on boards to incorporate unplanned expedition days when favourable weather conditions allow.

The expedition team comprises of marine biologists, ornithologists, polar experts, kayaking guides and landscape photographers.

Crystal president Jack Anderson said: “We designed Crystal Endeavor to provide the ultimate Antarctic adventure providing guests opportunities to get ‘up close and personal’ views of this stunning cruising region sailing a precision, German-engineered expedition while enjoying the refined comfort, luxury amenities and attentive service that are Crystal hallmarks.

“Exploring Antarctica is an unforgettable, life-changing experience and we encourage our guests to join us as we set a new standard in luxury expedition cruising.”