Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 5 pm at your hotel, then maybe head for a traditional dinner at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina’s famous red wine.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Nova – your home for the next nine nights. When you’re aboard, meet your Expedition Team, settle into your cabin and head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sets sail through the historic Beagle Channel, heading towards Antarctica. Later, join in the excitement as you learn more about the adventures awaiting you.
The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. The following two days at sea will allow your Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from Antarctica's geology to its history, wildlife and even the ice! Sailing towards Antarctica, the temperature falls as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. Look for the albatrosses flying overhead and scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs from the expansive windows of the bridge, where you’re invited to Ocean Nova's command centre. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – heralding your arrival in Antarctica.
You’ll spend the next four days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries. Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points for panoramic views and maybe visit a scientific or historical base. There may be an opportunity to indulge in optional activities like an overnight ice camping experience, a snowshoeing trek, a paddling excursion or to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! You’ll see extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins as well as crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and many birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call at around 7 am, followed by breakfast. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the Antarctic landscape.
As you set sail back to Ushuaia, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey you've just experienced. During the final days, join additional onboard lectures and view a slideshow featuring captivating images captured by your Expedition Photographer throughout your journey, which are yours to keep as a reminder of your incredible Antarctic expedition. By the evening of Day 10, you’ll enter the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, marking the beginning of your trip home.
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition ends. You’ll have a morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking team ahead of time.
Welcome Briefing
Citizen Science Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Onboard Lecture Program
Onboard Lecture Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Citizen Science Program
Guided walking Excursions
Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Onboard Lecture Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Citizen Science Program
Explore an unspoiled wilderness, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds are in their abundance. Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.
Look out for seals and whales, when sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed.
Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping and snowshoeing.
Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the Expedition Team.
Participate in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to vital research, including photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale – who help to track and identify individual whales as they journey across the oceans.
Hotel Albatros, Av Maipu 505, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego , Ushuaia, ARGENTINA, Phone: +54 2901437300
Ushuaia Port, , Ushuaia, ARGENTINA
Your voyage is on board the Ocean Nova ship.
SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
This voyage is operated by our Polar partner Ocean Endeavour Expeditions Pty Ltd referred to as ‘Polar Latitudes’’. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount) per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 95 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Nova).
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Nova, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.
• Day Paddle - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team
• Camping - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.
• Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team.
SPECIAL DEPARTURE 6th of December 2026 - Special guest onboard Australian Singer & Songwriter, Mark Seymour.
On the 6th of December 2026 voyage, you'll be joined by special guest Mark Seymour, founder of the Australian rock band Hunters & Collectors. He'll be performing onboard the Ocean Nova, an exclusive and intimate opportunity for fans of his beautiful melodies. Please refer to the "itinerary disclaimer" section of the Essential Trip Information for further information.
Issues on your trip:
While we always endeavour to provide you with the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your Expedition Leader straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
Assistance in Buenos Aires
If you have booked accommodation and/or airport transfers in Buenos Aires with Intrepid and you require any assistance upon arrival, please contact our office in South America (Peru) on +51 996 055 559 or +51 940 512 701
Transfers in Buenos Aires
If you have booked an arrival transfer in Buenos Aires with Intrepid, please collect your bags and proceed through customs. Upon exiting the baggage claim area you’ll be met by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign with your name on it. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays t immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact our office in South America (Peru) on +51 996 055 559 or +51 940 512 701
If you have booked a departure transfer in Buenos Aires with Intrepid from the hotel to the airport your transfer driver will pick you up from the hotel at the following times prior to your scheduled departure flight:
- if you are flying flying out of Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
- International flights - 4 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight.
- Domestic flights – 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight
- If you are flying out of Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP)
- International flights – 3.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight
- Domestic flights – 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight
If you require any assistance with your Antarctica trip once you are in Ushuaia please contact our local Intrepid representative on the number listed below.
In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:
+54 911 6227 2697
The Ocean Nova is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.
Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.
Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Nova has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the gym will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.
Explore an unspoiled wilderness, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds are in their abundance. Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December., Look out for seals and whales, when sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed., Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping and snowshoeing., Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the Expedition Team., Participate in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to vital research, including photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale – who help to track and identify individual whales as they journey across the oceans.
Your expedition will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader and at least one Assistant Expedition Leader.
In addition, there will be a team of Polar experts and Expedition Guides who will be with you throughout. These experts will have various areas of expertise to inform you about the wildlife you may see, the terrain you'll pass through, the history of the area and to help you get the most out of photography opportunities. In addition there will be specialist guides for kayaking or day paddling and special guest presenters. With a guest to guide ratio of 8:1, there will always be someone around to answer any questions you may have.
On your way to join your voyage, you may take advantage of the opportunity to visit a larger South American city such as Buenos Aires or Santiago. It is worth researching matters of personal safety and security in these places before your departure. Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
No visas are required to visit the Antarctic continent or its offshore islands. However, you will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will wish to inspect passports on departure from Ushuaia and also again at the end of your voyage.
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Validity: 06 Dec 2026 to 05 Feb 2027
GENRAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with this style of travel.
Please also bear in mind the isolation of where you will be travelling and the distance to medical facilities. Please note that if in the opinion of the staff, any traveller is found to be unfit to complete the itinerary on the day of embarkation, they may be denied boarding and excluded from the trip without a refund.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Antarctic expedition voyages travel to remote areas with limited or no sophisticated medical facilities. Should a medical emergency arise, we must be armed with the necessary information to help you. Hence, any health problems, disabilities, or pre-existing physical health conditions that potentially require emergency care must be covered by your travel insurance and brought to our attention before the voyage. Medical forms will be available approximately four months before departure as part of your Cruise Enrolment.
Some conditions may preclude you from travelling. If you have a chronic illness or recent acute medical condition, please contact your booking agent as soon as possible to discuss your medical history with our Medical Team and ensure you meet our travel requirements.
VACCINATIONS
We highly recommend receiving a COVID-19 vaccination as well as up to date influenza vaccine, particularly given the presence of Avian Influenza in Antarctica.
Generally, you do not need other travel vaccinations for this voyage. Some travel vaccinations may be required or recommended for countries you are visiting en route to Antarctica. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return. To find out which, if any, vaccinations are mandatory or recommended for your destination, please contact your local doctor, immunisation centre or medical centre for up-to-date information.
You should be issued with an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet that records each vaccination. Always carry this with you on your travels; it could provide essential information for doctors in the event that you fall ill whilst travelling.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages and is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released until you provide us with your travel insurance details. Travel insurance is one of the most critical components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. You must have the most suitable insurance with adequate coverage. Because of Antarctica's remoteness, medical attention and evacuations are extremely expensive, making insurance coverage an absolute necessity, particularly as you have invested large sums of money to travel there.
Please see section “travel Insurance” for further information
BEFORE DEPARTURE
It’s a requirement that all guests travelling to Antarctica complete enrolment and medical information to ensure we adhere to IAATO guidelines.
A link to complete this information online will be forwarded to you approximately four months prior to departure and must be completed no later than 3 months prior to your departure. This information will be passed on to the onboard medical team so the information provided must be clear and accurate.
On review of your medical information, you may be required to provide further details or visit your Medical Practitioner about any health issues that could affect the journey.
MEDICAL FACILITIES ONBOARD
There will be a licensed English-speaking physician on board.
The ship has a medical clinic with a limited supply of prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. The clinic will not be stocked with every drug or piece of equipment required for every medical problem. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicines for yourself. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board.
It is wise to carry an extra two weeks’ supply of prescription medications just in case of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have particular health needs, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician explaining your health problems and/or the dosage required for the prescribed medication.
MOTION SICKNESS
The waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world, although at other times they are so smooth that it is referred to as the 'Drake Lake'!
Although our vessel is among the most stable ships in its class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.
Please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide for more information on motion sickness.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Hours of operation will be posted and are subject to change to accommodate the expedition. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available around the clock. The tap water on board is safe to drink.
We're able to meet most special dietary requests, as long as you have clearly indicated your requirements far in advance of your voyage via your online Polar forms. Kosher food cannot be prepared.
There is no currency in Antarctica, however, the maritime currency of the world is $USD and as such $USD (US$ or USD) is the currency onboard the Ocean Nova ship. For ease, we operate with a cashless society, all items purchased from the Polar Boutique, lounge or bar (including drinks) are charged to your ship account and settled at the end of your expedition. Any laundry, postage, communication charges and adventure options booked onboard (space permitting) are also charged to this account. An account for payment will be presented to you on the final day of the voyage. Final payment can be made using cash or a card (Visa or MasterCard). Personal cheques are not accepted onboard. If you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, you must advise the reception count.
SPENDING IN ANTARCTICA
It is wise to travel with sufficient cash to pay for incidentals such as shipboard items on the last day of the voyage, airport taxes and taxi transfers. In Antarctica, there are limited opportunities to spend money other than on the ship. If you are visiting the Falklands, it is advisable to have Pounds Sterling or US dollars to spend while in Stanley. Argentinean Pesos are not accepted. Please note there are no ATMs on the Falkland Islands. For trips to the Peninsula, you may visit Port Lockroy which is a small museum and has a souvenir shop, as does the museum in Grytviken on South Georgia.
TIPPING
Gratuities are at your personal discretion. While crew members are paid a fair and competitive wage, they also spend a large amount of time at sea - away from their families and go above and beyond to make your voyage a once in a lifetime experience. All nationalities and individuals have their own customs, and we believe it is your right to tip what you would be prepared for in your home country. If you are looking for guidance, then a suggested amount would be US$15-20 per person, per day. Onboard the Ocean Nova gratuities are collected at the final balance and distributed among the entire crew, including all back of house staff (chefs, housekeeping), sailors, and also the front line Expedition Team. Gratuities can be added to your onboard account at the end of the voyage or paid in cash onboard. Full details will be provided before you settle your onboard account.
MEALS NOT INCLUDED
All meals are included once onboard the Ocean Nova, but we suggest you allow US$100 per person for meals prior to boarding the ship or after you have disembarked.
The Antarctic Peninsula has relatively mild weather conditions when compared to the rest of the continent. As a result, you should not need to make many expensive specialist gear purchases, although you do need good wet weather pants and warm clothing.
The dress code onboard is relaxed and casual and you will not need to dress formally for meals.
The inside of the ship is well heated, so you will not require special clothing on board. Indeed, you could spend most of your time in light trousers and a t-shirt! However, it is not unusual for you to want to go out on deck suddenly – a whale sighting or seals on a nearby ice-floe nearly always produce a major exodus, so you need to keep warm clothing handy at all times, even when a shore excursion is not imminent.
When you do go ashore you will require warm clothing - a few layers of light and medium-weight items which can be easily adjusted rather than one or two large and bulky items - and wet weather gear to protect you from the spray which can sometimes be encountered on the Zodiacs.
PROVIDED EXPEDITION GEAR
Staying warm and dry during your voyage is vital. Our Expedition gear has been carefully selected to provide you with all the necessary features for an enjoyable Antarctic adventure. We'll gather your gear sizes about 4 months before your trip, and you'll receive them once you're aboard the ship. Our chosen Expedition Parkas, Inner Jackets, and Muck Boots are designed to fit a wide range of sizes, accommodating up to 3XL for both men and women.
• Expedition Parka (on loan): A water repellent coating on the outer layer helps to move moisture away from the body, making this a breathable and light jacket. With hi-vis elements, large pockets for easy accessibility and watertight seals, this is the perfect parka to keep you warm and dry on the ship to shore Zodiac excursions in all kinds of weather. Men's sizes range from S to 3XL, while women's sizes span from 8 to 20, offering a comprehensive array of choices tailored to your preferences.
• Insulated Inner Jacket (yours to keep): Made out of 100% recycled synthetic fibres, your vegan 600 fill insulated puffer jacket will keep you warm even on the wildest days of your expedition. With a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which encourages water to bead off the fabric’s surface, the jacket was produced using sustainable chemistry with minimal impact on people and the environment. A great memento to take home at the end of your voyage to remember your incredible Antarctic adventure! Our size range extends from 48 (S) to 62 (4XL) for men, and from 6 (XXS) to 20 (3XL) for women.
• Muck Boots (on loan): We will provide black, rubber Muck Boots for the entire duration of your voyage. They are specifically engineered to deliver grip and performance on snow and ice while keeping your feet warm and dry. Our size range begins at 4 and extends up to 15, catering to both men and women. Additionally, it's important to note that our neoprene Muck Boots possess a calf measurement circumference of 42cm. Moreover, it's worth noting that our neoprene Muck Boots have a calf measurement circumference of 42cm. While these boots do offer a certain degree of flexibility around the calf area, if your calf dimensions significantly surpass this measurement or if you experience limited ankle flexibility, accommodating you with our existing Muck Boot inventory onboard may not be possible.
PACKING LIST
We have prepared a full list of equipment to use as a checklist when packing for your Antarctic expedition. Please refer to the Antarctic Travellers Guide for more information. Laundry facilities are available onboard the ship (at extra cost).
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The Ocean Nova offers a classic Antarctic expedition experience. Designed for intimate and immersive journeys, this nimble and sturdy ship accommodates just 80 guests. Your expedition focuses on discovery, enriched by a close-knit community of fellow travellers. The Ocean Nova’s compact size allows access to remote coves, bringing you closer to Antarctica’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Cosy cabins feature large windows for breathtaking views, while the Panoramic Lounge offers 200-degree vistas and insightful presentations from our expert Expedition Team. With one of the best guide-to-guest ratios, the Ocean Nova is perfect for those seeking an enriching Antarctic adventure.
The Ocean Nova has a fleet of 8 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.
Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages and is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released until you provide us with your travel insurance details. Travel insurance is one of the most critical components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. You must have the most suitable insurance with adequate coverage. Because of Antarctica's remoteness, medical attention and evacuations are extremely expensive, making insurance coverage an absolute necessity, particularly as you have invested large sums of money to travel there.
Your travel insurance must provide a minimum coverage of USD250,000 for medical expenses, evacuation (including ship-to-shore transfer), and emergency repatriation. It must also cover all significant pre-existing conditions, particularly those that have the potential to cause issues on board. Your insurance must include coverage for COVID-19. Be aware that some travel insurance policies have minimum requirements for vaccination series (i.e., two doses + booster) to cover COVID-19-related medical, evacuation, and emergency repatriation. Your travel insurance policy must meet these minimum requirements.
We also strongly recommend that it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, personal accident, death, sickness, loss of baggage and personal belongings, and disruption to your travel plans. We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance simultaneously as booking to ensure you are covered for cancellation and curtailment from when you confirm your Antarctic voyage. You need to know precisely what you are covered for and ensure that your policy covers this from when you leave to when you arrive home.
If you plan to participate in adventure options, please ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers you for these activities. For more information, please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide.
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No two Polar voyages are the same and this is part of the excitement of travelling in these remote regions. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. Onboard, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is.
SPECIAL DEPARTURE 6th of December 2026 - Special guest onboard Australian Singer & Songwriter, Mark Seymour
On the 6th of December 2026 voyage, you'll also be joined by special guest Mark Seymour, founder of the Australian rock band Hunters & Collectors. He'll be performing onboard the Ocean Nova, an exclusive and intimate opportunity for fans of his beautiful melodies.
Mark Seymour formed Hunters and Collectors in 1980, with a bunch of Uni friends. The band became famous for its rhythmic power and very quickly became touted as the “next big thing”. The Album “Human Frailty“ was recorded in Melbourne in 1985.
This record has proven to be one of the most important and enduring records of the eighties and Hunters and Collectors were still playing a large part of this cut in 1998 when they retired.
Hunters and Collectors went on to record some of this country’s most successful rock albums, including multi-platinum releases “Ghost Nation” and “Cut”, and became a huge touring operation.
As well as 13 Hunters & Collectors albums, Mark has released nine solo albums. Throughout it all, he has shown he is one of our finest songwriters, capturing our stories of love, loss, human courage and achievement.