ANTARCTICA & THE ARCTIC 2018/19

Transcription

1 ANTARCTICA & THE ARCTIC 2018/19

2 EXPLORING THE POLAR REGIONS Embark on a journey beyond your imagination to the icy wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic. These polar regions remain earth s last great frontiers, with boundless landscapes of ice and snow, towering mountains, massive glaciers and unique wildlife. The only way to truly experience these remote and beautiful areas is by specially built expedition ships or with an expert land-based operator. Get close to the wilderness and the wildlife with daily excursions by Zodiac or on foot with expert guides. Sail around giant icebergs, walk amongst penguin rookeries, encounter humpback and orca whales and visit scientific research stations. The Arctic regions also have walrus, narwhal and many large land mammals like polar bears, caribou, reindeer and Arctic fox. Whichever polar adventure you choose it is sure to be the experience of a lifetime. Happy exploring, EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES Your polar experience begins as soon as your ship leaves port, with onboard lectures by the ship s specialist expedition staff on history, geology, wildlife and ecology. At specially chosen locations you will go ashore by Zodiac inflatables to visit wildlife colonies, historic sites and scientific research stations. The long daylight hours usually allow time for two or three activities per day (conditions permitting). Landings can be wet or dry, so rubber boots and waterproof clothing are imperative. A reasonable level of agility is required, but the majority of activities are suitable for most travellers. Some departures offer the option for more adventurous explorations such as kayaking, climbing, scuba diving and cross country skiing. SHORE EXCURSIONS Walk on the ice G Adventures SEA KAYAKING ZODIAC EXCURSIONS Zodiac excursion G Adventures CROSS COUNTRY SKIING Stephen and Sara Cameron - Founders TESTIMONIALS Don t just take our word for it. Here is what some of our clients have to say: "Our cruise to Antarctica via The Falklands and especially South Georgia was far and away the pinnacle of our 50 years of travel worldwide. The visual beauty of rugged, snow-capped mountains rising starkly from the ocean... the diversity and density of wildlife along the shores... the experience was much more emotional and spiritual than we expected. We left with a lasting belief that we were incredibly privileged to have shared this unique environment with its natural inhabitants." David & Diana Ward Killer whales and humpbacks swimming around our Zodiacs. Huge colonies of nesting Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins with their chicks. Avalanches, glaciers calving and majestic icebergs. Natural Focus Safaris took care of all our bookings and transfers and everything went so smoothly. My second trip to Antarctica with Natural Focus Safaris a once in a lifetime trip...again! Rowena Mann A trip of a lifetime has become a reality for us. This journey was all that we imagined, and more - a wonderful exhilarating experience. Chris and Jack Cox Kayak amongst icebergs Michael Sliwka CAMPING Unique camping experience Polar Latitudes HELICOPTERS Explore inaccessible areas Henry Malkiewicz/Oceanwide POLAR REGION EXPLORATIONS Please note that due to the exploratory nature of these voyages there is no set itinerary. Daily programs will make best use of local ice and weather conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. Cross country skiing adventure Quark Expeditions MOUNTAINEERING Spectacular mountaineering Polar Latitudes DIVING The last frontier of diving Fernando Garcia The inside pages of this brochure are printed on PEFC certified paper. 2 NATURAL FOCUS SAFARIS TAILOR-MADE EXPERIENCES

3 ANTARCTICA Antarctic Peninsula p10-19 Falklands, South Georgia & Peninsula p20/21 Sub-Antarctic Islands & The Ross Sea p22 Into the blue Polar Latitudes CONSERVATION As a specialist tour company tailormaking tours to Antarctica, the Arctic, South America, Canada, Alaska, Africa and India, Natural Focus Safaris and our parent company African Wildlife Safaris are committed to helping protect and preserve the wildlife of these precious wilderness areas. Over the years we have made significant contributions to wildlife societies and research projects around the world. When you book one of our tours we offer you the opportunity to join with us in supporting these projects by contributing $8 (or more) per person. Some of the current projects that we and our clients have provided funding for are Save the Albatross and The Orca Research Trust. For more information on these two important organisations please go to and Natural Focus Safaris is proud to be an Associate Member of IAATO, The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. IAATO was founded in 1991 to advocate, promote and practise safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. For more details please visit QUESTIONS TO ASK A successful itinerary needs your involvement. The more we know about what you want from your visit the easier it will be to choose suitable arrangements. Here are some of the key questions to consider: Do you have a preference for a particular region or vessel? What time of year do you wish to travel? How much time do you have available? How many people are travelling (any children)? Do you have any particular interests eg. wildlife, adventure activities, exploration history? Do you have an approximate budget? Are you planning to travel anywhere else during this holiday, such as South America or Canada? Do you prefer a particular style of travel eg. soft adventure, lots of physical activity, such as kayaking, climbing? Would you consider paying more for a high-end experience and extra amenities eg. on-board spa, massage? For assistance please call our experienced consultants on (03) or or contact your travel agent. Sub-Antarctic Islands p23 THE ARCTIC High Arctic p26-31 Greenland p28, The North Pole p29 Canadian Arctic p32/33 Land-Based Expeditions p34 E: INFO@AWSNFS.COM T:

4 Let the sights of Antarctica & The Arctic come to you. Natural Focus Safaris, wilderness your way. N atural Focus Safaris is a specialist tour company focusing on personalised itineraries to iconic wildlife and wilderness destinations. We are one of Australia s oldest independently owned travel companies, and for over 30 years with our parent company African Wildlife Safaris, have built up an enviable reputation for our in-depth expertise and professionalism. Our dedicated staff are all passionate travellers who between them have travelled to all our destinations, including Antarctica and the Arctic. With their hands-on knowledge, they can help you design the perfect itinerary and assist with selecting the polar expedition vessel which best suits you. 4 NATURAL FOCUS SAFARIS TAILOR-MADE EXPERIENCES

5 INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCES FOR THE DISCERNING TRAVELLER. We believe that to fully experience a destination, its wildlife, its culture and its natural beauty, you need to take your time and travel on your own terms. So rather than selecting a prepackaged tour which may be rushed, inflexible and potentially full of incompatible personalities, we work with you to create a bespoke experience incorporating places you'd love to see, things you're keen to do and accommodation that suits your style and budget. We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor a truly unique journey that immerses you in some of the planet s most spectacular places. Our philosophy is not just about putting together a trip it s about creating your ultimate travel experience. Expect expert guides, small groups, personalised itineraries and all the security that booking with a reputable, accredited travel company entails. OUR BROCHURE Our brochure is designed to be a starting point from which we can begin building your perfect journey. It features a selection of suggested cruises and using a wide range of carefully chosen exploration ships. We can customise, combine, extend and upgrade to suit your budget and travel style use our expertise to build your unique collection of lifelong memories. SMALL SHIP CRUISING We only utilise small ships with a maximum carrying capacity of between 50 to 189 passengers. This ensures a more personalised experience of the polar wildernesses. Experienced expedition staff accompany every voyage and on most departures, a range of activities are available ranging from ice camping and kayaking to helicopter flights and scuba diving. Please see pages 6/7 for a full overview of the ice-strengthened ships we recommend. PRICING All prices in this brochure are per person based on entry level twin share cabins and are intended as a guide only. Optional single occupancy is from 1.5 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Please contact us for other cabin prices, as well as the best, most accurate and up-to-date pricing. BEFORE YOU BOOK The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication. Since then, however, changes beyond our control could have occurred. Please refer to our Booking Conditions on page 35, in particular with respect to prices, itineraries, travel duration, standard of services, tour content, airfares and airline schedules. Before you book please check with us to ascertain if there are any alterations to the journey(s) you have selected. HOW TO BOOK YOUR CRUISE A Seamless Travel Experience As a licensed and professional travel company with over 30 years experience, Natural Focus Safaris and parent company African Wildlife Safaris can offer you all the services you need to plan and organise your holiday. All of our trips are entirely tailor made to suit, and our experienced staff know exactly how to put together the perfect journey customised to your budget, interests, and travel timeframe. Information about places you would like to visit has never been more accessible. This can make it both easier, and more challenging when it comes to booking a holiday. We advise that you take the following steps to ensure your travel experience is seamless, without any inconvenient or unexpected surprises. One Ocean Adventures One Ocean Adventures 1. RESEARCH Do you have a list of places you wish to go, and things you want to see? Read our brochure and website, then discuss your ideas with our experienced specialists as a starting point. 2. PLANNING YOUR TRIP A successful itinerary needs your involvement. The more we know about what you want from your visit, the easier it will be to help you design your perfect holiday. Are there particular regions you want to visit? What time of the year do you wish to travel? Do you have an approximate budget, and a preferred style of travel? Contact us to start planning today. 3. BOOK YOUR TRIP (EARLY) Once your are happy with your itinerary, it is time to book. We cannot stress enough the need to book early. There is immense pressure on accommodation and tours in almost all the destinations we offer. To secure your first choice and to avoid disappointment, PLEASE BOOK EARLY. 4. SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES When you return home, don't forget to tell us about your experience. Our staff love hearing about their clients' experiences, or seeing photos and videos. And don't forget to share your memories with us on social media. 5

6 341 View obstruction from lifeboats* View obstruction from lifeboats on deck 6* VESSEL S AKADEMIK IOFFE & AKADEMIK SERGEY VAVILOV Finnish built in 1989 for hydro-acoustic research, these two vessels are exceptionally stable yet manoeuvrable and carry 92 and 96 passengers respectively. Both feature an ice-strengthened hull and outside expeditionstyle cabins. Departures include parka, photo journal and the loan of rubber boots and wet weather gear set. (IOFFE) G EXPEDITION Built for adventure the G Expedition is a sturdy ice-class 1B ship offering safety and stability. The ship carries a maximum of 134 passengers and all cabins have ocean facing windows or portholes and. There is an observation deck with panoramic views, restaurant and 14 Zodiac inflatables. Voyages include exclusive parka for every passenger, as well as loan of rubber boots. OCEAN DIAMOND This modern, stable super-yacht carries a maximum of 189 passengers and all cabins have ensuite facilities and exterior views. This vessel features numerous adventure options plus onboard amenities such as a massage and wellness program, photography expert and well-stocked library. Complimentary parka and loan of rubber boots included. RADIO ROOM ENCLOSED LIFEBOAT BRIDGE POOL SAUNA LIBRARY EXPEDITION ENCLOSED INFIRMARY LIFEBOAT METEOROLOGICAL CHART DECK 6 LAB ROOM DECK 5 RESCUE BOAT DECK 4 FORWARD OBSERVATION DECK BAR DECK 4 DECK 3 EXPEDITION MUDROOM LOUNGE PASSENGER MUDROOM RECEPTION DINING ROOM SERVICE BAR One Ocean Suite with Superior with DECK 3 Shackleton Suite with Twin with Twin with semiprivate facilities Main deck triple *Note: On Akademik Sergey Vavilov Deck 6 features no cabins, and Deck 3 features 3 Superior cabins in place of the bar and lounge as illustrated above, and 2 additional Twin cabins with. Suites with private facilities & large window Twin with private facilities & window Twin with private facilities & small window DECK 2 Twin with private facilities & porthole Triple with private facilities & porthole Quad with private facilities & porthole Triple Twin with obstructed view Single with porthole Twin with window Single with obstructed view Suite Balcony Suite Note: For most vessels: Waterproof boots supplied for men s USA sized 8-14 & ORTELIUS Ideal for polar expeditions to remote areas the Ortelius has a highly experienced Russian nautical crew and the highest ice-class notation to navigate solid sea ice. The vessel offers comfortable accommodation for 116 passengers in twin, triple or quadruple cabins with private facilities. Loan of snow shoes and rubber boots included. PLANCIUS M/V Plancius was built in 1976, originally serving as a research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy. The icestrengthened ship accommodates 116 passengers in modern and stylish cabins. Loan of specialist gear such as snow shoes and rubber boots included. POLAR PIONEER Built in the 1980s for polar and oceanographic research, the 54 passenger Polar Pioneer has an ice-strengthened hull enabling access to remote areas. The ship offers modern and comfortable accommodation with outside cabins above the waterline. Complimentary expedition parka and loan of rubber boots included Library Deck 5 Stern E-deck Bar F-deck CAPTAIN S CABIN Deck Hospital Observation deck EHBO Deck 4 Galley Lecture room Crew dining Deck Superior Twin Porthole Twin Deluxe Triple Porthole Twin Window Quadruple Porthole Stern J-deck 2 Restaurant/ Lecture room Galley Superior Suite with Twin Window with Quadruple Porthole with Twin Deluxe with Twin Porthole with Triple Porthole with G-deck 4 H-deck LOUNGE BAR CLINIC Mini Suite with Twin with Twin with shared facilities DINING HALL DINING HALL GALLERY Deck 4 Deck 3 Captain's Suite with Triple with shared facilities 6 NATURAL FOCUS SAFARIS TAILOR-MADE EXPERIENCES

7 9 7 4 VESSEL S OCEAN NOVA Ocean Nova was built in 1992 in Denmark to navigate the ice-choked waters of Greenland and was recently refurbished. Features include a glass-enclosed observation lounge, open bar and 38 all-suite cabins accommodating just 78 passengers. Departures on this vessel include the loan of rubber boots and dry bag, as well as complimentary parka* (*not available on Antarctic Air-Cruise voyages). Bridge Deck HEBRIDEAN SKY Hebridean Sky (formerly Sea Explorer) is a perfect blend of luxury and adventure exploration. This all-suite yacht accommodates up to 111 guests. Refurbished in 2016, each suite features a sea view and sitting area. Onboard facilities include a jacuzzi and swimming/zodiac platform. Includes the loan of rubber boots, and a complimentary parka* (*not available on Antarctic Air-Cruise voyages). Sun Deck Beauty Salon Observation Area Penthouse Deck Bridge SEA SPIRIT Purpose-built for polar exploration, the Sea Spirit offers spacious, comfortable suites for up to 114 guests along with numerous public areas including a restaurant, bistro, lounge and gym. A team of polar experts accompany every voyage on this premium ship, which also boasts an open Bridge policy. SUN DECK SPORTS DECK Outdoor Cafe Upper Deck Bow Library The Club Exercise Room Veranda Deck Promenade Deck CLUB DECK Upper Deck Stern Lounge Reception Deck 3 OCEANUS DECK Hospital MAIN DECK Twin with Triple with Single with *Note: Ocean Nova cabin configurations differ for Arctic cruises. Please contact us for further information. women s USA sized 3-9. Please check with us for other sizes prior to departure. Restaurant Triple Suites Porthole Suites Window Suites Promenade Suites Deluxe Suites Deck 2 Veranda Suites Penthouse Suites Owner's Suite Single Accommodations Main Triple Classic Superior Deluxe Premium Owner's SEA ADVENTURER Ice-strengthened Sea Adventurer accommodates 117 passengers in well-appointed cabins. It also features a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades. Departures on this vessel include expedition parka, a photographic journal and loan of rubber boots. Suite Deluxe Superior Main Deck Twin Window Main Deck Twin Porthole Lower Deck Twin Triple Captain s Deck Upper Deck Main Deck SPIRIT OF ENDERBY Built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research, and refurbished in 2004, this ice-strengthened vessel with stabilisers offers comfortable accommodation and high manoeuvrability for a maximum of 50 passengers. Departures on this vessel include a post-expedition log book, loan of parka and rubber boots. Middle Deck Upper Deck Main Deck Bar 309 Lounge / Library Suite 513 Hospital Dining Room Dining Room 50 YEARS OF VICTORY The planet s most powerful icebreaker can plough through ice up to 2.5m thick and carries on board a helicopter for flightseeing excursions. This mighty vessel carries a maximum of 128 passengers in external-facing ensuite cabins, with a pool, gym and plenty of shared spaces for dining and socialising. BRIDGE DECK 3 BRIDGE DECK 2 BAR BRIDGE DECK 1 BOW DECK AFT SALOON GYM CLINIC VOLLEYBALL COURT POOL SAUNAS ELEVATOR SHOP LIBRARY MASSAGE HOTEL OFFICE ELEVATOR RECEPTION ELEVATOR CAPTAIN S SALOON CAPTAIN S OFFICE LOUNGE BAR ELEVATOR VICTORY BAR CHIEF ENGINEER DINING ROOM Lower Deck Heritage Suite with Mini Suite with Superior Plus Cabin with Superior Cabin with Main Deck Cabin with shared facilities Main Deck Triple with shared facilities Standard Twin Mini Suite Junior Suite Grand Suite Victory Suite Arktika Suite E: INFO@AWSNFS.COM T:

8 A TYPICAL POLAR DAY Expedition-style cruises are unlike ordinary cruise holidays, where itineraries are set. Destinations and activities each day are entirely dependent on climatic, sea and ice conditions. Based on our experience, this is how a typical day might unfold: WAKE UP Awaken early in your warm, cosy cabin and start the day with a hearty cooked breakfast. Alternatively, grab a healthy muffin, some fresh fruit or toast to enjoy with a steaming mug of coffee or tea on out deck. Keep your camera and binoculars close by because in the polar regions, you just never know what you might see! MORNING It's time to slip into your hardy outdoor gear as you climb into a Zodiac for a shore landing. Step out onto a pebbly beach to walk amongst raucous penguins and enormous elephant seals. Later, you might hop back on board to navigate the rocky shoreline whilst keeping an eye out for whales as seabirds circle overhead. EARLY AFTERNOON Back on the ship, sip a welcome hot beverage before shrugging off your expedition parka and settling down for a casual, convivial lunch. As you sail to the next destination, there's free time to relax in your cabin, bird or whale-watch from the open deck or listen to an informative lecture by one of the expedition guides. LATE AFTERNOON Before you know it, it s time to get ready for your next activity. You may find yourself going for a walk to a scenic lookout point or cruising the pristine waters to admire the rich marine life. Optional activities (extra cost) include kayaking amongst icebergs and snowshoeing. DINNER Dinner is often a sit-down affair with a la carte meals served at the table. However, to celebrate a special event such a reaching the North Pole or your last day of cruising, your crew might host a barbecue on deck, to be savoured in the crisp evening air. EVENING Retire to the ship's lounge or library for a nightcap and a little light reading, or learn more about the environment you'll visit tomorrow at another entertaining presentation. More than likely, you'll turn in early, in preparation for another big day of adventures ahead. Paul Teolis 8 NATURAL FOCUS SAFARIS TAILOR-MADE EXPERIENCES

9 OUR POLAR ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS Many of our experienced team of consultants have travelled in Antarctica and/or the Arctic. They have the expertise and knowledge to help you design the polar adventure to best suit your style and budget. Stephen & Sara Cameron Company founders Steve and Sara have both pursued their passion for wildlife and wilderness on journeys to Antarctica. A keen adventurer and photographer, Steve has undertaken 2 voyages and has kayaked around the icebergs, camped on the ice and taken the obligatory polar plunge. Sara journeyed to Antarctica with a private group of families which included many children. Sara has also travelled through much of South America, Canada and Africa. Anne-Marie Zambelli General Manager of AWS and NFS and with more than 30 years experience in the travel industry, Annie loves the great wildlife and wilderness areas of the world. She has escorted clients to Antarctica travelling via Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Ushuaia. She completely fell in love with the penguins and a highlight was a night spent camping on the ice. Annie has explored historic haciendas of Ecuador and cruised the Galapagos Islands. She has also travelled extensively in Africa and India. Taleen Gaidzkar Taleen s Antarctic adventures have been some of the highlights of her very long travel career. Despite having seen most of the world s most remote and beautiful places, she is completely in awe of the Antarctic landscapes and unique wildlife. Taleen has also travelled to remote Macquarie Island which is Australia s sub Antarctic version of South Georgia. Having spent over 30 years in the travel industry she is one of our most senior travel specialists. Natasha Redondo Natasha has enjoyed an Arctic cruise exploring the magnificent Svalbard archipelago with views of sea ice as far as the eye could see, as well as gigantic glaciers, including one that was well over 100 kilometres long! Natasha has also travelled extensively throughout Canada and Alaska, including living and working in Toronto. Natasha says her most thrilling experiences include exploring the coast of Svalbard by Zodiac and heli-hiking on the Mendenhall Glacier. Kate Witton Kate s bucket-list dream came true when she visited Antarctica clocking up travel to all seven continents. Antarctica fills many travel ambitions for Kate including magnificent wildlife, an exciting adventure to (almost) the end of the Earth and beautiful and surreal landscapes. A highlight for Kate was spending a night off the boat camping, which she describes as thrilling and unique a must do! Kate is our reservations manager. Ebony Batt A passion for both travel and wildlife led Ebony to Natural Focus Safaris, where she specialises in crafting itineraries to Canada, Alaska and the Arctic. Her last holiday took her to cosmopolitan Vancouver and aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer, where she saw countless bald eagles and four black bears amid the majestic alpine landscapes of British Columbia and Alberta. Next, she would like to see a polar bear in wild. Maria Navarro A native of El Salvador, Maria is fluent in Spanish and brings over a decade of industry experience to the team at Natural Focus Safaris. She has travelled much of South America, including exploring the icy lakes and gleaming glaciers of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. Maria s in-depth knowledge and passion for the vast wildernesses of Latin America and beyond will help you get a head start on designing your Antarctic expedition. Leticia Hennessy-Maia Born in Brazil, Leticia is an expert on her own country having travelled the length and breadth of it before venturing further afield to explore Chile, Peru, Argentina, and more recently Canada's Rocky Mountains. With an enthusiasm for adventure, Antarctica and the Arctic are at the top of her list of dream destinations to visit. Leticia's love of amazing landscapes and wildlife provides her with the perfect background to expertly plan your polar adventure. E: INFO@AWSNFS.COM T: