Antarctic Circle Crossing

Transcription

1 Antarctic Circle Crossing Detailed Itinerary Southern Expedition Feb 23/15 Rich Lowenberg Chinstrap penguins the most numerous penguins in the world. It is estimated that there are 12 to 13 million located on the barren islands of the sub-antarctic Region and the Antarctic Peninsula. These penguins live and breed in large colonies. They often live on large icebergs on the open ocean. They dive off to catch fish and krill. They are the boldest penguins and are most likely to fight other penguins. A thrill few adventurers experience crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. We visit the South Shetland Islands and head south, celebrating and remembering past explorers as we cross S. We hope to travel as far south as Marguerite Bay, discovered by Jean-Baptiste Charcot in Facts & Highlights 13 or 14 days Start and finish in Ushuaia, Argentina Includes all on board meals Pre-cruise hotel on a shared basis with breakfast Cross the Drake Passage Explore Deception Island Cross the Antarctic Circle Watch for gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins; Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, orca, humpback & minke whales and many seabirds DEPARTURE DATES & Prices See page 3 for a full list of departure dates and cabin prices. Activity Level: 1 Comfort Level: Seas can be rough when crossing the Drake Passage. Zodiac landings required. Accommodations Travel aboard our ships: the M/S Ocean Diamond or the Sea Adventurer. Recrossing the Circle as we head north, we continue our exploration of this icebound continent, knowing we are one of very few to have this incredible experience. US/CAN UK INTL

2 This is not an ElderTreks operated tour. As such, participants on this tour are not exclusive Elder- Treks clients and it may not adhere to ElderTreks maximum size restrictions of our tours. Day 1 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina Arrive at our hotel in scenic Ushuaia and spend the rest of the day exploring this colorful port town. Day 2 Ushuaia, embarkation Transfer to the quay to join other adventurers on deck as we sail in the late afternoon through the scenic Beagle Channel. Day 3-4 Drake Passage To sailors the Drake is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, but you may be lucky and get calm weather. Regardless of the conditions, we ll keep you busy on deck, on the Bridge and in the presentation room. We prepare you for boarding Zodiacs, shore landings, and, if you dare, polar dips. Enroute to Antarctica, you may find that delicious three-course meals are made even more interesting by the occasional shout of Whales off the port side! Will you continue eating or dash on deck with your camera? Day 5-8 Exploring the peninsula The Expedition Team launch the Zodiacs to skim across the water to go ashore, or drift silently while you watch whales fed or penguins jump aboard ice floes. Argentina Ushuaia South Shetland islands King George Isl. Livingston Isl. Deception Isl. Lemaire Channel Petermann Isl. Marguerite bay Day 9-10 feeding krill Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66 degrees 33 S. Celebrate with a wellearned glass of champagne. Toast to the intrepid explorers who have gone before. Day whale tail Port Lockroy danco coast loubert coast There s a story behind every name on the map of Antarctica. Many of the French names that appear are the legacy of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, physician, yachtsman, and explorer. He, like you, lived for adventure. Day drake passage to USHUAIA Antarctic Peninsula As you cross the Drake once again, you ll have time to adjust to a world where day and night are distinct. Please note: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission. 2

3 Ocean Diamond Date Triple Twin Twin (window) Suite Single Single Balcony (porthole) (obstructed) (window) Suite Jan 15 - Jan 28, 16 $8795 $12,395 $12,995 $16,995 $15,995 $16,995 $17,995 Sea Adventurer Date Triple Lower Main Deck Main Superior Deluxe Owner s Deck (porthole) (window) Suite Feb 08 - Feb 20, 15 $9295 $11,295 $12,295 $13,295 $14,295 $15,295 $17,295 Ocean Diamond Please note: All prices are per person, based on twin occupancy. Standard twin cabins with private facilities are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share price. (See the color coded deck plans on pages 4-6 for more information.) * - Sea kayaking - $825 Ω - Camping - $225 Sea Adventurer Ocean Diamond 3

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5 The M/S Sea adventurer details: All cabins aboard the ship are outside cabins with private bathrooms. The ship has advanced communications and navigation equipment, and newly installed, state-of-the-art Sperry Gyrofin stabilizers. Quark Expeditions color coded deck plan: Maximum: 122 passengers, Registry: Bahamas, Tonnage (GRT): 4364 tons The M/S Sea Adventurer is a 122-passenger vessel specifically constructed for expedition voyages. Its ice-strengthened hull permits the ship to glide easily and safely through ice-strewn waters that are not accessible to conventional cruise vessels. Quark Expeditions Standard Cabin aboard the M/S Sea Adventurer. Twin: lower deck 2 lower berths, porthole Twin: main deck 2 lower berths, porthole Twin: main deck 2 lower berths, window Superior 2 lower berths, windows Deluxe 2 lower berths, windows Suite 2 lower berths, windows Owner s Suite 2 lower berths, private bathrooms with a bathtub, windows Quark Expeditions Library aboard the M/S Sea Adventurer. 5

6 The M/S Ocean Diamond details: All cabins aboard the ship are outside cabins with private bathrooms. The ship has advanced communications and navigation equipment, and newly installed, state-of-the-art Sperry Gyrofin stabilizers. color coded deck plan: Maximum: 189 passengers, Registry: Bahamas, Tonnage (GRT): 8282 tons Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers, this outstanding vessel features numerous adventure options plus onboard amenities such as a massage and wellness program and a well-stocked polar library. 6

7 adventure OPTIONS on selected departures: Our carefully planned adventure options make our Antarctic Circle Crossing program all the more exciting for anyone wanting to put their energies and enthusiasm to use in this untrodden land. Sea Kayaking: A fantastic way to explore the little bays, waterways and the wide expanses of Antarctica! We use 5-meter (16 ft) Prijon double sea kayaks, equipped with rudders, which are very stable, surprisingly comfortable and incredibly tough perfect for paddling through such an icy environment. Each trip is led by two experienced and highly qualified kayak instructors and a Zodiac safety boat stays in constant communication ready to assist should the need arise. Group size and number of excursions: There will be a maximum of ten kayakers per departure. Weather and ice permitting we plan to make a minimum of four kayak excursions, each paddling over several miles and typically lasting for two to three hours. With the long daylight hours of the southern summer, there may be opportunities for short evening paddles as well. What to expect: Antarctica is the last frontier for kayaking. Paddling in this pristine, icy wilderness is an overwhelming experience even for the most seasoned adventurer. Imagine paddling in a sea of ice floes or at a safe distance to beautifully sculptured icebergs, silently floating past rafts of penguins or cruising inside a flooded volcanic crater. With a little luck, we hope to see penguins flying through the water underneath our boats; curious seals poking their heads out of the water alongside and even inquisitive 30-ton whales coming over to investigate. It is a truly unforgettable and humbling experience. Camping: This will be a great opportunity to enhance your appreciation of Antarctica as a wilderness and to experience a more personal and private connection with the continent. We aim to give you a sense of independence, while still retaining our high safety standards. Two experienced staff will supervise campers throughout the night. Group Size and Number of Excursions: There will be a maximum of 30 campers allowed ashore. Weather and ice permitting we plan to offer one night of camping during each voyage. All meals will be taken onboard the vessel. What to Expect: You will sleep in high quality mountain tents and sleeping bags provided by Quark Expeditions. Only emergency rations will be taken ashore and no cooking will be conducted. You are encouraged to use toilet facilities onboard prior to going ashore, but one portable chemical toilet will be available. Enjoy optional sea kayaking excursions. Claudio Suter 7

8 Questions & Answers 1. How big are the groups? The Ocean Diamond carries 189 passengers. The Sea Spirit carries 122 passengers. 2. What is included in the tour price? 1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with continental breakfast Voyage aboard the vessel per itinerary with shipboard accommodation All meals throughout the voyage All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage Leadership by experienced expedition staff A program of presentations by noted naturalists and other experts Zodiac cruising The use of rubber boots for the duration of the voyage Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and Antarctic handbook Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program Photographic album on DVD Daily international news bulletin Expedition parka for you to keep. 3. Travel Insurance Medical and cancellation insurance are not included in the cost of the program, but is strongly recommended. Emergency Evacuation insurance (with a maximum benefit of $100,000) is included, however MEDICAL coverage is not. ElderTreks offers a fully comprehensive policy to insure you fully, please call for details. 4. Are these educational voyages? All of the voyages are led by a carefully chosen team of dedicated and enthusiastic expedition staff, many of whom return to the Antarctic each season. One of the most important priorities for these Antarctic expeditions is the focus on interpretation and education. With formal lecturers, as well as informal briefings, your lecturers and expedition leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. On board you will be fully briefed on safety issues and our environmental policy and you will also receive appropriate briefings before every landing. 5. What are the meals like? The European chefs serve delicious international cuisine. The comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine and spirits. 6. What about the weather? In very general terms, be prepared for temperatures that range from 5 F (-15 C) to 40 F (4 C). If you are properly dressed, even sub-zero temperatures can be quite comfortable. 7. When is payment due? A non-refundable deposit of 30% (minimum $1200 USD per person) is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 120 days prior to departure. Deposits can be made by credit card. Final payments can be made by check or credit card. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of our brochre. 8. What should I take on the trip? Once you have made your final payment, an Expedition Cruising-Preparing for your Antarctic Voyage primer will be sent to you. 9. Can you arrange my flights? We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries not group flights. Stop over en route, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary. 10. What if I would like more information? If you have any further questions about the trip, please feel free to contact our office for additional information. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip. 8