Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands

Transcription

1 Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands An expedition to the Great White Continent aboard the MS Hebridean Sky 23rd January to 15th February 2017 & 20th February to 15th March 2017 LAU OFFE NCH R - sa ve 1000 PER PERS ON

2 Adelie penguins In today s highly accessible world there are few places that still hold the power to enthral and enchant. Antarctica is certainly one of these. No amount of travel books or programmes can prepare you for the Great White Continent. It is without doubt somewhere that has to be seen to be believed. This most southern of continents, this desert of ice, is so unique and uncommon to man s experience, that even the most dramatic of photographs pale into insignificance when one is confronted by the sheer magnitude, beauty and wonder of an Antarctic landscape. For centuries myths abounded of a southern land but early exploration was hindered by the ice. Maps dating back to the late Medieval period show a continent named Terra Australis Ingognita, the unknown southern land. Captain Cook became the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle in 1773 but never sited land. The first person to set foot on Antarctica is thought to be an American sealer, Captain John Davis in Since then it is a land that has consistently challenged and inspired men of extraordinary character to deeds requiring extreme courage. The expeditions of Scott, Amundsen, Shackleton, Ross, Byrd and many others are a shining example of honour, strength and perseverance which today still inspire us and it is always a privilege to explore these same waters aboard the MS Hebridean Sky. For most travellers the Antarctic experience is a once in a lifetime visit, it is therefore important that the trip should be as rewarding as possible. Antarctica is to be experienced, not just to be seen, and we believe the only way to do this is onboard a small ship. To enjoy the wonders of this icy paradise in the company of a small and enthusiastic party is the perfect way to achieve the most from a visit to this extraordinary place. Our expedition aboard the MS Hebridean Sky features not only the Antarctic Peninsula but also magnificent South Georgia where you will experience one of the world s natural wonders, the Alps in mid-ocean, offering remarkable concentrations of wildlife against a backdrop of glaciers and snow-covered mountains. Hugging the coast to the wildest reaches of the island we land on beaches alive with rampaging fur seals, somnolent elephant seals and truly astonishing numbers of King penguins. We also spend time on the Falkland Islands, an enchanting place with a unique character and staggering wildlife. This is the last sanctuary of the elegant albatross which soars graciously against the blue sky and has colonies of elephant seals basking at the foot of vertiginous cliffs. In between our landings by Zodiac and while at sea, you can pass the time on deck looking for wildlife, attend the series of lectures by members of the expedition team and simply relax onboard. TIERRA ARGENTINA DEL FUEGO Ushuaia CAPE HORN DRAKE PASSAGE The Itinerary Day 1 London to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fly by scheduled flight. Day 2 Buenos Aires. Arrive this morning and transfer to the Melia Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently. Day 3 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ushuaia. We will stay overnight in Ushuaia allowing the opportunity to explore the southern most town in the world. Perhaps enjoy the Argentinean leather markets and succulent lamb dishes. Day 4 Ushuaia. Enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the MS Hebridean Sky in the afternoon. You will be greeted by the onboard Expedition Team and ship s officers at a safety and orientation briefing FALKLAND ISLANDS S. SHETLAND ISLANDS Port Lockroy Deception Is Paradise Bay King George Is Petermann Is Elephant Is S. ORKNEY Detaille Is ISLANDS WEDDELL SEA LEMAIRE CHANNEL ANTARCTIC CIRCLE LARSEN ICE SHELF ANTARCTIC PENINSULA SOUTHERN OCEAN SOUTH GEORGIA Grytviken followed by the Captain s Welcome Dinner. After dinner, relax and enjoy the mountainous scenery as we sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic penguin, and sea lion colonies. Day 5 Southern Ocean. As we sail south, keep watch for the albatrosses, prions and petrels that frequently follow the ship. The Expedition Team will be out on deck looking for the whales and dolphins which may also be seen in the area. The onboard presentations with informative and entertaining talks on the wildlife, history and geology of the Falkland Islands and Southern Ocean will begin today and helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will also be held in the comfortable lounge. Day 6 West Falklands. The westernmost settled outposts in the Falkland Islands are remote farms that have been family-owned for six and seven generations. The sheep graze alongside albatross colonies and rockhopper, king and macaroni penguin rookeries while

3 King Penguin Colony, South Georgia Humpback Whale Albatrosses striated caracaras patrol overhead and upland geese graze at the water s edge. Day 7 Stanley, East Falklands. Chosen for its sheltered harbour and access to abundant fresh water and peat for fuel, Stanley is easy to discover on foot as most shops and services are centered on the port including the museum, the postoffice featuring first day covers, plenty of shops with locally made wool items and Stanley s lively pubs. It is possible to experience the wildlife of the Falklands from the town, including sea lions and Peale s and Commerson s dolphins in the harbour or bird life in nearby Gypsy Cove. Days 8 & 9 Southern Ocean. There will be plenty of wildlife spotting as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. Shipboard presentations will continue featuring briefings on the exciting history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. Days 10 to 13 South Georgia. Its unique position inside the Antarctic Convergence yet outside the limit of the yearly sea ice makes this 3755 square kilometre island home to tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals and seabirds. Magnificent mountain scenery, glaciers galore, a rugged coastline punctuated with castellate and tabular icebergs, a rich historical tapestry, and an astounding array of wildlife are all available to us as we travel along South Georgia s leeward coast. Landing sites feature huge elephant seals, aggressive fur seals, macaroni penguins, albatross, petrels, skuas, and gulls. King penguins from fuzzy little chicks to fattened adults can be seen in the hundreds of thousands. We plan to visit historic Grytviken whaling station, home of the whaling museum, Norwegian seaman s church, the active British Antarctic Survey station plus the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried. Days 14 & 15 Scotia Sea. Heading further south, the informative presentations will continue as will wildlife watch as the icebergs become more and more plentiful. Days 16 to 19 Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. We reach the Antarctic Peninsula, the land of superlatives. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice and wildlife opportunities. Approaching the Antarctic Peninsula from the east we cross the northern boundary of the Weddell Sea; this large cold body of water rotates clockwise driving cold water and ice north towards South Georgia and the South Orkney Islands. Large tabular icebergs born in the Weddell drift north into our path while the ocean currents drive nutrients from the deep, feeding countless species of marine animals. Large groups of whales are common, along with scores of seabirds thriving off the bounty the Weddell provides. Our route will highlight the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. Our schedule may include picturesque Neko Harbour, sheltered Paradise Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay (a favourite of humpback whales) or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland s Arctowksi or a historic base such as Port Lockroy or Wordie House. Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins abound, and Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory leopard seals and the aggressive Antarctic fur seal. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Days 20 & 21 Drake Passage. We will continue our lecture series and wildlife spotting as we sail back to Ushuaia. Day 22 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Melia Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay. Day 23 Buenos Aires to London. After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. Day 24 London Heathrow. Arrive this morning. LAUNCH OFFER BOOK BEFORE 31 DECEMBER 2015 AND SAVE 1000 PER PERSON OFF THE PRICES SHOWN BELOW* Deck Suite Category 23 January February 2017 Amundsen Byrd Mawson Mawson Scott Shackleton Shackleton Amundsen Byrd Standard Superior Premium Corner Deluxe Balcony Owner s Balcony Hebridean Standard for sole use Superior for sole use * Please note from 1st January 2016 the early booking discount will decrease to 500 per person. Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight accommodation in Ushuaia and two nights accommodation in Buenos Aires on a bed and breakfast basis, 18 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis, shore excursions, Expedition Team, transfers, port taxes, expedition parka, use of rubber boots onboard the MS Hebridean Sky. Not Included: Travel Insurance, gratuities.

4 Exploring by Zodiac Seal pup The Falklands Pre Cruise Extension Mere words cannot do justice to the awe-inspiring spectacle of Antarctica, a beautiful and demanding place that confounds all preconceptions and irrevocably touches the spirit of travellers in a way quite unlike anywhere else. Pre-Cruise Iguazu Falls Extension 20 th to 24 th January 2017 & 17 th to 21 st February 2017 Before joining your fellow travellers in Buenos Aires ahead of your voyage, we are offering the opportunity to visit the mighty Iguazu Falls, often considered the most dramatic waterfalls in the world. The Itinerary Day 1 London to Buenos Aires. Fly by scheduled flight. Day 2 Buenos Aires. Arrive this morning and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. Remainder of day at leisure. Day 3 Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls. After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Iguazu Falls. On arrival transfer to your hotel and this afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the falls. Today will explore the Brazilian side of the falls walking through the tropical rainforest. Day 4 Iguazu Falls. Enjoy a full day at the Iguazu Falls on a series of guided walks seeing the Upper and lower circuits and also the triple frontier the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Highlights today include the 80 metre fall Garganta del Diablo (Devil s Throat). Day 5 Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires. Return to the airport this morning and join our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to the Melia Hotel and join our fellow travellers (follow main itinerary from day 2). Prices per person Based on double occupancy Twin: 1045; Single: 1445 Price includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires and two nights hotel accommodation in Iguazu Falls on a bed and breakfast basis, guided tours at the Iguazu Falls, lunch and dinner on days 3 and 4, transfers, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel Insurance.

5 MS Hebridean Sky The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Currently known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel will undergo a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in April 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky and beginning her new life operating mostly in Northern Europe, South America and Antarctica. The MS Hebridean Sky has an almost identical deck plan to that of the MS Island Sky and during the refurbishment, we will undertake numerous works, both technical and to the passenger and crew accommodation, public rooms and decks. When the MS Hebridean Sky emerges from her dry dock, we will have a vessel of which to be proud and designed especially for all our areas of operation. Your Cabin/Suite Onboard there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views with suites on the Scott and Shackleton decks featuring private balconies. Each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/CD player and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. Soft hues and blended tones will enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. Your Space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge on the Bryd Deck featuring a selection of seating options from individual armchairs and sofas to side cushioned benches. Daily briefings given by the Cruise Director and talks from Guest Speakers and Expedition staff take place in the lounge which is fitted with the highest standard of presentation equipment including multiple screens. In addition to the main Lounge, there is also The Club, located on the Mawson Deck which features the main bar where the onboard pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The Club also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. Towards the aft of the ship on the Mawson Deck is the Library. Well stocked with reference books pertaining to the destinations the vessel is visiting and a selection of essential reads, you will not find yourself short of excellent literature onboard. A selection of games and two computers complete with internet access can also be found in the Library. The main dining room which can seat all guests at one sitting is located on the Amundsen Deck and outside there is a rear Lido deck located on the Scott Deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. Further to this on the top Shackleton Deck there is an observation area complete with sun loungers ideal for sun bathing, relaxing with a book or catching up with fellow travellers. There is also a small hairdressers onboard with appointments made on request. As part of our refurbishment of the vessel, we will be adding a boot room for passengers to store their wellington boots and heavy jackets whilst expedition cruising in cold waters. Your Dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine onboard the MS Hebridean Sky is of a consistent superior quality that befits such a vessel. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapes take place in either the comfort of the Lounge or out on the Lido deck when the weather is favourable.

6 Suite Lounge Library Restaurant In keeping with the informal atmosphere onboard, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements at your leisure. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffetstyle, with certain items cooked to order on request. Lunch and dinner are an à la carte five course affair, with the menu often reflecting the daily catch or local delicacies. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with both meals. Your Comfort The MS Hebridean Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimise the ship s motion. During your voyage we hope to offer you the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessel s progress by charts and learn more about your journey. Onboard you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Your Life Onboard The atmosphere onboard is warm and convivial and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about the wonders of nature in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port briefings from our Expedition Leader and of course good food, all contribute to make any voyage aboard this wonderful vessel a memorable and joyful experience. Please note that the images shown are of the MS Island Sky and whilst the suites and public areas will be of a similar size, layout and design, the soft furnishings will be different. We will update imagery as soon as we have some new images available during the refurbishment. These cruises visit out of the way destinations. You will be accompanied by an expedition team and many landings ashore will be made by Zodiac landing craft. Cruises such as these will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. Deck Plan Shackleton Deck Scott Deck Mawson Deck Byrd Deck Boot Room Library Amundsen Deck Restaurant Lido Deck The Club Lounge Buffet Standard Suites Standard Suites (Forward) Standard Suites Superior Suites Coffee Station Galley Pantry Public bathrooms Hair dresser & Beauty Center Hotel manager s office Cruise office Staff Cabin Staff Cabin Cruise Director Entrance Hall Reception Purse r s Office Owner s Owner s Balcony Balcony Suite s Suites Owner s Balcony Suites 604 Deluxe Balcony Suites Deluxe Balcony Suites Corner Suites Standard Suites Chief Engineer Officer Hospital Standard Suites Standard Suites Standard Suites Radio Chart room room Captain Bridge Doctor Officer s Quarters Open Deck Corner Suite Corner Suite Deluxe Deluxe Balcony Balcony Suites Suites Owners Balcony Suites Hebridean Suite Viewing Platform Owner s Balcony Suites Single Suites Corner Hebridean Suites Suite 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk noble-caledonia.co.uk All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Iceberg, Antarctica _S