The Wonders of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica

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1 EXTRA DATE ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND The Wonders of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica An expedition of a lifetime aboard the MS Hanseatic 8th to 30th January & 13th February to 7th March 2016* LA OFF UNCH ER sav e PER PER SON

2 Exploring by Zodiac Eeven today after many decades of exploration, Antarctica still remains a world apart, a majestic last frontier surpassing even the most jaded of travellers expectations. Join us aboard the MS Hanseatic and follow in the footsteps of researchers, pioneers, adventurers and discoverers on our expedition cruise to the sixth continent. The expeditions of Shackleton, amongst others, are a shining example of honour, strength and perseverance which today still inspire us and it will be a privilege to explore these same waters aboard the five-star MS Hanseatic as we sail from the Argentinean port of Ushuaia to the Falkland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. The first landing of our voyage will be the Falkland Islands. The wildlife on the rocky islands is staggering and it is truly an enchanting place with a unique character. This is the last sanctuary of the elegant albatross which soars graciously against the blue sky, with colonies of elephant seals basking at the foot of vertiginous cliffs. After a couple of days at sea which will be spent on deck looking for wildlife, attending lectures by members of the expedition team and relaxing onboard we reach South Georgia. Here 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 have three days of exploration in this unique animal paradise and using the Zodiacs there will be up to three landings each day allowing you the optimum time ashore to experience this rich animal kingdom. From South Georgia we sail to the Antarctic Peninsula. It is hard to put into words the sheer grandeur of an Antarctic landscape. 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. Enormous tabular icebergs rise from the sea, hillsides are covered with thousands of penguins and seals bask on icebergs dotted in the ocean; the sights, sounds and emotions will stay with you forever. 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 and the MS Hanseatic is the perfect vessel both in terms of the educational experience onboard and the number of opportunities to go ashore. 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. TIERRA ARGENTINA DEL FUEGO Ushuaia CAPE HORN DRAKE PASSAGE Ship s Log What does a typical day involve during an Antarctic cruise? Below are extracts from the ship log of a recent expedition to Antarctica Tuesday 8 January 2013, South Georgia After an early dinner, we landed at Gold Harbour. While we might not have found any of the pyrite from which the harbour derives its name, we were rewarded with the rich and warm colours of the late day sunshine, the diverse avifauna (including King, Gentoo, and Chinstrap Penguins), and the alternating sedentary and violent performances of the South Atlantic Elephant Seals. It was almost as though we were watching some nature special on BBC television, except this was even better, live, in front of us. It was difficult to believe these behemoths, enormous already, were but mere 3-4-year-old males; full-grown bulls will be twice as big and weigh in at four tons. This landing was like visual candy: there were so many good things at which to look that it was almost difficult to make a decision. The stark landscape was stunning, a perfect backdrop to our warm, beach experience. The penguins did what penguins do: standing there, preening, begging, 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 following, approaching, retreating, and vocalizing. The King Penguin s ability to tilt its head back and let out a multi-toned harmony was spine-tingling. The Gentle Gentoo Penguin, lumped with several others in the jackass penguin family, was mostly mute, but when it did cry out, you instantly understood the donkey reference. The sense of being in such a wild place where we are clearly only visitors was euphoric. Friday 11 January 2013, At sea We managed an astounding five species of whales today! Fin Whales were the numbers champion. We learned their tall spout, low profile, and curved dorsal fin set well back on its body. Not many more than eight Humpback Whales made an appearance, with at least five breaching off in the foggy distance. Killer Whales made a good showing with at least six. Two Longfinned Pilot Whales were a treat for at least a few lucky viewers. A rare and elusive Southern Bottlenose Whale stole the show; almost quite literally, when it made a cameo appearance during the Noble Caledonia cocktail reception hosted by Kristine Hannon. Not to be outdone by the whales, thousands of Cape Petrels followed our wake, often floating on unseen air currents just out of reach. To read the full log, visit

3 Iceberg and Penguins Exploring by Zodiac The Itinerary Day 1 London to Buenos Aires. Fly by scheduled flight Day 2 Buenos Aires. Arrive this morning and transfer to our central hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon is free to enjoy the facilities in the hotel or explore the city independently. Tonight we will meet for a welcome dinner. Day 3 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. After an early breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Ushuaia. On arrival in the world s southernmost city we will transfer to the MS Hanseatic and sail this evening. Day 4 At sea. Enjoy a day onboard as we sail to the Falkland Islands. Join one of the onboard lectures, Humpback Whale watch for wildlife from the deck or relax with a book in the library. Days 5 & 6 Falkland Islands. During our time in the Falkland Islands the Captain and Expedition leader will explore the best options to drop anchor in order to use the Zodiacs and discover the fascinating, abundant world of birds at close range. On several landings, you will experience this unique ecosystem at first hand, joining experts to observe rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, which share their habitat with kelp geese, black-browed albatrosses and steamer ducks. By contrast, the small capital of Stanley appears to be very British. Discover Victorian houses and the world s southernmost Anglican church. Days 7 & 8 At sea. Days 9 to 11 South Georgia. We have three packed expedition days to discover South Georgia. Glaciated mountain summits on the horizon announce your approach to this unique animal paradise. Hundreds of thousands of king penguins live on the coasts and hillsides of the island and bring the stunning landscape to life. On up to three trips and landings each day with the Zodiacs, you can experience this rich animal kingdom up close. See elephant seals fighting over a harem or observe gentoo penguins and thousands of king penguins breeding and raising their young. Prominent experts with extensive experience in the Antarctic will be on hand to advise you about the King Penguin Colony, South Georgia fauna and flora. In Grytviken, you will be able to immerse yourself in the exciting history of polar exploration. Visit the tiny whalers church built in 1913, and the grave of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose legendary Endurance expedition came to an end in South Georgia. You will also gain an insight into the everyday lives of modern polar researchers on the South Orkney Islands, where, weather permitting, you will be taken ashore in the Zodiacs to visit the Argentinian Orcadas research station (subject to authorisation). Day 12 At sea. Days 13 to 18 South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula. Sail through the Weddell Sea to Paulet Island. The ice crunches and cracks around the ship s reinforced bow, while it becomes ever more apparent just what strains the pioneers of polar exploration had to endure. Where weather and ice conditions dictate the course, the experienced crew will react flexibly and spontaneously to guarantee you unforgettable moments in the wonderland of the Antarctic. You can look forward, for example, to the caldera of Deception Island and the incomparable sight of Paradise Bay: glaciers tower hundreds of metres above and snow-covered mountains line the bay in which icebergs as high as houses float. The team of experts accompanying you will open up new fields of knowledge and will visit the Antarctic continent

4 MS Hanseatic at Grytviken Falkland Islands with you if the weather and ice conditions permit landing. One of the most spectacular shipping passages in the world is the Lemaire Channel: mountains up to 1000 metre high line the strait of water and seem to be almost within reach as a mystical tranquillity prevails. The MS Hanseatic will then head for the Penola Strait and set course for the most southerly point of your expedition. The end of your cruise will once again reveal to you the full beauty of the Antarctic: drifting icebergs, glaciated mountain summits and with a bit of luck, you might spot a whale among the waves. Our last day takes the passage through the Neumayer Channel which serves up the grand finale with panoramic views of amazing glaciers. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Days 19 & 20 At sea. Two final days to relax onboard, attend lectures and reminisce with fellow travellers about all you have experienced during the expedition. Day 21 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. Day 22 Buenos Aires to London. Enjoy a free morning to explore independently before we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. Day 23 London. Arrive this morning. LAUNCH OFFER SAVE 1000 PER PERSON FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY Cat Cabin Description Brochure Prices Special Offer 2 Twin cabin on Amundsen Twin cabin on Explorer Twin cabin on Marco Polo Twin cabin on Explorer Twin cabin on Bridge Suite on Bridge Twin cabin on Amundsen for sole use Price Includes: Economy class scheduled flights between London and Buenos Aires, specially chartered flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, two nights hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires on a bed and breakfast basis, (one night s hotel accommodation for February 2016 departure), welcome dinner in Buenos Aires, 18 nights aboard the MS Hanseatic (20 nights onboard for February 2016 departure) on a full board basis, mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day, zodiac excursions, expedition team including onboard lectures, transfers, landing fees, gratuities to crew, port taxes, airport taxes, loan of waterproof boots and parka during cruise. Not Included: Travel Insurance, non-zodiac shore excursions, visas. NB. Ports and itinerary subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability. *South Georgia, Falklands & the Antarctic Peninsula 13th February to 7th March 2016 Departure The itinerary for the February departure varies to that shown with places visited in a different order and the cruise finishes in Buenos Aires instead of Ushuaia. The February date includes two extra nights aboard the MS Hanseatic and only one overnight hotel stay in Buenos Aires. Itinerary in Brief: Day 1 London to Buenos Aires. Fly by scheduled flight. Day 2 Buenos Aires. Arrive and transfer to the Melia Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay. Day 3 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. This morning transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Ushuaia and transfer to the MS Hanseatic. Sail this evening. Days 4 & 5 At sea. Days 6 to 11 South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula and South Orkney Islands. Day 12 At sea. Days 13 to 15 South Georgia. Days 16 & 17 At sea. Day 18 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. Days 19 to 22 At sea. Iceberg Day 23 Buenos Aires to London. Disembark and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London. Day 24 London. Arrive today. Full itinerary for the February 2016 departure can be viewed online at Meeting the locals

5 MS Hanseatic Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the MS Hanseatic is the world s only five-star expedition ship (Berlitz Cruise Guide 2014). With a maximum of just 184 passengers, this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere onboard with the finest surroundings. You will be joined by a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks throughout the cruise. Your Cabin/Suite There are 88 outside cabins which measure 22 square metres and four suites which measure a spacious 44 square metres. All offer a comfortable living and sleeping area with a modern en-suite bathroom cabins have a shower and suites have a bathtub and shower as well as a mini bar which is refilled with soft drinks every day, Infotainment system with private , internet access (subject to charge), TV, radio, satellite telephone, a spacious wardrobe, hairdryer, and individually adjustable air conditioning. The large panoramic windows or maritime portholes offer fantastic views. The forward-view camera shows impressions of the ocean and your arrival directly on your flat screen. On arrival in your cabin you will find fresh fruit and champagne. The cabins and suites on the Bridge also come with a safe and 24-hour butler service. Cabins on the Amundsen have portholes and all other cabins and suites have panoramic windows. Your Space The vessel has a spacious single sitting restaurant, two lounge bars, a lecture theatre, library, sun deck with a heated swimming pool and pool bar, indoor whirlpool, fitness room, sauna, hairdressing salon and small boutique. There is also a hospital on the lower deck. Whilst relaxing on deck and watching for passing wildlife, the excellent service team offer little touches like exotic fruit skewers and cooling terry cloth towels. Exciting perspectives are also guaranteed in the Observation Lounge thanks to the 180 degree panoramic view which can be enjoyed while relaxing with an aperitif at the bar and listening to the piano music. It is in the Explorer Lounge that the expedition team will hold lectures and briefings. Your Dining Experience indulgence at the highest level. Highly trained chefs will surprise you every day with their skill and attention to detail. Diversity as well as classic delicacies will be available for every meal, whether you are enjoying a quick breakfast or a relaxed evening meal. When the weather is good, you are very welcome to have breakfast on deck and at lunchtime there is always the choice between a buffet and a la carte menu. There will also be special events throughout your cruise. Life Onboard With your every need attended to, there is nothing to do but relax and enjoy the experience aboard the MS Hanseatic. After a Zodiac excursion, you will be welcomed back onboard with hot drinks and snacks, drinks will be handed to you as you stand on deck viewing magnificent icebergs and the crew of 125 will think of everything and enhance your cruise in every way possible. Highly qualified, knowledgeable experts will accompany you throughout the cruise. Discovering unknown territory and seeing amazing wildlife will be a lot more rewarding with an expert by your side. Whether a naturalist or ornithologist, their passion and enthusiasm will be conveyed through talks onboard and during excursions in small groups. The onboard fleet of 14 Zodiac landing craft enables guests to reach every spectacular sight, no matter how remote. Due to their manoeuvrability, these inflatable craft allow us to truly immerse ourselves in nature. You can be feet away from glaciers, bears, spectacular birdlife and explore otherwise inaccessible fjords and waterways. For your Comfort, Safety & Security With the highest ice class for a passenger ship E4, a shallow draught, a powerful engine and robust propellers, this is a sturdy ship with excellent manoeuvrability, allowing us to access remote islands and coastlines and is the perfect vessel from which to experience unforgettable expedition moments. Explorer Lounge

6 Drinks on the Ice Suite on bridge deck bservation bservation bservation ridge ridge ridge xplorer xplorer mundsen mundsen mundsen During this voyage you will be visiting out of the way destinations, and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Some landings ashore and optional excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. This cruise will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. Hairdresser Sauna Solarium Sauna Beauty Hairdresser Parlour + Solarium Sauna Beauty Hairdresser Parlour + OBSERVATION DECK Solarium Bar Sauna Beauty BAR Parlour Bar Pool Bar Zodiacs SPA Zodiacs PoolWhirl- pool POOL Zodiacs Whirlpool JACUZZI Whirlpool Library Library GYM Pool BarFitness Room Observation Lounge Library LIBRARY Pool BarFitness Room Observation Lounge Flexible bed arrangement (side Flexible by side bed or arrangement twin beds) BRIDGE DECK (side Flexible by side bed or arrangement twin beds) Radio Room (side by side or twin beds) Radio Room Radio Room Columbus Columbus Bridge Lounge Bridge Columbus Lounge Bridge Lounge Reception EXPLORER DECK RECEPTION Explorer Lounge Reception LOUNGE Explorer DanceLounge Stage DANCE Floor FLOOR Dance Stage Floor BAR Bar Tour Office TOUR OFFICE MARCO POLO DECK Bar Tour Office STAGE arco Polo arco Polo LOUNGE RESTAURANT Marco Polo Marco Restaurant Polo Restaurant AMUNDSEN DECK SHOP Boutique Boutique BAR OBSERVATION LOUNGE BRIDGE Restaurant Observation Lounge Twin Cabin, Explorer ck arwin arwin arwin DARWIN DECK Darwin Hall Darwin Hall Darwin HALL Hall Hospital Hospital Hospital H CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 CATEGORY 7 Cabins with two beds positioned side by side Unmarked Cabins with cabins two beds are furnished positioned with side. twin by side beds. Unmarked Cabins with cabins two beds are furnished positioned with side. twin by side beds. These Unmarked cabins cabins are equipped are furnished and with furnished twin beds. to accommodate disabled passengers These cabins are equipped and furnished to accommodate disabled. passengers These cabins are equipped and furnished to accommodate disabled. passengers aranteed cabin Amundsen Explorer Marco Polo Explorer Bridge aranteed cabin Amundsen Explorer Marco Polo Explorer Bridge aranteed cabin Amundsen Explorer Marco Polo Explorer Bridge Bridge Bridge Bridge Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE (0) info@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: King Penguin Colony, South Georgia. NC _K