SIGMAXI EXPEDITIONS THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 Antarctica expedition to the white continent Aboard the All-Suite, 114-Guest Corinthian II February 18 - March 3, 2009 A Wonderful Opportunity! Airfare Just $500 per person + tax from Miami!
an unforgettable voyage led by seasoned expedition leaders and naturalists Our voyage features a team of experienced expedition staff and lecturers expert naturalists and scientists who know Antarctica well and are eager to introduce you to the geology, wildlife, and history of this awe-inspiring land. In the company of these noted experts, cruise magnificent ice-filled channels, explore busy penguin rookeries, and learn about the rhythms of life in the Deep South. ExpEdition LEadEr John Frick returns for his sixth season leading expedition travel to Antarctica. He has logged over 30 Antarctic expeditions and is among the most experienced tour advisors in the world s coldest climates. John s wanderlust surfaced during his undergraduate studies and has since led him to live in Alaska, to work in Nepal as a Peace Corps Volunteer and to lead hundreds of programs over the last 15 years. His voyages have taken him to many far-flung areas of the globe including Africa, Alaska, South America, the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, India, trans-atlantic, and the South Pacific. He again looks forward to sharing with Corinthian II guests his enthusiasm for travel and for the wonders of the natural world, in particular for the White Continent. itinerary Wednesday, February 18, 2009 FLY FROM USA Thursday, February 19 buenos AiReS, Argentina Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires Hotel for the night. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore Buenos Aires on your own. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception with fellow travelers this evening. Friday, February 20 buenos AiReS UShUAiA embark Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, a small Patagonian city on the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Darwin Cordillera, glaciers, and forests of southern beech. Upon arrival, transfer to Corinthian II. As the ship navigates the Beagle Channel, enjoy a spectacular vista of glaciers and green, misted mountains. (B, L, D) Saturday & Sunday, February 21 & 22 At SeA Attend lectures by naturalists and study leaders as Corinthian II sails through the Drake Passage and crosses the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold waters of the Southern Ocean override the warmer waters to the north. Albatross and Cape Petrels are among the birds that accompany the ship on its passage. (B, L, D) Cruising by Zodiac past dramatic ice formations of Zodiac boats, cruise among ice floes, explore penguin rookeries, and visit with scientists at research stations. Although the itinerary varies according to local ice and wind conditions, we plan to land at such places as Petermann Island, where humpback and minke whales are often sighted offshore; Paradise Bay, the habitat of Gentoo penguins and leopard and Weddell seals; and Deception Island, known for its volcanically-heated hot springs. Voyages through the magnificent Lemaire, Errera, Neumeyer, and other protected channels are also planned and never to be forgotten. (B, L, D) Saturday & Sunday, February 28 & March 1 At SeA Watch for whales and seabirds and enjoy onboard lectures and the ship s amenities as Corinthian II makes the 600-mile return trip to Ushuaia. (B, L, D) Monday, March 2 UShUAiA disembark buenos AiReS, Argentina Disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, connect with flights to the United States. (B) Tuesday, March 3 ARRiVe in USA A two-night optional pre-cruise extension in Buenos Aires will be offered in conjunction with this program. More details will be provided upon registration of the main program. Monday - Friday, February 23-27 AntARctic peninsula Enjoy five days exploring the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, a narrow finger of land that separates the ice-choked waters of the Weddell and Bellingshausen Seas, and surrounding islands. As Corinthian II sails through scenic waterways, witness a breathtaking panorama of icebergs, blue glaciers, and jagged, snow-capped mountains. Aboard the ship s fleet Front cover: Corinthian II at Paulet Island Paci fifififififii fcicicicicici Ocean Atl tan lalalalalal nt ticicicicicici Ocean ntina USHU UA AI IA Drak rararararar ke Passa ssage i r c l e ninsula
SIGMAXI EXPEDITIONS THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 Dear Traveler, In Antarctica, Nature has its own clock, timed to the hatchings of penguin chicks, the flight of an albatross, the calving of a glacier, and the art that waves and wind sculpt upon the icebergs. Join us on this superb program to discover Antarctica s wondrous natural spectacles. Cruising south from Ushuaia, first head to the Antarctic Convergence. Then, explore the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands, where shore landings by Zodiac boats may include visits to 10,000-strong penguin rookeries, research stations, and elephant seal colonies. Humpback and minke whales, Adelie penguins, and whirling Antarctic petrels among dozens of other species are all in abundance and are not shy. Enjoy the incredible opportunity to observe them up-close in their natural habitat. And, the Austral summer months on the Antarctic Peninsula are surprisingly mild, with highs in the 30s and 40s, just right for outdoor exploration. Our ship, Corinthian II, I, is one of the most luxurious cruising Antarctic waters and provides an elegant cocoon perfect for admiring the icebergs with likeminded traveling companions and a roster of expert scientists and naturalists. So seize the moment and experience Antarctica, undoubtedly one of the rarest and most astonishing travel destinations our globe has to offer. Sincerely, Margaret M. Betchart President, Betchart Expeditions Inc. For AAAS Travels and Sigma Xi Expeditions ANTARCTICA HIGHLIGHTS & FACTS Antarctica offers pristine wilderness with abundant wildlife, from leopard seals to Adelie penguins! The Antarctic continent has the lowest temperatures, lowest rainfall, and the highest average elevation of the seven continents. Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic islands are home to most of the world s penguin species. Icebergs the size of Rhode Island can break off from Antarctica and circulate for years before melting. The nutrient-rich waters support fin, humpback, minke, and sei whales, in amazing numbers! Hundreds of seabirds, from the largest albatross to smallest petrels, can be seen following ships to Ant- arctica! Icebergs with bands of sky blue ice can be carved by the sea into breathtaking works of art! Capturing the grandeur of Antarctica s glacial sculptures
program inclusions 1-night stay in Buenos Aires at the Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, with welcome cocktail reception and breakfast 10-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship, hosted by the captain All meals aboard ship, with house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise Complete program of shore landings and activities as described in the accompanying itinerary Physician aboard ship Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers and onboard naturalist guides Travel Dynamics International expedition leader, cruise staff, and trip directors Expedition parka, complete pre-departure materials, and detailed cruise log Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates Port and embarkation taxes Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers Not Included: Airfare; passport fees; luggage, cancellation, and accident insurance; meals and beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel airfare A special round-trip airfare from Miami to Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, Argentina, is available only for Betchart, AAAS, and Sigma Xi Travelers. For details on flight schedules, please contact Taunya DeYoung, Betchart Expeditions Inc., at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at BetchartExTaunya@earthlink.net. corinthian ii Elegance in Expedition Cruising The elegant Corinthian II I has established itself as one of the finest expedition cruise ships in Antarctica. With an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore, and a set of stabilizers for smooth sailing, Corinthian II I can explore the Antarc- tic peninsula and its outlying islands in comfort and safety. And 360º views of the panorama of ever-changing light, beautifully sculpted ice forms, and rich wildlife are possible thanks to Corinthian II s expansive deck space, including a promenade deck which completely encircles the entire ship, allowing for unobstructed viewing from all angles. For guests returning from shore landings, Corinthian II I is a welcoming home in this remote part of the Earth. Suite gr acious living in spacious suites Accommodating only 114 guests, all of Corinthian II s 57 staterooms are suites, ranging from a minimum of 225 square feet to the remarkably sizeable Penthouse and Veranda Suites (400 and 300 square feet, respectively) an unusually capacious amount of private space. Each suite is outside-facing, affording views of the spectacular Antarctic scenery, is appointed in rich wood tones, and features beds that can be configured as two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed. Each suite also offers a sitting area, TV, DVD/CD player, mini-refrigerator, safe, and marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries. Penthouse and Veranda Suites additionally offer a private balcony and private butler service. fine dining, inviting facilities, attractive amenities Excellent cuisine is created by Corinthian II s European chefs and served in the stately restaurant. Each meal is served at a single, unassigned seating and varied seating arrangements ensure comfort for all. Weather permitting, meals are also served al fresco in the Outdoor Café. Corinthian II s widely praised service equals that of the finest restaurants. We are pleased to provide complimentary luncheon and dinner wines selected by the chef s staff. Throughout your voyage, you will also be able to relax in Corinthian II s spacious and elegant public areas. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea, and all-day coffee in The Club, a comfort- able space for relaxation with panoramic windows. Before or after dinner, sit back with a cocktail while the ship s pianist plays in the background. Corinthian II I also features a library, beauty salon, exercise area, elevator serving all decks, a Sun Deck with Jacuzzi, and a well-equipped infirmary supervised by a doctor. The ship is operated and serviced by 75 seasoned European crew, and meets the latest international safety rules, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard. Sun Deck Outdoor Café Library Lounge Restaurant The Club deck plan Reception Beauty Salon 603 601 604 602 Sun Deck Exercise Area 511 509 507 505 512 510 508 506 Explorer Deck Erickson Deck 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 347 345 343 341 339 Marco Polo Deck 335 333 331 329 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 261 259 257 255 Jacuzzi Columbus Deck 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 Bridge Hospital Magellan Deck Main specifications Length: 297 feet Beam: 50 feet Draft: 12 feet Gross Tonnage: 4,200 Flag: Malta Suites: 57 category description Rate E D C B A AA VS PHS Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250-252 Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329-332 Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254-262 Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333-348 Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416-428 Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 414-415 Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. Suites 505-512 Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. Suites 601-604 VS & PHS suites are provided with private butler service and other exclusive amenities. Single Supplement: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at a supplement of $3,395 to the per person, double occupancy rates indicated above. Singles in Categories AA - PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates. third person Sharing: The rate for a third person sharing a suite with two full-fare guests is $2,995. 330 $8,995 $9,895 $10,795 $11,595 $12,295 $12,995 $14,995 $15,995 Gentoo family
SIGMAXI EXPEDITIONS THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 Airfare Just $500 from Miami! Discover Antarctica! February 18 - March 3, 2009 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Staten Island, NY Permit No. 169 For reservations or information, please contact Taunya DeYoung at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at BetchartExTaunya@earthlink.net. BTEX 9406 Trip # 1059 Adelie penguins marching on the shoreline
registration BTEX 9406 TriP # 1059 Enclosed is my check or credit card no. for $ ($1,000 per person) as a deposit to hold place(s) on Antarctica. I understand that final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure. Credit card may be used only for initial deposit. Please make check payab le and mail with this registration form to: Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014 o AmEx o Discover o Visa o MasterCard Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last address City/state/Zip No. Exp. 3- or 4-Digit Security Code Please select cabin category in order of preference: PHS VS AA A B C D E telephone (Day) (evening) o Twin Beds o Double Bed o Single Occupancy o Share (cannot be guaranteed) o Please book me/us on the Optional Pre-Cruise Extension in Buenos Aires. e-mail Each participant must sign below: I/We have read the General Information section and agree to its terms. signature Date signature Date general information Payment Schedule: A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure and is payable only by check. cancellations & RefundS: All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Additionally, passengers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines or hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellations received 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 60 days or less of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate. Service fees may apply to deviations and are non-refundable. insurance : We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. ITINERARY: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International. ReSPonSibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International, Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Sigma Xi. The passenger is also advised to review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel s owner/operator, which will constitute the sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this tour and is available on request from Travel Dynamics International. Travel Dynamics International, Betchart Expeditions Inc., AAAS and Sigma Xi act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the passenger s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in affecting these tours. We are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the passenger s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alterations to the tour s itinerary and to substitute hotels or ships if this is required. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of any tour should such person s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger s risk entirely, and, we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be affected exclusively in the state or federal courts presiding in the City of New York, pursuant to applicable New York law. RateS: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. ShiP S RegiStRyRy : Malta CST #204 3599-40 TDi; CST #203 6304-40 BEii a frank discussion about fuel costs & Rates of exchange Given the uncertain, often volatile oil market and the dollar s decline relative to the Euro and other currencies, it is extremely difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term, and, more specifically, at the time of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates and rates of exchange at the time of brochure printing (usually nine months before departure). While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, it may be necessary to institute a surcharge. If one is necessary, the total surcharge for your voyage will not exceed $250 per person. Thank you for your understanding.