With Betchart Expeditions Host DR. ROBERT ROWLAND Receive an $800 per person Air Credit ANTARCTICA Aboard the All-Suite, 100-Guest Expedition Ship Corinthian December 17-29, 2014
Corinthian cruises the waters near Cuverville Island Cover: Enjoying a shore landing on Paradise Bay Embark on the Journey of a Lifetime Only in the last one hundred years have legendary explorers like Ernest Shackleton opened up the world s last frontier, and this winter high summer in the Southern hemisphere we invite you to join us on what may be the most extraordinary travel experience of your life. Antarctica is undoubtedly one of the rarest and most astonishing travel destinations on Earth; an otherworldly land of icebergs, blue glaciers, and jagged, snow-capped mountains, where Nature reigns first and foremost. This superb voyage enables you to discover Antarctica s spectacles from the comfort of the 100-guest, all-suite Corinthian, one of the most luxurious small ships cruising Antarctic waters. Corinthian envelops you in a cocoon of elegance as we cruise south from Ushuaia and head to the Antarctic Convergence, watching civilization slip away and Nature s majesty emerging. Albatrosses and petrels whirl across our bow. Glaciers calve into the ice-blue sea, while wind sculpts soft patterns upon the icebergs. Humpback and minke whales swim gracefully alongside our ship. Light plays dramatically on the frozen landscapes. During our voyage, we will explore the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands, where shore landings by sturdy Zodiac landing craft may include visits to 10,000-strong penguin rookeries, old whaling stations, operational research stations, and elephant seal colonies. Our ship s complement includes some of the most experienced and knowledgeable experts on Antarctica s bird life, sea life, geology, and glaciology, who will enlighten us throughout our voyage via lectures, presentations, and on-site nature observation. Really a perfect trip we had the best water and saw many more things than expected. Kudos to the crew, the staff, and the expedition staff! J.B. & T.A., Seattle, WA In Antarctica, human beings themselves are the foreigners. During the Austral summer months (when highs in the Antarctic Peninsula average in the 30s and 40s), join like-minded travelers, along with our roster of scientists and naturalists, on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Earth s final frontier.
An Unforgettable Voyage Led By Seasoned Expedition Leaders & Naturalists This voyage features an accomplished expedition team expert naturalists and scientists who know Antarctica well and are eager to introduce you to this awe-inspiring land. In the company of these noted experts, you will cruise magnificent ice-filled channels, explore busy penguin rookeries, and learn about the rhythms of life in the Deep South. Among the experts you may travel with are: Gentoo penguin and chick Representing AAAS and Sigma Xi on this voyage will be Dr. Robert Rowland. Bob is a glaciologist and marine geologist who has focused on surveys of the world s oceans for the US Geological Survey for many years. Bob has spent two seasons in Antarctica studying sea ice strength and deterioration when used as the landing field for transport airplanes. At the South Pole Bob s research was concerned with ice strength of polar snow for the geodesic dome built a few years later. He also conducted measurements on snow accumulation and compression at high elevations. This work resulted in a mountain peak in Antarctica being named after him. His Ph.D. dissertation was on the floor of the Bering Sea and origins of the Bering Land Bridge. Bob now works to formulate the Law of the Sea, which will divide the ocean and sea floor as an extension of countries geographic boundaries. The boundary lines, and the riches of the sea, will affect the nations of the world for decades to come. Bob has been a lecturer on several expeditions for Betchart including several trips to Antarctica, Costa Rica and Panama, and the Atlantic Crossing Total Solar Eclipse in 2013. John Frick returns for his ninth season leading expedition travel to Antarctica. 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 16 years for Travel Dynamics International. He again looks forward to sharing with Corinthian guests his enthusiasm for travel and for the wonders of the natural world, in particular for the White Continent. Born and raised in England, Jonathan Green completed a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Geology and Geography. Johnathan is also an avid diver and accomplished photographer, and his photography has been published in The Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Time, Geo, BBC Wildlife, and the Royal Geographical magazines. He leads adventure trips, diving excursions, and photo workshops throughout Latin America and the Antarctic. In 2003-2004, Trevor Potts successfully re-created Ernest Shackleton s 1916 epic mission from Elephant Island to South Georgia, and in 2001 he completed Shackleton s mountain crossing from King Haakon Bay to Stromness. On this voyage, he will share his experiences and insights about this legendary odyssey, about Shackleton himself, and about other expeditions in the White Continent. Trevor has ten seasons of experience working on Antarctic expedition ships. All expedition staff subject to change.
Itinerary Wednesday, December 17, 2014 FLY FROM THE USA Thursday, December 18 USHUAIA, Patagonia, Argentina Arrive in Ushuaia, located on the Beagle Channel in Argentina s Tierra del Fuego. The city is superbly located between the mountains and the Beagle Channel. Transfer to the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa hotel. (D) Friday, December 19 USHUAIA TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK USHUAIA EMBARK Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost protected region of Argentina. This splendid wilderness is celebrated for the beauty of its scenery. Ride to Ensenada Bay and take a short walk to view Redonda and Estorbo Islands, backed by the snow-white mountains of Chile s Sampaio Chain. Continue to Lake Roca, the Green and Black Lagoon, and Lapataia Bay. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the pier to embark Corinthian and sail. As the ship navigates the Beagle Channel, enjoy a spectacular vista of glaciers and misted mountains. (B, L, D) Although the itinerary varies according to local ice and wind conditions, a typical expedition follows the schedule below. ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Explore the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, a narrow finger of land that separates the ice-choked waters of the Weddell Sea and surrounding islands. As Corinthian sails through scenic waterways, witness a breathtaking panorama of blue icebergs, glaciers, and jagged, snow-capped mountains. Aboard the ship s fleet of Zodiacs, cruise among ice floes; explore penguin rookeries; and, if conditions permit, visit with scientists at research stations. Monday, December 22 CUVERVILLE ISLAND NEKO HARBOR Cuverville features an extensive colony of Gentoo penguins and several species of petrel. Neko is also home to Gentoos, and is the first landing we will make on the White Continent. (B, L, D) Saturday, December 20 AT SEA Attend lectures as the ship sails through the Drake Passage. Look for Albatross, Cape Petrels, and whales that may accompany the ship on its passage. (B, L, D) Sunday, December 21 AT SEA PENGUIN ISLAND Today we complete our crossing of the Drake and make our first landing in Antarctica in the evening. We will encounter our first Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins. (B, L, D) Entering spectacular Paradise Bay For reservations or information, please call us at 800-252-4910
YOur Hotel in Ushuaia: The New Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa Located within the Cerro Alarkén Nature reserve, just a few minutes from downtown Ushuaia, the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa is much more than a luxury hotel. Designed using rigid standards of sustainability, the structure is perched on a mountain amidst breathtaking panoramic views of native forest and natural terraces, harmoniously integrated into the environment. It uses minimum water and energy consumption, and was designed with all-natural materials. Crabeater seal Tuesday, December 23 PORT LOCKROY ALMIRANTE BROWN SKONTORP COVE Port Lockroy, on Goudier Island, is site of the historic British Base A. Restored by the Antarctic Heritage Trust, the base now houses a small museum and post office. It is from here that you can mail postcards home. (B, L, D) Wednesday, December 24 PETERMANN ISLAND PLENEAU ISLAND Both of these islands offer stunning views of mountains and glaciers. We celebrate our southernmost landing at Petermann and encounter Southern Elephant seals at Pleneau, where competitive behavior among aggressive males can be observed at a local haul-out. (B, L, D) Thursday, December 25 WHALERS BAY HALF MOON ISLAND Whalers Bay contains the most extensive remains of a whaling station in the Antarctic. Navigate the narrow passage through Neptune s Bellows to the interior of the islands caldera. On Half Moon Island, you are nearly certain to encounter several species of seal and birds including Wilson s Storm Petrels and Snowy Sheathbills. (B, L, D) Friday, December 26 Saturday, December 27 AT SEA Watch for whales and seabirds that play in our wake, and enjoy lectures and the ship s amenities, as Corinthian cruises back to Ushuaia. (B, L, D) Sunday, December 28 USHUAIA DISEMBARK Disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for flights. (B) Monday, December 29 ARRIVE IN USA Relaxing on deck www.betchartexpeditions.com
Corinthian, Dedicated to Exploration The elegant, all-suite, 100-guest Corinthian has established itself as one of the finest expedition cruise ships in Antarctica. With an icestrengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore, an experienced complement of officers and crew, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing, Corinthian can explore the Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic islands in comfort and safety. And 360 views of the panorama of ever-changing light, beautifully sculpted ice forms, and rich wildlife are possible thanks to expansive deck space. Guests are accommodated in 50 outside-facing suites, each of which affords views of the spectacular Antarctic scenery. Excellent cuisine is created by Corinthian s European chefs and served in the stately restaurant at a single, unassigned seating. Weather permitting, meals are also served alfresco in the outdoor cafe. Corinthian also features two lounges, a library, beauty salon, exercise area, elevator serving all decks, a sun deck, and a well-equipped infirmary supervised by a doctor. The ship is operated and served by 70 seasoned officers and crew and meets the latest international safety rules, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard. Corinthian s seamless operation, superb accommodations, fine cuisine, warm atmosphere, and cheerful service provided by its friendly crew have endeared its voyages to travelers who return repeatedly seeking a manner of travel that is rare today. Veranda Suite The Corinthian is an outstanding ship that more than met our expectations and wishes. Dining was exceptional...without exception, the staff was cheerful and helpful. A.H. & R.H., La Cañada Flintridge, CA Restaurant
Program inclusions Included 1 night in Ushuaia at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, with breakfast Cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Corinthian Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated arrival and departure dates Tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park Daily landings while in Antarctica Port and embarkation taxes Physician aboard ship Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions All meals aboard ship with wine, beer, and soft drinks Travel Dynamics International expedition leader, cruise staff, and trip directors Expedition parka, complete pre-departure materials, and detailed cruise log Educational program of lectures by onboard study leaders and naturalist guides Not Included Visa and passport fees (if applicable) Trip cancellation and baggage insurance Incidental expenses aboard (such as laundry, telephone, Internet) Gratuities to shipboard personnel Air Reservations An air credit of $800 per person will apply and will be deducted from the listed Cruise and Land Rates. For assistance with flights, you may contact Taunya DeYoung at (800) 252-4910 or email Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com. Special Offer Receive an $800 per person Air Credit (Deducted from the listed Cruise and Land Rates) optional pre-cruise extension to buenos aires December 15-18, 2014 (Fly from U.S. on Dec. 15) Explore Argentina s vibrant capital of Buenos Aires. A panoramic tour through the Plaza de Mayo and the Recoleta and La Boca neighborhoods reveals the rich culture of the country. Also enjoy a special dinner, tango performance and lesson, and a full day at leisure. Included: Two-night stay at the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires with daily breakfasts; airport transfers; and lunch and dinner on December 16. RATE: $1,350 per person, double occupancy. SINGLE RATE: $1,900 deck plan Gym Sun Deck/ Outdoor Café Nautilus Club Lounge/Lecture Hall Beauty Salon/ Massage Rm Elevator 603 601 604 602 Phoebe Deck 519 517 515 511 509 507 505 Elevator 518 516 514 512 510 508 506 Cleo Deck 433 431 429 427 425 423 421 Elevator Elevator Restaurant Elevator 430 428 426 Reception Jacuzzi 424 422 420 Leto Deck 345 343 341 339 337 335 344 342 340 338 336 334 Ariadne Deck 251 249 247 Hospital 252 250 248 246 Bridge Athena Deck Cruise & Land Rates per person, double occupancy All accommodations aboard Corinthian are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and include a bedroom with two twin-size beds that can convert to a queen-size bed, sitting area, mini-refrigerator, safe, spacious closets, climate control, telephone, TV, DVD/CD player, Internet connection, and bathroom with marble vanity, shower, and other amenities. All suites are non-smoking. category description rate E D C B A AA VS PHS Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites *342 - *345,*428,*429 *partially obstructed view Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites 334-335, 433 Deluxe suites on Athena Deck with portholes and sitting area. 275 sq. ft. Suites 246-252 Deluxe suites on Ariadne Deck with windows and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 336-341 Deluxe suites on Leto Deck with windows and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 420-427, 430-431 Deluxe suites on Cleo Deck with forward windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 505-506 Deluxe Veranda Suites on Cleo Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 245 sq. ft. Suites 507-519 Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Phoebe Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 260 sq. ft. Suites 601-604 $9,990 $10,990 $11,990 $12,990 $13,990 $14,990 $15,990 $17,490 VS & PHS suites are provided with private butler service and other exclusive amenities. Single occupancy: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories A & B at a supplement of $2,690 to the per person, double occupancy rates indicated above. Singles in categories AA-PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates. Triple occupancy: The rate for a third person sharing a suite with two full-fare guests is $3,490.
general information Payment Schedule: A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. For your convenience, you may charge your deposit to your American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Credit cards are not accepted for final payment. However, personal checks are accepted for both deposits and final payment. Cancellations & Refunds: All cancellations are subject to a $400 per person fee. In addition, 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 of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. 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. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International Ltd. Responsibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International Ltd. and the tour s sponsoring organization. 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 cruise and is available on request from Travel Dynamics International Ltd. Travel Dynamics International Ltd. and the tour s sponsoring organization 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, ships, or lecturers 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. Passenger tickets are not transferable and are not subject to alteration by the passenger. No suit shall be maintainable against the carrier, or vessel, for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passengers, unless written notice of the claim, with full particulars, is delivered to the carrier or its agents at its office at the port of sailing or at the port of termination within six months from the day when such incident occurred. In no event shall any such suit or any claim against the carrier or vessel for any losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger be maintainable unless such suit is commenced within one year from the day when the incident causing such losses, accidents, damages to person, property, personal injury (including death or other types of bodily injury) of the passenger occurs, notwithstanding any provision of law of any state or country to the contrary. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought within the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, pursuant to the applicable general maritime law, and applying the applicable general maritime law and Federal maritime statutes. 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. Fuel Supplement: Travel Dynamics International Ltd. reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement, without prior notice, if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $85 per barrel. This supplement may be charged even if the cruise fare has been paid in full. Ship s Registry: Malta CST #204 3599-40 TDI QUESTIONS? Please contact Taunya DeYoung at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com.
Registration BTEX15201 Enclosed is my check or credit card no. for $ ($1,500 per person) as a deposit to hold place(s) on Antarctica. I understand that final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to departure and is payable by check only. Please make check payable to and mail with this registration form to: Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 o AmEx o Discover o Visa o MasterCard No. Exp. 3- or 4-Digit Security Code Please select cabin category in order of preference: PHS VS AA A B C D E o Twin Beds o Double Bed o Single Occupancy o Triple Occupancy o Share (cannot be guaranteed) o Please Book Me/Us On The Optional Extension To Buenos Aires Membership (please circle): AAAS ACS SIGMA XI PLANETARY SOCIETY Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last age Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last age Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Last age Address City/State/Zip Telephone (day) (evening) E-Mail Each participant must sign below: I/We have read the General Information section and agree to its terms. Signature Date Signature Date
BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Travel Dynamics International Receive an $800 per person Air Credit For reservations or information, please contact Taunya DeYoung at (800) 252-4910 or via e-mail at Taunya@betchartexpeditions.com BTEX15201 ANTARCTICA Aboard the All-Suite, 100-Guest Expedition Ship Corinthian This program is organized by Travel Dynamics International, which is a founding member in good standing of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (iaato.org)