Antarctica Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island October 17 to November 1, 2018 CHEESEMANS ECOLOGY SAFARIS 555 North Santa Cruz Avenue Los Gatos, CA 95030-4336 USA (800) 527-5330 (408) 741-5330 info@cheesemans.com cheesemans.com Emperor penguin colony with their chicks SAFARI OVERVIEW Sail on an icebreaker amid Antarctic Peninsula icebergs then helicopter to the emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island. Experience one of the most elusive wildlife scenes on the planet deep in the heart of the Weddell Sea: emperor penguins with their beautiful young. To march with the penguins is a rare experience that few people are so fortunate to share. The polar-class icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov, equipped with helicopters to access the Snow Hill rookery, will travel to Antarctica for the first time in eight years. The availability of helicopters for ice reconnaissance and transfers to otherwise inaccessible wildlife viewing areas sets this apart from other Antarctic voyages. This expedition is just too special to let it pass by! Join us as we sail through stunning seascapes in the iceberg-strewn Antarctic Sound into the Weddell Sea and behold the incredible emperors for yourself! HIGHLIGHTS Take a helicopter flight and trek across the pristine, open sea ice to the emperor penguin colony. Spend time up close with the world-renowned emperor penguins and their chicks. LEADERS: Ted Cheeseman, Scott Davis, and one more Cheesemans leader; plus 14 more Quark Expeditions staff, including Dr. Tom Hart. See Expedition Staff section on page 2. DAYS: 16, including estimated travel time. 12 nights aboard the Khlebnikov. Page 1 of 10
GROUP SIZE: 110, not including staff. SHIP: The Kapitan Khlebnikov, 110-passenger Russian icebreaker. See Ship section on page 3. COST: $19,995 to $34,995 per person depending on cabin type, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See the Costs section on page 6. CONDITIONS: Cheesemans allows only non-smoking participants and provides expeditions for people who are very interested in spending the maximum time in nature. See the Conditions section on page 9. Date Description Accommodation Meals Oct 17 Depart home. Oct 18 Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina. Hotel in Ushuaia --- Oct 19 Board the Khlebnikov. On board the B, D Oct 20 21 Cross the famous Drake Passage to the Weddell Khlebnikov B, L, D Sea. Oct 22 28 Six to seven days of opportunities for excursions to the emperor penguin colony of Snow Hill Island. Oct 29 30 Cruise northward across the Drake Passage, returning to Ushuaia. Oct 31 Disembark the Khlebnikov and fly homeward from Ushuaia. B Nov 1 Arrive home. OPTIONS We will announce these very soon. EXPEDITION STAFF Additional expedition staff will be provided by Quark Expeditions. Ted Cheeseman ~ Ecologist, Photographer and Zodiac Driver Ted grew up traveling extensively and began studying and photographing wildlife as a child. After completing a Master's degree in tropical conservation biology at Duke University, Ted returned to California to lead and organize expeditions full time with Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris. Ted currently leads expeditions to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Caribbean and recently founded the citizen science project Happywhale.com. Page 2 of 10
Scott Davis ~ Naturalist, Biologist, Photographer, and Zodiac Driver Scott Davis is a professional photographer specializing in wildlife and nature, travel and lifestyle, and editorial imagery. Originally trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, Scott's research and photo assignments have taken him to far corners of the globe and all seven continents. His photographic work has appeared in numerous national and international magazines and newspapers, commercial websites, prestigious stock agencies, and corporate reports. See examples of his images on his website at www.scottdavisimages.com. Tom Hart ~ Penguinologist Tom has a passion for wildlife in extreme environments and is working hard to conserve them in a changing world. His PhD involved tracking macaroni penguins to understand penguin foraging behavior. Since then, he has since diversified into genetics and image analysis to monitor wildlife in remote places. He runs the Penguin Lifelines project at Oxford University through which he seeks to understand changes in Antarctic wildlife using time-lapse cameras, volunteer photos, and population genetics in order to create effective protected areas and fisheries management. SHIP The Kapitan Khlebnikov The Khlebnikov is a polar-class icebreaker (Ice Class LL3), combining power and technology with creature comforts. It was originally designed for the rigors of northern Siberia and is one of the few vessels of its kind. It is propelled by diesel-electric engines with 24,000 total horsepower and can cruise at 15 knots in open water. The Khlebnikov can carry 110 guests and 70 staff and crew. It has four fully enclosed lifeboats with a capacity of 184 people and a clinic with licensed doctor on board. All cabins and suites have private en-suite facilities, large windows, desk, and wardrobes. Days at sea are enhanced by the ship s onboard amenities, including a heated indoor swimming pool, exercise room, and sauna. The theater-style auditorium is perfect for staff presentations. In the lounge, you will find a well-stocked bar, open late afternoon and evenings, plus a 24-hour self-serve station for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Meals are served in two comfortable dining rooms and moving around the ship is made easier by the passenger elevator. The Khlebnikov is equipped with two helicopters that hold approximately 8 passengers each and are used for ice reconnaissance, transfers to the emperor penguin rookery, and aerial sightseeing. Depending on operational constraints and at the discretion of the ship, charter flights for individual passengers may be possible at additional cost. The ship is also equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs for cruising and landings at other possible stops in the Antarctic. Page 3 of 10
DETAILED ITINERARY Oct 17 ~ Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina For most traveling to Ushuaia, you will need to leave home today. Oct 18 ~ Arrive in Ushuaia Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina by this evening (see Flights section on page 8). Upon arrival in Ushuaia, a transfer agent will meet you and transport you to your hotel. If you wish to arrive early as a buffer against travel delays or to spend extra time in the Ushuaia, we are happy to book extra hotel nights and transfers. Oct 19 ~ Embark on the Khlebnikov You ll embark on the Khlebnikov in the afternoon and head east down the Beagle Channel. As Ushuaia fades in the distance, you will find yourselves cruising past largely uninhabited scenic shores. The wind-pruned evergreen nothophagus (southern beech) trees fill every protected valley between the gently rolling hills with beautiful mountain backdrops. Look for birds such as Chilean skua, South American tern, king cormorant (blue-eyed shag), kelp and dolphin gulls, and black-browed albatross. Later in the evening, enjoy your first dinner aboard the ship as you head into the open waters of the Drake Passage. Oct 20 21 ~ Cross the Drake Passage Spend two days at sea making your way across the Drake Passage to the Weddell Sea. En route to Antarctica, the expedition staff will offer presentations on a variety of topics, including the biology, habitat, and behavior of emperor penguins. Familiarization on all aspects of ship life and preparations for what to expect at Snow Hill will keep you busy, but you ll also find there is time for viewing from the bridge or stern. Wandering and black-browed albatross should follow as you head south and there s also a chance of spotting a royal albatross in these waters. Photographers on the stern will have a field day following birds on the wing in their viewfinders. Icebergs will dominate the scenery as you approach Antarctica and pass by the South Shetland Islands. Emperor penguins and their chicks Oct 22 28 ~ Sail the Weddell Sea and to Snow Hill Pack ice will determine the ship s path as you head around the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula into the Weddell Sea. Spend six to seven days at Snow Hill Island, weather and ice conditions permitting. Helicopters will shuttle you in small groups and set down some distance from the colony to not disturb the wildlife. From the landing area, you will walk approximately one mile to the emperor penguins. You will have an incredible opportunity to watch the adult emperors tending to their chicks, while ice and snow provide a scenic backdrop for incredible photographs. Weather conditions can greatly affect the safety of helicopter flights, so there are no guarantees regarding flights or flight times. Helicopter flights for reconnaissance, as determined by the Expedition Leader or Captain, take precedence over passenger flights. Although the emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island is the main goal of this expedition, if weather or other conditions prevent you from visiting the colony, or shorten the duration of your visit, you may visit some of these potential landings sites. Page 4 of 10
Potential Landings Sites: Participants photographing the colony Brown Bluff: A possible exposed volcano, Brown Bluff towers 2,225ft (678m) over the rookeries of the Adélie and gentoo penguins, which number in the thousands. As a potential visit would be very early in the breeding season, you may see the colonies as they are just starting to form. Devil Island: The Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 1904 discovered the narrow island, which is 1mi (1.6km) long and has a low summit at each end. Hope Bay: Three members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition spent the winter in a hut on the shores of the bay. The hut is located close to the jetty of Esperanza Station, an Argentine research station. Paulet Island: Located in the northwestern Weddell Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic cone that rises 1,158ft (353m), the island reminds you that this was once a very active landscape. In addition to penguins, you may visit a historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition. A cross marks the gravesite of Ole Wennersgaard, a member of the crew. Seymour Island: Northeast of Snow Hill Island is a smaller island that was, when first seen, mistaken for a cape. The island is significant for the fossil finds and for the remains of the K-Pg Boundary (formerly K-T Boundary), a geological stratum, which can be seen there. It marks the transition between the Cretaceous and the Paleocene Periods of geological times, characterized by a mass extinction of many forms of life, including dinosaurs. Oct 29 30 ~ Sail back across the Drake Passage On the voyage back to Ushuaia, spend two days at sea recalling your experiences as you cross the Drake Passage once again. Be on the lookout for several species of albatross and petrels following alongside the ship. Once you ve the crossed the Drake Passage, you ll head back up the Beagle Channel and enjoy a final scenic cruise to Ushuaia. Emperor penguin chicks Page 5 of 10
Oct 31 ~ Disembark and fly home The ship will dock in Ushuaia by early morning. After an early breakfast, bid farewell to shipmates, expedition staff, and the crew, and disembark for flights homeward. You will be transferred to the Ushuaia Airport or downtown if your flight is later in the evening (see Flights section on page 8). Let us know if you are interested in extending your stay in Ushuaia, as we are happy to assist with booking extra hotel nights. Nov 1 ~ Arrive home Arrive home today depending on your flight schedule. COSTS (all costs are in US Dollars) Costs and Cabin Options Type Description (see Deck Plan on page 10) Cost per Person Triple Triple occupancy, with one lower berth, one sofa bed, and one $19,995 pull-down upper berth. Features a large window, desk, wardrobes, a storage box, and shelving. Twin Double occupancy, with one lower berth and one sofa bed. Features a large window, desk, wardrobes, and storage shelves. $29,995 Suite Corner Suite Double occupancy, one double bed and separate sitting room with sofa bed and table. Features TV and DVD player, refrigerator, two windows, desk, wardrobes, and shelving. Double occupancy, one double bed and separate sitting room with sofa bed and table. Features TV and DVD player, refrigerator, two windows, two desks, wardrobe, and CD player. $32,995 $34,995 We reserve the right to charge for cost increases that occur between when we set tour prices and the date of travel, for example, changes due to the cost of lodging and transportation. If you are a single traveler and you desire, we will find a roommate for you. If we cannot find you a roommate, we will not charge you a single supplement. If space is available, some cabins can be booked for a single occupant by adding 1.7 times the cabin cost (for a Twin Cabin) and 2 times the cabin cost (for Suites). Single rooms are subject to availability. Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific cabin number. If changes occur, we will do everything in our power to assign a cabin of equal or greater value as the cabin type specified in your reservation. Deck plan, cabin arrangements, and cabin amenities are subject to change by ship operator. Payment Schedule Payment Due Date Amount per Person Deposit Due now to reserve your space $1,000 Second November 15, 2017 $5,000 Final June 1, 2018 Remaining balance Payments will be due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space. For reservations made after a due date, all past payments will be due with registration. By Page 6 of 10
sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule and cancellation policy as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Cancellations Refunds are given depending on the time left before departure according to the following table. Due to the circumstances of this trip, the cancellation fee of $1,000 per person cannot be applied toward another Cheesemans tour. Cancellations are non-transferrable. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance that could reimburse your trip costs in the event of your cancellation. Dates Forfeited Amount per Person On or before April 20, 2018 $1,000 April 21 to June 19, 2018 On or after June 20, 2018 20% of tour cost 100% of tour cost Included All leaders, transport, park entry fees, port fees, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional. Accommodations for the nights of October 18 through 30. Breakfast on October 19 at the hotel and meals aboard the ship from dinner on October 19 through breakfast on October 31. Transfers from the airport to the hotel on October 18. Group transfers from the hotel to the Khlebnikov on October 19 and from the Khelbnikov to the airport on October 31. Eleven days and twelve nights on board the Khlebnikov. Wine and beer at dinner service, while onboard the Khlebnikov. Gratuities for the ship s crew. No gratuity will be expected of participants; budget extra if you would like to tip crew or expedition staff. This does not include any trip extensions. Onboard lectures during sea days. Photographic journal - after the completion of your voyage, you ll receive a full color booklet of the expedition mailed directly to your home. Waterproof boots and walking poles on loan for duration of tour. Waterproof expedition parka - yours to keep. Trip Materials - information about flights, packing, entry and departure requirements, airport transfers, gratuities, etc. Emergency evacuation insurance. Not Included All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees. Airfare is approximately $1,300 $2,000 round trip from the US, depending on origin. Passport and visa fees. Lunch on October 19 in Ushuaia. We can arrange extra hotel nights for an extra cost. Waterproof pants, although mandatory for Zodiac cruising. Trip cancellation insurance. For more information see www.cheesemans.com/travel-insurance Emergency medical insurance, although it is required and must have a minimum coverage of $50,000. For more information see www.cheesemans.com/travel-insurance Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room Page 7 of 10
service, bar charges, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Reservation/Release Form. SIGN UP Please contact us first to check availability, reserve your space, and obtain a Reservation/Release Form. To confirm your reservation, we require a deposit and signed form from each participant. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris Email: info@cheesemans.com Website: www.cheesemans.com Skype: cheesemansecologysafaris Phone: (800) 527-5330 or (408) 741-5330 Fax: (408) 741-0358 OTHER DETAILS Climate In October and November, normal temperatures can range from 25 to 29 F (-1.7 to -3.6 C) on Snow Hill Island. Wind chill while on the sea ice is the primary condition to insulate against; it is also possible to get wet weather. Sunscreen is critical. The temperature on the ship is comfortably warm, but you may still wish to dress in layers. Fitness Level Medium fitness level required. Be sure you can confidently walk one mile, with all your gear, across uneven terrain in cold, windy conditions without assistance. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging. Flights Airfare is not included in trip costs. Detailed logistical information and the contact information for our recommended flight-ticketing agent are included in the Trip Materials we will send you. Please let us know if you are arriving earlier or staying later as we are happy to assist you with any extra overnights that you might want to arrange. Flights you (or a travel agent) book: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH) no later than October 18. Depart from Ushuaia (USH) anytime after 12:00pm on October 31. Seasickness Don t let a fear of seasickness scare you away! Over the years many who have dreamed of experiencing Antarctica with us have stayed home for fear of seasickness, but of all those who have joined, we know of only one passenger who said that seasickness really affected the enjoyment of the trip. Still, that same passenger talked about repeating the trip, because the rest of the experiences more than made up for it. For all but the most sensitive, motion sickness is only a problem during open ocean passages. Days and nights when we are landing or cruising between landings are quite calm because we are very close to land. The Southern Ocean has a reputation for the worst seas in the world, not because they are always rough (on the average day, the seas are actually quite calm!) but because their extremes are large. If we are hit by a storm Page 8 of 10
during a crossing, the experience will be memorable. For this reason, unless you know you are immovable by the heavy seas, bring a good supply of medication. Many of our frequent travelers are quite susceptible to seasickness, yet they come back year after year because they love Antarctica! Read our suggestions for coping with seasickness at www.cheesemans.com/seasickness and contact us if you have any concerns. Conditions Non-smoking policy: has a strict policy of only taking non-smokers on our safaris and expeditions. However, because this is a joint expedition with Quark Expeditions, who do allow smoking on their trips, it is possible that there will be participants on this trip that do smoke. Smoking is only allowed at designated outdoor smoking areas on the ship and prohibited everywhere inside, including cabins. For those travelers who are in need of a roommate, we guarantee you will be partnered with a non-smoker. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact us. Maximum time in nature: We try to spend as much time in nature as possible, sometimes resulting in long days, but giving you a more in-depth experience. Itinerary route: The itinerary route, stops, and plans are subject to change by unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as weather or road conditions. Additional forms: For some of our tours, you may be asked to fill out additional forms (e.g., medical questionnaire). Medical conditions and travel risks: Travel to remote places is exciting, but it is important to understand and accept the risks, both medical and logistical. Minor medical problems can usually be treated, but because we are often far from medical facilities, there can be no expectation for immediate medical treatment or evacuation, even in cases of trauma. Anyone with health problems needing close medical supervision should not consider going on this tour. Bring enough medication for the duration of the trip for any chronic medical needs since pharmacies are usually not available. When you send your deposit and signed Reservation/Release Form, you certify to us that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions that would create a risk for yourself or for other trip participants. Joint expedition: This is a shared expedition between and Quark Expeditions; we will provide leaders to compliment those provided by Quark Expeditions. Conservation Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is passionate about conserving the precious regions that we travel to and supports many conservation efforts. By visiting these areas, we contribute to sustainable conservation of these valuable wildlife habitats. We urge you to support conservation organizations that protect and restore natural habitats and write letters to tourism and government agencies to promote work in preserving wildlife. We aim to make all our trips carbon neutral by splitting the cost of carbon offsetting with our participants. For your convenience, the optional donation amount for your half of the carbon offset will be indicated on your invoice. We source high quality offsets through CarbonTree Conservation Fund, a nonprofit we helped found, supporting pioneering forest conservation in the Valdivian Coastal Reserve, a Nature Conservancy project (http://bit.ly/valdivia_tnc). Page 9 of 10
KHLEBNIKOV DECK PLAN See cabin descriptions under Costs section on page 6. Page 10 of 10