SIGNATURE JOURNEYS ANTARCTICA THE GREAT ADVENTURE Exclusively Escorted by Brett & Louise Dann~ 20 February 2017
2 PONANT THE HEART OF THE ICY REGIONS The World s number 1 cruise company in polar regions. The only one cruise company flying the French Flag. 5 Star Expedition Cruises, aboard ultra modern ships, blend of elegance, luxury and cutting - edge technology. Ships certified with the label Clean Ship protecting the environment at the heart of the Antarctic. Officer of polar and ice specialists, experts in extreme sailing. On all departures, a team of Guides, Naturalists and/or Lecturers, selected for their areas of expertise and their knowledge of these unknown zones. REFINED ADVENTURE You will always find exceptional conditions of comfort, service and elegance that have forged the reputation of PONANT. PONANT ships have earned Class Comfort 1 certification, which allows it to navigate in the most extreme regions, whilst at the same time offering five-star service and comfort. Aboard you will enjoy a warm atmosphere, a subtle blend of refinement and authenticity. A certain idea of luxury, a way of experiencing cruising... differently.
HELLO EXPERIENCE Discover the Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia in unparalleled luxury aboard Pontant s Le Soleal. With more than 15 years experience of sailing in extreme regions, PONANT has become a true Polar Specialist. We invite you to journey far from the usual cruise routes, in the footsteps of the great explorers who once dreamed of conquering the mysterious White Continent. DINING From the Captain s Welcome Cocktail Party and the Farewell Gala Dinner, you will be amazed at the incredible variety & quality of dining options. From 24hr room service to elegant fine dining at Gastronomic Restaurant and more casual cuisine at the Grill Restaurant ACCOMMODATION The staterooms reflect elegance and flexibility as decorated by French interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. Deluxe and Prestige Staterooms offer private balconies, all with individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, IPod players, hairdryer, satellite direct line telephone and WiFi. 3
4 5 STAR EXPEDITION PONANT Antarctic and Subantarctic cruises are above all Expedition Cruises where the route each day can bring a new adventure or an unexpected surprise. Each morning, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will decide on the day s schedule, taking into account the state of the ice and the weather conditions. PONANT expedition itineraries are characterised by flexibility at all times. This adaptability allows us to stay longer at the most emblematic sites, to make a detour to admire the acrobatics of a Southern Right Whale or disembark on a beach to encounter a colony of penguins. ACCESS ADVENTURE With a fleet of Zodiacs you have the opportunity to get up close and personal to majestic giants of the ice and their iridescent colours. Taking you through the glacier landscapes you can observe hidden penguin rockeries, massive icefields and noisy seal colonies. Exploring via Zodiac also allows you the opportunity to experience shore landings. Accompanied by an experienced Naturalist Guide set out aboard a Zodiac to immortalize a magic moment, an adventure that is intense in emotions. SHORE EXCURSIONS Pull on your wet weather boots and outdoor gear, you have the opportunity to explore the White Continent. At a glance the Antarctic Peninsula appears like a vast white frozen expanse, there are some areas where you can set foot on solid ground. Going a shore will allow you to discover the remains of former whaling stations, or lead you to the territory of the King Penguins. Whether you are a walker or a hiker, each shore visit offers the promise of a new encounter and a new landscape.
HELLO ANTARCITCA With its vast and intense beauty your journey to Antarctica will captivate and invigorate the senses. Sail beyond the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties as The Le Soleal expedition ship takes you into an uninhabited world of supreme encounters and experiences. Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers as far as the Antarctic Peninsula, with its icy panoramas of iridescent colours to South Georgia, a land of adventure whose grandiose landscapes are home to an abundant wildlife. 5
USHUAIA MONTEVIDEO LE SOLEAL: FEBRUARY 21 2017 16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS PARKA O FFERED N ATURALIST EXPEDITIO N MONTEVIDEO URUGUAY ARGENTINA USHUAIA Drake Passage Fortuna Bay Grytviken Gold Harbor SOUTH GEORGIA Wilhelmina Deception Island Neko ANTARCTICA PENINSULA YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES: Exclusively Escorted by Brett and Louise Dann~ Return international economy flights with LAN Airlines 1 night accommodation in Buenos Aires including full buffet breakfast 15 nights onboard Le Soleal All meals on board Captains Cocktail and Welcome Gala Drinks included all day everyday onboard Le Soleal 24 hour room service Evening Entertainment Zodiac excursions and shore landings Expedition team and Naturalist Guides All taxes, port charges and fees Gratuities EXPERIENCES: Wildlife: Huge colonies of King Penguins, many Elephant Seals basking on the black sandy beaches, large populations of Fur Seals and Macaroni Penguins in South Georgia. Also, hundreds of Gentoo Penguins, Adelie and Chinstrap and the majestic Humpback Whales in the Antarctic Peninsula. Landscapes: Mountain chains, imposing glaciers, lush green pastures. Abandoned former whaling stations and historic centers. Drifting icebergs and sea ice in Peninsula. 19 Days South Georgia Wilhelmina Bay EXPLORE ANTARCTICA S MUST SEE DESTINATIONS INCLUDING SOUTH GEORGIA In 1914, Endurance, the ship captained by Sir Ernest SHACKLETON, sank during its journey, a prisoner of the Antarctic ice. After having sailed a lifeboat a number of kilometres, the crew finally made it to the shores of a pristine and wild land. They did not know that they had set foot on South Georgia... A Subantarctic region formed by an underwater mountain chain, South Georgia is an essential destination in an Antarctic journey. In symbiosis with the sea and the soaring mountains, this island offers a wide variety of landscapes and reliefs, a blend of extensive beaches, vast plateaux and mountain ranges. Whales, Mammals, Penguins and other Sea Birds have made this island at the edge of the world into a paradise for nature lovers. DECEPTION ISLAND Nestled at the heart of the South Shetland Islands, Deception Island is easy to recognise for its horseshoe shape. This island was once an active volcano whose crater collapsed some 10,000 years ago. This produced a caldera which was then flooded by the sea creating a natural port. Entrance to the port is via a narrow channel called Neptune s Bellows. For a long time this was an important whaling station and the intensity of this activity has left traces that have withstood the passage of time. On the black sand of the volcanic beaches lie the ruins of abandoned huts, and the place is teeming today with extraordinary wildlife. Excursions aboard our Zodiac dinghies will allow you to set foot on this expanse of land where more than 100,000 pairs of Chinstrap Penguins, Elephant Seals and Fur Seals live side by side. THE SIGNATURE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCE Experienced Tour Director Exclusive itineraries and experiences Airport transfer direct from Newcastle Pre tour functions 6
Deception Island Cuverville Island Day 1: Monday 20th February 2017 Newcastle/Sydney/Buenos Aires Transfer to Sydney Airport this morning for your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival into Buenos Aires you will be transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy some leisure time with you fellow travellers. Accommodation: Faena Hotel Day 2: Tuesday 21st February 2017 This morning you will continue on to Ushuaia with an included economy flight from Buenos Aires. You will be met and transferred to your luxury expedition ship, Le Soleal. On board you will be greeted by your Expedition Leader and Naturalist Guide. Take some time to settle in and get acquainted with the ship before the Captain s Cocktail and Welcome Gala. End your evening on deck immersed in the stunning scenery. Day 3 & 4: Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd February 2017 At Sea Drake Passage Over the next two days you will cross the Drake Passage that connects The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans As you journey closer to The White Continent you can t help but get caught up in the excitement, the last frontier one of the great travel destinations is just in front and awaiting for your arrival. Day 5: Friday 24th February 2017 Neko - Paradise Bay (Antarctica) Today you may have the opportunity to take you first steps on The Antarctica Peninsular. A short Zodiac cruise will have you up close to icebergs, glaziers and unique wildlife. Day 6: Saturday 25th February 2017 Port Lockroy - Wilhelmina (Antarctica) The former British Base A of Operation Tabarin. It is a fully registered post office, cards and letters can be sent all over the world from Port Lockroy. Enjoy time at the restored base. Day 7: Sunday 26th February 2017 Deception Island (Antarctica) The ruins of abandoned huts are still visible on the black sandy beaches of this once active volcano. Teeming with extraordinary wildlife the visual and photo opportunities are a plenty. Day 8 & 9: Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th February 2017 At Sea As you cruise towards South Georgia it is not uncommon to witness breaching humpback whales and some of the finest species of fur seals and king penguins. Day 10: Wednesday 1st March 2017 Cooper Bay - Gold Harbour (South Georgia) Explore the volcanic rocks and sheer cliff faces from your zodiac cruise. Cooper Bay is home to an abundant species of wildlife. Day 11: Thursday 2nd March 2017 Grytviken (South Georgia) Grytviken, an ancient wailing station, closed in 1964. Here you will visit the small cemetery where Shackleton s grave is located, and the remains of the whaling station itself. Day 12: Friday 3rd March 2017 Fortuna Bay (South Georgia) Whales, Penguins and Sea Birds have made this bay at the edge of the world a paradise for nature lovers. The dream location for the avid shutter bug. Day 13, 14, 15 & 16: Saturday 4th - Wednesday 7th March 2017 At Sea As you make your way to Montevideo your expedition team are available with lectures and information on this unique continent and voyage. Day 17: Thursday 8th March 2017 Montevideo (Uruguay) Disembarkation. Your voyage of a life time arrives today in Montevideo. Armed with your photos, stories and memories it is time to bid adieu. Day 18: Friday 9th March 2017 In Flight Day 19: Saturday 10th March 2017 Arrive Sydney 19 DAY ANTARCTICA - THE GREAT ADVENTURE Departs: 20 Feb 2017 PP Twin Share Category Deck PP Twin Share Superior Stateroom Deck 3 $12,945* Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3 $14,745* Prestige Stateroom Deck 4 $15,875* TOUR NOTES: *Price includes return economy international flights with LAN Airline including Taxes. Taxes are subject to change. ASK ABOUT OUR PRE TOUR BUENOS AIRES STAY 7
LE SOLÉAL DECK AND CABIN PLANS MainLounge & Theater LiftLift Lift Lift 434 432 430 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 412 410 408 406 404 402 437 435 433 431 429 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 411 409 407 405 403 401 Lift DECK 4 Club Main in L & Lounge Shop shop shop Lift Lift Excursion Desk Reception Desk 334 332 330 328 326 324 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 337 335 333 331 329 327 325 323 321 319 317 315 311 309 Lift Lift 306 304 302 307 305 303 301 300 Medical Centre DECK 3 Shower (2) WC Shower WC Shower WC Balcony TV Dressing room Balcony TV Dressing room Daybed Tv Dressing room PRESTIGE STATEROOMS DECK 4 (200 sq.ft. + 43 sq.ft. private balcony) DELUXE STATEROOMS DECK 3 200 sq.ft. + 43 sq.ft. private balcony) SUPERIOR STATEROOMS DECK 3 (226 sq.ft) For full details and deck plans on Le Soleal go to: www.htg.com.au/antarctica2017 General Information & Conditions The following terms and conditions are an agreement between you, our company and tour operator Ponant Yacht Cruises Expeditions. When you make a deposit payment you thereby agree to accept the terms and conditions of this contract. This agreement should be read in conjunction with the full Ponant booking conditions. Please refer to http://en.ponant.com for full terms & conditions. Prices: We reserve the right to adjust prices whether or not you have already made full payment. We will do everything within our control not to adjust prices and will generally only amend prices in the event of market fluctuations in exchange rates, fuel costs and other operating costs on which prices are based. Tour price are also subject to minimum numbers. Deposit / Final balance: A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $1,200 per person is required within 5 days of confirmation. If deposit is not received by the due date, the booking will be cancelled without notification. Second deposit of $2000 per person due 21st March 2016 Final balance payment will be due no later than 21st November 2016. If the final balance payment is not received by the due date, your booking will be cancelled and initial deposit forfeited. Cancellations: For bookings cancelled before 21st November 2016, your deposit is non-refundable. For cancellations made after 21st November 2016, 100% of your tour payment will be forfeited. Cancellations must be received in writing and are not effective until this notification has been received. Group conditions: ~A minimum number of passengers are required to operate this tour. Should minimum passenger numbers not be met we will review the operation of this tour, and additional costs may apply. Host attendance is subject to minimum numbers. Amendments: Changes made after deposit has been paid will incur a $250 per person amendment fee. In addition, a cancellation fee may be payable. *Airfares and Transfers: International flights are ex SYD and are included in the published price. internal airfares are included. Price includes taxes and subject to change. Flights are with LAN Airlines, based on a group airfare, subject to minimum numbers. Guests must travel on group flights to received Newcastle to Sydney transfers or surcharges may apply. All air travel ins in economy class. Tour itinerary adjustments: We reserve the right to alter the itinerary including sight-seeing, schedules, hotels, and other tour inclusions to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or events beyond our control. Single Rooms: A limited number of rooms are available at the single supplement price. If you are willing to share with another person of the same gender, we will do all possible to match you up. Single supplement will apply unless we are successful in finding another passenger to share. Once on tour, should either passenger decide they no longer wish to share, additional cost will apply to secure single rooms, and will be subject to availability. Passports/Visas: All passengers must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months after the holiday package return date. Passengers must consult with the appropriate consulates to ensure that they have any applicable visas for countries included in the holiday package prior to departure. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory for all Signature Journeys. Please ensure you arrange this prior to departure. Travel insurance is not included in the tour cost, and is at an additional expense. Tipping and gratuities: Tipping and gratuities for your tour director, local guides, drivers and porterage are NOT included and are payable on tour at your discretion. Unless specified in the itinerary inclusions. Hunter Travel Group Pty Ltd AABN 39 183 096 957 ATAS A11468