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Antarctica Cruising
Antarctica - Classic Cruise with M/S Explorer
This 10-day Antarctica Classic cruise expedition focuses on the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, and departs through the summer (Nov-Feb) from Ushuaia. It promises a once-in-a-lifetime holiday with the chance to view some of our planet's most impressive wildlife and dramatic icy landscapes. Departures: 2008: Jan 4*, 13*. Feb 9*, 18*, 27*. Mar 7*. Nov 10, 19, 28. Dec 7, 2009: Jan 3. Feb 28. * Tours shown operate as 10-day itineraries starting on Day 2, please contact us if you wish to add a pre-night stay in Ushuaia. Longer cruises, including the Falklands & South Georgia are also available, please ask for details. Day 1: Ushuaia On arrival into Ushuaia, make your own way to your hotel for an overnight stay, and enjoy an evening at leisure in this stunningly-located city, the world's most southerly. Overnight: Local Hotel, Ushuaia Day 2: Ushuaia This afternoon, transfer from your hotel or the airport (own expense) to the M/S Explorer. Tonight is spent onboard the ship in port, as the crew prepares to set sail tomorrow. (D) Days 3 & 4: Drake Passage Today you will begin the 400-mile crossing of the Drake Passage, named after the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. You may experience some rough waters as you travel across the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold polar water meets the warmer equatorial waters as they move south. Along the way, you'll have time to familiarise yourself with the ship, as well as enjoying fascinating lectures and presentations on the natural history of the region. You will usually see land sometime on day 4, so make sure you're on deck when the first iceberg comes into view. (BLD) Days 5-8: Antarctica & South Shetland Islands After the long sea crossing, and weather-permitting, you will finally have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. Possible landings (normally twice-daily, subject to local conditions) over the next few days include Paradise Harbour, Neko Harbour or Wilhelmina Bay and you may sail the Lemaire, Errera or Neumayer Channels. The cruise through the South Shetland Islands will often include a period of sailing through the flooded volcanic caldera of
Tierra del Fuego Ushuaia Cape Horn
Drake Passage
Pacific Ocean Livingston Island Deception Island Paradise Bay
Ge r h lac e St
Elephant Island
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Lemaire Channel
Cruise
Weddell Sea
M/S Explorer
A compact vessel with a shallow draft and ice strengthened double hull. Explorer was designed with passenger comfort in mind. She was the first expedition ship ever constructed, rather than a converted freighter or research vessel. Her size means that she can access places larger ships cannot reach. Joining you on your voyage are the extremely competent crew members and experienced biologists, geologists, anthropologists and historians with a depth of knowledge. Facilities All public areas have been designed to accommodate all passengers, and include large dining room serving international cuisine, lounge bar, library, lecture theatre, small gym, sauna, onboard doctor and medical room. The large upper observation deck offers unobstructed 360° views. Accommodation There are 52 cabins with a maximum occupancy of 108 passengers. All have private en-suite facilities with shower, and outside views. Category 1 (Lower Deck, Triple) 2 lower berths, 1 upper berth, porthole window. Category 2 (Lower, Main & Yacht Decks, Twin) 1 lower berth, 1 upper berth, porthole window. Category 3 (Lower & Yacht Decks, Twin) 2 lower berths, porthole window. Category 4 (Salon & Boat Decks, Twin) 2 lower berths, small square window. Category 5 (Salon Deck, Suite, Double) Queen-size bed, lounge area, 2 picture windows, TV/VCR.
Deception Island. The region also has many scientific research stations and abandoned whaling stations which can be visited and explored. Potential wildlife sightings include gentoo, adelie and chinstrap penguins; leopard and fur seals; and minke and humpback whales. There is also an abundance of seabirds too, most notably albatross which frequently soar over the ship's wake. An endless number of photo opportunities are provided by the translucent blue icebergs and the sheer walls of the glacial cliffs. (BLD) Days 9 & 10: Drake Passage Begin the northward journey back to Ushuaia, and the two-day crossing will allow you to reflect on your adventure. The ship's experienced lecturers and guides will be on hand to review the highlights of the cruise, but you should also make sure you spend some time on the observation deck for some last whale sightings. (BLD) Day 11: Ushuaia Today M/S Explorer arrives into Ushuaia, and after a farewell breakfast you will disembark and transfer (own expense) to the airport, or to your hotel if you are extending your stay in Ushuaia. (B)
Prices Include
· 9 nights on board M/S Explorer in your selected cabin · 1 night pre-cruise accommodation at moderate hotel in Ushuaia (from 10Nov08 onwards - see note at top of page) · All meals included on board the ship · Services of English-speaking expedition staff and naturalists · All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises in Antarctica, including to scientific research stations
Prices Exclude
· Locally-payable fee of $400 per person (cash only). This payment is put towards local expenses and allows you to benefit from savings on currency exchange · Beverages, gratuities and personal expenditure
Suite
Cruise Prices
Price per person, in £'s from
Cabin type Cat 1 Cat 2 Twin 3010 2505 2940 3055 3635 3055
Antarctica Classic Cruise
Cat 3 Single 5418 4509 5292 5499 6543 5499 Twin 3500 2960 3390 3500 4120 3500 Cat 4 Single 6300 5328 6102 6300 7416 6300 Cat 5 Twin 4565 3950 3860 3975 4510 3975
Triple Twin Single 04Jan08-06Mar08 * 2435 2860 5148 07Mar08-09Nov08 * 1980 2370 4266 10Nov08-18Nov08 1935 2550 4590 19Nov08-02Jan09 2045 2660 4788 03Jan09-27Feb09 2350 2965 5337 28Feb09-31Mar09 2045 2660 4788 * Supplements apply for certain cabins in Category 2, 3 & 4. Triple cabins also available for individual travellers on a shared, same-sex basis - please ask for details.
Brochure prices may change. See booking conditions.
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