Antarctic Classic
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| Length | 19 days | ||||||
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| Grade |
A (you need to be in reasonably good health)
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| Start | Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, afternoon sailing | ||||||
| Finish | Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, mid-morning | ||||||
| Departs | 22nd November - 10 December 2010 | ||||||
| Prices | Period 31 Jan 09 - 31 Dec 10 | ||||||
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Itinerary may vary depending on local ice & weather conditions and to maximise wildlife viewing. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Maximum 50
Back to topItinerary
Join us on a voyage of discovery to Antarctica, a fabulous and virtually pristine paradise for wildlife with incomparable scenery. Explore one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth, largely unchanged since early explorers and whalers first landed on its shores less than two centuries ago.
Throughout the voyage, a team of lecturers and staff will share their knowledge of the remarkable natural history of Antarctica along with entertaining stories from its earliest and most notable expeditions. The expedition also offers possible visits to scientific bases.
Travel in an ice-strengthened vessel, which is ideally suited to expedition cruising in this icy wilderness and which offers a more intimate atmosphere than a traditional cruise. A fleet of Zodiac boats enable shore excursions and short cruises among the icebergs and whales.
Day 1
In the afternoon board the Plancius and sail down the Beagle Channel.
Day 2
Today spend time on deck as we are accompanied towards the Falkland Islands by the numerous albatross and petrels that call these waters home, join our naturalists in identifying these true mariners of the south. The expedition team will also prepare us for the adventure ahead with briefings and lectures.
Day 3 and 4
The rugged and windswept Falkland Islands are home to a surprising diversity of birds, many with close affinities to South America which lies just 250 miles to the west. Then there are the seabirds, Black-browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguins clamor for space in their vast shared colonies exposed to the full might of the westerly wind while Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins prefer the protected coastlines for their colonies. Our exploration includes a visit to historic Stanley, the capital and largest settlement of the Falkland Islands.
Day 5 and 6
The Plancius sails further east into the realm of the Wandering Albatross before crossing the Antarctic Convergence where sea and air temperatures drop dramatically, icebergs are now a very real possibility.
Days 7 - 10
South Georgia has a deserved reputation for spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and human history. Alpine glaciers tumble from the snow covered peaks of the islands spine providing a spectacular backdrop to the vast penguin colonies, slumbering seals and whaling stations of a bygone era. Landing in King Penguin colonies that stretch across the landscape and are home to tens of thousands of birds is an experience never to be forgotten. Light-mantled Sooty Albatross nest on the hills above and glide effortlessly through complicated courtship flights. Entire beaches are overwhelmed by lively Antarctic Fur seals or slumbering Elephant Seals during their brief breeding seasons.
At the former Grytviken whaling station the industrial exploitation of the regions once prolific whales is brought to life with the opportunity to explore both the whaling station and the excellent South Georgia museum. It is in the Grytviken cemetery that Sir Ernest Shackleton lies, we visit the Boss and pay our respects to one of the greats of the Heroic Era of Antarctic exploration.
Day 11
Crossing the waters traversed by Shackleton, slowly but surely the environment becomes more Antarctic. As you sail towards Antarctica there is the opportunity to practice seabird identification with our onboard expert naturalists and join them on the lookout for whales in these rich southern waters.
Day 12
A visit to the seldom visited Orcadas Station, an Argentinian research base, is planned (weather permitting).
Day 13
Crossing the Southern Ocean prepares visitors for arrival at the Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 14 - 16
Entering Antarctica a new world unfolds, ice dominates the landscape and we once again encounter new species, truly Antarctic species that call this icy world home. Landing at penguin colonies we see Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins for the first time and have the opportunity to witness first hand the hive of activity that is life in a penguin colony. Visits to South Shetland Islands, Deception Island and Port Foster provide opportunities for viewing Cape Pigeons and Antarctic Terns feeding, and a swim for the intrepid in hot springs along the shoreline.
Cruising in one of the ships 10 zodiac landing craft provides the perfect platform from which to experience towering ice formations and the marine mammals that inhabit these waters. Throughout our time in Antarctica the Expedition Leader and Captain will be working to take maximum advantage of the weather and ice conditions in order to get up close to wildlife. All accompanied by in-depth interpretation by the ships naturalists.
Day 17 and 18
Heading northwards we return to the realm of the albatross via Drake Passage.
Day 19
After breakfast on board, arrive in Ushuaia mid-morning for disembarkation.
Grading & Fitness
Grade A
General good health necessary.
No specific fitness requirements.
Clients must be in good general health to join our expeditions. The
expedition is ship-based, and physically not very demanding. Although we
spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard
the ship if you like. To join the voyage, you must be able to get up and
down steps between the different ship levels and up and down the gangway
to board the zodiacs for the excursions ashore.
Guides & Safety
The expeditions are led by some of the most experienced Southern Ocean naturalists, who have devoted a lifetime to research in this region.
Back to topWhat to take
On board the ship:
The ship is heated throughout with the normal temperature 17-25C. In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call Whales comes over the load speaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm on board the ship - and cold out on deck. There may be an occasion, ie: Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or a spontaneously Posh Night where you may require clothing that is a little more formal.
Tips to stay comfortable & warm in cold weather:
Essential Items
Optional items:
Transport
M/V Plancius
The Plancius was designed with expedition travel in mind. At 89 metres in length she is able to accommodate 110 passengers in cabins with private bathrooms. There are large public spaces and open deck areas giving fantastic opportunities for taking in the scenery and wildlife. Equipped with a fleet of 10 zodiac landing craft enables passengers to get to the seldom visited landing sites and explore, enjoy and photograph.
Food
Dining is informal and relaxed, and the cuisine outstanding. Award winning chefs prepare delicious meals and are able to cater for most special dietary requirements.
Coffee, tea and snacks are available throughout the voyage.
Accommodation
Triple Private: 15sq meters, all outside cabins with portholes. Two lower berths and one upper berth, desk, wardrobe, television (screening documentaries and movies), and private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin.
Twin Private: 15sq meters, all outside cabins with either portholes or windows. Two lower berths, desk, wardrobe, television (screening documentaries and movies), and private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin.
Twin Superior: 21sq metres, large picture windows for panoramic views. Two lower berths (two singles or one queen size plus separate single), desk, wardrobe, television (screening documentaries and movies), private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin.
Questions
What type of ship to shore communication facilities does the ship have?
a) Phone: Telephone calls can be made from the ship by the Inmarsat system or the Iridium phone.
b) Fax: Fax messages can be sent from the ship to any fax number anywhere in the world. Charges for outgoing faxes will appear on your ships account.
c) Emails: Emails can be sent to the ships email address. To send messages to this address the sender must be registered with Xantic ( www.xantic.net). There will be a charge for all redirected email messages and this will show on the relevant ship board account. It is possible to send emails to any address anywhere in the world from the ship and a charge will appear on your ship account for any emails sent.
What currency is accepted on board?
The U.S. dollar is the standard currency on board. We will however accept New Zealand and Australian currency at the current exchange rate.
Can you cater to specific dietary requirements?
Our chefs can prepare food according to special dietary needs providing we are notified at the time of final payment. We regret that no kosher or vegan meals can be offered.
Can I recharge my batteries and use electrical appliances on board (ie: hairdryer)?
Power on board is 220V (AC current) with outlets being recessed, round 2 pronged European type. If you plan to bring the American standard 110V equipment with flat pronged plug, you will need to bring a convertor and a round 2 pronged European type adaptor plug. Please check your equipment to be sure you bring what is necessary for your personal needs.
Special note for video equipment battery packs: Please check with a camera source and bring with you a convertor adequate for recharging your pack if your equipment is 110V and needing to be converted to the 220V on board.
How sea sick will I be?
All people wonder if they will be sea sick, the answer to this is difficult as it depends entirely on the individual. From our experience we expect a small percentage of people to get sick and then recover for the remainder of the voyage. If you think you are susceptible to sea sickness then it is a good idea to be prepared. Motion sickness tablets or Scopolamine patches (Scopoderm) can be purchased from your local chemist. Please remember if you are concerned, commence these before the voyage starts (as directed on the information for each medication) rather than after you are already sick.
Additional Costs
Not included in expedition fee:
Airfare to and from your home to the port of departure.
Items of a personal nature such as insurance, and excess baggage charge.
Passport, visa and vaccination fees.
On board the ship: beverages, communication charges, medical supplies, laundry, sea shop purchases.
Booking Conditions
Single Travellers:
Single travellers who wish to share their cabin/hotel room should so indicate on the booking form. The published per person double occupancy fare is guaranteed in this case, whether or not a cabin mate is available.
Payment:
Although we advertise the price of this expedition in U.S. dollars we will be charging you in the equivalent amount of New Zealand dollars. We will be using the current exchange rate on the day of making the booking but as exchange rates are constantly changing we cannot guarantee that your credit card bill will come out to the exact US dollar price as advertised. Please also allow for currency conversion fees charged by your bank (usually between 1% and 3%).
Deposits:
A deposit of 25% of the expedition fee is required upon booking to confirm participation. The balance of the fee is payable 90 days prior to departure date.
Cancellations:
Cancellations must be received in writing. For cancellations received more than 120 days before departure date, a full refund will be made less $US400.00 fee per person for administration/handling fee. For cancellations received within 120 days of your embarkation date, the full deposit is forfeited. The full expedition fee is forfeited if your notice of cancellation is received within 90 days of your departure date. On forwarding the deposit you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions found here.
Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend that travellers purchase trip cancellation protection and/or travel insurance at the time of booking.
Itinerary Changes
Due to the nature of our expeditions, weather, ice or government regulations may require changes to be made to the itineraries and/or the cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every attempt will be made to adhere to the itineraries described within the limits of safety and time. The ships captain has the last word on any decision made with regard to the vessels itinerary and it is understood that such a decision will be made in the interest of safety of the vessel and of all the passengers on board. In the event of changes, passengers have no right to any refund or other compensation. Expedition fees are based on group participation. Should you choose not to take part in any activity or make use of services provided, no refund will be made.
Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.
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