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The Antarctic, land of extremes, a destination that
enthralls all who participate in this exciting voyage
to one of the most remote and fascinating natural
reserves in the world!
"It's virtually impossible to describe the beauty of the midnight Antarctic sunset followed by the twilight moon rise literally minutes later."
Cruise Trade, February 5,2007
11 Day/10 Night Program featuring the Antarctic.
Prices from $6089.00 Per Person in Double.
Includes Land Arrangements and Cruise Only.
Ask for our Airline Specials, too!
This expedition offers the ideal introduction to the
Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing
in the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, we take in the
most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands
and the Antarctic Peninsula with an emphasis on
the viewing of wildlife.
The Antarctic, with its spectacular beauty, amazing
colors of light reflected on the ice, wild life in full
splendor and magnificent sites for visiting promises
to be an unforgettable experience for travelers in
search of unique destinations.
2007 Departures: January 8, 18, 28; February 7, 17, 27
Day 1 USHUAIA
Passengers board the M/V Antarctic Dream where you will
be greeted by the Expedition Leader and staff, and shown
to your cabin. Departure is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Day 2 & 3 DRAKE PASSAGE
Wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other seabirds
will escort the vessel as you sail south across this famous
passage named after Sir Francis Drake, the famous 16th
century English explorer and navigator. We will continue
towards the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier
where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters
of the more temperate zone. In 1819, the British explorer
William Smith described the South Shetland Islands as
"barren and covered with snow, with seals in abundance."
Day 4 KING GEORGE ISLAND
King George Island will give us an early taste
of what the Antarctic holds in store. It is the largest
island of the South Shetlands. Prior to departing, and
if the weather cooperates, we will offer passengers a
brief helicopter over-flight to admire the enormity and
singular beauty of the landscape.* If the conditions
do not allow us to fly, we will disembark in Potter Bay.
In the afternoon, we will disembark at Aitcho Island
which is located in between Greenwich and Robert
Islands. We will continue with the crossing of the
Bransfield and Gerlache Starits to enter Andvord Bay
where we find Neko Bay.
Day 5 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & NEKO BAY
Besides the magnificent scenery of mountains, snow and
ice, in Antarctica you can expect to see a wide variety of
native wildlife. Other birds to look out for are blue-eyed
shags, gulls, cape petrels, skuas, snowy sheathbills and
Antarctic terns. Marine mammals that you are likely to
see include Weddell crab-eaters and leopard seals
while orcas, humback and mink whales may be spotted
at close range. The program includes your first landing
on the White Continent (Neko Bay), and another on Port
Lockroy (Gaudier Island). Neko Bay was discovered by
Adrian de Gerlache, a Belgian explorer. Port Lockroy is
near to Wiencke Island in the Antarctic Peninsula, and
was the principal base of the 1944 Tabarin Operation -
the scientific research included the Antarctic's first
ionosphere measurements and also the first recording
of an atmospheric whistle.
Day 6 PLENEAU - PETERMANN ISLAND
We sail south through the narrow Lemaire Channel
whose high, sheer cliffs suggest that no passage could
be found. Once through the channel, admired as one of
the most beautiful places in the world, and provided
climate and ice conditions are good enough, we will be
able to visit Petermann Island, the most southern land
point of our expedition. Here we will disembark and will
be able to see the most southern colony of Gentoo
penguins which nest near our landing spot. On this
island we will also be able to see a colony of beautiful
Adelei penguins, skuas and blue-eyed shags. At
Pleneau, we should have the opportunity to take our
zodiacs and visit impressive ice formations.
Day 7 PARADISE BAY - CUVERVILLE ISLAND
At this point of our program, we begin our return voyage
to Ushuaia. During the morning, if weather permits, we
will disembark or use our zodiacs in Paradise Bay. In
the evening, we will visit Cuverville Island enjoying its
dramatic scenery and one of the largest colonies of
Gentoo penguins and skuas. This rocky island is on
the north side of the Errera Channel, between Ronge
island and the Arctowski Peninsula.
Day 8 DECEPTION ISLAND - WHALER'S BAY -
PENDULUM COVE
We continue sailing to Deception Island, home to the
largest active volcano in the area at the northwest
side of the Peninsula. During the morning, we will try
to disembark in Whaler's Bay and Pendulum Cove
for a unique swim in the frigid waters. In the afternoon,
we will disembark at Hannah Point (Livingstone
Island). This is one of the best places in the Antarctic
to see fauna and we hope Chinstrap and Gentoo
penguins, giant petrels, Wilson petrels, skuas and
blue-eyed shags, and with a bit of luck sea elephants.
Day 9 & 10 DRAKE PASSAGE
Today, we will leave the Antarctic and head north
back across the Drake Passage. Now is your chance
to smile dwelling on your wonderful adventure of the
previous week, participate in the final lectures, and
enjoy the delicious gastronomy on board as you
return to Ushuaia.
Day 11 USHUAIA
After an early breakfast, we will land at 9:00 a.m. as
you disembark for a final time full of magnificent
memories and rich with new found friends. Thus
ends your incredible and unique expedition.
Important: Please note that you should regard this
itinerary as a guide only. Our exact route and program
varies according to the weather conditions that we
encounter.
*Helicopter services on Day 4 are provided by an
outside company, and flights are totally dependent
on weather conditions on King George Island. The
flight last aproximately 10 minutes, and will have
no extra cost for passengers paying full fare.
Deposit: $1600.00 per person is due immediately
upon confirmation.
Final Payment: Due in full 95 days prior to departure.
Cancellations: All requests for cancellation must be
received in writing. Cancellations received 95 days
prior to departure will be charged a $550.00 per
person administrative fee. Cancellations within
95 days of departure are completely non-refundable.
No refunds will be made for any part of the program
in which you choose not to participate, or for any
part of the program that is not given due to the
Captain's discretion. Trip Cancellation Insurance
is strongly recommended.
Clothing: We strongly suggest you bring appropiate
clothing for the region's extreme temperature. For
disembarking, crew members will give passengers
special clothing whcih must be worn (jackets and
boots). Casual clothing can be worn aboard the
vessel. Thermal clothing, not synthetic is recommended.
Sun block, swimming suit, and comfortable walking
shoes are also recommended.
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