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Tell me more
about a trip to Antarctica!
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2009/10 Itinerary
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Antarctic
Peninsula, Falklands, South Georgia cruises |
Antarctica
Cruise - The Peninsula
From $3,890 |
Antarctica
Cruise
Possibly the best overall trip, kayaking and scuba
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Falklands, South Georgia, & Antarctic Peninsula
Most popular trip including South Georgia at the best
time of year |
South Georgia
and the Falkland Islands
25 days - National Geographic Partnership |
Antarctic Peninsula
climbing, kayaking |
Antarctica
Cruise
Comfortable expedition ship at half capacity |
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Emperor
Penguin Safari, ice-breaker trip to the Weddell Sea |
Antarctica
Cruise - The Peninsula
Active Adventure - kayaking and climbing |
Antarctic Circle
optional scuba
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Antarctic
Circle
Kayaking, Camping |
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Antarctic
Peninsula
ice-breaker |
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Cruises in Eastern Antarctica
- Ross Sea Region |
Historic
Huts & Antarctic Heroes
Ross Ice Shelf, McMurdo Sound |
Epic
Antarctica via the Phantom Coast and the Ross Sea
31 days, icebreaker |
Icebergs &
Emperors
Mawson’s hut, East Antarctic coast |
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Whale watching cruises |
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Galapagos cruises |
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Lonely Planet travel guide
Antarctica
USA
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UK


Antarctica Cruising
Guide
USA
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UK

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage, Alfred Lansing
Antarctic Oasis: Under the Spell of South Georgia, Pauline Carr
and Tim Carr
The Worst Journey in the World, Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica, Sara Wheeler
The Crystal Desert, David Campbell |
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Testimonials
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Ship
types
Trip Highlights: Expect great guides, kayaks, underwater
dive master & National Geographic partnership. This ship is very stylish
and completely renovated in 2008.
Rates: $10,760 - $19,870
Twin from:$10,760, single from $13,590
Child Rate: $500 off per child (under 18)
Ship - National Geographic Explorer
- Expedition
Ship
Passengers: 148
Introduction
This journey to the "White Continent" offers six days
of exploration on the incomparably beautiful Antarctic Peninsula and the
surrounding islands and waterways. The sights, sounds and emotions will
stay in your mind forever — enormous tabular icebergs, hillsides covered
with thousands of penguins and the excitement on deck as someone shouts,
“Whales!” Travel with a very highly experienced Antarctica expedition staff,
which includes an Undersea Specialist. Zodiacs and kayaks to further your
ability to examine this remote wilderness.
Itinerary
Day 1: Miami/Santiago, Chile
You depart this evening on an overnight flight to Santiago, Chile's
capital.
Day 2: Santiago
You arrive in Santiago this morning. With the soaring Andes as a backdrop,
Santiago, makes a spectacular and welcoming first impression — as does your
hotel, located in a gracious residential neighbourhood. The morning is free
for resting up or exploring on your own. Santiago offers an intriguing blend
of European, Spanish Colonial and innovative modern architecture. Its sun-mellowed
facades and stately palms invite leisure walks. After lunch, join a guided
excursion of Santiago, including the Presidential Palace and historic cathedral
area. You’ll head up into the San Cristobal hills for a panoramic city view,
sure to inspire photographers. You return to the Hyatt for a relaxing dinner.
Day 3: Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship
The morning's flight offers some fascinating and rare views as you fly over
the vividly rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, Argentina,
the southernmost city in the world. This windy and desolate outpost is awe
inspiring in its starkness. As your luggage is transferred to Endeavour,
you'll head to the nearby El Restaurante Relincho for a lunch that includes
Argentina's traditional barbecue. Tierra del Fuego National Park at Lapataia
Bay is your afternoon destination. Bordering the Beagle Channel, it is home
to an array of plants and animals that are rarely seen anywhere else in
the world, including the Tierra del Fuego red fox and the chungungo otter.
After your walk, return to town and board the Endeavour, your seafaring
home for the next several days. As you step aboard, surrounded by Ushuaia's
soaring mountains, you'll be aware, in an exciting way, of the fact that
you're a long way from home. Settle into your cabin before joining your
first dinner onboard. It's time to start your voyage toward Antarctica.
Days 4-5: At Sea
You leave Ushuaia with Argentina and Chile behind you, and head to the Drake
Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake
holds a unique place in maritime lore and legend. From the Endeavour's bridge,
observe expert navigation at work as your skilled Captain and officers sail
these historic waters. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear,
crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable — a milestone in any
adventurer's personal travel history.
Endeavour's library, gym and guest e-mail station become welcoming haunts.
Watching for seabirds on deck in the fresh air, socializing in the Lounge,
as well as attending informal lecturers given by the naturalists onboard,
are among the opportunities that make your time at sea an active and engaging
preparation for the adventure ahead.
Days 6-11: Antarctica
With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year,
you are able to luxuriate in our six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
and its surrounding islands. And what a light it is — ranging from brilliantly
blue-skied to the famous "golden hour" light prized by photographers,
and the shades of gray, from pearly to pewter.
Your expedition style of travel means that your schedule is completely
flexible, adapting to give you the best experience during your time.
Out there, amid the splendour of the ice, surrounded by penguins and
snow-capped mountains, the ship will freely roam in the most spectacular
environment on earth. Your expedition team is a veteran one, and their
knowledge of Antarctica's waters enables you to take advantage of prime
conditions as you find them. Perhaps to explore an inlet this year that
was blocked by ice last season, or drop kayaks in a small cove for a
more personal, "penguin level" expedition. Sometimes we're even able
to take you places where no one has ever been before — places for which
our Captain and Ice Master might make a "mud map" that will eventually
be published by maritime authorities as a guide for other mariners.
You may also be able to enter Lindblad Cove, named in memory of Lars-Eric
Lindblad, a pioneer in Antarctic tourism.
Sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel, also known as Iceberg
Alley, where a hush falls over onlookers as bergs of beauty and scale
drift by. Cruise in Zodiacs to make landfall on Deception Island, where
you'll walk along the beach, in the shadow of high black hills, through
the spectral ruins of an abandoned whaling factory which once employed
100 men. And visiting historical such as Elephant Island, a name known
to anyone familiar with the story of Ernest Shackleton, and his legendary
feat — bringing every member of his crew safely back home after the
wreck of his expedition ship Endurance and a two-year ordeal.
As you voyage, you'll see all the creatures that thrive in this polar
habitat. Seabirds — from Pintado petrels to albatross with their magnificent
wingspans. You may see orcas and minke whales, Weddell seals and fearsome
leopard seals. And you will see — penguins. You'll see Gentoos, Adélies
and chinstraps in unimaginably large numbers, visiting their colonies
and observing their antic hunting, gathering and parenting behaviour
firsthand.
You'll be out daily — experiencing Antarctica with all your senses as
you walk, cruise in Zodiacs, and paddle kayaks through berg fields,
hearing the Antarctic seltzer (gases escaping from dissolving icebergs)
around you, the cries of the penguins, and the huge, nurturing silence
of this perfectly pristine place.
Day 12-13: At Sea
As you sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort
of fulmars, petrels and other seabirds that cross the bow in a mesmerizing,
balletic display. There'll be plenty of time to enjoy a massage, log some
time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven't had a minute to read.
If you did manage to finish it, you'll find hundreds of others to peruse
in Endeavour's extensive library. During our time at sea, our Expedition
Leader and naturalists offer talks and presentations that add depth and
dimension to your experiences. And your Undersea Specialist will show rare
footage of the seldom-seen creatures that inhabit these icy waters.
Day 14: Ushuaia/Disembark/Santiago
As you disembark in Ushuaia, a location that mere days ago seemed wild and
remote, is now, in contrast to the "farness" of Antarctica, cosily familiar.
After your time at sea, your visit to the Maritime Museum in Ushuaia will
have a richer context. You then proceed to the airport for the flight to
Santiago, and the subsequent overnight flight to Miami.
Day 15: Miami
Arrive in Miami at sunrise. As you board connecting flights home, you will
each carry vivid memories of your adventure.
Notes:
Photo Expeditions: All departures
The photo team, a National Geographic Photographer and a Lindblad Photo
Specialist, will enhance your voyage by working with you on photo composition
and exposure; helping you develop your own unique vision; showing you how
professionals edit and store images while on the go; and sharing the stories
behind some of their greatest images. Whether expert or interested beginner,
you'll find added benefits such as walks ashore and Zodiac cruises dedicated
to photography, presentations on the creative and technical aspects of photography,
and one-on-one mentoring and coaching in the field.
Included:
Round-trip flights to and from Santiago/Ushuaia; accommodations aboard and
all meals except two lunches and one dinner ashore; one hotel night in Santiago,
all shore excursions and sightseeing; transfers to and from group flights;
tips (except to ship's crew), taxes and service charges; services of a ship
physician and natural history staff.
Not Included:
International air transportation except as noted above; extension; passport
and visa expenses; two lunches and one dinner; baggage/accident/cancellation
insurance; items of a personal nature; gratuities to ship's crew at your
discretion; fuel surcharge may apply.
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Antarctic Peninsula Region Cruises - (not
an exhaustive list) |
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Trip |
Departure Dates |
Highlights |
Ship / Pax |
Options* |
Prices** |
Days |
Departure port |
|
Classic Antarctica |
12/10/09, 1/6/10, 1/15/10, 2/11/10 |
South
Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay,
Port Lockroy |
Expedition Ship
Orlova - 110 |
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$3,890 - $10,490 |
11 |
Ushuaia, Argentina |
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Antarctica Cruise - Explorer
- Possibly the best overall expedition cruise to Antarctica |
11/4/09, 12/16/09, 12/27/09, 1/7/10, 1/18/10, 1/29/10 |
South Shetland Islands,
Antarctic Peninsula, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy |
Expedition Ship National Geographic Explorer
- 110 |
Kayaking
Scuba |
$10,760 - $19,870 |
15 |
Fly from Miami to Santiago - Chile, embark
in Ushuaia, Argentina |
Antarctica
Cruise The Peninsula
(Adventure Options)
|
11/21/09, 12/19/09, 1/11/10, 2/18/10, 2/28/10 |
South Shetlands, Antarctic Peninsula, Penguin
Rookeries, Lemaire Channel, Spectacular Glaciers |
Research Vessel
Shokalskiy - 48 |
Kayaking, Camping |
$5,390 - $11,990 |
12 |
Ushuaia,
Argentina |
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Antarctic
Peninsula -
one of the
most active programmes |
12/07/09 |
South Shetland Islands, Abundant Wildlife, Lemaire
Channel |
Research Vessel
Polar Pioneer - 56
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Climbing
Kayaking |
$6,090 - $10,390 |
12 |
Ushuaia, Argentina |
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Antarctica
Cruise - The Peninsula |
12/9/2009 |
Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula - South Shetland
Islands, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy |
Icebreaker
Polar Star -
-
98 |
|
$5,830 - $10,915 |
11 |
Ushuaia, Argentina |
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Antarctica
Cruise - The Peninsula
(Active
Adventure) |
11/11/09, 12/27/09, 1/19/10 |
South Shetlands, Antarctic Peninsula, Penguin
Rookeries, Lemaire Channel |
Research Vessel
Akademik Ioffe
and Akademik Sergey Vavilov - 110 |
Kayaking,
Camping |
$4,990 - $11,690 |
12 |
Ushuaia, Argentina |
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Trip |
Departure Dates |
Visiting |
Ship / Pax |
Options* |
Prices** |
Days |
Departure port |
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Antarctica, Crossing The Circle |
1/9/10, 2/9/10 |
Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Island, set foot
on Antarctica South of the Antarctic Circle |
Expedition Ship
Ocean Nova - 68 |
Kayaking, Camping |
$9,190 - $18,290 |
15 |
Ushuaia, Argentina |
Antarctica -
Cruise - The Peninsula
Comfortable expedition ship
|
12/7/09, 1/18/10 |
South Shetland, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel |
Luxury Expedition Ship
Minerva - 199 |
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$7,595 - $21,595 |
14 |
Buenos Aires /
Ushuaia, Argentina |
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Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula |
11/29/09, 12/10/09, 1/7/10, 1/18/10, 1/29/10, 2/9/10 |
Antarctic Peninsula, Penguin Rookeries, Lemaire Channel |
Luxury Expedition Ship
Prince Albert II
- 132 |
|
$9,145 - $32,745 |
12 |
Buenos Aires /
Ushuaia, Argentina |
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Antarctic Peninsula
and Across the Circle |
2/5/10, 2/16/10 |
Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland
Islands, Crystal Sound, Antarctic Circle |
Research Vessel
Polar Pioneer - 56 |
Scuba |
$6,090 - $10,390 |
12 |
Ushuaia, Argentina |
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Antarctica Cruise - Emperor Penguin Snow Hill Island Safari |
10/10/09, 10/22/09, 11/3/09 |
Weddell Sea - Ice-Breaker / Helicopter trip Emperor
Penguin Rookery, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, set foot on continental
Antarctica |
Icebreaker
Kapitan Khlebnikov - 108 |
Helicopter Sightseeing Flights |
$13,890 - $22,690 |
14 |
Ushuaia, Argentina |
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Cruises Visiting South Georgia |
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Trip |
Departure Dates |
Visiting |
Ship / Pax |
Options* |
Prices** |
Days |
Departure port |
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Antarctica, Falklands, & South Georgia - Most popular trip
including South Georgia at the best time of year |
12/19/09, 1/24/10 |
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula, South
Shetland Islands, wildlife viewing, visits to scientific bases |
Expedition Ship
Orlova - 110 |
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$9,990 - $20,890 |
20 |
Ushuaia, Argentina |
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South
Georgia & the Falklands |
11/15/09, 2/9/10 |
Vast Colonies of King Penguins, Breathtaking Scenery, Historic sites
- kayaking option, resident photographer |
Expedition Ship National Geographic Endeavour
- 110
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Kayaking option, Resident photographer |
$18,450 - $34,270 |
25 |
Santiago Chile
/ Ushuaia, Argentina |
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South Georgia & Antarctica: In the Footsteps of
Shackleton |
11/21/09 |
Antarctic Peninsula, Vast Colonies of King Penguins
with chicks, Breathtaking Scenery, Sir Ernest Shackleton Historical
Sites |
Luxury Expedition Ship
Clelia II - -
100 |
|
$15,595 - $25,995 |
22 |
Ushuaia, Argentina |
Notes
* options may be at additional cost and are usually booked
when the cruise is booked - it may be too late once the cruise has
started.
** prices are based per person, the
lowest price is usually for triple occupancy and the highest for
double occupancy in the best available suite.
Feeling overwhelmed?
contact our travel partners who will help you find the best
cruise for your requirements. |
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Antarctica Ross Sea Region Cruises - (not
an exhaustive list)
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Trip |
Departure Dates |
Visiting |
Ship / Pax |
Options* |
Prices** |
Days |
Departure port |
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Historic Huts & Antarctic Heroes - Ross Sea
Exploration |
1/7/10, 2/2/10 |
Auckland Islands, Macquarie and Campbell Islands,
Explore the Ross Sea, Historic Huts, Ross Ice Shelf, McMurdo base. |
Expedition Ship
100 - Marina Svetaeva |
Helicopter Sightseeing Flights |
$12,290 - $23,490 |
26 |
Port of Bluff / Invercargill, New Zealand -
disembark Hobart Tasmania |
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Epic Antarctica via the Phantom Coast and the Ross Sea |
12/04/09 |
Ross Ice Shelf, McMurdo Station, Campbell and Enderby Islands; very rare
icebreaker voyage |
Icebreaker
108 -
Kapitan Khlebnikov |
Helicopter Sightseeing Flights |
$22,490 - $37,590 |
31 |
Stanley, Falkland Islands
-
disembark
Lyttelton, New Zealand |
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Antarctica and the Ross Sea Region |
1/8/10, 2/6/10 |
Macquarie Island and Campbell Island,
Ross Ice Shelf and Cape Adare, Emperor Penguins, Shackleton and Scott's
Hut. |
Research Vessel
48 - Spirit of Enderby |
|
$11,881 - $21,415 |
30 |
Port of Bluff / Invercargill, New Zealand -
disembark same |
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Icebergs & Emperors - Commonwealth Bay & Beyond
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12/11/09 |
Mawson’s hut, East Antarctic coast, French base
Dumont d’Urville, Ninnis & Mertz Glaciers, Oates Land Coast, and
Macquarie Island |
Icebreaker
100 - Marina Svetaeva |
Helicopter Sightseeing Flights |
$12,290 - $23,490 |
27 |
Hobart Tasmania - disembark same |
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