Classic Antarctica

Due to the nature of adventure cruising, this itinerary is subject to change based on weather, ice, wildlife and other conditions beyond A&K's control.

Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Arrive this morning and transfer to your hotel (where immediate check-in has been arranged), with time to relax before this afternoon’s city tour. As complex as it is energetic and seductive, this port city has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries, bringing many porteños (as locals are known) into its boundaries. Although it is reminiscent of a European city, the spirit of Buenos Aires is evident in its diverse neighborhoods. Meet your fellow adventurers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception.

Today, fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival, enjoy sightseeing (time permitting) and a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch. Later, arrive at your ship and settle in for your first night on board. The passengerfriendly, stylish ‘Le Boreal’ is the first all-balcony stateroom and suite vessel to travel to Antarctica. Wander the decks, relax in the lounge and mingle with fellow travellers in anticipation of your voyage.

The southward journey toward Antarctica is an exciting one. An important trade route in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Drake Passage’s stormy waters and icy conditions often made the journey around Cape Horn a difficult one, though the stabilizer-equipped ‘Le Boreal’ handles it easily. The krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds. As you travel in the comfort of your luxury cruiser, enjoy several enriching lectures by leading experts on topics spanning Antarctica birdlife to photography. After lunch, join ‘Le Boreal’s’ naturalists on the deck to look for various species of whale and abundant seabirds. Later this evening, chat with experts about the wildlife spotted today and discuss the next day’s itinerary.

As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement begins to build. Day-to-day itineraries depend on the weather, water and wildlife conditions, but two excursions are carefully planned for each day by the captain and expedition leader. Each cruise day begins with an early breakfast. Afterward, venture out in swift Zodiacs, guided by expert drivers and accompanied by lecturers, to a number of sites, which may include the penguin-filled islands in the South Shetlands of Half Moon, Penguin or Deception; islands off the continental coastline such as Cuverville or Paulet; and, weather permitting, the Antarctic Peninsula. ‘Le Boreal’ also plans to sail through stunning Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, referred to as “Kodak Alley.” After a morning exploring native species and terrain, return to ‘Le Boreal’ for lunch. In the afternoon, set out for the day’s second excursion, which may include a visit to a scientific research station and the remains of turn-of-the-century whaling and sealing stations. Return to your cruiser for cocktails and dinner. Afterward, recap the day’s discoveries with your naturalist guides.

The ship’s return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for recap and reflection, with time to compare notes with your lecturers on the wildlife, history and geology of the White Continent. While cruising through this historic passage, you may spot whale and seabirds such as albatross and skua.

‘Le Boreal’ docks at Ushuaia this morning, where after breakfast, you bid farewell to staff and crew and disembark. Transfer to the airport to board your flight home via Buenos Aires.

Arrive in the USA or Canada.

A&K GUARANTEED DEPARTURES:
All escorted group programs* departing between January 1 and December 31, 2011, are guaranteed to operate. Guaranteed departures will operate except only in cases of force majeure, which could include any major world event adversely affecting international travel patterns or other circumstances beyond A&K’s control.

* Please Note: Extreme Adventures, Marco Polo Club Invitational, Canal & River Cruising, Escorted Mobile Camping and Journeys for Women programs require a minimum number of passengers to operate.

All escorted group programs departing between January 1 and December 31, 2012 are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of two passengers. Please Note: Extreme Adventures, Marco Polo Club Invitationals, Canal & River Cruising and Escorted Mobile Camping programs require a varying number of passengers to operate.

INCLUDED IN ESCORTED GROUP PROGRAMS: Prices are valid through January 31, 2012, and include category of cabin chosen on board ‘Le Boreal’; other accommodations as noted in the itinerary; meals as specified on land programs; full board meal service on board ‘Le Boreal,’ including open bar (excepting premium wines, premium liquors and champagnes); 24-hour room service on board; arrival and departure grouped transfers (regardless of day of arrival and departure); fully guided sightseeing as noted in the itinerary (including park and entrance fees); bottled water supplied during sightseeing; select beverages with group meals on land; on board services of A&K expedition team including cruise director, expedition leader, naturalists and lecturers; expedition parka and backpack on board; baggage handling of two pieces per person for international flight (other restrictions may apply for internal flights; please see BAGGAGE section); hotel taxes and gratuities; and all gratuities for shipboard crew and staff (please see separate section on GRATUITIES for more details).

SPECIAL NOTES:
ON ESCORTED GROUP PROGRAMS: Services on escorted group programs may be modified to accommodate a small group.
ON EXTENSIONS: All extensions are locally guided.

GRATUITIES:
ESCORTED GROUP PROGRAMS: Gratuities are included for hotel and restaurant staff, porterage, local guides and drivers, and all ‘Le Boreal’ ship crew and expedition team.

INDEPENDENT PROGRAMS (SIGNATURE AND TAILOR MADE): Gratuities are not included in the program price and are at the discretion of the traveller. Recommended guidelines will be provided in A&K’s pre-tour documentation.

NOT INCLUDED IN ESCORTED GROUP PROGRAM PRICES: Passenger Travel Protection Plan; international and internal airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; Ushuaia Customs & Migration Tax; Argentine and Chilean (if applicable) Reciprocity Fee; excess baggage charges; meals other than specified in the itinerary; beverages other than noted in the INCLUDED IN ESCORTED GROUP PROGRAMS section; sightseeing not included in the program itinerary; hotel room service; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability).

ITINERARIES: Accommodations including hotels, vessels and aircraft and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Abercrombie & Kent’s control. Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. A&K also reserves the right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make alterations to the itinerary or the program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to tour members any costs caused by delays or events beyond its control.

SPECIAL REQUESTS: Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking rooms and special dietary needs should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure a special request; however, it cannot be guaranteed in advance of travel.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS: Quoted program prices include planning, handling and operational charges and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of May 2010. A&K reserves the right to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, taxes and V.A.T. received after prices are published and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. A&K is under no obligation to give a breakdown in costs involving any Escorted Group, Signature or Tailor Made program. Modification of program content to accommodate a smaller group size will not affect the published program price.

IMMEDIATE CHECK-IN: On programs where immediate check-in has not been included in the program price, A&K has requested that all hotels provide this service when possible; however, it cannot be guaranteed. Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the mid-afternoon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for your immediate check-in upon arrival, it can be arranged for an additional charge. Please ask A&K for details and prices.

EARLY ARRIVAL: A&K recommends that you arrive a day or two before the start of your planned program to allow time to relax and refresh after your journey. To help you prepare for the start of your tour, A&K has negotiated favorable overnight rates at many hotels; please ask for details at time of booking. Departing early from the U.S. and Canada during the winter months is strongly recommended, due to possible flight disruptions and cancellations caused by inclement weather.

ACTIVE ELEMENTS: Some active elements have been incorporated into select itineraries. To enjoy the trip as intended, a minimum level of fitness is required. A&K will require notice if any participant has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to him or herself or to other members of the group. A&K reserves the right to decline acceptance of anyone whom it considers unsuitable due to fitness level. A&K also reserves the right to remove from the trip, at the participant’s own expense, anyone whose condition is such that it could create a hazard to him or herself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ABOUT A SPECIFIC PROGRAM, PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS AT TIME OF BOOKING.

A&K’S PASSENGER TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN: Our specially designed travel protection program, which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is not included in the program price and it is strongly recommended. Due to Antarctica’s remote location, A&K requires proof of a minimum of $50,000 per person in Emergency Evacuation/ Repatriation insurance. This minimum amount is included in A&K’s Travel Protection plan; upgrades can be purchased for higher coverage on request. If you do not purchase the A&K protection plan, we will require proof of alternative coverage. PLEASE NOTE: Emergency evacuation insurance provides for covering the cost associated with emergency evacuation and repatriation up to the limits of the respective policy; however, it does NOT guarantee the timing, method or mode of such evacuation and repatriation, which is subject to weather and other conditions or variables outside of A&K’s control.

CHILD POLICY: On non-family departures, unless otherwise indicated on the individual program page, a minimum age of 10 years is required. On the December 17 family departure (LB111219), a minimum age of 7 is required. Special rates on voyage 111219 apply for children ages 7–18 travelling with full paying adult passenger. Please contact A&K for details.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS: Valid passports are required for all international destinations. Check with your travel agent or A&K for the latest visa requirements. Please note that non-U.S. passport holders are responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry. Passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigrations stamps. A&K cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. A copy of your valid passport must be submitted to A&K in order to confirm air reservations.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE: For all programs in this brochure, a deposit of $1,950 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.

CANCELLATION CHARGES: Cancellations received by A&K 90 days or more prior to departure will be subject to $500 per person/ per program cancellation fee; 89–60 days will be subject to 20% of the program price; 59–45 days will be subject to 50% of the program price; and 44 days or less will be subject to 100% of the program price. A 100% cancellation fee applies to internal air cancelled within 90 days of departure, where applicable.

CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR EXTRA SERVICES:
Additional hotel nights and other extra services booked in connection with A&K programs are subject to the following: Cancellations received 31 or more days prior to the service will be refunded in full; cancellations received 30–15 days in advance will be charged 50% of the price; and cancellations received less than 15 days in advance will be charged 100% of the price.

EXCEPTIONS: Payment and cancellation terms and conditions for all Signature and Tailor Made programs, Extensions, Internal Air and Tailor Made Portfolio Hotels may vary from those noted above. Please ask A&K for details.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: International airfares are not included in program pricing. Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, has special agreements with many carriers and can offer quotations from any gateway. Please ask your tour consultant about our special fares. All international and internal air quotes, air schedules and aircraft type is subject to change and can carry penalties and surcharges until final payment has been received by A&K. Flight confirmation is based on availability. Air reservations cannot be confirmed until a passport copy is received by A&K. PLEASE NOTE THAT CERTAIN AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO A SERVICE FEE.

Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. These programs may use the services of any IATA carrier. International air carriers are subject to international air conventions limiting their liability. The limitations of liability are contained on the reverse side of the airline ticket or e-ticket receipt, or on the carrier’s web site, and form part of the terms and conditions of this package. The passage contract in use by these companies, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these travel programs and/or passage.

BAGGAGE: Abercrombie & Kent provides handling of two pieces of baggage per person. Weight restrictions on some routes on internal/ domestic flights may apply; details will be provided with pre-tour documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk throughout the travel program, and A&K assumes no liability for lost or damaged baggage. Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions applicable to your international flights.

CLAIMS AND REFUNDS: Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT’S RESPONSIBILITY clause below. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the local destination company verifying the claim. Any adjustment considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals. A&K will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your travel program. All claims for days missed while travelling should be made in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program.

PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL: Abercrombie & Kent reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a program with A&K, program members agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Program members who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their Tour Director at the beginning of their program.

LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT’S RESPONSIBILITY:
Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person.

In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time. There are many inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved here, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that these trips take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passenger assumes all such risks associated with participating in this trip.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND WARNINGS: It is the responsibility of the traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U.S. State Department’s travel web site at travel.state.gov or by phone at 888 407 4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should the traveller still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the traveller assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events such as those advised or warned against.

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these TERMS AND CONDITIONS, to the LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT’S RESPONSIBILITY clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the trip, to the trip itself, or to any products or services related to the trip, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.

TRAVELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS: The traveller represents that neither he nor she nor anyone travelling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to him or herself or other members of the tour. A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a trip, and to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip.

ANY PAYMENT TO ABERCROMBIE & KENT CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC PRE-DEPARTURE PASSENGER DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM.

Abercrombie & Kent accepts all major credit cards.

© 2010 Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. ABERCROMBIE & KENT, A&K, ADVENTURE CREW, DESIGN YOUR DAY, GUARDIAN ANGEL, INSPIRING EXPERIENCES, MARCO POLO CLUB, PRIVATE JOURNEYS, SIGNATURE SERIES, SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL, TRAVELLING BELL BOY and the ampersand design are service marks owned by Abercrombie & Kent Group of Companies, S.A. The service marks and trademarks of airlines appearing in this brochure and on abercrombiekent.com are owned by the respective companies mentioned.

CST#2007274-20

DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC / Downers Grove, IL / abercrombiekent.com
PRINTING: Lithographix Inc. / Hawthorne, CA / lithographix.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: Alamy, Lin Alder, Steve Allen, Martin Almqvist, Nick Baylis, Peter Boese, Tom Brakefield, Michele Burgess, Compagnie du Ponant Yacht Cruises, Comstock Images, CW Images, David Dallmeyer, Danita Delimont, John Eastcott, Marco Favero, Mats Forsberg, Frans Lanting Studio, Hemera, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Instituto Brasileiro de Turismo, iStockPhoto, JG Photography, Wolfgang Kaehler, Christian Kapteyn, Christian Knepper, Art Kowalsky, LAN Chile, Medioimages/ Photodisc, Minden Pictures, Yva Momatiuk, Donald Nausbaum, Ocean Adventures, Radius Images, Seth Resnick, Robert Harding Productions, Rob Sakowitz, Kevin Schafer, Richard Sidey, L. Craig Smith, Stockbyte, Keren Su, Gerald Sullivan, Hiroshi Takeuchi, David Wall, John Webley, Westend61 GmbH, Peter A. Wiesner, Jeremy Woodhouse, WorldFoto

One Name: One Unparalleled Standard Worldwide
Throughout this brochure and on abercrombiekent.com, you’ll see references to “Abercrombie & Kent” (or simply “A&K”). this is our shorthand for the many independent A&K companies that work with Abercrombie & Kent USA, llC of downers grove, illinois, to provide its travellers with a consistent worldwide standard of expertise and excellence in travel. their independence allows our guests to benefit from the unique local knowledge and specialized services available only from destination-based operating companies around the globe.

United States Tour Operators Association
Abercrombie & Kent USA, llC, as an Active member of USTOA, is required to post $1 million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the uStOA travellers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Abercrombie & Kent USA, llC customers in the unlikely event of Abercrombie & Kent USA, llC’s bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 million posted by Abercrombie & Kent USA, llC may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by Abercrombie & Kent USA, llC. Complete details of the USTOA travellers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 275 madison Avenue, Suite 2014, new york, ny 10016, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting its web site at USTOA.com. ASTA TOP tour operator Program

Abercrombie & Kent USA, llC is also a member of the American Society of travel Agents TOP Program, open only to select tour operators.

Travel Agents
A travel agent can enhance your trip by providing information and advice not contained in this brochure. A&K has long-standing relationships with the industry’s best travel agents and would be pleased to work with yours.

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance on Select Egypt Journeys

Reserve select 2011 and 2012 Egypt journeys and receive complimentary Passenger Travel Protection insurance, a value of up to $500. Call for details. Egypt journeys include:

• Egypt Unveiled
  November 3, 17, December 1, 2011 and all January - May 2012 departures
• Jordan and Egypt: Sands of Time
  October 7, 2011 and all January - April 2012 departures
• Images of Egypt & Kenya
  February 28, 2012
• Pharaohs and Pyramids
  All January - March 2012 departures
• Splendors of the Nile
  March 19, 2012

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