Classic Antarctica aboard the 'Explorer II'

Tour Summary

Add a visit to the rugged shores of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands to your Antarctica adventures. The best of the Antarctic Peninsula: vast penguin colonies, stately icebergs and calving glaciers, the adventures of Shackleton and Charcot, and the excitement of exploration by sea and land.

DAY 1: USA or Canada/Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart on your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

DAY 2: 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 optional city tour. Meet your fellow adventurers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception. InterContinental Buenos Aires B

DAY 3: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia for a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch. Later, arrive at your ship and settle in for your first night on board. MV 'Minerva' (formerly called 'Explorer II') B L D

DAYS 4-5: Cruising the Drake Passage
The southward journey toward Antarctica is an exciting one, as you join the Captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck - these krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds. MV 'Minerva' B L D

DAYS 6-10: Antarctica
As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement and expectation begins to build. A first shore expedition is swiftly followed by others, all carefully planned by the Captain and Expedition Leader to take full advantage of each day's possibilities.

On most days, two landings are scheduled. Head out in swift and versatile Zodiacs, guided by expert drivers and accompanied by lecturers to a number of islands filled with penguins in the South Shetlands, just off the continental coastline. Expeditions may include Half Moon, Cuverville, Paulet, Penguin, Goudier and Deception. Photograph penguins and nesting grounds of seabirds, and cruise iceberg-strewn passageways of breathtaking beauty.

Weather permitting, the ship will call on the Antarctic Peninsula. MV 'Minerva' also plans to sail through breathtaking Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, affectionately referred to as "Kodak Alley," with other possibilities for exploration including a scientific research station and the remains of early-century whaling and sealing stations. After each evening's leisurely dinner, there's time to stroll the deck and gaze at the seascapes in the lingering light of an austral summer twilight. MV 'Minerva' B L D

DAYS 11-12: Drake Passage
The ship's return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for recap and reflection, with time to compare notes with your lecturers, and bird- or whale-watch from the deck. MV 'Minerva' B L D

DAY 13: Ushuaia, Argentina/Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast, and head out to explore Tierra del Fuego's spectacular wilderness before transferring to the airport to board your flight home via Buenos Aires. B

DAY 14: USA or Canada
Arrive this morning and connect to homebound flights.
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.

Minerva (Formerly Explorer ll)

Explorer II' brings a rare touch of comfortable, informal refinement to Antarctic travel. Launched in 1996, she has been likened to a country-house hotel, a comparison confirmed by her fresh flowers, gleaming brass, polished wood and works of original art.

But there's strong steel beneath the graceful exterior. 'Explorer II' is well equipped to handle the open-water cruising and icy channels of Antarctic seas. Her speed, ice-strengthened hull, stabilizers and bow thrusters give her the power, stability and agility necessary to ensure a safe, smooth passage for all on board. Without sacrificing an iota of strength, 'Explorer II' sets new standards of style in expeditionary cruising.

Designed For Your Comfort. 'Explorer II' is a ship in a class of its own: elegant, yet unpretentious; stylish, yet stalwart. The delightful Lounge is a passenger favorite, a place to compare notes before the day's Zodiac excursion, listen to a lively talk by an on-board naturalist, or join friends for after-dinner coffee. Two open bars-the Shackleton and the South Cape- provide additional corners in which to relax.

An exceptional Library offers a wide range of titles, fact or fiction, as well as newspapers, games and puzzles. There's an Exercise Room for the dedicated fitness enthusiast, and a Gift Shop for remembrances of your expedition.

Spacious Accommodations. 'Explorer II' boasts uncommonly elegant guest quarters that are among the most spacious and comfortable in Antarctica. After days of invigorating exploration on the White Continent, your warm, welcoming cabin-many offer private balconies-will offer ample room to stretch out and relax, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Warm, Personal Service. To ensure the highest quality of service, 'Explorer II' carries a staff and crew of 146 to accommodate just 198 passengers. Laundry service is
available on board.

International Cuisine. Dining on board is a sophisticated pleasure. 'Explorer II' offers two dining rooms, both with simultaneous open seatings. In the main Dining Room or the casual Bridge Café, you'll be seated where and with whom you please, ready to enjoy a leisurely meal selected from imaginative, international menus with a gourmet touch. There is always a selection of light fare and vegetarian dishes, and special diets can be accommodated with sufficient advance notice.

Cheers! All bar drinks and house wines on board are included in your fare cost.

24-Hour Open Bridge. If you've ever wondered what gets entered into a ship's log, or whether mariners still use a sextant, just visit the Bridge and ask the officer on duty. Aboard 'Explorer II,' the Bridge is open to passengers all day, every day, for a fascinating glimpse of the art and craft of blue-water navigation.

Attire. While you'll want to change out of your day clothes for dinner, you won't need a wardrobe any dressier than "smart casual" wear.

Amenities. A day at sea can be as busy, or as relaxing, as you wish. Enjoy a guide's presentation in the lounge or auditorium. View the awe-inspiring scenery from the ship's Promenade deck, where you can circumnavigate the ship on an easy walk or jog. Undertake an invigorating workout in the gymnasium. Unwind in the sauna. Enjoy a massage in the ship's full-service beauty salon. Or browse the onboard shops and take in a movie in the cinema. With so many options, you can set your own pace aboard 'Explorer II.'

Zodiac Exploration. Zodiacs are the workhorses of any well-planned Antarctica adventure, and 'Explorer II' carries a large fleet of these fast, safe, stable rubber rafts. Easy to launch and to land, Zodiacs make it possible for passengers to explore remote Antarctic shores where there are no piers or other formal docking arrangements.

They also function as exploratory vessels, specializing in "up front and personal" encounters. You'll never forget your first Zodiac circumnavigation of a 100-foot-high, aquamarine-tinted iceberg, followed by the placid gazes of the dozen sleek seals camped out on its slopes.

A&K Chile. Abercrombie & Kent is the first international tour operator to set up fully fledged local offices in South America. Our on-site presence in Santiago, Chile, provides support and reassurance for our travellers in South America as only a local staff can. In addition, A&K Chile offers a full range of cutting-edge new products and creative itineraries, provides English and native-Spanish speakers, ensures the best treatment from local suppliers, and assures that strict A&K standards are always met.

Smoking. 'Explorer II' respects the needs of both smokers and non-smokers. While smoking is not permitted in most areas of the ship (for reasons of courtesy and safety), the ship has a dedicated Smoking Room on the Bridge Deck, in addition to designated areas on the outer decks.

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