This classic Antarctica Cruise takes us across
the Drake Passage, over the Antarctic
Convergence, to the Antarctic Peninsula. Here we
explore the channels and isles of the
archipelago, observing the mountains, marine
mammals, seabirds and ice formations that abound
in this area.
|
MS
Explorer
Built in Finland by polar explorer Lars Eric
Lindblad in 1969, MS Explorer was the world's first
purpose-built expedition cruise ship. Only 75m long and
with an ice-hardened double hull, Explorer's small size
and shallow draught means she can go places other larger
expedition cruisers can not, enabling us to offer some
of the most pioneering itineraries available.
MS Explorer has a long list of expedition firsts,
including being the first passenger ship to venture
south of the Antarctic Circle and the first to navigate
the Northwest Passage - the infamous icy straits which
connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Its unique
sailing schedule takes it from the Antarctic, then to
the Amazon, Canada, the UK, Norway and finally
Spitsbergen and the Arctic in the European summer.
Vigilant maintenance and refurbishment in 2004 have kept
MS Explorer robust, comfortable and in full compliance
with international marine safety standards. This is not
a luxury cruiser but an incredibly comfortable and
intimate craft, managed by a knowledgeable and capable
crew who share our passion for adventure and responsible
travel - all in all it's a perfect match!
Facilities on board
Public space on board the Explorer includes a dining
room, lecture theatre, a small gym, sauna & small pool,
bar, lounge with extensive library, gift shop and a top
deck that provides 360-degree views of the surrounding
wilderness. The maximum capacity of the boat is 108
persons and all passengers can be comfortably
accommodated in a single sitting in the restaurant, bar
and lecture theatre.
Specialist staff
MS Explorer has one of the most experienced expedition
teams in the world. Through a programme of talks and
presentations, our on board specialists in marine and
avian biology, geology, local history, wildlife and
anthropology will give an in-depth insight into these
unique landscapes. This enthusiastic crew really know
how to make you feel a part of the team and the quest
for adventure is infectious!
Excursions
Our voyages take us through some of the most
spectacular scenery you'll find; cruising through ice
fields, along rugged coastlines, fjords and island
archipelagos. Whenever we are close to land or ice we
aim to spend as much time as possible exploring the
area, both by Zodiac launch boat and on foot, allowing
exploration of even the most inaccessible shores and
enabling us to meet remote communities and get up close
to discover the amazingly diverse flora and fauna.
Flexible itineraries
Our voyages boast imaginative, exciting and carefully
planned itineraries. The nature of expedition cruising
is to make the most of local conditions and seize
opportunities for sightseeing and wildlife viewing
before they pass us by. Mother Nature can be
unpredictable; ice conditions will vary and the weather
will change and we will adapt itineraries accordingly to
ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment. We believe
that this flexibility enables us to make the most of our
explorations and give you the true spirit of
exploration.
Cabins
Prices are based on the use of twin-share cabins. These
are cosy and comfortable with two beds, a window (or
porthole) and private toilet/shower. It may be possible
to upgrade to a superior cabin or single occupancy.
Prices and availability on request.
Please see our tour dossiers for further information.
To the
South Shetland Isles
From Ushuaia we navigate the Beagle Channel then
head south across the Drake Passage and across the
turbulent waters of the Antarctic Convergence. This
meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer
equatorial water moving south pushes nutrient rich
waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds,
whales and other species. Reaching land at the South
Shetland Islands we hope to sail into the flooded
volcanic caldera of Deception Island.
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers and endless
white expanses herald our arrival in Antarctica.
Possible landings include Paradise Harbour, Neko Harbour
or Wilhelmina Bay and cruising Lemaire Channel, Errera
Channel or Neumayer Channel. Scientific research
stations and abandoned whaling stations will also be of
interest. Conditions permitting, we'll attempt two
excursions per day to explore the rich diversity of
wildlife and potential wildlife sightings include Gentoo,
Adelie and Chinstrap penguins, Fur, Leopard, Weddell and
Crabeater seals, Minke and Humpback whales - and
possibly even Orcas. Not to mention the abundance of
seabirds, most notably the albatross that spend the day
soaring above our wake. Enormous icebergs and the sheer
walls of their glacial parents provide virtually
limitless photo opportunities.
Land
Only Itinerary (without International Flights)
Day 1
Depart Ushuaia.
Day 2 & 3 Drake Passage.
Day 4 to 7
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands.
Day 8 & 9 Drake Passage.
Day 10 End Ushuaia.
Accommodation & Meals
9nts shared cabin on board ship; 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches
& 9 dinners included.
Mode of Travel
MS Explorer - Finland built and designed for expedition
cruising meeting all international standards.
Comment
Known as “The Little Red Ship”, the vessel was the
world's first expedition cruise ship, and is designed
with such challenging destinations as the Polar Regions
and the Amazon in mind. Refurbished over the summer of
2004, vigilant maintenance and refurbishing have kept MS
Explorer robust, comfortable and in full compliance with
international marine safety standards.
Group Size
MS Explorer can comfortably carry just over 100
passengers, and Zodiac boats carry up to 16 passengers.
Tour Staff & Support
Unescorted in Ushuaia. On MS Explorer our strong team of
expert lecturers, specialist crew and ship staff ensure
that we are looked after and well informed throughout
the voyage. Their relaxed enthusiasm and expertise makes
for a very informal and enjoyable.
|
Prices, Dates and
Availability
For tours showing limited
availability, we suggest you reserve the holiday in the next few
days. All tours are restricted to small group numbers and even
those tours showing spaces should be booked as soon as possible.
|
Start - End Dates |
 |
 Price |
| 29/11/2007
- 08/12/2007 |
|
4350 |
USD |
| 08/12/2007
- 17/12/2007 |
|
5260 |
USD |
| 04/01/2008
- 13/01/2008 |
|
5260 |
USD |
| 13/01/2008
- 22/01/2008 |
|
5260 |
USD |
| 09/02/2008
- 18/02/2008 |
|
5260 |
USD |
| 18/02/2008
- 27/02/2008 |
|
5260 |
USD |
| 27/02/2008
- 07/03/2008 |
|
5260 |
USD |
| 07/03/2008
- 16/03/2008 |
|
4350 |
USD |
The Local Payment for this tour is from 300 USD.
This amount is to be paid directly to your Tour Leader on
arrival in Ushuaia
The Local Payment is part of the overall selling price of the
tour and is to be paid in addition to the price outlined above.
Single Room option not available on this tour
Tour prices
Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January
2008 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the
publication of our 2008/09 brochure, due to be published in
October 2007.
Prices listed are on a per person basis, sharing accommodation
(unless otherwise stated). Please refer to the dossier for
details of what is included in the cost.
Fuel Surcharges
In response to global oil price rises, many airlines are now
imposing fuel surcharges. Due to the volume of these surcharges,
Explore as a matter of policy is applying these additional costs
to all new and existing bookings up to 30 days prior to tour
departure.
Compulsory Air Passenger Duty (APD)
From 01 Feb 2007 APD rates will double. Amounts for Air
Passenger Duties may differ according to cabin class.
Any changes to prices will be kept updated on this web page -
please click on the icon next to your chosen departure
date for the current price breakdown. If the icon is not shown,
there is not currently a price amendment.
The amount will be shown as a separate item on your Holiday
Confirmation. Where the fuel surcharge or Air Passenger Duty is
imposed or increases after the time of booking, this additional
amount will be shown on the Final Invoice, sent 9-10 weeks prior
to departure. Where the latter is the case, an amount equal to
2% of the invoiced holiday cost will be absorbed by Explore (see
Booking Conditions under 'Surcharges') - this amount will also
be shown as a separate item on the Final Invoice where
applicable.
|
Call 1-888-942-3301 for Availability,
Reservations and Information |
