trip specifics

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Starting Dec 10, 2010

Introducing the first Antarctic flight and adventure cruising combination. On the Antarctic Air Cruise experience Antarctica in only seven days without crossing Drakes Passage. In less than two hours of flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island, you will be cruising Antarctica, the white continent.

From King George Island cruise Antarctica for six days and five nights along the Antarctic Peninsula. Throughout the Antarctic Air Cruise experience daily shore landing and visits to the best wildlife sites of Antarctica. Expert Antarctic naturalist guides lead shore excursions and give lectures to introduce and inform you about the Antarctic Continent.

Day 1 - Punta Arenas Arrival

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile where you are met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your crew will provide an Antarctic orientation to prepare you for the journey and embarkation of the small ship. Enjoy a welcome dinner where you will have the chance to meet your expedition mates. Overnight in Punta Arenas.

Accommodations: Hotel Rey Don Felipe
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - King George Island and Embark

Our Antarctic Air Cruise begins with the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). Upon arrival on the Antarctic peninsula tour the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. Gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to your vessel. Once on board settle into your cabin as the Antarctic Air Cruise gets underway.

Accommodations: M/V Ocean Nova
Included Meals: dinner

Days 3-6 - South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula Exploration

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs. Along the way enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our Antarctic cruise may include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent such as: Hannah Point, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. The adventure is complete with daily landings and cruises in zodiacs boats, selected lectures and time on board cruising Antarctica.

Accommodations: M/V Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Disembark and Punta Arenas

Return to King George Island where we will disembark by Zodiac at Fildes Bay. before flying back to Punta Arenas.

Flights scheduled and Antarctic itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions. At the end of the program, a free transfer to the city will be available at the airport for all passengers staying overnight.

Accommodations: N/A
Included Meals: breakfast

Express Itinerary:
Day 1 - Embark in Ushuaia
Day 2 - Cape Horn
Day 3 - King George Island
Day 4 - The South Shetland Islands
Day 5 - Fildes Bay; Disembark Punta Arenas

Experience Itinerary:
Day 1 - Embark in Punta Arenas
Day 2 - King George Island
Days 3&4 - South Shetland Islands & western Antarctic Peninsula
Day 5 - Drake Passage
Day 6 - At sea
Day 7 - Navarino Island & Cape Horn
Day 8 - Disembark in Ushuaia

Notes on Itinerary: The fully detailed itinerary presented here is for the classic 7 day cruise. The Express and Experience itineraries have only 1 departure date per year.

Single Travelers: Standard twin cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.85 times the double occupancy price. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where we match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Land Cost Includes: One night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas; Punta Arenas flights to King George Island and back to Punta Arenas; Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; The use of rubber boots for the duration of the voyage; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and Antarctic handbook; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges.

Not Included: Any International airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; supplement for single hotel accommodations; adventure options of kayaking or diving; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of US$1500 per person is required to confirm a reservation on an Antarctica Air Cruise, with final payment due 120 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted. A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctica trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received before 120 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $750 per person. Within 120-60 days prior to departure a refund of 70% of the total tour costs are refunded. Within 60-30 days prior to departure 40% of the total tour costs are refunded. If cancellation occurs within the 30 day period no refunds are due. If full payment has not yet been received at 120 days prior, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately.

Arrival/Departure: When considering flights plan to arrive Punta Arenas at any time on Day 1. A pre-cruise hotel overnight is included on Day 1. We recommend travelers spend an additional night at the conclusion of the cruise on Day 7. It is possible to depart Punta Arenas on evening flights but because the Antarctica flights are so variable we recommend travelers stay one more night. Call our Antarctica Air Cruise experts for departing flight details.

Accommodations Aboard: The vessel holds 68-passengers in comfortable twin and triple cabins each with a desk and ample storage space. Public areas include a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary (there is a doctor on board) and an exercise room. Views are excellent from the large, open decks, forward positioned glass enclosed observation lounge, and the navigation bridge, where we are almost always welcome. The European chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. Passengers must be able to navigate the 30-stair gang-way un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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