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polar regions: antarctica
Spirit Of Shackleton aboard Expedition
price
2011/2012 Rates
|
Cabins |
Price |
|
Cat 1 |
$11869 |
|
Cat 2 |
$14669 |
|
Cat 3 |
$17669 |
|
Cat 4 |
$18799 |
2012/2013 Rates
|
Cabins |
Price |
|
Cat 1A |
$11399 |
|
Cat 1 Triple |
$11999 |
|
Cat 2 |
$14999 |
|
Cat 3 |
$17999 |
|
Cat 4 |
$18799 |
duration
20 daystrip dates
Jan 11 - Jan 30, 2013trip level
highlights
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula, King penguins, incredible scenery, war history, icebergs, and Zodiac excursions.accomm types
Small Ship
Day 1 - Arrive Ushuaia
Arrive at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
Accommodations: Hotel Ushuaia
Included Meals: n/a
Day 2 - Ushuaia
Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. We enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, and dinner
Day 3 - At Sea
As we make the passage east, become acquainted with the ship. We also begin lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Days 4 & 5 - The Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins and albatross are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest Black Browed albatross colony in the world. Port Stanley provides an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colorful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters.
Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Days 6 & 7 - At Sea
Sailing east we set course for South Georgia Island. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare us for landings. Keep your eyes peeled for the many whales that inhabit these waters.
Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Days 8-11 - South Georgia
Home to many marvels, including Shackleton’s Grave, South Georgia is a former whaling station and home to prolific wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of King Penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting we will have three full days to explore this island.
Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Days 12 & 13 - At Sea
We turn south and sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards as we head towards Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Days 14-17 - Antarctica
Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather conditions permitting), and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals, and Orca, Humpback and Minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The Peninsula also has a remarkable human history. During the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Days 18 & 19 - The Drake Passage
Reflect on our memorable adventure and take in some final lectures as we head back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out on your last chance to spot whales.
Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 20 - Depart Ushuaia
Depart for home.
Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast
Notes on Itinerary: The itinerary presented here is for the 20-day expedition visiting historical sites of past explorers. Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Single Travelers: Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. For those who desire single occupancy, cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.
Minimum Age for Children: 12 years old. An adult over the age of 21 must accompany every 2 children under the age of 18. The ratio of adults to children traveling together must be one adult per two children and two adults per four children (17 and under).
Arrival and Departure: Your Antarctica Spirit of Shackleton cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Plan inbound flights to arrive (USH) at any time on day 1 and outbound flights to depart no earlier than 12 noon on the final day. Get a free flight quote.
Cost Includes: 19 nights on board the M/S Expedition; All meals included on board the ship; complementary wellington Rubber boots; 10 expedition staff and naturalists; Scheduled visits to modern scientific research stations; All shore landings and Zodiac cruises in Antarctica; Ushuaia airport transfer when arriving/departing on regularly scheduled flights and days; 1 twin share hotel night with breakfast in Ushuaia.
Not Included: Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point; adventure options of kayaking or diving; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; hotel accommodations; supplement for single hotel accommodations; meals while in Ushuaia; Rubber boots on all other vessels not specifically listed above; Trip Cancellation Insurance with emergency medical evacuation insurance (required); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Reservations and Payment: At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required to confirm a reservation on this Antarctic voyage. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Final payment can be made by check, credit, money order or bank wire transfer. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted.
Cancellation Policy: A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctic and Arctic trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received:
Cancellation 90 days or more before departure: Loss of deposit
Cancellation 89-60 days before departure: 50% of the cost of services booked
Cancellation less than 60 days before departure: 100% of cost of services booked
Fuel Supplement: Note: Should the price of marine fuel increase dramatically, we may have to institute a fuel surcharge.
Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is required for this trip. Consider TravelEx Select or Max policies to ensure the best level of coverage. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Accommodations and Services Aboard: The Spirit Of Shackleton cruise includes one twin Share Hotel night, and 18 nights on board the M/S Expedition. The M/S Expedition holds 124 guests in brand new top-of-the-line cabins ranging in variety from affordable doubles, triples, higher end doubles and luxurious suites. Singles are also available in all cabin categories. All rooms provide outside cabins with views (window or porthole) and full private en-suite bathrooms. and is an ideal vessel to ply polar waters. Her large outside decks offer panoramic views and our new cabins are some of the largest in the industry, all boasting an ocean-facing window or porthole and private en-suite facilities. With a focus on top of the line safety, comfort and the unique demands of polar travel, the M/S Expedition is one of the world's leading polar expedition cruise ships. Singles are also available in all cabin categories. All rooms provide outside cabins with views (window or porthole) and full private en-suite bathrooms.
Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join any off-vessel excursions, passengers must be able to navigate the steep, 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. You are traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.
General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and 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 look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
