ANTARCTIC PENINSULA, SOUTH GEORGIA & FALKLAND ISLANDS

19-20 DAYS

An early booking discount of US$ 250 per person is available on select departures for reservations made with deposit by March 30, 2007

Antarctica is a continent of superlatives. It is the coldest, windiest, driest, iciest and highest of all the major landmasses in the world. It is the continent with the longest nights and the longest days and it is home to the world’s greatest concentration of wildlife. It is also one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth – largely unchanged since the early explorers and whalers first landed on its inhospitable shores less than two centuries ago.

The continent itself is roughly circular with a spindly arm, called the Antarctic Peninsula, reaching northwards towards Tierra del Fuego. South America is the nearest landmass, some 600 miles away. Considerably larger than either the United States or Europe, and twice the size of Australia, the continent is surrounded by a frozen sea that varies in area from one million square miles in summer to 7.3 million square miles in winter. Beyond the ice are the waters of the vast Southern Ocean, which encircles Antarctica in a continuous ring several hundred miles wide. The Southern Ocean isolates the continent from the warmer waters of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans to the north and this meeting point, called the Antarctic Convergence, is the ecologically defined northern boundary of the region.

Our journeys occur at the peak of the summer wildlife season. Bathed in long hours of daylight, the area will be erupting with wildlife activity. Penguins gather to tend their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatrosses and other seabirds trail in our wake. We visit scientists working in modern research bases.  And there is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

We have a selection of departure dates to choose from and, even though it is impossible to guarantee precisely what we will see because sightings and encounters inevitably vary from trip to trip, we are confident that no one will be disappointed. Flexibility is the key to success and the Captain and Expedition Leader continually assess daily weather conditions and wildlife opportunities to take full advantage of the almost continuous daylight in order to maximize time ashore. Please read this itinerary as a guide only. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

South Shetland Islands

This impressive group of islands, lying to the north and roughly parallel to the Antarctic Peninsula, is a haven for wildlife. Our first landfall could be Elephant Island, where Ernest Shackleton's men found refuge during the epic ‘Endurance’ expedition. We will visit enormous penguin rookeries, land on beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and observe southern elephant seals wallowing in mud pools. We also hope to visit one of the many research bases in the archipelago and look for Antarctica’s only two flowering plants, which thrive here during the short southern summer. A highlight of our visit to the South Shetlands will be sailing through a narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island.

Antarctic Peninsula

This awe-inspiring wilderness of snow, ice, waterways and mountains is the most readily accessible part of the White Continent and has some of the best wildlife. Enormous rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags, Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels, Snowy Sheathbills and Antarctic Terns are just some of the many birds found here in abundance. We are also likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, while orcas, humpback whales and Minke whales are often encountered at close range.

The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the trip, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the continent, we will certainly feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers.

Sailing around the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula we hope to navigate the Antarctic Sound, or ‘iceberg alley’ as it is often called, where huge tabular icebergs drift north from the Antarctic continent. If we are lucky, and weather and ice conditions permit, we may be able to land on Paulet Island to see its enormous Adélie Penguin rookery. We also plan to visit aptly-named Paradise Harbor, or nearby Neko Harbor, where glaciers fill the calm waters with a mind-boggling vista of icebergs; this is where we hope to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself. At Port Lockroy, as well as enjoying the thriving penguin colonies, we will visit a former British scientific station that has recently been renovated to serve as one of the most isolated and intriguing museums in the world.  The station also acts as a post office and we will have a unique opportunity to send postcards home.

During the voyage we hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways in the world (if they are not choked with pack ice and icebergs – a spectacular sight in itself); two in particular, the Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, are narrow passages between towering rock faces and glaciers that are so impressive they are a highlight of the trip for many people. On some voyages we sail south of the Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island, where Adélie and Gentoo Penguins, skuas and Blue-eyed Shags nest close to the landing site.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

In the historic Falklands we explore some of the privately owned outer islands that are home to great concentrations of wildlife – including several species found nowhere else in the world. Flightless Steamer Ducks, Magellanic Penguins and Gentoo Penguins are just some of the highlights on Carcass Island, for example, while nearby New Island boasts fantastic Rockhopper Penguin rookeries as well as nesting Black-browed Albatrosses and Blue-eyed Shags. Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins are often seen along the coast and frequently bow-ride and play alongside our boats. We will also explore Stanley, the charming capital of the archipelago.

South Georgia

South Georgia has its own astonishing concentrations of wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery ranging from 7,000-foot mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and inspiring places on earth and certainly has more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet. Thousands of King Penguins greet us at Salisbury Plain, Wandering Albatrosses nest and thousands of fur seals breed at Prion Island, whilst huge southern elephant seals and a substantial number of King and Gentoo Penguins crowd the beaches at places such as Gold Harbor. The island also played a significant role in Ernest Shackleton’s epic journey after the sinking of his ship, the ‘Endurance’, when he managed to raise the alarm at the whaling station in Stromness. We visit Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken, a once-active whaling station.

Drake Passage and other sea crossings

Our journey across the famous Drake Passage, named after the 16^th-century English navigator Sir Francis Drake, is an experience in itself. Our ship is accompanied most of the way by albatrosses – including the magnificent Wandering Albatross – along with an impressive variety of other seabirds such as Giant and Cape Petrels. We have a good chance of spotting whales and dolphins and many different species have been encountered in these rich waters over the years. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zones. Meanwhile, the program of lectures continues during these sea crossings as our expedition staff introduce some of the wildlife we are likely to encounter and cover all topics from the history of exploration to the geology of the region.

Day 1

In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel. After we have settled into our cabins, the ship sets sail along the scenic Beagle Channel – heading east towards the Drake Passage.

Day 2-3

Drake Passage

Day 4-7

Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

Day 8-9

At sea

Day 10-13

South Georgia

Day 14-15

At sea

Day 16-17

Falkland Islands

Day 18

At sea

Day 19

We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.

20-days voyages have 1 days more along Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falklands.

Voyages including 1 night in Ushuaia

Day 1

Arrive in the southernmost city in the world. Explore Ushuaia on your own and transfer independently to your hotel

Day 2

Enjoy a guided excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park and a traditional Argentine ‘asado’ lunch. NOTE: the excursion and lunch will not be available on November 4-23, 2006 departure.  In the afternoon, we embark our ship. After we have settled into our cabins, the ship sets sail along the scenic Beagle Channel – heading east towards the Drake Passage.

Day 3-4

Drake Passage

Day 5-8

Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

Day 9-10

At sea

Day 11-14

South Georgia

Day 15-16

At sea

Day 17-18

Falkland Islands

Day 19

At sea

Day 20

We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark

SUMMARY

Inclusions:

·       Expedition cruise onboard a modern and comfortable ice-strengthened vessel, providing accommodation for just 46-110 travelers;

·       All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship;

·       All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac;

·       Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff;

·       All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program;

·       Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Additional Inclusions (on all voyages including 1 night in Ushuaia):

·       Group transfer between hotel and vessel for embarkation

·       Group transfer between vessel and airport following disembarkation

·       Rubber boots loan service

·       A glass of house wine with every dinner onboard (except on “Orlova”)

·       Complimentary expedition parka on all voyages aboard “Professor Multanovskiy”, “Akademic  Shokalskiy”, and “Sarfaq Ittuk”

Start and Finish: Ushuaia

Trip grade: Easy

Dates and Rates  (US$)

An early booking discount of US$ 250 per person is available on select departures for reservations made with deposit by March 30, 2007

Please note that all dates & rates are subject to change  

Aboard 'Grigoriy Mikheev' * & Aleksey Maryshev'*

Aboard 'Professor Molchanov'*

Aboard 'Professor Multanovskiy'** & 'Akademik Shokalskiy'**

Aboard  'Sarfaq Ittuk'**

Aboard 'Orlova'**

*              All nights on a cruise                       

**         One night at a hotel, the rest of the nights on a cruise             

***        Option for sea kayaking and camping:             

                        Kayaking            US$ 695

                        Camping            Free  Confirmed at booking on a first-come, first-served basis.

^           With option for camping only

Cruises with kayaking and camping options

SEA KAYAKING  (previous kayaking experience is strongly recommended)

A fantastic way to explore the little bays, waterways and the wide expanses of Antarctica! We use 5-meter (16 foot) Prijon double sea kayaks, equipped with rudders, which are very stable, surprisingly comfortable and incredibly tough – perfect for paddling through such an icy environment. Each trip is led by two experienced and highly qualified kayak instructors and a Zodiac safety boat stays in constant communication ready to assist should the need arise. There will be a maximum of ten kayakers per departure. Weather and ice permitting we plan to make a minimum of four kayak excursions, each paddling over several miles and typically lasting for two to three hours. With the long daylight hours of the southern summer, there may be opportunities for short evening paddles as well.

CAMPING

This will be a great opportunity to enhance your appreciation of Antarctica as a wilderness and to experience a more personal and private connection with the continent. We aim to give you a sense of independence, while still retaining our high safety standards. Two experienced staff will supervise campers throughout the night. There will be a maximum of 20 campers allowed ashore. Weather and ice permitting we plan to offer one night of camping during each voyage. All meals will be taken onboard the vessel. You will sleep in high quality mountain tents and sleeping bags provided.

A Day in Antarctica

Imagine a comfortable hotel with almost as many staff as guests, spectacular views out of every window, superb international cuisine, and a range of facilities including a well-stocked library. Then move the hotel to a different wild and remote location every day, add a team of international experts on everything from polar exploration to birds or seals, throw in many once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as whale watching, penguin watching, Zodiac cruises, visits to scientific research stations … and you begin to get the idea.

Admittedly, an Antarctica expeditions cruise can be challenging. One of the problems with visiting the Antarctic in mid-summer, for example, is the almost 24-hour daylight. The problem has nothing to do with being unable to sleep, but it has a lot to do with not wanting to sleep. Even after a full day of adventure, with the ship well on its way to the next breathtaking destination, you do not want to sleep for fear of missing something. You want to be on deck, or on the bridge, to glimpse just one more iceberg or one more penguin, to watch the vessel break through one more frozen stretch of sea or to take just one more front cover photograph, before the next day of intrepid adventure.

A typical day on a cruise begins with a friendly wake-up call and breakfast. Everyone will have been briefed the night before, so talk will be of the adventures ahead. The morning might begin with an entertaining lecture by a world-renowned expert, or a chance to watch as the ship wends its way through the polar landscape. Then comes the call to get ready for the first shore landing of the day.

Every ship carries a fleet of sturdy Zodiac craft to transfer expedition staff and passengers quickly and safely to otherwise inaccessible wildlife, cultural and historical sites. Getting in and out of the Zodiacs soon becomes second nature and the expedition staff and crew take the utmost care to get everyone ashore efficiently and safely.

Many people stay ashore for the maximum time allowed – typically from two to four hours depending on the day’s itinerary – but others are ready to return to the mother ship sooner. Wherever possible, your Expedition Leader will tailor excursions to several levels of activity, offering options of long or short walks or Zodiac cruises.

There’s time to change and clean up before lunch, while the ship cruises to the next spectacular venue. Be prepared, though, for frequent interruptions by some amazing views and spectacular wildlife spied through the panoramic windows. It’s the ultimate comfortable adventure: few vacations offer such awe-inspiring and ever-changing scenery over a single meal.

The afternoon’s activities might include a second shore landing at a different site, or a Zodiac cruise. A highlight of many trips is the opportunity to cruise through beautiful ice scenery, past seals sleeping on ice floes, or among whales. Whatever the activity, by the time supper arrives, everyone will be talking animatedly about the adventures of the day.

Evenings are for relaxing. Well, not necessarily. By all means, curl up with a good book, spend a few hours chatting in the bar, or watch a movie. But there are some rather more exhilarating alternatives. There may be another shore landing or Zodiac cruise, a lecture in the auditorium or, of course, you could always spend a few more hours on the deck, or on the Bridge, looking for just one more iceberg...

What to see (and when) during the austral summer

Our voyages operate during the five-month austral summer – November through to March – when the continent is at its most spectacular.  However, within that period each month has its own special highlights, so choose your departure date with these possibilities in mind.

November (late spring - early summer)

Undoubtedly the most adventurous and, in some ways, the most awe-inspiring time to visit.

·       huge volumes of ice and pristine snow

·       incredible courtship displays in the penguin rookeries (including nest building and stone stealing)

·       scientists at the research stations welcome the first visitors of the season

·       fur seal courtship most active on South Georgia

·       spring flowers bloom on the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

December - January (full summer)

Antarctica’s warmest months when wildlife activities are in full swing.

·       longer days with more daylight –  take stunning photos at midnight!

·       a rare opportunity to spend an unforgettable Christmas or New Year in Antarctica

·       the first penguin chicks hatch on South Georgia and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) - followed in mid-December by the first Antarctic chicks

·       seal pups are visible on South Georgia

February - March (late summer)

The weather is still good and the wildlife active but, most importantly, this is the best whale watching time of the season.

·       ice allows exploration further south along the Antarctic Peninsula

·       best whale watching of the season

·       penguin rookeries at their busiest, with the adult birds fetching krill and feeding their chicks

·       fur seals most common along the Antarctic Peninsula and young fur seals at their most playful on South Georgia

·       Penguin chicks begin to fledge late February/early March

The Vessels

M/V ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’ & ‘Aleksey Maryshev’

·     small vessels with a maximum of only 46 passengers

·     small size allows for a more intimate and spontaneous expedition venturing into areas closed to larger vessels

·     ice-strengthened hull

·     experience more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise with maximum time ashore

·     relaxed and informal atmosphere on board

·     excellent varied international menu

·     comfort combined with all international environmental and safety standards

The ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’ and ‘Aleksey Maryshev’ are sister ships. The ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’ is a modern and comfortable research vessel of the Hydrographic Institute in St. Petersburg. She was built in 1990 in Finland, and was designed as an ice-strength­ened vessel. She has been converted in the Netherlands for passenger use and is ideally suited for expedition cruising. The vessel measures 66 meters (210 feet) in length, 12.8 meters (42 feet) in breadth, and has a draft of ap­proximately 3.5 meters (12 feet), and a displacement of 2000 tones. Powered by two 1700 horsepower diesel engines, she is capable of speeds of 14 knots. She has a good anti-roll system, a range of 70 days independent operation and is ISM certified. The vessel is strongly built of steel with an ice-strengthened hull, perfect for the polar seas.

The ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’ provides ac­commo­dation for 46 travelers in comfortable twin and superior cabins.  All cabins are outside, with a desk, windows and ample storage space.

6 twin cabins without bath have upper and lower berths and washbasins. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located on the same Deck 3.

14 cabins with private facilities are located on Decks 3 and 4 and have upper and lower berths. 

3 superior cabins with private facilities located on Deck 4 have a double sofa bed and a separate single bed.

The ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’ has a large bridge (where you are almost always welcome) and good open deck-viewing areas. She carries a full complement of Zodiac craft, excellent for landings and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise in­accessible areas. Excellent cuisine prepared by international chefs is served in the dining room, which also acts as the lecture room. Other public areas include a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary and sauna.

All our international expedition leaders and lecturers are highly knowledgeable, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment. The expedition leaders speak English and most of the time some other languages as well.

The ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’ is manned by an en­thusiastic Rus­sian crew of around 20, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian captains are recognized experts in polar navigation. Some of the crew speak English, some don’t. The personal contact with the Russian crew is always a nice aspect of our polar journeys. Ship registry: Russia.

M/V ‘Professor Molchanov’ & ‘Professor Multanovskiy’

·     small vessels with a maximum of only 49 passengers

·     small size allows for a more intimate and spontaneous expedition venturing into areas closed to larger vessels

·     ice-strengthened hull

·     experience more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise with maximum time ashore

·     relaxed and informal atmosphere on board

·     excellent varied international menu

·     comfort combined with all international environmental and safety standards

The Professor Multanovskiy and Professor Molchanov are sister ships, built in Finland in 1982/83, for polar and oceanographic research. Continuously refurbished since their conversion for passenger use they are ideally suited to expedition cruising. The vessels measure 69.7 meters (222 feet) in length, 12.8 meters (42 feet) in breadth, and have a draft of ap­proximately 4.5 meters (15 feet), and a displacement of 2,140 tons. Powered by two Russian diesel engines, they are capable of cruising speed of 9 knots. They carry a maximum of only 49 passengers in comfortable twin and triple cabins - some with private facilities and others with shared facilities (there are ample shared facilities on deck 3).  Each cabin has a window, a writing desk and plenty of storage space. 

Public areas include a lounge and well-stocked bar, a small library, infirmary, sauna and dining rooms. Views are excellent from the large, open decks and navigation Bridge (where passengers are almost always welcome).

Designed to explore some of the remotest corners of the world, the ships are equipped with passive stabilizers and have sophisticated communication and navigation equipment. They are crewed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation (Russian captains are recognized as the world experts in polar operations). They are joined by our internationally renowned expedition staff and lecturers from all over the world. European chefs produce an excellent international menu and the relaxing bars are well stocked with a good selection of beers, wine and spirits. Ships registry: Russia.

M/V ‘Orlova’

·     larger vessel with a maximum of 110 passengers reduces the cost (per person) of the trip

·     large size provides a more stable platform for wildlife watching on sea crossings

·     ice-strengthened hull

·     relaxed and informal atmosphere on board

·     excellent cuisine prepared by European chefs

·     comfort combined with all international environmental and safety standards

Built in Yugoslavia in 1976, and refurbished in 1999, the M/V Orlova is a 90-meter ice-strengthened passenger cruise ship. The vessel measures 100.02 meters (318 feet) in length, 16.24 meters (54 feet) in breadth, and have a draft of ap­proximately 4.65 meters (16 feet), and a displacement of 4,250 tons. Powered by two Russian diesel engines, she is capable of cruising speed of 12 knots.   Accommodation on board ranges from twin and triple cabins to superior cabins and suites. They all have two lower berths and private facilities, with a porthole or a window, as well as a writing desk, sitting space and ample storage. The spacious ship is configured for 124 passengers but we take a maximum of 110 on our Antarctic voyages.

Public areas include a spacious forward lounge and bar which also acts as a gathering place for lectures and recaps of the day’s adventures, a window lined dining room which accommodates all passengers in leisurely single seating, an infirmary and a well-stocked library.  There are ample deck areas and promenades for excellent views of the passing scenery and wildlife.  We maintain an ‘open bridge’ policy which means that you are almost always welcome to visit the Bridge at any time (subject to weather conditions).

Designed to explore some of the remotest corners of the world, the M/V Orlova is equipped with sophisticated communication and navigation equipment. She is crewed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation (Russian captains are recognized as the world experts in polar operations). They are joined by a team of internationally renowned expedition staff and lecturers from all over the world. European chefs produce an excellent and varied international menu and the comfortable bars are well stocked with a good selection of beers, wine and spirits. Ship registry: Malta.  

1-866-318-5050    office@50plusexpeditions.com