Antarctica 2015

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ANTARCTICA - OFF THE BEATEN TRACK 9 th - 22 nd November 2015 ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS 22 nd October - 10 th November 2015

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600 miles south of Cape Horn we find the world’s most isolated and remote wilderness – Antarctica. This impressive continent has lured explorers such as Shackleton, Nordenskjöld and Amundsen into its enticing web.. Join our comfortable, ice-strengthened ship Akademik Ioffe on an expedition to explore this magical world.

Transcript of Antarctica 2015

ANTARCTICA- OFF THE BEATEN TRACK 9th - 22nd November 2015

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS22nd October - 10th November 2015

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPEDITION CRUISE ON BOARD AKADEMIK IOFFE

Day 1: Ushuaia, ArgentinaOur expedition starts in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where we stay one night at a centrally located hotel.Day 2: Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaToday we visit the southernmost National Park in the world – Tierra del Fuego. We explore this thriving park, filled with dramatic sceneries of forests and mountains. In the early evening, we embark our expedition ship and sail out through the Beagle Channel. The expedition has started!Day 3: At seaWe spend a day at sea followed by a range of sea birds such as petrels, fulmars and albatrosses that gracefully follow our ship. Whales and dolphins may also be seen in the surrounding waters and our polar experts start their exciting lecture program. Day 4 - 5: The Falkland IslandsOur plan is to explore the western islands of the archipelago, which are isolated and windswept but home to many seabirds and migratory birds including the black-browed albatross. Our first landing will be on the island of West Point, where we find bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On

Carcass Island, we hope to encounter nesting Magellanic penguins along with oystercatchers, geese and the flightless steamer duck who is a permanent resident. The next day we visit Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. As we wander through the charming streets with small houses and learn how this quiet harbour was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the waters of Cape Horn. We also make a stop in Stanley’s famed philatelic museum with its impressive collection of historic stamps.Day 6 - 7: At sea We sail southeast, South Georgia bound. The days at sea are never dull. Out on deck we scan the horizon in search of whales. Our polar experts continue to fill our minds with heroic stories of some of the earliest daredevils to explore Antarctica. The anticipation grows especially when we cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature. Day 8 - 10: South GeorgiaMajestic mountains, mighty glaciers and beaches full of king penguins greet us on the island of South Georgia. We arrive in the beginning of summer when there are few ships in the vicinity

and the peaks of the dramatic mountain ranges are still snow-covered. If you are interested in wildlife, South Georgia is a true oasis. Hundreds of thousands of penguins greet us at places like St. Andrew’s Bay and Salisbury Plain. Huge elephant seals lounge on sandy beaches and this time of the year we may see dramatic fights for a position as the king of a harem. The island is also home to several other species of penguin such as Magellanic, gentoo and macaroni penguin, but also to fur seals. On Prion Island we hope to witness the wandering albatrosses breeding. South Georgia played a significant role in Shackleton’s epic adventure. After his ship Endurance sank, he crossed the furious ocean in an open lifeboat to reach the islands. We hope to visit Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken, once an active whaling station, which now houses a charming small museum. Day 11 - 13: At sea & the South Orkney Islands These days will be spent at sea, but half-way to the remote continent of Antarctica we hope to visit the South Orkney Islands. Weather and ice permitting, there will be an excursion to Coronation Island to observe penguins nesting in moss beds alongside graceful snow petrels. We may also stop at the

The cruise starts in Ushuaia, Argentina. Followed by sea birds we sail to the Falkland Islands, home to charming rockhopper penguins and graceful albatrosses. Our next stop is South Georgia, a haven for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. The coastline is home to seals, albatrosses and hundreds of thousands of king penguins. We continue south towards the world’s most remote continent, Antarctica, which offers dramatic landscapes, gigantic icebergs, scenic channels and penguin colonies. Join us on the comfortable expedition ship Akademik Ioffe and sail into this fairytale!

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Antarctic Peninsula

Falkland Islands

South Georgia

South Shetland Islands

ARGENTINACHILE

Ushuaia

South Orkney Islands

Antarctic Circle

ANTARCTICA

remote island of Laurie and visit the Argentinean meteorological station located there.Day 14 - 17: The South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic PeninsulaOur exact route around the peninsula is subject to weather and ice conditions. Below are examples of places we may visit. We hope to go ashore at Elephant Island, where we will learn more about the famous Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This island was a place of refuge in 1916 for Shackleton and his crew after his ship was destroyed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea close to 100 years ago. Following the loss of their ship the men reached Elephant Island after a harrowing ordeal on drifting ice floes. They established a camp at a place they called Point Wild, named after Shackleton’s commander Frank Wild. Next, we will spend some time cruising among the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic

Peninsula. Dazzling wildlife sightings await us on our excursions to some of the islands including King George, Half Moon, Barrientos or Livingston. Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins thrive here, as do several species of seal. Hopefully, we will also have chance to visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. Just north off King George Island, we keep our eyes open for the humpback whales dining on krill here. We continue south along the Antarctic Peninsula, where pack ice still covers large parts of the bays, and we watch the experienced officers navigate our ice-strengthened ship. We cruise through labyrinths of icebergs and on some of them we are likely to see a few penguins, looking curiously at us. Finally, we hope to arrive at the Antarctic continent in Hope Bay or Paradise Harbour. The scenery here, from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

PRE AND POST CRUISE EXTENSION:For those of you who want to experience the highlights of Buenos Aires we offer a pre and post cruise extension. You travel independently to Buenos Aires and meet up with the group and your PolarQuest tour leader at a designated four star hotel. In the evening we enjoy a delicious dinner and a spectacular tango show. The following day we explore this lively capital together with a PolarQuest tour leader and a local guide. We also visit the ship Uruguay, which brought Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld and his team safely out of Antarctica after the sinking of their own ship. After an Argentinean lunch we fly to Ushuaia and join the expedition as described in this brochure. When we return to Ushuaia after the expedition cruise we explore this quaint little town, before we continue by air to Buenos Aires, where we enjoy a farewell dinner with our new friends. We stay the night at a four star hotel. The following day you continue home independently.

Contact us for a more detailed program.

WHAT MAKES SOUTH GEORGIA SO SPECIAL?

In the middle of the Southern Ocean lies South Georgia. With nearly 3000 meter high mountain

peaks, impressive glaciers and sandy beaches the island invites its visitors to some of the

world’s most magnificent sceneries. The wildlife here is truly extraordinary. Everywhere, on the

beaches and rocks, in the water and the air, the wildlife is teeming. The sound of hundreds of

thousands of king penguins is very powerful! It is an incredible experience to stand among all

these curious individuals. Here, we also have chance to meet the huge elephant seals, which

can weigh as much as four tons and have over 200 females in one single harem!

Antarctic ice sheet, is truly breathtaking. Day 18 - 19: Drake Passage As we leave this magical place and make our way back, heading across the Drake Passage, time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing up the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition cruise at a special dinner. Day 20: Ushuaia, ArgentinaIn the early morning we arrive in Ushuaia, disembark and continue home or on to further adventure.

Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice and weather conditions. The planned itinerary will be updated throughout the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions. Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

with snowshoes. No additional fee. (Please note there is a limited number of snowshoes on board).

THE EXPEDITION TEAM The key to a successful expedition is knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. On this expedition you will be accompanied by an experienced expedition leader and a team of 15 polar experts, including naturalists, historians, ornithologists, kayak guides and photographers, ensuring maximal flexibility both on board and on landings. The language on board is English. A tour leader from PolarQuest will also join the expedition.

EXTRA OPTION: SEA KAYAKINGFor those of you who have experience of sea kayaking it will be possible to enjoy Antarctica in a unique way. Pre-booking is necessary, to a price of USD 795 per person. Maximum 16 participants.

PHOTOGRAPHING OR HIKING WITH SNOWSHOESFor those of you who are interested in photography there will be a professional photographer on board, guiding you through the steps to maximising your photographic opportunities. At some of the landings, weather permitting, you will also have the opportunity to head out on hikes

AN EXPEDITION CRUISE TO THE WHITE CONTINENT

Day 1: Ushuaia, ArgentinaOur expedition starts in Ushuaia, the southern-most city in the world, where we stay at a centrally located hotel.Day 2: Ushuaia Ushuaia is located on the northern shore of the Beagle channel, beautifully framed by the snow capped mountains of the Andes. We have time to explore this charming little town before embarking the ship in the afternoon. On board the ship, we are greeted by our expedition team and ship’s crew. Day 3 - 4: Drake PassageCrossing the Drake Passage, there is much excitement in the air as we get even closer to the white continent. Our polar experts prepare

us for our adventures with presentations and lectures on everything, from wildlife and nature to history and safety. Eventually, we cross the Antarctic Convergence where we notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Southern Ocean. Along the way, we are followed by seabirds such as the magnificent wandering albatross.Day 5 - 11: The South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic PeninsulaOur exact route around the peninsula is subject to weather and ice conditions. Please keep in mind that the Captain and Expedition Leader always strive to maximise your experience. Our ambition is to explore the Antarctic wilderness with our rigid Zodiacs every day. On our way to

the Antarctic Peninsula we might visit the wildlife-rich and beautiful South Shetland Islands, home to countless of charming penguins. When we arrive to the Antarctic Peninsula, be prepared to be dazzled! Even our experienced staff members, many of whom have visited the southern region a hundred times or more, are still astonished by its pristine beauty. We visit the continent in the beginning of summer, when there is full activity as the penguins are busy preparing their nests. The abundance of wildlife is truly extraordinary including five species of seal, massive rookeries of gentoo, Adélie and

600 miles south of Cape Horn we find the world’s most isolated and remote wilderness – Antarctica. This impressive continent has lured explorers such as Shackleton, Nordenskjöld and Amundsen into its enticing web. Antarctica offers dramatic sceneries with impressive glaciers, snow-covered mountains and huge icebergs. It is also home to many of the world’s whales, seals and penguins. Join our comfortable, ice-strengthened ship Akademik Ioffe on an expedition to explore this magical world.

ANTARCTICA - OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

ARGENTINACHILE

Antarctic Peninsula ANTARCTICA

Antarctic Circle

Ushuaia

South Shetland Islands

chinstrap penguins as well as a profusion of seabirds from albatrosses to skuas. We cruise through labyrinths of icebergs and hopefully we are able to sail through scenic passages such as the Lemair Channel. We constantly keep a lookout for whales. Excursions may include picturesque Neko Harbour, humpback whale favoured Wilhelmina Bay and Petermann Island, where we have chance to observe Weddell, crab eater and elephant seals as well as some very large colonies Adélie penguins. Amongst varied landing sites and extraordinary bays for cruising,

there are a few extra options available such as photographing, snow-shoeing, sea kayaking, and ski touring (please read more about the activities offered below). Day 12 - 13: Drake PassageAs we leave this magical place and make our way north, again heading across the Drake Passage, time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing up the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the experience of our polar expedition with a special dinner onboard.

ANTARCTICA - OFF THE BEATEN TRACKDay 14: UshuaiaIn the early morning, we arrive in Ushuaia. It is now time to say farewell to the crew and our fellow travellers. We disembark and continue home.

Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice and weather conditions. The planned itinerary will be updated throughout the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions. Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

OVERNIGHT CAMPING (WEATHER DEPENDENT)No pre-booking necessary, no additional cost, gear equipment is provided.

SNOWSHOEING At some of the landings, weather permitting, you will also have the opportunity to head out on hikes with snowshoes. No additional fee. (Please note there is a limited number of snowshoes on board).

SEA KAYAKING*For those of you who have experience of sea kayaking it will be possible to enjoy Antarctica in a unique way. Pre-booking is necessary, to a price of USD 795 per person. Maximum 16 participants.

OVERNIGHT SEA KAYAKING* For those enrolled in our sea kayaking program, there will be an optional opportunity to pre-book and participate in an overnight sea kayak and camping excursion led by our kayak guides. Additional price of USD 300 per person.

Maximum 6 and minimum 4 participants.

*Sea kayaking and camping experience is a must and participation in option is dependent upon your sea kayak guide’s approval on board.

SKI TOURINGExperienced high alpine ski guides will lead you into the beauty and remote wilderness of Antarctica. This is a pre-booked option, price of USD 750 per person. Back country experience is essential. Equipment is not provided. Maximum 12 and minimum 6 participants.

EXPEDITION FIELD PHOTOGRAPHYKeen photographers interested in field photography of either adventure pursuits or landscape are welcome to join our polar photographers for extended shore excursions or very early excursions aimed at capturing these specialty subjects with a remarkable backdrop. This is a pre-booked option, price of USD 45 per person. Maximum 18 participants.

EXPEDITION SNOWSHOEINGBy offering an expedition snowshoe program we plan to offer higher altitude hiking options. This is a pre-booked option, price of USD 45 per person, equipment is provided. Maximum 12 participants.

Please note: All activities are subject to weather and avalanche safety.

THE EXPEDITION TEAMThe key to a successful expedition is knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. On this expedition you will be accompanied by an experienced expedition leader and a team of 15 polar experts, including naturalists, historians, ornithologists, kayak guides and photographers, ensuring maximal flexibility both on board and on landings. The language on board is English. If the PolarQuest group consists of 15 travellers or more, a tour leader from PolarQuest will accompany the group.

SPECIAL ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES ON THIS VOYAGE

THE EXPEDITION SHIP AKADEMIK IOFFE Akademik Ioffe is a comfortable and ice-

strengthened expedition vessel, perfectly suited

for polar expeditions. She was built in Rauma

Finland in 1989, to serve as a polar research

vessel, taking 96 passengers in 48 cabins.

With her spacious public areas, she is ideally

suited for both small group gatherings and lectures

for all passengers. A separate bar and lounge, as

well as a library provide ideal places to sit and

relax or catch up on some reading. A selection of

movies and documentaries can also be watched

in the lounge. There is also a presentation room,

seating all passengers. Here, our polar experts

entertain and educate us with lectures on the

area’s flora, fauna, geology and history.

Other facilities on board include gift-shop,

a small fitness room, laundry and sauna. In the

ship’s dining room, hosting all passengers in a

single seating, we are treated to delicious meals

between the excursions.

Passengers are welcome on the bridge around

the clock and there is always something to see or

search for from the spacious observation decks.

From the ship’s top deck we can enjoy 360

degree views of the surrounding landscape. Here

you can find a spotting scope.

Travelling with this small expedition

ship offers an entirely different experience

and perspective than you can get on a more

conventional cruise ship.

ABOUT THE CABINSThe triple cabins have portholes, while all other

cabins have windows. In all cabins you will find a

desk, chair, bathrobes and storage space for clothes

and equipment. The triple cabins have bunk beds,

a sink in the cabin and a shared bathrooms in the

corridor. The semi-private cabins have two lower

berths, coffee/tea maker and semi-private facilities

(one bathroom between two cabins). The superior

cabins have two lower berths, a sofa, coffee/

tea maker and private facilities. The Shackleton

suites have a sofa bed, TV/DVD, coffee/tea maker,

a separate sleeping area with a double bed and

private facilities. The One Ocean suite has a double

bed, TV/DVD, coffee/tea maker, a separate sleeping

area with and private facilities with a bathtub. For

the suites there is also a pair of Bushnell binoculars

and an iPad with polar literature and various media

available to use while on board.

THE ZODIACS One of the keys behind a successful expedition

cruise is the Zodiacs. With these safe and sturdy

rubber boats we navigate among icebergs, cruise

along glaciers and are able to get ashore to get

unique nature experiences. On board Akademik

Ioffe there are ten Zodiacs.

ABOUT POLARQUEST Established in 1999, PolarQuest specialises in small ship expedition

cruises to the Polar Regions. We take you to some of the most remote and

exciting destinations on the planet.

When travelling with us you will experience a unique expedition and

our aim is that each passenger will have the trip of a lifetime! Our trips

offer close encounters with wild animals and magnificent nature, whilst

travelling in comfort and enjoying delicious food. You do not have to be a

polar explorer or an athlete to join one of our adventures.

BOOKINGOur enthusiastic travel consultants have personal experience from the

Polar Regions and can answer all of your questions in regards to the

trips. According to Swedish law, PolarQuest places all revenue in a bond

with the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency until the

completion of your expedition.

Duration: 20 days.Dates: 22nd October - 10th November 2015.Group Size: Maximum 96 passengers.Accommodation: Hotel, cabin on board Akademik Ioffe.Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs.Price: From USD 13 290 per person.

RATE INCLUDES: 1 night in twin room in Ushuaia . 18 nights on board Akademik

Ioffe . All meals . Coffee and tea . An experienced expedition leader and knowledgeable

guides/lecturers . A tour leader from PolarQuest . Loan of waterproof jacket and trousers

and rubber boots . Lectures . All excursions and activities by Zodiac . Landing fees and

port taxes . Comprehensive pre-departure material . A detailed post expedition logbook

NOT INCLUDED: Flights to and from Ushuaia, Argentina . Transfers . Airport taxes. Travel and cancellation insurance . The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew .

Beverages . Bar and shop charges

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Main deck triple share (Bunk beds, shared facilities in the corridor) 13 290

Twin Semi-Private (2 twin beds, one bathroom between 2 cabins) 15 190

Twin Private (2 twin beds) 17 190

Superior (2 twin beds) 17 890

Shackleton Suite (Separate sleeping area with double bed) 18 590

One Ocean Suite (Separate sleeping area with double bed) 21 390

Cabin categories Pris per person in USD

ANTARCTICA - OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

DATES & PRICES

Duration: 14 days.Dates: 9th - 22nd November 2015.Group Size: Maximum 96 passengers.Accommodation: Hotel, cabin on board Akademik Ioffe.Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs.Price: From USD 8 790 per person.

RATE INCLUDES: 1 night in twin room in Ushuaia . 12 nights on board Akademik

Ioffe . All meals . Coffee and tea . An experienced expedition leader and knowledgeable

guides/lecturers . Loan of waterproof jacket and trousers and rubber boots . Lectures . All excursions and activities by Zodiac . Landing fees and port taxes . Comprehensive

pre-departure material . A detailed post expedition logbook . If the PolarQuest group

consists of 15 travellers or more, a tour leader from PolarQuest will accompany the group

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to and from Ushuaia, Argentina . Transfers . Airport taxes . Travel and cancellation insurance . The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew .

Beverages . Bar and shop charges

Main deck triple share (Bunk beds, shared facilities in the corridor) 8 790

Twin Semi-Private (2 twin beds, one bathroom between 2 cabins) 10 890

Twin Private (2 twin beds) 12 090

Superior (2 twin beds) 12 790

Shackleton Suite (Separate sleeping area with double bed) 13 690

One Ocean Suite (Separate sleeping area with double bed) 15 090

Cabin categories Pris per person in USD

Deck 6

Deck 5

Deck 4

Deck 3

R e s t a u r a n t

O b s e r v a t i o n d e c k

L o u n g e

B a rO b s e r v a t i o n d e c k

B r i d g e

Libraryw c

w c

Min 12 mm hög

P.O. Box 180SE- 401 23 Göteborg, SwedenPhone: +46 31 333 17 30E-mail: [email protected]

PHOTO: ADRIAN NORDENBORG (P. 6 MIDDLE RIGHT), ANDREW PROSSIN (P. 6 BACKGROUND), DAISY GILARDINI

(P. 4 BACKGROUND, P. 5 UPPER NO. 2 & P. 6 MIDDLE MIDDLE), DIERK RONNEBERGER (P. 2 UPPER NO. 1),

ERIK EDVARDSSON (P. 2 BACKGROUND, P. 3 UPPER NO. 1, 3 & 4, P. 4 UPPER NO 4, P. 5 UPPER NO. 1, 3 &

LOWER LEFT), GABE ROGEL (P. 5 MIDDLE LEFT), JOHANNA VAKKILA (BACKCOVER, P. 5 UPPER NO. 4, MIDDLE

MIDDLE & LOWER RIGHT, P 6 UPPER LEFT & UPPER MIDDLE & P. 7), KERSTIN LANGENBERGER (P. 3 UPPER

NO. 2), MARIA NORDVALL (P. 2 UPPER NO. 4), MARK CARWARDINE (P. 5 MIDDLE RIGHT), MARTIN ENCKELL (P.

4 UPPER NO. 3), MATTIAS HENNINGSSON (P. 2 UPPER NO. 3 & P. 3 LOWER), OLLE CARLSSON (P. 2 UPPER

NO. 2 & P. 3 MIDDLE RIGHT), ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS (P. 3 MIDDLE LEFT & P. 6 UPPER RIGHT), THERESE

HORNTRIC (FRONT COVER LOWER).

TEXT: POLARQUEST. DESIGN & PRODUCTION: WWW.ALINDERDESIGN.SE. THIS BROCHURE IS PRINTED ON

FSC®-CERTIFIED PAPER AT A FSC®-CERTIFIED PRINTING COMPANY.

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