ANTARCTIC - SOUTH POLE
  
CROSSING THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE 
Cruise Ship14 nights
Departures in December, January and February 
Ships: Ocean Nova, Akademik Ioffe, Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Very few people in the world can claim to have crossed the Antarctic Circle, reaching an extreme latitude at the very bottom of the world.  Only the most adventurous travellers include this Circle on their life list of goals.  Share this momentous achievement with a few select adventurers on board one of our Adventure Ships.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle - 2008 Route
Itinerary 
Day 1 - Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
  Arrive at our hotel in scenic Ushuaia and spend the rest of the day exploring this colourful port town.
Day 2 - Embarkation day
  Transfer to the quay to join other adventurers on deck as we sail in the late afternoon through the scenic Beagle Channel.
Days 3 & 4 - The Drake Passage
  To sailors the Drake is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, but you may be lucky and get calm weather.  Regardless of the conditions, we’ll keep you busy on deck, on the Bridge and in the presentation room.  We prepare you for boarding Zodiacs, shore landings, and, if you dare, polar dips.

En route to Antarctica, you may find that delicious three-course meals are made even more interesting by the occasional shout of “Whales off the port side!”  Will you continue eating or dash on deck with your camera?
Days 5 to 8 - Exploring the Great White
The Expedition Team lowers the Zodiacs for exploration at least twice a day.  That means that the bow of your Zodiac will be riding high, as the driver opens the throttle so we can give you as much time as possible ashore.  Once on land, explore the Great White, or just sit on a rock and watch penguins invest considerable energy in survival.  Wildlife in the Antarctic is refreshingly unafraid of humans, making each visit feel like a trip to another planet.  The jagged polar terrain is magnificent, and awe-inspiring.

Got skills, use them
Every cross-country skier, kayaker, camper or mountain-climber seeks that one perfect moment they will relive for the rest of their lives.  Perhaps you’ll find that moment in Antarctica.  Optional adventures are available on a first come, first served basis. See the Departure Dates and Prices for details.

You could drift past an azure iceberg after a hard paddle.  You could descend an ice slope after an exhilarating climb.  There are no ski trails in Antarctica, so you will be breaking trails.  While camping, you could be compelled to reach for the sky, because the stars appear to be only an arm’s length away.
Days 9 & 10 - The Antarctic Circle - a celebration is in order
  Crossing the Antarctic Circle is still a rare and impressive achievement.  Celebrate with a well-earned glass of champagne, raising your glass to the intrepid explorers who have gone before.
Days 11 & 12 - Loubert Coast
  During the voyage, your Expedition Team will keep you informed about the fabled history of each area we visit.  Every name on the map of the Antarctic has a story to tell.  The Loubert Coast is no exception.  The French names that appear are a legacy of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, physician, yachtsman, and explorer.  He, like you, lived for adventure.
Days 13 to 15 - Whales below, birds above, memories ahead
  While crossing the Drake once again, stay up late with new friends as the lingering twilight of the southern summer fades.  Trade memories that will last forever while you puzzle over the mystery that is Antarctica.
Note:  Some departures will visit the Peninsula on the way back to Ushuaia.
Important Reminder:  Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel.  There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish.  A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage.
Departure Dates and Prices
Prices are per person and do not include international flights.
Departure dates Ship Prices per person
 14 December 08  Akademik Sergey Vavilov £3985
 2 January 09  Akademik Ioffe £4895
 9 January 09  Ocean Nova £6175
 24 January 09  Akademik Sergey Vavilov £4895
 2 February 09  Akademik Ioffe £4895
 9 February 09  Ocean Nova £6175
With option for kayaking and camping
Price Includes:
  • Voyage as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Flights as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations in a shared twin room with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary.
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship.
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and helicopter (as included in group excursions with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed).
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • The use of rubber boots for the duration of the voyage
  • Transfers and baggage handling between the hotels, airports and ship as indicated in the itinerary.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure materials and handbook.
Price Excludes:
  • International flights.
  • Passport and visa expenses.
  • Government arrival and departure taxes.
  • Meals ashore.
  • Supplement for single hotel accommodations.
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance. 
  • Excess baggage charges. 
  • 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 stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided). 
  • Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced onboard.
 
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