Classic Antarctica
Aboard the 122-Passenger Clipper Adventurer

$100 PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT!

6 Expeditions between November 20, 2008 to February 11, 2009
Rate Range: $6,200 to $11,800

11 to 12 days, depending on departure date

Background:

Below 60°S latitude lies the immense white continent of Antarctica, a land that surpasses the imagination in scenic grandeur. Regarded by scientists and world travelers alike as one of the last truly pristine regions on Earth, the Antarctic Peninsul's ethereal icescapes and prolific wildlife make it a photographer's utopia and a naturalist's wonderland.

Ever-flowing glaciers churn up gravelly paths on the shoulders of massive peaks. Blue-tinged icebergs, some miles long, rise out of placid waters. Wildlife abounds ‹ beaches resound with the bellows of fur seals, a chorus of seabird calls echoes from the cliffs, and penguins waddle and bellyride the slopes. Well-preserved historic huts established by explorers are intact with whale-oil lanterns, well-worn cooking utensils, and maybe even a yellowing newspaper of the era.

We invite you to join us aboard the comfortable, well-equipped, and ice-strengthened Clipper Adventurer for this journey of discovery to the "bottom of the world" that only a lucky few are privileged to visit.

Highlights at a Glance:

o This extraordinary expedition offers a thorough, close-up investigation of the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula and its adjacent South Shetland Islands ‹ incomparable scenery and abundant wildlife that you experience during adventure-filled days.

o Follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorers as you marvel at the splendor of the peninsula ‹ from glorious sunsets to the raw force of nature at the bottom of the world. Every Antarctica voyage is unique; there is no set schedule, and locations vary and are usually spontaneous, depending on wind, currents, ice, and weather.

o Enjoy ice cruising, with the opportunity to photograph icebergs of all sizes, as you watch the captain skillfully navigate through "leads" (open-water channels) adjacent to pack ice.

o Throughout your adventure, a fleet of versatile Zodiacs awaits to whisk you ashore in comfort and safety. Aboard these sturdy landing craft, cruise amid towering icebergs so close you can touch them. Zodiacs also give you a close-up, eye-to-eye view of rich wildlife. Don't be surprised to see a penguin, seal, or even a whale swim close to your Zodiac.

o Enjoy myriad opportunities to spot extraordinary numbers of birds, penguins, seals, sea lions, whales, and dolphins, both from the deck and during shoreside landings.

o An expert team of Antarctica lecturers and staff offers continuing commentary on all aspects of this entrancing realm, from history to birding. They accompany you ashore at every landing.

o Enjoy the ship's amenities. In contrast to the hardships encountered by early explorers to the South Atlantic, our very comfortable ship offers fine dining and wines, two lounges, a library and card room, workout room, and beauty salon.

Classic Antarctica

Getting to this frontier town is easy, because the local airport is served by flights from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile. We've included a night at one of the city's good hotels, to ensure you don't miss a moment of the expedition.

The included coach tour (2007-2008 only) of the nearby National Park includes a stroll along a boardwalk, and a stop for lunch. Asado is Argentina's traditional method of preparing lamb, beef and chicken. The meat is grilled over an open fire and served with chimichurri - a piquant sauce made from parsley and other herbs. Hunger satisfied, we transfer you to the ship for embarkation.

Become familiar with the ship on this your first full day at sea. Members of the Expedition Team keep you company on deck, identifying seabirds that glide along side of the ship for miles at a time.

Shore landings are announced the night before in the daily program delivered to your cabin. Your exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula may include visits to penguin rookeries, research stations and encounters.  Although each voyage is painstakingly planned, it is impossible to provide prior to departure a definitive summary of the journey you'll experience. The Expedition Leader in cooperation with the ship's Captain adjusts the route as the expedition unfolds to take advantage of the best weather and ice conditions. For this reason, no itinerary is the same.

The Expedition Team enriches the voyage with formal presentations that are chosen specifically in response to the sightings and activities that you experienced. If you have sighted orcas, then you can expect a presentation on their life cycle. If you were one of the lucky few to see a Southern Right Whale during your expedition then you will learn about that species. That is one reason that every Classic Antarctic expedition is unique.

Exchange photographs and e-mail addresses with your new found friends, before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.

PRICING:

Note: Deck plans are provided following the pricing section.
                                                                                                 
Nov 20 – Dec 1, 2008  &  Nov 30 – Dec 11, 2008           
12 days                        Clipper Adventurer
Lower Deck $6,200           
Twn Pthole $6,500           
Twn Wdow $6,800           
Superior $7,200           
Deluxe $7,700           
Suite $8,500           
Owner's Suite $9,900

Dec 28, 2008 – Jan 7, 2009  &  Jan 24 – Feb 3, 2009  & Feb 2 – 12, 2009
11 days                        Clipper Adventurer
Lower Deck $7,200           
Twn Pthole $7,500           
Twn Wdow $7,900           
Superior $8,300           
Deluxe $8,900           
Suite $9,800           
Owner's Suite $11,800

Feb 11 – 22, 2009           
12 days                        Clipper Adventurer
Lower Deck $7,200           
Twn Pthole $7,500           
Twn Wdow $7,900           
Superior $8,300           
Deluxe $8,900           
Suite $9,800           
Owner's Suite $11,800

Rates for the 2008-09 season include:

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