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Call 1-800-869-0639 Request Information

Explorers' Route: Antarctica,
the Falkland Islands & South Georgia
Aboard the 122-Passenger m/s Clipper Adventurer®

$100 per person Shipboard Credit!

20 days/19 nights

Departures: November 2, 2008 to February 21, 2009

Rate Range: $9,900 to $23,500 per person

Trip 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 Peninsula'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. Azure-blue icebergs, some miles long, rise out of placid waters. In the long austral summer days, 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 in dizzying thousands. Well-preserved historic huts established by explorers are intact with whale-oil lanterns, cooking utensils, and maybe even a yellowing newspaper of the era.

Our voyage is complemented by expeditions ashore at the rarely visited South Georgia Island, which supports more wildlife in sheer numbers than can be seen anywhere else on Earth. On South Georgia, hundreds of thousands of king penguins blanket the beaches and hillsides. In the Falklands, rolling hills are interspersed with bogs and small lakes, creating a habitat for penguins and seabirds that nest among tall tussock grass, while seals and whales cavort along the seacoasts.
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 expedition is run at a relaxed pace and features shore landings in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, an in-depth education program and, on selected departures, an interactive Polar Arts program.

o This extraordinary expedition offers a thorough, close-up investigation of the wonders of South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and its adjacent South Shetland Islands. Your adventure filled days will be filled with incomparable scenery and abundant wildlife.

o Follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorers as you marvel at the splendor of the Antarctic Peninsula ‹ from glorious sunsets to the raw force of nature. Every voyage in Antarctica 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 as you watch the captain skillfully navigate through "leads" (open-water channels) adjacent to pack ice. You will have the opportunity to photograph icebergs of all sizes.

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 reach out and 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 Savor time in the Falklands, a British outpost with plentiful wildlife on the outer islands; and explore mountainous South Georgia Island with colonies of king penguins numbering in the hundreds of thousands, sometimes as far as the eye can see. Shorelines are completely covered by subantarctic wildlife, mating fur seals, and elephant seals.

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 of the early explorers, our very comfortable ship offers fine dining and wines, two lounges, a library and card room, workout room, and beauty salon.

 

Explorers' Route: Antarctica, the Falkland Islands & South Georgia
Departures: November 2, 2008 to February 21, 2009

Rate Range: $9,400 to $23,500 per person

20 days

 

Day 1    Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Getting to the southernmost city in the world is easy, because the local airport (USH) is served by flights from Buenos Aires, and Santiago, Chile. Don't worry about where you'll stay when you arrive: we've included a night at one of the city's charming hotels.

Day 2 Embarkation Day

Before we transfer you to the ship, you may join the included guided motor coach tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park. We'll make a stop for lunch - a traditional Argentine asado barbecue, which is lamb, chicken and beef grilled over an open fire, and served with chimichuri, Argentina's regional salsa.

Day 3 At Sea
Take advantage of a day at sea to become familiar with the ship and members of the Expedition Team. While sailing, our team of specialists will lead a series of presentations that prepare you for shore landings to come.

Day 4-5 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Two highlights of your exploration of the archipelago will be the warm welcome you receive from the residents and the extraordinary diversity of wildlife. You'll visit Stanley the only city on the islands and the last major urban centre you'll explore on this expedition.

Day 6-7 At Sea
As the ship draws nearer to Antarctica, a sharp drop in water and air temperature may indicate that you have crossed the Antarctic Convergence. This invisible circumpolar, undulating line separates Antarctica from the rest of the globe.

Day 8-11 South Georgia
Renowned as a destination for birders, South Georgia is a breeding ground for many species, such as Wandering Albatross, Southern Giant Petrels, and five penguin species. At a meter tall (3 ft) King Penguins that breed in the thousands on the island are the second tallest penguin.

South Georgia has many connections to the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. Ernest Shackleton is buried in the churchyard at Grytviken. One of the glaciers that cover the island is named after Otto Nordenskjold the leader of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition which called at the island in 1902-03. Our polar historian will bring the past to life ashore and aboard

Day 12-13 At Sea
En route to the Peninsula we'll keep you busy identifying seabirds, listening to engaging presentations on everything from the Antarctic food web to the life cycle of the humpback whale. On selected departures, try your hand at painting or photography, under the guidance of our artist-in-residence.

Day 14-17 The Antarctic Peninsula
Shore landings are announced in advance in the daily program delivered to your cabin each evening. To plan the daily activities the Expedition Team takes advantage of the long hours of daylight that occur so near to the Antarctic Circle.

An exploration of the Peninsula may include visits to penguin rookeries, research stations and encounters with marine mammals and iceberg graveyards. Although each voyage is painstakingly planned, it is impossible to provide prior to departure a definitive summary of the journey you will actually 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.

Day 18-19 The Drake Passage
The notorious Drake Passage can be relatively calm, under the right weather conditions. Have seasickness medicine on hand just in case the Drake lives up to its reputation.

Day 20   Disembarkation, Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast aboard the ship, we'll transfer you by bus to the passenger collection point at the end of the quay.

Call 1-800-869-0639 Request Information

SHIPBOARD CREDIT OF $100 PER PERSON!

PRICING:

(Deck plan is provided below)
                                                                                                 
Nov 02 -Nov 21, 2008            20 days                        Clipper Adventurer
Lower Deck $9,900           
Twn Pthole $10,400           
Twn Wdow $10,900           
Superior $11,400           
Deluxe $12,200           
Suite $13,400           
Owner's Suite $15,900

Dec 10 - 29, 2008            20 days                        Clipper Adventurer
Lower Deck $11,200           
Twn Pthole $11,800           
Twn Wdow $12,400           
Superior $12,900           
Deluxe $13,900           
Suite $15,300           
Owner's Suite $18,300

Jan 6 – 25, 2009                        20 days                        Clipper Adventurer
Lower Deck $14,400           
Twn Pthole $15,100           
Twn Wdow $15,800           
Superior $16,600           
Deluxe $17,800           
Suite $19,600           
Owner's Suite $23,500

                                                                                                 
Feb 21 – Mar 12, 2009            20 days                        Clipper Adventurer
Lower Deck $9,900           
Twn Pthole $10,400           
Twn Wdow $10,900           
Superior $11,400           
Deluxe $12,200           
Suite $13,400           
Owner's Suite $15,900

Rates per person are in U.S. dollars and are based on double occupancy (except where stated otherwise). Rates exclude airfare. The ship operator reserves the right to impose surcharges as needed to reimburse itself for additional taxes and other expenses.

Rates for the 2008-09 season include: