Classic Antarctica
aboard the M/V Minerva

SHIPBOARD CREDIT OF $100 PER PERSON!

Expedition 81209:  14 days- December 7-20, 2008
Expedition 90104:   14 days- January 2 – 15, 2009
Expedition 90208:  14 days- February 6-19, 2009

Trip Background

This popular program offers the best of the Antarctic Peninsula: vast colonies of penguins and nesting seabirds courting, nesting or rearing their young; hanging ice cliffs, stately icebergs and calving glaciers; the incredible adventures of Shackleton and Charcot; and excitement of our own spontaneous explorations on sea and land.

Classic Antarctica Expedition
aboard the Minerva

We depart on our flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

We arrive in the morning and transfer to our hotel, with time to relax before this afternoon's optional city tour. Meet your fellow adventurers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception. InterContinental Buenos Aires B (with immediate check-in)

Fly to Ushuaia for a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch. This afternoon, join your ship and settle in for a first night on board.  'MV Minerva (formerly called Explorer II) B,L,D

The journey southward toward Antarctica is an exciting one, as we join the Captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck - these krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds. 'MV Minerva' B,L,D

As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement and expectation begins to build. A first Zodiac expedition is swiftly followed by others, all carefully planned by the Captain and Expedition Leader to take full advantage of each day's possibilities. On most days we make two landings, heading out in our swift and versatile Zodiacs, guided by our expert drivers and accompanied by lecturers, to explore islands filled with thousands of penguins, to photograph nesting grounds of seabirds, and to cruise iceberg-strewn passageways of breathtaking beauty. As conditions permit, we plan to land on the Peninsula and on a number of islands, which may include the South Shetland Islands - and Deception Island. We also hope to sail through breathtaking Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, with other possibilities for exploration including a scientific research station, the remains of early-century whaling and sealing industries, and whale bones on the beach. After each evening's leisurely dinner, there's time to stroll the deck and gaze at the seascapes in the lingering light of an austral summer twilight. 'MV Minerva' B,L,D

Our return through the Drake Passage is a time for recap and reflection, as we compare notes with our lecturers, and bird- or whale-watch from the deck. 'MV Minerva' B,L,D

After breakfast, we disembark the ship for a sightseeing tour of one of Tierra del Fuego's spectacular wilderness parks before we proceed to the airport to board our flight to Miami via Buenos Aires. In flight B

Arrive in the morning and connect to homebound flights.

Note: We can also arrange extensions to Buenos Aires, Iguacu Falls or other parts of Argentina or Chile if you prefer. Call 800-869-0639 to discuss.

PRICING (PER PERSON):

$100 PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT!

(Note: The deck plan follows the pricing section.)

Expedition #81209 December 7 - 20, 2008
Category SB, Standard
Double occupancy..... $6,695
Single occupancy..... $1,025
Category B, Standard
Double occupancy..... $7,295
Single occupancy..... $1,105
Category SA, Standard
Double occupancy..... $7,795
Single occupancy..... $1,175
Category A, Standard
Double occupancy..... $8,195
Single occupancy..... $1,240
Category SP, Superior
Double occupancy..... $9,495
Single occupancy..... $3,995
Category D, Deluxe
Double occupancy..... $10,595
Single occupancy..... $4,530
Category S, Suite
Double occupancy..... $11,295
Single occupancy..... $9,375
Category OS, Explorer and Discovery Suites
Double occupancy..... $13,995
Single occupancy..... $11,750

Expedition #90104 January 2 - 15, 2009
Category SB, Standard
Double occupancy..... $7,995
Single occupancy..... $1,195
Category B, Standard
Double occupancy..... $8,895
Single occupancy..... $1,340
Category SA, Standard
Double occupancy..... $9,595
Single occupancy..... $1,430
Category A, Standard
Double occupancy..... $9,995
Single occupancy..... $1,485
Category SP, Superior
Double occupancy..... $11,395
Single occupancy..... $4,880
Category D, Deluxe
Double occupancy..... $12,895
Single occupancy..... $5,565
Category S, Suite
Double occupancy..... $14,395
Single occupancy..... $12,150
Category OS, Explorer and Discovery Suites
Double occupancy..... $17,995
Single occupancy..... $15,495

Expedition #90208 February 6 - 19, 2009
Category SB, Standard
Double occupancy..... $7,995
Single occupancy..... $1,195
Category B, Standard
Double occupancy..... $8,895
Single occupancy..... $1,340
Category SA, Standard
Double occupancy..... $9,595
Single occupancy..... $1,430
Category A, Standard
Double occupancy..... $9,995
Single occupancy..... $1,485
Category SP, Superior
Double occupancy..... $11,395
Single occupancy..... $4,880
Category D, Deluxe
Double occupancy..... $12,895
Single occupancy..... $5,565
Category S, Suite
Double occupancy..... $14,395
Single occupancy..... $12,150
Category OS, Explorer and Discovery Suites
Double occupancy..... $17,995
Single occupancy..... $15,495

AIR SUPPLEMENTS
Miami / Buenos Aires / Miami on LAN prices from:
ECONOMY..... $1,130
BUSINESS..... $3,605
Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Buenos Aires charter air
ECONOMY..... $600
BUSINESS..... N/A
Taxes not included. All air quotes are subject to change and carry penalties and surcharges. Flight confirmations are based on availability.
Fares are also available from other major U.S. cities. Contact A&K for special child economy fares

Port charges apply..... $285

14 Days | Departs varied days of the week

* Holiday surcharge will apply. Call for details.
Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time.

Deck Plan:

Ship Information: M/V Minerva:

Formerly known as the Explorer II, the M/V Minerva brings a rare touch of comfortable, informal refinement to Antarctic travel. Launched in 1996, she has been likened to a country-house hotel, a comparison confirmed by her fresh flowers, gleaming brass, polished wood and works of original art.

But there's strong steel beneath the graceful exterior. Minerva is well equipped to handle the open-water cruising and icy channels of Antarctic seas. Her speed, ice-strengthened hull, stabilizers and bow thrusters give her the power, stability and agility necessary to ensure a safe, smooth passage for all on board. Without sacrificing an iota of strength, 'Explorer II' sets new standards of style in expeditionary cruising.

Designed For Your Comfort. Minerva is a ship in a class of its own: elegant, yet unpretentious; stylish, yet stalwart. The delightful Lounge is a passenger favorite, a place to compare notes before the day's Zodiac excursion, listen to a lively talk by an on-board naturalist, or join friends for after-dinner coffee. Two open bars-the Shackleton and the South Cape- provide additional corners in which to relax.

An exceptional Library offers a wide range of titles, fact or fiction, as well as newspapers, games and puzzles. There's an Exercise Room for the dedicated fitness enthusiast, and a Gift Shop for remembrances of your expedition.

Spacious Accommodations. Minerva boasts uncommonly elegant guest quarters that are among the most spacious and comfortable in Antarctica. After days of invigorating exploration on the White Continent, your warm, welcoming cabin-many offer private balconies-will offer ample room to stretch out and relax, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Warm, Personal Service. To ensure the highest quality of service, Minerva carries a staff and crew of 146 to accommodate just 198 passengers. Laundry service is available on board.

International Cuisine. Dining on board is a sophisticated pleasure. Minerva offers two dining rooms, both with simultaneous open seatings. In the main Dining Room or the casual Bridge Café, you'll be seated where and with whom you please, ready to enjoy a leisurely meal selected from imaginative, international menus with a gourmet touch. There is always a selection of light fare and vegetarian dishes, and special diets can be accommodated with sufficient advance notice.

Cheers! All bar drinks and house wines on board are included in your fare cost.

Open Bridge. If you've ever wondered what gets entered into a ship's log, or whether mariners still use a sextant, just arrange a visit with the Cruise Director for a fascinating glimpse of the art and craft of blue-water navigation.

Amenities. A day at sea can be as busy, or as relaxing, as you wish. Enjoy a guide's presentation in the lounge or auditorium. View the awe-inspiring scenery from the ship's Promenade deck, where you can circumnavigate the ship on an easy walk or jog. Undertake an invigorating workout in the gymnasium. Unwind in the sauna. Enjoy a massage in the ship's full-service beauty salon. Or browse the onboard shops and take in a movie in the cinema. With so many options, you can set your own pace aboard 'Explorer II.'

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