Antarctica, the Falkland Islands & South Georgia aboard the M/V Minerva

$200 PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT!

Expedition 81122: 21 days - November 20 – December 10, 2008  (includes the South Atlantic)
Expedition 81219: 20 days – December 17, 2008 - January 5, 2009
Expedition 90218: 20 days - February 16 - March 7, 2009

Trip Background

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

Remote and beautiful, the Falkland Islands offer a look at another facet of life in the Deep South. Fishing and sheep herding sustain the islands' 2,300 people, who share their rugged environment with penguins, seals and 200 bird species. This cruise is a study in contrasts, from Stanley's tidy streets to the "iceberg alleys" of the Antarctica Peninsula.

South Georgia adds another dimension to your Antarctic adventures. This historic island offers an opportunity to explore vast Penguin colonies of the unique king penguin, observe fur and elephant seals, and follow in the wake of one of the great heroes of Antarctic exploration: Sir Earnest Shackleon, where you will visit his final resting place in Grytviken on South Georgia Island.

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands
(2008-2009 / 20-21 Days)

* Please note:  EX#81122 includes one less day in South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. It includes more days at sea cruising the South Atlantic, since it is the first cruise of the season and departs from Buenos Aires rather than Ushuaia. It is considered a “Photo Expedition” and will be featuring an onboard photo specialist who will instruct all levels of photographers.

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 begins as we sail Eastward towards the Falkland Islands.  Join the Captain on the bridge or spot marine life from the deck- these krill-rich waters area  particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds. 'MV Minerva' B,L,D

The Falklands offer a chance to step back in time, in a place where nature is still very much in charge.  Spend the day on nature walks to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled wildlife habitats, or perhaps stroll the village streets of Stanley, with its quaint architecture, friendly villagers and picturesque pubs. 'MV Minerva' B,L,D

As we approach South Georgia, we begin to spot wildlife from the deck: marine mammals and sea birds drawn to the rich krill found in these waters. MV Minerva' B,L,D

South Georgia is actually a nearly-submerged continuation of the Andes mountain range, and our days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores. Grytviken, a former whaling station, is also the site of Shackleton's grave. As always, weather shapes our explorations, but we hope to visit Salisbury Plain where a vast colony of stately king penguins stretches between two glaciers as far as the eye can see. A neighboring island is home to nesting wandering albatross, with fur and elephant seals slumbering on the beach and in high tussock grass. 'MV Minerva' B,L,D

As we sail south toward Antarctica, our lecturers begin their informal series of enlightening discussions on the fauna, birds and history of the exploration of Antarctica.                                                                                                                   '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 to Ushuaia 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

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.

Arrive in the morning and connect to homebound flights.

* Please note:  EX#81122 includes one less day in South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. It includes more days at sea cruising the South Atlantic, since it is the first cruise of the season and departs from Buenos Aires rather than Ushuaia. It is considered a “Photo Expedition” and will  be featuring an onboard photo specialist who will instruct all levels of photographers.

PRICING PER PERSON - Antarctica, the Falkland Islands & South Georgia - 'MV Minerva'

FAMILY DEPARTURE DISCOUNT (EXPEDITION #81219): SAVE 50% OFF ADULT CRUISE PRICES FOR CHILDREN 18 YEARS & YOUNGER (EXCEPT IN SUITES AND OWNER’S SUITES) WHEN TRAVELING WITH AT LEAST ONE ADULT.

$200 PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT!

(Note: The deck plan follows the pricing section)

Expedition #81122 November 20 - December 10, 2008
Category SB, Standard
Double occupancy..... $9,695
Single occupancy..... $1,450
Category B, Standard
Double occupancy..... $10,495
Single occupancy..... $1,555
Category SA, Standard
Double occupancy..... $11,295
Single occupancy..... $1,660
Category A, Standard
Double occupancy..... $11,995
Single occupancy..... $1,765
Category SP, Superior
Double occupancy..... $13,995
Single occupancy..... $6,095
Category D, Deluxe
Double occupancy..... $15,995
Single occupancy..... $6,950
Category S, Suite
Double occupancy..... $17,795
Single occupancy..... $15,275
Category OS, Explorer and Discovery Suites
Double occupancy..... $20,995
Single occupancy..... $18,360

Port charges apply..... $315

21 Days | Departs Thursday, returns Wednesday

Expedition #81219 December 17, 2008 - January 5, 2009
Category SB, Standard
Double occupancy..... $11,195
Single occupancy.....$1,655
Child (sharing with 1 adult)..... $6,025
Category B, Standard
Double occupancy..... $11,995
Single occupancy.....$1,775
Child (sharing with 1 adult)..... $6,425
Category SA, Standard
Double occupancy..... $13,595
Single occupancy.....$1,985
Child (sharing with 1 adult)..... $7,175
Category A, Standard
Double occupancy..... $14,095
Single occupancy.....$2,050
Child (sharing with 1 adult)..... $7,665
Category SP, Superior
Double occupancy..... $16,795
Single occupancy.....$7,325
Child (sharing with 1 adult)..... $8,995
Category D, Deluxe
Double occupancy..... $19,695
Single occupancy.....$8,670
Child (sharing with 1 adult)..... $10,465
Category S, Suite
Double occupancy..... $21,595
Single occupancy.....$18,795
Child (sharing with 1 adult)..... $20,550
Category OS, Explorer and Discovery Suites
Double occupancy..... $25,995
Single occupancy.....$22,995
Child (sharing with 1 adult)..... $24,950

Expedition #90218 February 16, 2008 - March 7, 2009
Category SB, Standard
Double occupancy..... $10,895
Single occupancy.....$1,595
Category B, Standard
Double occupancy..... $11,495
Single occupancy.....$1,680
Category SA, Standard
Double occupancy..... $12,395
Single occupancy.....$1,795
Category A, Standard
Double occupancy..... $12,895
Single occupancy.....$1,875
Category SP, Superior
Double occupancy..... $14,595
Single occupancy.....$6,360
Category D, Deluxe
Double occupancy..... $16,295
Single occupancy.....$7,125
Category S, Suite
Double occupancy..... $18,695
Single occupancy.....$16,155
Category OS, Explorer and Discovery Suites
Double occupancy..... $24,395
Single occupancy.....$21,395

Family departure dates (December 17, 2008 - January 5, 2009):
Children 18 and under pay only 50% of cruise price (except in suites and Owners' Suites) when travelling with a full-fare paying adult. Discount does not apply to pre- and post-cruise land services.
Contact A&K for special child exconomy fares.

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..... $315

The price shown is in USD. Price is per person, based on double occupancy.

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 Minerva.

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