Explorers' Route: Antarctic, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands
Aboard the Lyubov Orlova
20 days/19 nights

January 14 - February 21, 2009

$150 PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT!

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 Lyubov Orlova for this journey of discovery to the "bottom of the world" that only a lucky few are privileged to visit.

Highlights at a Glance:

• This expedition features a relaxed pace with shore landings in Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, and an in-depth education program.

Suggested Itinerary Outline

Note: The itinerary is variable and may change according to weather conditions and/or the captain's judgment.

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.

Pricing:

(Note: Detailed deck plan is provided following the Ship Information section.)

Costs for  Jan 14 – Feb 2, 2009;  20 days onboard the Lyubov Orlova
Triple $9,800           
Lower deck twin $11,900           
Main deck twin $13,600           
Main deck single $23,120           
Captain’s deck twin $13,600           
Superior $16,200
Amd. Suite $18,400

Rates for the 2008-09 season include:

Ship Information: Lyubov Orlova

• 59 outside cabins, all featuring private facilities.
• Spacious dining room with unreserved seating: buffet-style breakfast with table service; table-service lunch and dinner with main course choices from changing daily menu; cakes served in mid-afternoon.
• Newly-renovated presentation room.
• Lounge and bar, open late afternoon and evening with a wide selection of wines and spirits; coffee, tea available all day.
• Library with collection of polar-themed books.
• Ship-to-shore communications via satellite and Iridium phone and e-mail.
• Clinic with licensed doctor.
• Exercise room.
• Please note: there is no passenger elevator between decks.

Deck Plan:

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