Classic Antarctica
Aboard the Lyubov Orlova

11 Departures between November 9, 2008 to March 2, 2009
Rate Range: $3,500 to $9,200

$75 PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT!

Highlights at a Glance:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

ITINERARY

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:

Costs for Dec 18 - 28, 2008 (11days) onboard the Lyubov Orlova
Triple $4,500
Lower deck twin $5,900
Main deck twin $6,400
Main deck single $10,800
Captain’s deck twin $6,400
Superior $7,400
Amd. Suite $8,500

Costs for Dec 27, 2008 – January 6, 2009 (11days); Jan 5 – 15, 2009 (11 days); Feb 1 11, 2009 (11 days); Feb 10 – 21, 2009 (12 days); Feb 20 – Mar 3, 2009 (12 days) onboard the Lyubov Orlova
Triple $4,900
Lower deck twin $6,100
Main deck twin $6,800
Main deck single $11,560
Captain’s deck twin $6,800
Superior $8,100
Amd. Suite $9,200

Pricing for the 2008-09 season includes:
• Hotel accommodation: one night pre-expedition with breakfast.
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
• All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program.
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
• Photographic Journal on DVD.
• Polar Arts program with interactive workshops.
• A pair of expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
• Coffee, tea, and cocoa available around the clock.
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials.
• Group transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation – plus all baggage handling aboard ship.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

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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