Discover, Plan & Go!

<!-- Active Antarctica - Quark -->\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">The perfect introduction to the White Continent. Beginning and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, you will experience the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Each voyage incorporates as much wildlife viewing as possible, with visits to scientific bases and plenty of time to enjoy breathtaking waterways, glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains. No two voyages are exactly alike, no matter which voyage you choose. The Captain and Expedition Leader continually assess daily weather conditions and wildlife opportunities, taking advantage of the extended daylight to maximize time ashore. You will become one of the fortunate few to have set foot on the continent of Antarctica.<br><br />\r\nActive exploring on the Antarctic Peninsula aboard nimble ice-strengthened vessels, such as the Professor Molchanov, Professor Multanovskiy, or Akademik Shokalskiy, includes optional further adventures of one night of overnight camping under the endless Antarctic sky or sea-kayaking through waterways and inlets.</span>\r\n<br /> \r\n\r\n<h3>Day 1 - Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina</h3>\r\nHotel Los Nires or similar hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this \'frontier town\' at leisure.\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Accommodations: </span>Ushuaia\r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Included Meals: </span>none\r\n\r\n<h3>Day 2 Ushuaia</h3>\r\nSpend the morning with a local guide on a group excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, and then enjoy a traditional Argentine BBQ asado lunch. Embark in the afternoon, settle into your cabin, and meet your Expedition Team before the ship sets sail along the scenic Beagle Channel.\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Accommodations: \r\n</span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/172\">Molchanov</a>, </span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/171\">Multanovskiy</a>, </span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/173\">Shokalskiy</a> \r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Included Meals: </span>breakfast, lunch and dinner\r\n<br />\r\n\r\n<h3>Days 3-5 Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands</h3>\r\nJourney across the famous Drake Passage, named after the 16th-century English navigator Sir Francis Drake - an experience in itself. The ship is accompanied much of the way by albatrosses - including the magnificent Wandering Albatross - along with an impressive variety of other seabirds. Cross the Antarctic Convergence, a natural border where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zones.\r\nLand is usually sighted for the first time late afternoon on Day 4 - the South Shetland Islands, which lie to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit vast penguin rookeries, land on beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and observe wallowing southern elephant seals. You may also visit one of the many research bases in the archipelago or look for Antarctica\'s only two flowering plants, which thrive here during the short southern summer. Often the ship sails through the narrow passage leading into the sunken caldera of Deception Island. Here, if the tide allows, you may dip your toes in the thermal waters of Pendulum Cove.\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Accommodations: </span>\r\n<a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/172\">Molchanov</a>, </span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/171\">Multanovskiy</a>, </span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/173\">Shokalskiy</a> \r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Included Meals: </span>breakfast, lunch and dinner\r\n<br />\r\n\r\n<h3>Days 6-9 Antarctic Peninsula</h3>\r\nThe Antarctic Peninsula, the most readily accessible part of the White Continent, has some of the best wildlife and scenery. You have plenty of time to experience the special magic of this awe-inspiring wilderness of snow, ice, waterways, and mountains. Expect to see enormous rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Ad�lie Penguins. Blue-eyed Shags, Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels, Snowy Sheathbills and Antarctic Terns are also abundant. You may also encounter Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as orcas, humpback, and Minke whales.\r\n<br />\r\nOur exploration of the Antarctic continent often begins with a visit to the aptly named Paradise Bay, or to nearby Neko Harbor. Glaciers fill the calm waters with an amazing vista of icebergs as you set foot on the Antarctic continent itself. When visiting Port Lockroy, you enjoy the thriving penguin colonies and visit a recently renovated former British scientific station that serves as one of the most isolated and intriguing museums in the world. The station also acts as a post office from which you can mail postcards home. If pack ice and icebergs allow, you navigate some of the most beautiful waterways in the world. Two in particular, the Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, are impressive narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. Some voyages sail south of the Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island, where Ad�lie and Gentoo Penguins, skuas and Blue-eyed Shags nest close to the landing.\r\n<br />\r\nOn our longer voyages, the expedition may also visit the northern tip of the Peninsula to navigate the Antarctic Sound, or \'iceberg alley\', where huge tabular icebergs drift north from the Antarctic continent. If weather and ice conditions permit, you land on Paulet Island to see its vast Ad�lie Penguin rookery.\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Accommodations: </span>\r\n<a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/172\">Molchanov</a>, </span>\r\n<a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/171\">Multanovskiy</a>, </span>\r\n<a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/173\">Shokalskiy</a> \r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Included Meals: </span>breakfast, lunch and dinner\r\n<br />\r\n\r\n<h3>Days 10-11 Drake Passage</h3>\r\nYou bid farewell to Antarctica as you sail north across the Drake Passage. The adventure is not over, as there are more opportunities to watch birds and whales cavorting in the open ocean. Final presentations by our expedition staff enhance the voyage en route to Ushuaia.\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Accommodations: </span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/172\">Molchanov</a>, </span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/171\">Multanovskiy</a>, </span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/173\">Shokalskiy</a> \r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Included Meals: </span>breakfast, lunch and dinner\r\n<br />\r\n\r\n<h3>Day 12 Ushuaia</h3>\r\nDisembark after breakfast and transfer by bus to the Antarctic Unit office located at the entrance to the pier. If you are departing on the morning flight, the transfer continues to the airport.\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Accommodations: </span>n/a\r\n<br /><span class=\"highlightedtext-inline\">Included Meals: </span>breakfast\r\n<br />\r\n<br />\r\n<br />This Classic Antarctica Cruise Itinerary operates on 3 different vessels:\r\n<br /></span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/172\">M/V Molchanov</a> 49-passenger Russian Research Vessel\r\n<br /></span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/171\">M/V Multanovskiy</a> 49-passenger Russian Research Vessel\r\n<br /></span><a href=\"accommprofile.php/d/antarctica/accid/173\">M/V Akademik Shokalskiy</a> 49-passenger Russian Research Vessel\r\n<br />\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Notes on Itinerary: </strong>The itinerary presented here is for the 12-day voyage - the 11-day voyage has one less day along the Antarctic Peninsula. Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Single Travelers: </strong>Standard twin cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the share price. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where we match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged. \r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Children: </strong>Recommended minimum age for this expedition is 12 years old. Children must be able to safely navigate a steep gangway, by themselves, in variable conditions. Expedition Leaders will determine if children are allowed on shore excursions and landings. If an Expedition Leader determines a child\'s participation in these activities is unsafe the child must stay on board, accompanied by an adult. \r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Land Cost Includes: </strong>Specially designed parka, is yours to keep (only for passengers on the smaller Russian Vessels: Molchanov, Multanovskiy or Shokalskiy). One night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Ushuaia; Guided excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park with traditional Argentine BBQ asado lunch; Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; The use of rubber boots for the duration of the voyage; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and Antarctic handbook; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges; A detailed post-expedition CD-ROM logbook chronicling your voyage; Daily international news bulletins; \r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Not Included: </strong>Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; supplement for single hotel accommodations; adventure options of kayaking or diving; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Fuel Supplement: </strong>Since we released the 2006/07 Dates & Rates earlier this year, the price of marine fuel has increased dramatically, particularly in the remote ports where our ships refuel. To maintain the industry-leading quality of our programs, we have been forced to review the pricing of our 2006-2007 expeditions and institute a fuel surcharge. As of December 12, 2005, all NEW bookings for 2006/07 Antarctic voyages (all ships) will be subject to a 7% Fuel Supplement. \r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Payment and Cancellation Policy: </strong>A deposit of US$1000 per person is required to confirm a reservation on a Classic Antarctica Cruise, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted. A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctica trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received 90 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person. Please note that within the 90 day limit all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 90 day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations </span><a href=\"termsconditions.php\">Terms and Conditions</a>. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with <a href=\"https://www.accessamerica.com/integration_start.asp?accamnum=F029706&target=new&Start_Page=products&referrer=createlink\"><img src=\"/pathtoimage/access_america_logo.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"Access America Travel Insurance Protection Products\"></a>\r\n\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Accommodations Aboard: </strong>These vessels accommodate 49-passengers in comfortable twin and triple cabins each with a desk and ample storage space. Public areas include a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary (there is a doctor on board) and a sauna. Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where we are almost always welcome. The European chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. The ship is staffed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Qualifications: </strong>This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobilitty, and leads an active life. Passengers must be able to navigate the 30-stair gang-way un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are \"wet\", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. \r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>General Information: </strong>This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations \'Terms & Conditions\'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><strong>Classic Antarctica with Adventure Options</strong> \r\n<br />On select sailings aboard the Multanovskiy and Akademik Sholalskiy, adventure options are available for campers and sea-kayakers.\r\n<br />\r\n\r\n<br /><strong>Sea Kayaking Cruise Departures</strong>\r\n<br />Ship: Akademik Shokalskiy Expedition Dates: Nov 10, 20 (2005)\r\n<br />Ship: Professor Multanovskiy Expedition Dates: Jan 31, Feb 10, 20 (06)\r\n<br /> \r\n<br />Sea kayaking is a fabulous way to explore the little bays and waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula. You use 16 foot Prijon rudder-equipped double sea kayaks, which are very stable, surprisingly comfortable and incredibly tough, perfect for paddling through the icy environment. Each trip is led by two experienced and highly qualified kayak instructors and a Zodiac safety boat stays in constant communication ready to assist should the need arise.\r\n<br /> \r\n<br />Group size and number of excursions: There will be a maximum of 10 kayakers per departure and a minimum of four kayak excursions.\r\n<br /> \r\n<br />Kayaking sites: Possible kayaking sites include Hannah Point/Aitcho Islands, Deception Island, Port Lockroy, Neko Harbor, Paradise Harbor, and Lemaire Channel.\r\n<br /> \r\n<br />Supplement for sea kayaking: US$595 per person\r\n<br />\r\n<br /><br /><strong>Antarctic Camping Departures</strong>\r\n<br />Ship: Professor Multanovskiy\r\n<br />Expedition Dates: Jan 31 - Feb 11; Feb 10 - 21; Feb 20 - Mar 3, 2006\r\n<br /> \r\n<br />Ship: Akademik Shokalskiy\r\n<br />Expedition Dates: Nov 10 - 21; Nov 20 - Dec 1, 2005\r\n<br /> \r\n<br />Be one of the few who have spent a night camping on the pristine ice of the White Continent! Experienced staff members handle all the logistics.\r\n<br /> \r\n<br />Group size and number of excursions: You will be one of a maximum of 20 campers who venture ashore for the night. Weather and ice permitting, you will spend one night ashore. All meals are taken on board the vessel.\r\n<br /> \r\n<br />Camp sites: Our camp sites are generally close to Port Lockroy, on the shores of Neumayer Channel, and are selected away from vegetated sites and wildlife concentrations to avoid contamination or disturbance.\r\n<br /> \r\n<br />There is no supplementary charge for this option. Participation will be confirmed at booking on a first come, first served basis.\r\n<br />\r\n<br />\r\n<br />We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.\r\n<br />\r\n