The Great Antarctic Experience

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

You board the ice-class vessel, M/V Polar Star in the afternoon to set off on what is one of life's most fantastic journeys.

Day 2: At Sea

From the Beagle Channel you turn northeast towards the Falkland Islands. In addition to attending lectures, you keep a constant watch for whales and seabirds.

Days 3-4: Falkland Islands

Your first planned landing in this archipelago of over 200 islands is at New Island. Other landing sites over these two days include West Point and Stanley. Historically, the Falklands played a significant role in the whaling and sealing fisheries. Today it is a delight to visit, as it is home to King, Magellanic, Rockhopper and Gentoo penguins. It is also excellent for watching fur seals, Elephant Seals, whales, dolphins, albatrosses and flocks of smaller seabirds. You sail the afternoon of day 4.

Days 5-6: At Sea

You are now on your way to South Georgia crossing the Scotia Sea. The day is busy with lectures, presentations and time spent watching for birds and marine life.

Days 7-10: South Georgia

Beneath the southern skies the sweeping landscape is made up of high alpine mountains, massive glaciers and scenic fjords. Wildlife abounds with the albatrosses, King Penguins, Antarctic Fur Seals and Elephant Seals. South Georgia is also home to artifacts of the whaling industry and Sir Ernest Shackleton's gravesite. Visit sites such as Prion Island, Salisbury Plain, Fortuna Bay, Stromness- an old whaling station, St. Andrews Bay, Cooper Bay and the well-known Grytviken. You sail on the afternoon of day 10.

Days 11-13: At Sea & Elephant Island

You now head southwest on the Scotia Sea to the frozen continent. Keep a watch for seabirds, whales and dolphins. Late on day 13, the crew hopes to make a landfall at either Cape Valentine or Pt.Wild on Elephant Island, both key locations in Shackleton's story of heroic rescue.

Day 14: South Shetland Islands

Plan for a morning landing at Half Moon Island and an afternoon landing at the volcanic Deception Island. Also plan for a natural "hot tub" in the thermal waters at the beach and for the hardy, an Antarctic swim!

Days 15-16: Antarctic Peninsula

Having reached this white continent, you will visit Port Lockroy, Paradise Bay, Cierva Cove and Mikkelson Harbour. Cruising the ice stewn fjords, surrounded by snow draped mountains, crevassed glaciers and the creative natural artistry of ice, visit penguin rookeries and also expect whale encounters.

Days 17-18: Drake Passage

Start your journey home, with the opportunity to look for seabirds, whales and dolphins and also attend lectures and other onboard events en route.

Day 19: Ushuaia/flight home

Disembark after breakfast, board international flight home.

Trip Details

Ship	Polar Star
Just Released Offer	Members of ExpeditionTrips.com save 15% per person on regular cruise rates.Applicable Date: 11/22/2008Expiration Date: 7/15/2008Per Person Discounted Rates:K1 - Triple: $7,965; K1 - Double: $9,614; K2 - Double: $11,046; K3 - Double: $11,599; K4 - Triple: $10,166; K4 - Double: $12,920; K6 - Mini Suites: $14,021; K7 - Suites: $14,629Per Person Regular Rates:K1 - Triple: $9,370; K1 - Double: $11,310; K2 - Double: $12,995; K3 - Double: $13,645; K4 - Triple: $11,960; K4 - Double: $15,200; K6 - Mini Suites: $16,495; K7 - Suites: $17,210---Or, save 25% per person on regular cruise rates.Applicable Date: 11/4/2008Expiration Date: 7/30/2008Per Person Discounted Rates:K1 - Triple: $7,028; K1 - Double: $8,483; K2 - Double: $9,746; K3 - Double: $10,234; K4 - Triple: $8,970; K4 - Double: $11,400; K6 - Mini Suites: $12,371; K7 - Suites: $12,908Per Person Regular Rates:K1 - Triple: $9,370; K1 - Double: $11,310; K2 - Double: $12,995; K3 - Double: $13,645; K4 - Triple: $11,960; K4 - Double: $15,200; K6 - Mini Suites: $16,495; K7 - Suites: $17,210New reservations only
Highlights	This voyage is well priced for the quality of the program and comfort of the icebreaker. This is an early season departure, so lots of ice and snow.
Trip Notes	Mandatory Travel Insurance:Passengers traveling aboard the Polar Star are required to be covered by a travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000. Proof of coverage is required to confirm your trip. We recommend Travelex Travelite insurance, ask your Program Manager for additional details.Included:Cruise only; accommodation onboard; meals, coffee, tea and juice throughout duration of cruise; onboard lectures and activities; port charges and all shore excursions unless specifically stated. For 11/4/2008, 11/22/2008 departures, the following is also included: Expedition jacket; onboard boot rental; service charge (gratuity).Not Included:Air transportation and transfers to and from M/V Polar Star; fuel surcharge ($15 per person, per night); visa, passport, vaccination charges and airport departure taxes; pre and post cruise activities; hotels and meals not included in the ship cruise itinerary; emergency evacuation charges; personal expenses including laundry, postage, personal clothing requirements; medical expenses; personal travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as bar charges (alcohol, bottled water, sodas); communication costs (phone, fax, email) and shop purchases.
Payment Policy	A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.* Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).*Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure for the following sailings: 1/23/2009 and 2/3/2009.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-11-04	2008-11-22	+
2008-11-22	2008-12-10	+

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