Antarctic & Arctic antarctic discovery trip highlights The most wildlife rich part of Antarctica penguins, whales, seals, sea birds Narrow sheltered waterways and fjords Spectacular mountains rising directly out of the sea Historic sites Active scientific stations Great variety of terrain over short distances Icebergs and active glaciers Opportunity to camp on ice (optional) Kayaking through Antarctic waters (optional) Trip Duration 10 days Trip Code: OPP Grade Discovery and Cruising Activities Optional Camping & Kayaking Summary 10 day voyage and 9 nights aboard Plancius welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for enquiring about our Antarctic Discovery voyage. It s one of an ensemble of small group voyages to the Polar Regions of Antarctica and the high Arctic, offered by World Expeditions. Travelling to such delicate eco systems requires a responsible approach from the outset and choosing to travel on an ice strengthened ship that carries no more than 114 passengers is the ideal way to minimize your impact. Small group voyages also help to maximize your time on shore and create a more personal and interactive mood while on the ship. Our zodiacs transfer us from ship to shore each day while the sea kayaking option is available on many of our voyages and ideal for those seeking more activity during their Polar experience. If you prefer to stay on the boat, then the spacious observation lounge (with bar) and large open deck spaces, giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife, will always keep you occupied, in between informative lectures from experienced naturalists and polar guides. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience! why travel with World Expeditions? We offer unique, small group expedition cruises that allow you to enjoy the natural wildlife and scenery of some of the world s most spectacular and pristine shorelines. The size, capacity and capability of our ice strengthened vessels have proven to be a successful formula for many years. 1 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/17/2015 2:59:38 PM
Drake Weddell Sea antarctic discovery South Orkney Islands Antarctic Peninsula Elephant Is South Shetland Islands Adelaide Is Antarctic Circle Passage Falkland Islands Ushuaia South America 2015 19 Dec - 28 Dec H,1,K,CP 2016 07 Jan - 16 Jan H,K,CP 17 Mar - 26 Mar L,2 trip cost Joining Ushuaia Quadruple low season: USD$5550 All prices are per person options & supplements L - Triple with porthole low season: L - Twin with porthole low season: H - Quadruple High Season: L - Twin with window low season: L - Twin Deluxe low season: H - Triple with Porthole High Season: L - Superior low season: H - Twin with Porthole High Season: H - Twin with Window High Season: H - Twin Deluxe High Season: H - Superior High Season: CP - Camping: K - Kayaking Option: trip dates important notes L - Low Season,H - High Season,CP - Camp,K - Kayak,1 - Snowshoeing is available free of charge on this voyage.,2 - Special whale watching voyage USD$6150 USD$7050 USD$7050 USD$7450 USD$7850 USD$7950 USD$8600 USD$8650 USD$9150 USD$9650 USD$10550 USD$180 USD$465 World Expeditions does not require single travellers pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share a cabin with another traveller of the same gender. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee single occupancy of the cabin, ask us for pricing details. For competitive airfares to Ushuaia and stopover ideas, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote. the trip Antarctica is all about discovery and exploration. We follow in the footsteps of those great heroes of Antarctic history as we set sail from the tip of South America and cross the Drake Passage. Accompanied by expert naturalists we spot albatross floating gracefully over the southern ocean and eagerly await our first sight of land. The Antarctic Peninsula offers you the most dramatic scenery and biggest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. In the southern summer large ice free areas provide breeding grounds for very large numbers of seabirds, penguins and seals. From King George Island and Penguin Island we will sail down to the beautiful Paradise Bay, where we make our first footsteps on the Antarctic mainland. The narrow and spectacular Lemaire Channel is surrounded by mountains and glaciers and a popular passage for several species of whales journeying up and down the sheltered Antarctic Peninsula waterways. In the Antarctic Peninsula, Minke Whales and sometimes Orca and Humpback Whales can be spotted, as well as the ferocious looking Leopard Seals. at a glance DAY 1 DAYS 2-3 DAYS 4-7 DAYS 8-9 DAY 10 EMBARK USHUAIA CROSS THE DRAKE PASSAGE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA DRAKE PASSAGE DISEMBARK USHUAIA, WHERE TRIP CONCLUDES additional deposits required A deposit of 25% of the per person cabin cost is required to confirm your berth. This deposit is non refundable and we recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking. what s included 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 9 dinners Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise Specialist expedition staff All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services Medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board) Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities Pre departure information Pre scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation). No local payments policy: Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. detailed itinerary DAY 1 Embark Ushuaia You will be warmly greeted by the crew and expedition staff as you embark Plancius in the afternoon. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, we will settle into shipboard life and enjoy our first meal on board. meals: D 2 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/17/2015 2:59:38 PM
DAYS 2-3 Cross the Drake Passage During these two days, we will sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we will arrive in the circum-antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black-browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we will glimpse at the first icebergs. meals: B,L,D DAYS 4-7 Antarctic Peninsula We will sail directly to High Antarctica, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island, we will find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. If we land on Danco Island, we can observe Chinstrap Penguins, and possibly Weddell and Crabeater Seals. In Neko Harbour, we will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers, and enjoy the landscape during zodiac cruises. When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, we will have the opportunity for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. In this area, we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, we hope to get permission to visit the British research station and post office - Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may also offer a landing on Jougla Point, with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags. We will also sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Island, where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales. A visit to one of the scientific stations in Antarctica, will give you an insight into the life of modern Antarcticans working on the White Continent. Further south, we may visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, where we will receive a warm welcome from the station crew. Sailing north through Neumayer Channel, we will arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape with icebergs, where we may encounter Leopard Seals, Crabeater Seals and whales. meals: B,L,D DAYS 8-9 Drake Passage In the Drake Passage, we will have again a chance of seeing many seabirds, and to take advantage of the knowledge of our lecture team. meals: B,L,D DAY 10 Disembark Ushuaia, where trip concludes During the early morning we will cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia. It is a busy time, with people saying farewell to our crew and others who have shared the intensity of being in a magnificent white wilderness. We will head off in our different directions, hopefully with a new found sense of the power of natural forces. meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. boat cruise 3 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/17/2015 2:59:38 PM
fast facts Countries Visited: Antarctica Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* *Ask our staff for more information. M/v Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named Hr. Ms. Tydeman. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v Plancius is classed by Lloyd s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag. M/v Plancius accommodates 116 passengers in 53 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 triple private cabins, 39 twin private cabins and 10 twin superior cabins. All cabins offer lower berths (either two single beds or one queen size bed), except for the 4 triple cabins (bunk beds and 1 lower bed). The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v Plancius has large open deck spaces (with full walk around possibilities on deck 3), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4 stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. M/v Plancius is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are and will still be primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel program, spending as much time ashore as possible. This vessel will fully meet our demands to achieve this. The vessel is equipped with a diesel electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the engines considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 12 knots. The vessel is ice strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/v Plancius is manned by 17 nautical crew, 19 hotel staff (6 chefs, 1 hotel manager, 1 steward barman and 11 stewards / cabin cleaners), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides lecturers) and 1 doctor. Length: 89 metres (293 feet) Breadth: 14,5 metres (47 feet) Draft: 5 metres (16 feet) Ice class: 1D Displacement: 3175 tonnes Engines: 3x Diesel Electric Speed: 10 12 knots Passengers: 116 suggested extensions Paine and Fitz Roy Trek Patagonia Adventure Torres del Paine Circuit We have a range of Patagonia options including short customised itineraries and group departures. Ask our office for details. We also have a range of options to Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and more Refer to our website, www.worldexpeditions.com for more details climate The climate in Antarctica is characterized by a long winter and a relatively short summer. We visit the Peninsula during the summer (November to March) when temperatures hover between 15 and +2 degrees Celsius during the day. Wind chill can cause this temperature to drop below 15 degrees Celsius. The Antarctic continent is considered to be the coldest desert in the world. Precipitation can occur during the summer on the Peninsula however it is unlikely to persist for longer than a few hours. 4 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/17/2015 2:59:38 PM
responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com trip grading Discovery and Cruising Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the accent on the active. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant of travel agent. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. a typical day Because of the exploratory nature of these voyages we do not have a set itinerary. The final decisions on our daily program will make best use of local ice and weather conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. These notes are designed to give you a good idea of our intentions. Kayaking Option: Basic kayaking experience is required and physical fitness is essential. Parallel to all other activities we are planning on offering kayaking excursions during morning and / or afternoon landings. The final decision on those excursions will be met by the Expedition Leader. We will provide kayaks and neoprene wet suits. Kayakers will need to bring their own personal gear. Kayaking is subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions. Pre booking is required. Field Camping Option: On these voyages we offer an exciting open air camping option, which gives an intensive experience of the Antarctic wilderness. Special gear and field equipment will be provided: tents, wind and waterproof bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to a tent system). This shelter will protect you from the elements during the night in the open air of the Antarctic. Mattresses and polar sleeping bags provide comfort during the night. The maximum number of participants for this camping option is 30 participants per night. One expedition guide will conduct the activity ashore. Camping is always subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations. Pre booking is required. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance to determine whether we can cater on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. equipment required A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre departure information supplied on booking. protecting the environment Antarctica is the largest wilderness region on earth and deserves special protection. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) was formed in 1991 to promote environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic. World Expeditions is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, and we are proud to be an Associate Member of IAATO. Participants on our voyages are briefed on the environmental codes of conduct & the scientific explanations behind them, to help maximize the enjoyment of their visit without compromising the pristine environment. non exclusive trips Please note that this trip is not exclusive to World Expeditions clients and you will be joining a group of 114 adventurers from around the world. wildlife Apart from the deep sea, Antarctica is the oldest and largest self contained ecosystem in the world. The animal world is very closely linked with the sea and is consequently to be found mainly on the periphery of the continent. With the exception of a few insects, all forms of life capitulate in the face of the increasingly harsh climatic conditions further inland. The coastal 5 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/17/2015 2:59:38 PM
regions are populated by sea birds such as petrels, albatrosses, skuas and penguins as well as marine mammals like the crabeater seal, leopard seal, Ross seal, Weddell seal, fin and right whale, and sea lions. The Antarctic sea regions contain the greatest quantities of animal protein on Earth. Antarctica s marine food chain The most common Antarctic shrimp, krill, uses its front legs to catch microscopic unicellular algae known as diatoms. The word krill comes from the Norwegian and means food of the whale. All living creatures consume 90% of their food for their everyday activities and thus convert only 10% into body weight, meaning that nutritional value declines exponentially as one progresses through the food chain. The whale jumps these links in the chain by preying directly on krill rather than on fish or sea birds. A fin whale requires about 2 3 tonnes of krill per day to reach an impressive length of 24 metres and a weight of up to 80 tonnes. Antarctic birds Penguins represent half of the Antarctic bird population, nine tenths of its biomass. These birds depend on the sea for their food. They eat about 4.7 million tons of food each month, mainly crustaceans and fish, but also squid. While penguins dominate the bird biomass, tube nosed petrels constitute the majority of the breeding species. Other groups include cormorants, skuas, gulls, and terns. It takes a tough bird to overcome Antarctica s notorious inclemency. One might infer from the enormous concentrations of sea birds that do occur that the populations are invincible. They are not. The long isolation of Antarctic birds has produced an extraordinarily innocent and docile avifauna a quality attractive to both scientific study and tourism, but one that leaves these highly vulnerable birds open to harm from human presence or mismanagement. Natural factors such as storms or abnormally extensive sea ice can cause extremely high mortality in nesting areas. But Antarctic bird species have evolved to overcome these adversities. Human activity is another matter. On the evolutionary time scale, people and their machines have just entered the Antarctic scene. The birds have had little time to adjust. Studies have shown that even casual or occasional contacts with Antarctic bird colonies can adversely affect breeding success. After visits are ended or controlled, bird populations have been observed to return to former levels. Today, much is known about some of these birds at breeding sites, but virtually nothing about the longer time they spend at sea. flora Infertile and wasteland are two words one often hears in connection with the polar regions. Yet over 800 species of flowering plant flourish in the Arctic, though by contrast there are only two species of flowering plants on the Antarctic mainland since it is a long way from the next continent, a fact which reduces the chances of new plant species becoming established. The major part of Antarctica is also covered by eternal ice and the climate is much harsher than in most parts of the Arctic. In the few places where plants can grow, mosses and lichens play a bigger role than flowering plants. Some lichens even grow in the polar desert areas in the interior of Antarctica where the conditions are truly extreme. Arctic plants have to be very small to survive. A tall plant would be helplessly exposed to the sharp ice crystals with which the wind would constantly batter it. what s not included Air transport and transfers before and after the cruises (except for pre scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia, directly after disembarkation). Passport and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and airport departure taxes Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary 6 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/17/2015 2:59:38 PM
Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls Emergency evacuation charges Customary end of voyage tips info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. subscribe to our e-newsletter Subscribe to our enewsletter! To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter! You can do this online through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office. trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability as we operate strictly small group adventures. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as permits, hotels and flights to name but a few. The demand for these services is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website www.worldexpeditions.com. On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest World Expeditions office along with your non refundable deposit. World Expeditions has access to competitive airfares. Call your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance and additional accommodation. 7 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 5/29/2015 10:02:20 PM