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CRUISING TO ANTARCTICA On M/V USHUAIA

Antarctica is one of the most beautiful and unexplored places in our planet. For over two centuries, the White Continent has attracted scientists and adventurers for its unmatched natural beauty. Nowadays, this frozen land has opened its doors to world travelers who have become mesmerized with its unique wildlife, its majestic icebergs and its superb scenario. The austral summer, from November to March, with its endless daylight renders the exploration unique. The expedition leader will take voyagers to remote locations where only a few men have set foot on. While landing in zodiacs, large penguin colonies, magnificent whales, and breathtaking icebergs and glaciers will be at sight. Even if the itinerary might be the same for every departure, its changing climate and the whims of stranded icebergs prevent the possibility that two voyages could be alike, the overwhelming and sometimes awesome views are never the same. If you ever decide to come back, the scenery will be different.

The research vessel "Ushuaia" was built as an oceanographic research vessel for the NOAA (National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration), a United States of America government agency. The NOAA operated the vessel for more than 20 years, performing during that period many of the most important NOAA oceanographic research operations. After the NOAA period, the vessel was sold and reoriented to private oceanographic and antarctic research and logistic operations. The vessel was upgraded on navigation and communication equipment, and cabins and rooms were refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 84 passengers in 41 comfortable cabins. The vessel is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy

You will often make 2 or 3 landings a day via our fleet of zodiac craft. The constantly changing weather, scenery and colors will leave you awestruck and sometimes overwhelmed - sprawling "cities" of breeding penguins, elephant seal harems, magnificent whales, breathtaking mountain ranges, cathedral-sized icebergs and stunning hanging glaciers will be on show.

All cabins include a desk and ample storage space. Public areas feature a large dining room (one sitting), an observation lounge and bar, a conference room with modern multimedia equipment, a well-stocked library, a changing room and a small infirmary. Our expert captain, officers and crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation and have a great love of nature. We provide a specialist team of international expedition leaders and lecturers, all extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment. Our chefs prepare excellent cuisine including many local specialties and the bar is well-stocked with carefully selected wines and spirits.

The MV Ushuaia has 41cabins in 5 categories:

A Cabins 6 twin outside cabins with portholes on upper deck . 2 upper/lower beds, private bathroom with shower

B Cabins 12 twin outside cabins on main deck . 2 upper/lower beds, semi-private bathroom with shower

C Cabins 8 twin inside cabins on lower deck . 2 upper/lower beds, semi-private bathroom with shower.

Semi-private facilities = 2 cabins share 1 bathroom which is accessible from both cabins. Each cabin is also equipped with its own wash basin

Itinerary

Day 1- Departure from Ushuaia
We board the ship at 14:00 and depart from Ushuaia at 19:00, then, sail through the Beagle Channel, the Mackinley Pass and we see the wreck of the Logos Ship.

Days 2 and 3 -Crossing the Drake Passage
In open sea, we are followed by petrels and albatross. After passing the Antarctic Convergence (the real limit of the Antarctica), Latitude 60º South, icebergs of various sizes and shapes decorate our course. In the evening of day three, we reach the South Shetland Islands where we plan to make our first landing.

Days 4-8-Exploring South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island and the chance to swim in the hot springs of Pendulum Cove is truly amazing. King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Macaroni, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await you at Livingston Island.

The Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history will provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range.

We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways (depending on the ice conditions): the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, the latter are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. We plan to make at least two landings per day.

Possible landing sites may include:
Paradise Bay is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and we attempt a landing on the continent proper. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins.

Further exploration may take you to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins.

Days 9 and 10 -Crossing the Drake Passage
We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

Day 11: Arrival at Ushuaia Port 07:00 Hs.
We arrive at Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.

The itinerary is published only as reference, and they are subject to change because of the weather conditions, the captain's judgment, or any other reason beyond our reach, with no previous notice and without any right for the Passengers to demand any compensation whatsoever. The Company advises its Passengers to purchase a comprehensive travel Insurance.

Special!!!! For A280210 (February 28 – March 10, 2010), A100310 (Mar 10-20, 2010) and A200310 (March 20 – March 30, 2010) departures Second passenger pays only 50% of the rate!

2009-2010 Departures (from Ushuaia):

Price per person, double occupancy in US$ for bookings received by Feb. 28, 2010:

Price per person, double occupancy in US$ for bookings received March 1, 2010 or later:

2010-2011 Departures (from Ushuaia):

Price per person, double occupancy in US$:

All rates are quoted per person in US Dollars, based on twin occupancy. A limited amount of twin cabins (except suites) are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the share rate. Suites may be reserved at 2 times the share rate. A third berth in two of the suites maybe occupied at 50% of the published twin share rate. Shared accommodation can be arranged on request. All rates are subject to change and operator reserves the right to modify the published rates without prior notice.

All rates are subject to change, especially possible fuel surcharges. However, there will be no fuel surcharge for the 2009-10 season if the price of the barrel of crude oil is US$100 or lower.

Included in the cruise price:
Voyage aboard the ‘Ushuaia’ as indicated in the itinerary.
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the "Ushuaia".
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Detailed post-expedition log.


Not included in the cruise price:
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to / from the vessel; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages (guidelines will be provided).

Reservations and Payments
A deposit of 30% of the cruise fare is required per person to confirm reservations with final payment due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations
All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received 90 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of US$ 500 per person.

From 89 days up to and including the day of departure all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 89 day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately.

For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance.