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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 trip was absolutely great. The expedition staff and the crew were absolutely great and the landings on the continent were what we had hoped for. I would certainly recommend this boat to anyone who wants to do a trip to the Antarctic. Finally a big thanks to yourself for all your efforts and guiding us successfully down there. Again if anyone else that I know wishes to travel to that part of the world, I shall again gladly recommend your services. Now we are looking for other less traveled but exciting places to go to. Any Ideas? Many thanks again. Roger"

Deck Plan

The MV Ushuaia has 41cabins in 5 categories:

Suites 5 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck (G), private facilities, two lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge. Suite 201 features two double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suite 203 features two lower single beds, Suites 204 and 207 three lower single beds.		Superior 8 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper Deck (G), private facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 features one double and one single bed.
A cabins 6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper Deck (G), private facilities, two lower berths.	B cabins - 14 Twin outside cabins: 12 Twin outside cabins with portholes on Deck (E) and semi-private facilities, two berths (upper/lower). 2 twin outside cabins (214 and 215) with portholes on deck (G) feature private facilities and two berths (upper/lower).	C cabins 8 Twin inside cabins on the lower Deck (D), with semi-private facilities, two berths (upper/lower).

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

Cabin upgrades during current refurbishment: All cabins on the upper deck G (Categories Suite, Superior and A) will now feature private facilities, lower berths and windows. The two remaining former A cabins (214 + 215) on deck G continue to feature upper and lower berths, private facilities and portholes and will be available at the B category rate.

"The trip was outstanding - all the travel arrangements and coordination came off without a hitch. The zodiac landings were perfect and always led to amazing vistas. I can now visualize "infinity": it is where water meets ice, ice meets snow, snow meets glazed mountains, and snow covered peaks interlace with clouds - truly amazing. The penguin highways gave me a teaching opportunity with my thirteen year old son: when the penguin falls down, it just gets back up and keeps on moving. They are beautiful animals thousands swimming, walking, and nesting. Many seals and whales caught our eyes and hearts as they seem to enjoy human visitors, too. The weather was perfect whether cloudy with high seas or clear skies and smooth sailing - we loved it all! The food was just the right amount, healthy and of good quality. The well educated tour guides (Geologist and Naturalist and others) gave informative and friendly on-board lectures on all aspects of Antarctica to include geography, history and wildlife. They were safety minded the entire trip. We were taught to respect this vast continent and to leave nothing behind except our narrow foot-step paths. We will never forget this father-son trip. Thank for all of your help and answering my many questions. If any of your potential customers are on the fence about going on this adventure- give them "my nudge" they will be better for it. Regards, Mark "

Itineraries

2011-2012 Departures (from Ushuaia):

We are delighted to announce a special 10% discount for bookings in cabin categories B, A, Superior and Suites on the following voyages aboard the USHUAIA:
A280112 - January 28 – February 07, 2012
A160212 - February 16 – 26, 2012
A250312 - March 25 – April 03, 2012

The following offer continues for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons:
* Special rates for families: A child (under 16 years) accompanied by two adults will be free of charge in a triple Superior cabin or triple Suite.

Price per person, double occupancy in US$:

2012-2013 Departures (from Ushuaia):

* Special rates for families: A child (under 16 years) accompanied by two adults will be free of charge in a triple Superior cabin or triple Suite.

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 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.

"It was the best trip we've ever done. Absolutely superb. I can't praise them enough. Thanks for everything as it worked like a dream and the crew/boat were fantastic. We loved it and want to go back !" Alistair