|
Peru
Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Ecuador
Venezuela
Bolivia
Costa Rica
Panama
Guatemala
Africa
Australia
New Zealand
Activities in Other Countries
800-232-5658
1-512-443-5393
email


|
Argentina
Best
of Patagonia / Hiking
the Patagonia Classics / More
Patagonia Treks / Discovery
Tours
Buenos Aires / More Patagonia / Iguazu
Falls / Lake District / Salta
/ Mendoza /
Ibera
/ Valdes Peninsula
Antarctic Cruises / Expedition
Cruises / Best of Northwest /
Mountain Bike Tours / Winter
Trips
Polar Star Expeditions
M/V
Polar Star was built in Finland and served in the Swedish Maritime Administration's
fleet of icebreakers under the name of Njord. In 2000 she underwent complete
retrofit and upgrades. She was renamed M/V Polar Star after her namesake
that served Karlsen's Arctic cruise program. Karlsen Shipping, the parent
company, is an old Norwegian family business originally from the northwestern
coast of Norway and now headquartered in Halifax, Canada. With over 100
years experience in many aspects of the marine industry, Karlsen has operated
primarily in the Polar Regions.
Our
ship is one of the most safe and comfortable ice class vessels with safety
standards exceeding requirements for several years to come. The ship is
certified for worldwide international voyages, complying with the latest
SOLAS and IMF regulations for safety and the environment. We take up to
105 passengers on expedition cruises that by definition are to remote
destinations. For shore excursions, we are equipped with 10 16-man zodiacs.
The M/V Polar Star is large enough to voyage
to remote areas in comfort and small enough to enter out of the way destinations
that other vessels can only sail by. We explore nature's most breathtaking
wonders up close and our voyages offer magnificent wildlife on a journey
that is spirited with adventure.Our customers tell
us that we have some of the "industry bests" on board including
a very spacious bridge with an open bridge policy, large observation
lounge/lecture hall with seating for all passengers, one of the best standard
cabins (our K3) anda superior amount of outside viewing areas. Additional
common areas include a shop, sumptuous library, bar, fitness facility
and a dining room that seats all passengers in one sitting. Our varied
international menu is prepared fresh onboard. Our 45 cabins include 31
doubles, 4 superior cabins and 6 suites (all with private facilities),
plus an additional 4 cabins with shared facilities. Click
for cabin photos.
An Expedition Leader, who will work with
the Captain and officers to plan each day's itinerary, accompanies you
on your trip. He will be assisted by a group of naturalists, lecturers,
guides and Zodiac drivers, who have been selected for their knowledge
and experience in the areas we visit. Each of these talented men and women
will share their unique perspective with you throughout the cruise. Examples
of their expertise include Biology, Ornithology, Geology and History.
Each
evening you will receive a schedule that details the activities of the
following day, including mealtimes, lectures, videos, and excursions.
While you are at sea, your expedition staff will present a series of lectures
to expand your knowledge about the destinations you are visiting. As you
sail, you are invited to the navigation bridge, which offers an excellent
vantage point for spotting birds, marine mammals, and icebergs. The staff
will be present to help you identify the various species you encounter.
On an expedition cruise, your entertainment comes in the form of staff
lectures and, of course, the destinations themselves. In the off-hours,
many people devote themselves to writing in their journals, conversing
with shipmates, and enjoying the passing - and usually magnificent - scenery
Due to rising fuel costs, we have been forced
to add fuel surcharges to the listed prices of the cruises. For our 2007
-2009 seasos. It is currently at $15 per night per passenger. All current
bookings and new bookings will be subject to the above fuel surcharges.
|