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Antarctica & Sub-Antarctic Islands Odyssey
Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

**Nov. 22-Dec. 10, 2010 & *Feb. 28-March 18, 2010 (reverse)
(19 days/ 18 nights)

(note: * = 20% discount in K2 & K3 categories for these departures, subject to availability
**35% discount until Aug. 10, then 20%)

DAY 1: USHUAIA – Embark the M/V Polar Star in Ushuaia and be a part of southern ocean odyssey.

DAYS 2 – 3: DRAKE PASSAGE – We prepare for our great adventure through extensive and varied lectures. From the bridge, observation lounge or deck, we watch for the first iceberg of the trip as well as whale, dolphin and birds.

DAY 4: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLAND – On Deception Island, warm air escapes through volcanic vents in the ground – the phenomena caused by the island’s dormant volcano. We plan to explore Chinstrap penguin rookeries on Half Moon Island and will be on the lookout for Antarctic tern, Kelp gull, Skua, Antarctic shag and Sheathbill as well as seals and whales.

DAYS 5-6: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & WEDDELL SEA – We explore the Peninsula area and then head to the Weddell Sea, where we watch for huge tabular icebergs. Zodiacs will take us cruising around pristine white icebergs and to land where crowds of busy penguins and seals coexist. We plan to visit the volcanic Paulet Island at the rim of the Weddell Sea and home to an Adelie penguin rookery, Weddell seal, Fur seal, Blue Eyed shag and petrel. We keep a constant watch in this area for the possibility of an Emperor penguin sighting. Landings are also planned for Brown Bluff, a volcanic mountain, Devil’s Island and Snow Hill Island.

DAYS 7-9: AT SEA & SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS – Our onboard education continues with time for relaxing, socializing and wildlife viewing from the decks, bridge and observation lounge. If weather conditions allow, we plan to land at South Orkney Islands, an area with a long history in science and research and home to the Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater and Elephant seals.

DAYS 10-13: SOUTH GEORGIA – Crowds of Gentoo, Adelie, Marconi, King and Chinstrap penguins live in this amazing environment of rugged glacial peaks, fjords and tussock grass. We plan to land at Grytviken, where, in the Whaler’s Cemetery, the grave of Polar explorer Ernest Shackleton can be found. We also visit the museum and Norwegian church. Other planned landings include Cooper Bay, Gold Harbour, St. Andrew’s Bay, Prion Island, Fortuna Bay and Stromness.

DAYS 14-15: AT SEA – En route to the Falkland Islands relax, attend lectures and as always watch for sea and birdlife.

DAYS 16 – 17: FALKLAND ISLANDS – We land at Stanley and make a visit to the museum to learn about the natural and political history of the area. This archipelago is rich in history, scenery and wildlife - including albatross, petrel, seal and five species of penguins. We also plan to visit West Point and New Island.

DAYS 18: AT SEA - With our minds now teeming with unforgettable experiences and poignant moments, we turn towards the conclusion of this program taking time to recap and debrief. Our last evening onboard, we gather for the farewell reception and Captain’s dinner.

DAY 19: USHUAIA - We disembark after breakfast in Ushuaia fondly known as “fin del mundo” (end of the world).

Pricing table

Prices quoted in US$ per passenger in cabin categories as described and are subject to availability and change.

Due to rising fuel costs, fuel surcharges may apply..

Single Travelers: may book to share in a K1,K2 or K3 cabin and will be guaranteed the double rate whether or not a cabin mate can be found.
Children's rates: children under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Ages 13-18 = 10% discount, ages 2-12 = 30% discount, 2 or under = $50 per day if family provides sleeping crib/cot.
Early booking discount: with full fare payment you qualify for discount of 10% if confirmed 24 months in advance, or 5% if confirmed 15-24 months in advance.
Payment: $500 per person deposit and final payment 60 days prior to departure

Inclusions
Cruise only; accommodation onboard; meals, coffee, tea and juice throughout duration of cruise, onboard gratuities; complimentary rubber boot rental program and complimentary PSE Maritime Expedition Outer Shell (jacket custom designed for the layering concept); onboard lectures and activities; port charges and all excursions unless specifically stated.

Exclusions
Air transport and transport to and from M/V Polar Star; 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; and personal expenses including laundry, postage, personal clothing requirements, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges (alcohol, bottled water, sodas), communication costs (phone, fax, email) and shop purchases.