Cruises to Antarctica on the RCGS Resolute
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This ship is no longer operating.
In November 2018, a purpose built polar expedition vessel, RCGS Resolute set sail. Designed for comfort, it is modern, well appointed, safe and ice-strengthened. |
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From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, they have public spaces onboard the ship ideally suited for each and every need. Two separate bar and lounge areas featuring 180 degree views and a wonderfully stocked library provide ideal places to relax or catch up on some reading. The sumptuous meals prepared for you by their culinary team are enjoyed in either of the two dining rooms, one of which features a popular bistro menu offering quick and easy meals for those prioritizing time out on deck. Both dining rooms have ample and open seating paired with modern furnishings and large picture windows with 180 degree views. Other facilities include a theater style presentation room, gift-shop, gymnasium, wellness center, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room and salt water pool.
RCGS Resolute was purpose built for polar expedition cruising with the highest ice class (Lloyds 1AS). Equipped with propellers of stainless steel, high density steel plating and small frame spacing on her hull, RCGS Resolute continues into the ice, when others simply cannot. This stability and strength are features greatly appreciated in ice laden large waters. Unmatched stability, coupled with superior speed allows for more time at your destination and more flexibility with itinerary planning – a critical factor in polar waters where ice and weather conditions sometimes dictate daily plans.
Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views. The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium. Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theater style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows. Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs. Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependent on the guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling. Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! In all cabin categories there are memory foam mattress toppers, cozy bathrobes, upgraded linen, hypo allergenic full size high loft pillows, black out curtains, cabin climate controls, ecologically sensitive and locally sourced natural amenities, in room musical entertainment (MP3 capable), personal tea/coffee station, complimentary water bottles, color coordinated cabin palette & complimentary turn down service each evening. For additional luxury all suites have premium bedding on both a double bed and lower berth, as well as a relaxation kit for pre-bedtime preparation. The One Ocean Suites are situated on Deck 6 and offer an indulgent amount of space. Sleeping quarters feature a queen size bed with upgraded linen/pillows. Included is a comfortable sectional lounge with matching club chairs, a large desk, expansive floor to ceiling cabinetry, and spacious washroom facilities with both a shower and bathtub. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. These suites provide easy access to the ship’s bridge, the bistro and outdoor observation spaces. The panoramic observation lounge and recreation facilities are located nearby on Deck 7. The Shackleton Suites are situated on Deck 6. Suites include the comfort of a sectional lounge, writing desk, substantial floor to ceiling cabinetry, and washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Sleeping quarters feature the option for either a queen or two single beds with upgraded linen/ pillows. These Suites provide easy access to the ship’s bridge, the bistro and outdoor observation spaces. The forward panoramic observation lounge and recreation facilities are also located nearby on Deck 7. Superior Plus cabins are located midships on Deck 5. They are spacious and well appointed with the option for either a queen or two single beds. A comfortable lounge is placed by the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample floor to ceiling cabinet storage and private washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Centrally located on the ship, these cabins provide easy access to the aft observation lounge featuring 180 degree views and the ship’s dining areas. Located forward on Deck 5 the Superior cabins have the option for either a queen or two single beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. These cabins provide easy access to the forward stairs leading up to the bridge on Deck 6 and the forward observation lounge located on Deck 7. Twin private cabins are spacious and well appointed, these cabins are situated on Deck 4 and have the option for either a queen or two single configured beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. These cabins provide easy access to the main dining room on the ship as well as the gift shop. The main triple cabins are on Deck 3. These cabins feature the option for a double or two single beds and a third Pullman berth, which can fold out from the wall if required. A sectional lounge is placed by the portholes with a writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. These cabins provide easy access to the expedition room and gangway. The bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smooth the start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks. Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare. For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, they can accommodate that too. Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next. Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views. There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds. The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. |
ExperiencesThe Expedition program is the backbone of our voyages offered in Antarctica. As world leaders in polar expedition cruising and the exploration of remote environments, the team provides a wealth of knowledge and experience. They were the first to bring overnight camping, sea kayaking and hiking to the polar regions in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. New to this offering is a unique opportunity to join a crossing of South Georgia, led by IFMGA guides on the select ‘South Georgia In-Depth’ voyages. The expedition programming gives you an unparalleled experience in the beauty of the region, whilst giving you the options to explore it your way.
Exploration programming encompasses a range of established itineraries focused on expanding knowledge. You may choose to travel alongside scientists counting penguins, or prefer to share a Zodiac with marine biologists researching the behavior of marine mammals. Budding historians can experience archaeological sites of interest with onboard historians. Whichever subject matter sparks your interest, you will experience a more in-depth exploration of these incredible regions. Travelling alongside scientists, pioneers and experts in their fields, exploring the world’s most remote regions will be a transformative experience. Featured Programming:
Included Extras - Expedition Gear Package for duration of the voyage - valued at US$1,000
ItinerariesANTARCTICA – OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
The first trip of the season is met with pristine conditions following the heavy snowfall of the Antarctic winter. This comprehensive and diverse voyage offers Zodiac cruising, onshore walks and hikes, visits to wildlife colonies, exploration of historic sites and excursions to discover the beautiful bays and landing sites found along the Antarctic Peninsula. This itinerary combines untouched Antarctica with plenty of options for the more adventurous. Guests can choose to participate in expedition snowshoeing, sea kayaking with an overnight camping option, expedition field photography and, only on this voyage, ski touring. ANTARCTIC PENINSULA ADVENTURE
This classic itinerary is a favorite for whale watching, seabird viewing, visiting penguin colonies and experiencing Zodiac excursions in Antarctica. The commitment to deliver a variety of excursions, encompassing different activities, including the option to camp onshore, allows guests to choose how their expedition unfolds. Discover the key excursion areas of the peninsula showcasing penguins, seals, whales, seabirds and epic ice. This itinerary can be accessed by sailing the Drake Passage or by flight ANTARCTICA IN-DEPTH
Maximise your time in Antarctica on this unique expedition cruise. The snow is pristine and penguin rookeries are busy as young penguin chicks emerge. This voyage encompasses two additional days of exploration in Antarctica without adding to the total length of the voyage. We achieve this by flying, saving two days on the return sea crossing. Those two days ‘saved’ are spent exploring this incredible destination. This equals more time on shore, more time in the Zodiacs and more time spent in the company of our expert guides. There are several versions of this itinerary. CHRISTMAS IN ANTARCTICA
December provides maximum hours of daylight as we experience Antarctica during the summer solstice. We visit many of the classic locations along the Antarctic Peninsula providing a great variety of exciting activities both on and off the ship. Traditionally, this departure has been very popular with families as it falls over the holiday season. Join us for the most wonderful ‘white Christmas’ you could ever imagine, surrounded by icebergs, crystal clear waters and astonishing wildlife. There are several versions of this itinerary, including a crossing of the Weddell Sea. QUEST FOR THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
This popular voyage allows us to reach our objective of the Antarctic Circle in less time with the use of flights, crossing the Drake Passage in just over two hours instead of two days. For a relatively short voyage, this trip packs a serious punch, offering fantastic diversity of scenery, wildlife and historic and scientific interest. This itinerary is filled with excursions on the Zodiacs and onshore. A hotel night at the end of the voyage in Punta Arenas, Chile is included. There are several versions of this itinerary. SOUTH GEORGIA IN-DEPTH
This popular voyage offers the best South Georgia has to offer and only on this trip will you have the privilege of spending more consecutive days exploring the island. Here you will witness what has often been described as the ‘greatest wildlife show on Earth’. The story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance expedition from over a century ago is forever connected to the island. Today, the place teems with wildlife on a jaw-dropping scale. King penguin rookeries are home to more than 100,000 birds, seals cover the beaches and nesting seabirds fill the skies. SOUTH GEORGIA IN-DEPTH – PHOTOGRAPHY SYMPOSIUM
This fantastic voyage offers the same itinerary as South Georgia In-depth, however, unique to this departure is a custom program designed for photography enthusiasts. This program runs parallel to our daily off-ship excursions and activities. The photography team of five provides practical guidance, deep insight and special excursions which will include early mornings and late evenings chasing the Antarctic light. The program is open to photographers of all abilities and is included in the voyage fare. FALKLAND ISLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA
This is the most far-reaching polar journey and includes visits to three different regions. The sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands and the island of South Georgia are home to an abundance of unique wildlife. There are penguin rookeries with more than 100,000 nesting birds and the beaches are covered with fur seals and elephant seals. We frequently encounter whales including humpback, minke and orca. Seabirds, including many of the albatross species, call these islands home. Both regions offer fascinating history and stunning scenery. To the south lies Antarctica, the frozen continent and a highlight of this remarkable voyage. There are several variations of this itinerary. FALKLANDS ISLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA – MEGA COLONIES
This new itinerary explores the recently discovered penguin mega colonies in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica. Similar to our classic far-reaching voyage, on this itinerary we prioritize the region’s largest penguin colonies, including St Andrew’s Bay and Salisbury Plain on South Georgia, Paulet Island and Bailey Head and also the Danger Islands, to experience the mega-colony of Adelie penguins. |
