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ANTARCTIC CRUISES

M/V Plancius

Antartica Dream

RT

ANTARCTIC DREAM EXPEDITION

11 Day Expedition Traveling to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula for only 80 passengers

This expedition offers you the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, it will take you to the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. The program is orientated to the viewing of wildlife and the breathtaking scenery of narrow waterways, glaciers, icebergs and the rugged mountains. The itinerary given below is the 11 day expedition. Of course no two expeditions can be exactly the same so the itinerary outlined here is for your guidance only: the Captain and the Expedition Leader will assess conditions daily with the intention of maximizing your time ashore. This means taking full advantage of opportunities to land passengers with  zodiacs and making best use of the light of the long summer days. 
 

Day 01 USA-BUENOS AIRES

Depart USA for Buenos Aires. Overnight flight.

Day 02 Buenos Aires- Ushuaia

Arrive in Buenos Aires and connect with flight for Ushuaia. Arrive and transfer to hotel Ushuaia for overnight.

Day 03 : Ushuaia – Argentina
Transfer to the pier. Passengers board the "Antarctic Dream” where you will be greeted by its Expedition Leader and staff and shown to your cabin. Check in starts about 2.30pm. Departure is scheduled for 7:00 pm (B,D)

Days 04 to 05 : Drake Passage 
Wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other seabirds will escort the vessel as you sail south across this famous passage named after Sir Francis Drake, the 16th-century English navigator. We will continue towards the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zone. In 1819, the British explorer William Smith described the South Shetland Islands as "barren and covered with snow, with seals in abundance". Yet, mosses and lichens thrive during the short summer at the low-lying peninsulas of these rugged islands located directly adjacent to the Antarctic Peninsula. (B,L,D)

Day 06 : King George Island 
King George Island will give us an early taste of what the Antarctic really is. It was discovered by the British adventurer William Smith in 1819 and is the biggest island of the South Shetlands; nearly 90% of it is covered by the Collins glacier. Prior to departing, and if the weather is good, we will offer passengers a short helicopter over-flight to admire the immensity and beauty of the landscape*. If conditions do not allow us to fly we will disembark in Potter Bay and visit the Argentine scientific base, Jubany. Here there will be great chances of finding marine elephants.
In the afternoon we will disembark at Aitcho Island which is in between Greenwich and Robert Islands and is part of the South Shetlands. We should be able to see Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins as well as Weddell Sea seals and sea elephants before continuing with the crossing of the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits to enter Andvord Bay where we find Neko Bay. (B,L,D)

Day 07 : Antarctic Peninsula & Neko Bay
Besides the magnificent scenery of mountains, snow and ice, in Antarctica you can expect to see a wide variety of the native wildlife, including thousands of nests of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie penguins. Other birds to look out for are blue-eyed shags, gulls, cape petrels, skuas, snowy sheathbills and Antarctic terns. Marine mammals that you are likely to see include Weddell crab-eaters and leopard seals while Orcas, humpback and mink whales may be spotted at close range. This area is also of substantial historical interest and was extensively explored by several expeditions during the 19th century. Passengers should feel the same sense of excitement as the early explorers as you keep a lookout from the Bridge or other vantage points while your vessel threads her way through this dramatic and pristine region.
The program includes your first landing on the White Continent (Neko Bay) and another on Port Lockroy (Gaudier Island). Neko Bay was discovered by Adrian de Gerlache, a Belgian explorer between 1897 and 1899 and it is called Neko after the Norwegian whale ship which operated in this area from 1911 to 1912 and from 1923 to 1924. Port Lockroy is close to Wiencke Island in the Antarctic Peninsula and was the principle base of the 1944 Tabarin Operation - the scientific research included the Antarctic’s first ionosphere measurements and also the first recording of an atmospheric whistle. (B,L,D)

Day 08 : Pleneau - Petermann Island
Cruise sail south through the narrow Lemaire Channel whose high, sheer cliffs suggest that no passage could be found. Once through the channel, known as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and provided climate and ice conditions are good enough, we will be able to visit Petermann Island which is the most southern land point of our expedition. Here we will disembark and will be able to see the most southern colony of Gentoo penguins which nest near our landing spot. On this island we will also be able to see a colony of beautiful Adelei penguins, skuas and blue-eyed shags. At Pleneau we should have the opportunity to take our zodiacs and visit impressive ice formations. (B,L,D)

Day 09 : Paradise Bay – Cuverville Island 
At this point of our program we will begin our return voyage. During the morning and, stressing again that “if weather permits”, we will disembark or use our zodiacs in Paradise Bay. This is one of the most striking places of the whole Antarctic Peninsula. Here glaciers tumble into the sea; icebergs break off and are later carved into wonderful shapes by the wind and the sea.
In the evening we will visit Cuverville Island. Beside its dramatic scenery it is home to one of the largest colony of Gentoo penguins and skuas. This rocky island is on the north side of the Errera Channel, between Ronge Island and the Arctowski Peninsula. It has been noted that reproduction of Papua penguins, giant petrels, Wilson petrels, skuas, and shags take place on Cuverville Island. Most visitors find the viewing of such abundant wildlife is every bit as rewarding as the magnificent Antarctic scenery, and you will be enchanted by these waterways. Navigating and exploring these channels is certainly one of the highlights of a visit to the Peninsula. Unfortunately on some trips they may be choked with icebergs and pack ice. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : Deception Island – Whaler’s Bay – Pendulum Cove
We continue sailing to Deception Island which is at the northwest side of the Peninsula. Deception Island is the largest active volcano in the area and one of the main sources of seismic and volcanic activity in the Antarctic. Sailing through the narrow passage into its huge flooded crater is a thrilling experience. Do not forget to bring your bathing suite as swimming in this water is a unique experience.
During the morning we will try to disembark in Whaler’s Bay and Pendulum Cove. In the afternoon and depending on weather conditions we will disembark at Hannah Point (Livingstone Island). This is one of the best places in the Antarctic to see fauna and we should see Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, giant petrels, Wilson petrels, skuas and blue-eyed shags. With luck we should also see sea elephants. (B,L,D)

Days 11 to 12 : Drake Passage
Today, we will leave the Antarctic and head north back across the Drake Passage. Now is the chance to compare and revise notes and dwell on the adventures of the past week, to take in the final lectures and to enjoy the delicious gastronomy on board as you return to Ushuaia. (B,L,D)

Day 13 : Ushuaia-Santiago-USA
After and early breakfast we will land at 9:00 am and bid farewell to our guests. Thus ends an incredible and unique expedition. Flight to Santiago and connect with flight to Miami, New York or Los Angeles. (B)

Day 14 ARRIVE USA

Including:

One night hotel accommodations in Ushuaia with breakfast. Accommodations for 11 nights with room taxes and service charges aboard the Antartic Dream. All meals while on cruise. Tours as mentioned in itinerary with English speaking tour guides. Transfers on arrival and departure including baggage handling. English speaking tour guides.

Not Included:

Insurance. Airport departure taxes and any other service not specifically mentioned in itinerary.  USA airport tax of  $253 (Inc. dep. tax /security/fuel surcharges) and when departing Chile US$30.00 (also...there is a first time entrance to Chile of $100 to be paid upon arrival at Santiago's airport).

LAND TOUR RATES PER PERSON

NEW ANTARTIC SEASON ABOARD THE ANTARTIC DREAM EXPEDITION:

Rates subject to change at any time.

A note from the cruise company:

Please note that you should regard this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to the weather conditions the cruise encounters. Flexibility is the key to success for all expedition of the M/V Antarctic Dream. The vagaries of conditions in the south compel us to draw to your attention that Antarctic Shipping S.A. does not own nor operate helicopters. Helicopter services are provided by an external company. The flights are dependent on weather conditions on King George Island (day 4 of the cruise). The flight will be approximately 10 minutes and it will have no extra cost for those passengers who have paid full fare. Antarctic Shipping S.A. will use reasonable efforts to provide passengers with this service but is not responsible if the service is not fulfilled for any reason.
We highly recommend scheduling your arrival in Ushuaia with at least one day in advance in order to avoid any flight delays.

Fares - Fares & Payments are in US dollars
- Prices per person according to accommodation
- Single prices are 50% over rack rates
- Fares subject to change at any time due to cost of fuel.
- Excursions not recommended for children under 14 years old 

DEPOSIT: 25% of total cost at the time of reservations.

FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure

ABOUT THE SHIP...click here...ANTARCTIC DREAM

ADD-ONS with Lan Chile:

From New York $250; Los Angeles $350

ADD-ONS with American Airlines:

add $300 from CHI, CLE, DEN, DTT, LAX, RDU, SFO and ZONE 4,5,6; add $250 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA and ZONE 1; add $350 from DFW, HOU, MSY and ZONE 2,3 - 

SEE ZONE CHART AT THE END OF PAGE.

Itinerary for the M/V PLANCIUS

Departure dates from Ushuaia, Argentina: (Please see below)

11 day/10 nights Expedition

Day 1
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located in the shadow of the Andes and right at the Beagle Channel shore. We'll sail through this scenic waterway during the afternoon.
Day 2 & 3
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson's Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we glimpse at the first icebergs.
Day 4 - 8
A typical itinerary in Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.
We will sail directly to "High Antarctica", passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island, we will find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. On Danco Island we can observe Chinstrap Penguins and possibly Weddell and Crabeater Seals. In Neko Harbour we will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers, other continent landings are for example possible on Portal Point .
During the cruise we will also offer zodiac cruises such as near Foyn Harbour on Nansen Island and Neko Harbour.
When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, we will have the opportunity for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. In this area we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, we visit the British research station and post office Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we can also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags.
We sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales. A visit to one of the scientific stations in Antarctica will give you an insight about the life of modern Antarcticans working on the White Continent. Further south we may visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, where we will receive a warm welcome from the station crew. Sailing north through Neumayer Channel we arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape and again possibilities for zodiac cruising among the icebergs, where we may encounter Leopard Seals, Crabeater Seals and whales.
Day 9 - 10
In the Drake Passage we have again a chance of seeing many seabirds and to take advantage of the knowledge of our lecture team.
Day 11
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark. (This is a sample only; the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board depending on weather, ice conditions)

(Please see itineraries for 18 days below)

ANTARCTICA & SUB-ANTARCTIC ISLANDS  2011 / 2012

“Basecamp Plancius” Departure: During our “Basecamp Plancius” departures (PLA22 and PLA30) all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshops as well as our standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises) are free of charge, except for scuba diving (see legend for prices). 

AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED: Aproximate cost from Miami US$1100-1500 plus taxes

ABOUT THE M/V PLANCIUS

M/V "Plancius" was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named "Hr. Ms. Tydeman". The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions.

The vessel was completely rebuilt as a 114-passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v "Plancius" is classed by Lloyd's Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.

M/v "Plancius" accommodates 114 passengers in 53 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple private cabins, 39 twin private cabins (ca. 15 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters).

All cabins offer lower berths (either two single beds or one queen-size bed), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds).

The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v "Plancius" has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 3), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation.

M/v "Plancius" is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are and will still be primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. This vessel will fully meet our demands to achieve this.

The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the engines considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages.

M/v "Plancius" is manned by 17 nautical crew, 19 hotel staff (6 chefs, 1 hotel manager, 1 steward-barman and 11 stewards / cabin cleaners), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides-lecturers) and 1 doctor.

GENERAL NOTES

All rates are quoted per person in US Dollar, based on twin occupancy. US Dollar rates apply for all sales outside Europe. 5% discount will be granted for bookings for one or more consecutive voyages (except on legs within the Atlantic Odyssey). Please note that all dates & rates are subject to change. All voyages will operate subject to a minimum of 70 participants. ‘Plancius’ carries a maximum of 114 passengers.

Single occupancy:

All cabins 1.7 times the share price

Fares include:

·   Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.

·   All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.

·   Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.

·   Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

·   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 programme.

·   Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Not included:

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to the vessel; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is 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 for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

It is agreed that if world fuel prices will reach or exceed US Dollar 80 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US Dollar 25 per passenger per night, to be paid by the contracting party of Oceanwide Expeditions

LEGEND:

B =  Bilingual voyage: English (ship language) – German (second language)

C =  Camping: Group size: min 8,max. 30 campers. Supplement: USD 85 per person per night. Camping is free of charge on PLA29, ‘Basecamp Plancius’

D =  Diving. Group size: min. 8,max. 24 divers. Supplement: USD 350 per person.

H =  Hiking. Hikes of approx. 2-3 hours or longer. The activity is free of charge.

K =  Kayaking. Group size: min. 4, max. 14 kayakers. Supplement: USD 290 per person.

        Kayaking is free of charge on PLA29, ‘Basecamp Plancius’

M = Mountaineering is free of charge on PLA29, ‘Basecamp Plancius’

P =  Photo Workshop is free of charge on PLA29, ‘Basecamp Plancius’

S =  Snowshoe/hiking. The activity incl. the use of snow shoes is free of charge.

      T =  Trekking for skiers. Group size: min. 6, max. 12 skiers. Supplement: USD 5.090 per person.

* =           Currently under charter or sold out

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula

19 days/18 nights

Day 1
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located in the shadow of the Andes and right at the Beagle Channel shore. We’ll sail through this scenic waterway during the afternoon.
Day 2
At sea, the ship is followed by several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels.
Day 3
A typical itinerary in the Falklands – South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only; the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.
In the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) we plan to spend the whole day on the fascinating western side of the archipelago. A hike along the shore of Carcass Island will give us instead views of Magellanic and Gentoo-Penguins, as well as close encounters with water fowl and Night herons. In addition, on Saunders we will be able to observe Rockhopper Penguins, Black-browed Albatrosses and King Cormorants.
Day 4
In Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, we can experience Falkland culture, which has some South- American characteristics as well as Victorian charm.
In Stanley and the surrounding area we can see quite an important number of stranded clippers from a century ago.
Days 5 & 6
At sea, on our way to South Georgia we will cross the Antarctic Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the temperature will drop by as much as 10 degrees C in the time span of only a few hours. Near the Convergence we will see a multitude of southern seabirds near the ship; several species of Albatrosses, Shearwaters, Petrels, Prions and Skuas.
Days 7 - 10
In South Georgia we shall visit the bay of Elsehul, with its very active fur seal breeding beach, and then set course to Right Whale Bay, Salisbury Plain, Gold Harbor and Cooper Bay to give you a good opportunity to see a wide spectrum of landscapes and wildlife, like the introduced Reindeer, Elephant seals, King and Macaroni Penguins. At Fortuna Bay we might try to follow in the footsteps of the great British Explorer Ernest Shackleton and hike over to Stømness Bay. There and at Grytviken we’ll see an abandoned whaling village, where King Penguins now walk in the streets and seals have taken over the buildings. At Grytviken we’ll also offer a visit to the Whaling History Museum as well as to Shackleton´s grave near by. One of the highlights might be our visit to Prion Island, where we will witness the breeding efforts of the huge Wandering Albatross and enjoy watching their displays.
Day 11
At sea, where the ship is again followed by a multitude of seabirds. At some point we might encounter sea-ice, and it is at the ice-edge where we might have a chance to see some high-Antarctic species like the McCormick Skua, Snow Petrel and the elusive Emperor Penguin.
Day 12
We are planning on a visit to Orcadas station, an Argentinean base located in the South Orkney Islands. The friendly base personnel will show us their facilities and we can enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding glaciers.
Day 13
At sea
Days 14 - 16
We will sail into the Weddell Sea through the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound. Huge tabular icebergs will announce our arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. We plan to visit Paulet Island with a million pairs of Adelie Penguins and the remains of the Nordenskiöld expedition. At Brown Bluff we can set foot on the Continent.
At Deception Island, we will try to land at Baily Head home to a colony of ten thousands Chinstrap Penguins. Deception itself is a sub-ducted crater, which opens into the sea, creating a natural harbor for the ship. Here we find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, thousands of Cape Pigeons and many Dominican Gulls, Brown and South Polar Skuas and Antarctic Terns. Wilson’s Storm Petrels and Black-bellied Storm Petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay. Good walkers may hike from Baily Head over the ridge of the crater into Whalers Bay, while our ship braves its entrance into the crater through the spectacular Neptune’s Bellow into the ring of Deception Island. In the afternoon we may land at Half Moon Island, where we can observe Elephant, Weddell and Fur Seals as well as Chinstrap Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Kelp Gulls, Snowy Sheathbills, Antarctic Terns and Antarctic Brown Skuas.
On our way west, we sail to Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula. It contains a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. Time and conditions allowing we hope to be able to sail further south to Neko Harbor in Andvord Bay and through Paradise Bay with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, while having chances of seeing large Whales. We will have opportunities for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords.
Days 17 - 18
On our way north we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 19
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark

This is a sample only; the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board (depending on weather, ice conditions).

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