Ultimate Antarctica 2005-2006 |
ULTIMATE ANTARCTICA
Aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov
November 2005 - February 2006
A DAY ON BOARD
Marco Polo said, 'An adventure is misery and discomfort relived in the safety of reminiscence'. Obviously, he never traveled on a Quark Expeditions' icebreaker, the Kapitan Khlebnikov.
Imagine a comfortable hotel with almost as many staff as guests, spectacular views from every window, superb international cuisine, and a range of facilities including a well-stocked library. Then imagine the hotel in a new, wild and remote location every day. Add a team of international experts on everything from polar exploration to birds and marine mammals. Then throw in once-ina- lifetime experiences such as a whale breaching alongside your Zodiac.
THE POWER OF AN ICEBREAKER
An icebreaker is a ship which is used to break a passage through frozen waters. The steel hull is exceptionally strong and thick (typically over double the thickness of a cargo ship). The Kapitan Khlebnikov literally rides up onto the ice and crushes it with its weight. Extra powerful for its size, with six propellers, the ship can twist and turn to pass through thick pack ice. The vessel has no bilge keels or other external hull fittings that might be caught on ice, or ripped off by it. To help pass through heavy ice, special devices blow air along the hull below the waterline to help lubricate the hull. Low-friction hull paint with non-stick properties prevents ice from adhering to the hull.
YOUR DAY BEGINS
A typical day on the icebreaker begins with a friendly wake-up call and breakfast. You were briefed the night before and a detailed daily program was delivered to your cabin, so this morning talk is of the adventures ahead. Your first activity might be an entertaining presentation by a world-renowned expert, or a chance to watch the icebreaker crash through the polar ice to forge ahead.
HELI-TOURS AND ZODIAC CRUISES
The icebreaker carries helicopters for flight-seeing and a fleet of Zodiacs for cruising. Both are also used to transfer you, your fellow travelers, and the expedition staff quickly and safely to otherwise inaccessible sites. You may choose to stay ashore for the maximum allotted time - typically from two to four hours depending on the day's itinerary - or you may wish to return early to the ship. Wherever possible, your Expedition Leader tailors excursions to several levels of activity, offering options for long visits or short walks.
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
You have time to change and refresh before lunch, while the powerful icebreaker forces its way through ice packs to the next spectacular site. From the deck your eyes are treated to an ever-changing landscape. Perhaps you note the sinuous line of a penguin profile and the sharp contrast of its black-andwhite coat, reminding you of the work of an artist, but which one? Through our Artist-in-Residence program, you learn to see Antarctica in an entirely new way, through presentations and hands-on workshops led by a professional artist.
EVENING ACTIVITIES
Evenings are for relaxing should you choose. Curl up with a good book, spend a few hours chatting in the bar, enjoying a sauna, or swimming in the pool. However, exhilarating alternatives may occupy you, as the sun shines almost 24 hours a day. Participate in another shore landing or Zodiac cruise. Interact with one of our experts making a presentation in the auditorium, or spend a few more hours on the deck looking for one more iceberg.
PRIVATE HELICOPTER TOURS
Imagine the thrill of a private helicopter excursion to a virtually inaccessible portion of the White Continent. Private helicopter adventures are arranged through the ship's Expedition Leader at an additional charge. Ice reconnaissance and group helicopter flights take precedence over private tours.
Choose from three fantastic adventures. The Lords of Antarctica voyage reaches the rookeries of Emperor Penguins encamped on the fast ice, accessible only by icebreaker and helicopter. Wonders of the Ross Sea encompasses the biodiversity of the region. Choose the The Great Antarctic Explorers and follow in the path of the great explorers. Visit historic sites and encounter the same wonders witnessed during the Heroic Age of exploration.
Lords of Antarctica
November 8 to December 4, 2005 - 27 days
Embark Hobart, Australia and disembark Lyttelton, New Zealand
December 4 to December 29, 2005 - 26 days
Embark Lyttelton, New Zealand and disembark Hobart, Australia
Wonders of the Ross Sea
December 28, 2005 to January 21, 2006
Embark Hobart, Australia, and disembark Lyttelton New Zealand
The Great Antarctic Explorers
January 20 to February 14, 2006
Embark Lyttleton, New Zealand, disembark Hobart, Australia
Highlights
See rich and varied wildlife such as the elusive Emperor Penguin, the Adélie, and other penguins, various seals and inquisitive whales in their natural habitats
Cruise along brilliant blue and white tabular icebergs and glistening glaciers
Enjoy frequent helicopter flights, for spectacular sightseeing and visits to otherwise inaccessible sites.
Travel in safe, convenient 'go anywhere' Zodiac landing craft to remote beaches in otherwise inaccessible areas
Visit modern scientific stations to meet polar researchers adding to humanity's understanding of the geography, climate and wildlife of the region
Learn more about the Antarctic while you interact with an outstanding team of expert naturalists and expedition staff
Enjoy excellent international cuisine prepared by our professionally trained chefs
See Antarctica in an entirely new light through our Artist-in- Residence program
|
| Arriba
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
