|
| LUXURY ANTARTIC CRUISE IN THE ANTARCTIC DREAM |
An Expedition Cruise to the Antarctic in a luxury boat, visiting the most traditional places in the Antarctic Peninsula, leaving from the port of Ushuaia, sailing by the Drake Straits and arriving at Bahía Paraíso (Paradise Bay), Isla Decepción, etc... |
The Antarctic is one of the few places in the world that can be categorised as being unique. There does not exist a better assessment if we intend futilely try to describe the white continent. It is one of the few natural places that is extremely inhospitable to human habitation whilst a seeming paradise for certain bird and marine life. In the Antarctic, nature dominates the time and space; it imposes on the landscapes a beauty that escapes conventional classification. It is not enough to take hundreds of photos and record hours of videos. It is not possible to trap the silence of this area where the land still shows its primitive form, nearly unaltered. It is difficult to compare and attach descriptions, Antarctic is an experience that has to be seen and felt at first hand and this expedition is close to being the best way that you can live it to the full.
It is the ideal expedition to get to know the most attractive places of the South Shetland Isles and the Antarctic Peninsula, the richest biological region of the white continent. This option allows the observation of the wildlife that has developed in the polar environment, today it is desolate and arid but in prehistoric times it possessed a profuse flora and fauna. During all the itinerary there follows extraordinary landscapes of snow and ice covered mountains and hundreds of glaciers and imposing icebergs that slide slowly through the cold waters of the summer Antarctic, and when the sun does not fall from the horizon, forming the polar night and day. Not one land animal lives in the cold continent; without doubt the diverse wildlife that exists has been developed by the oceans and seas that surround it. Many different species of birds such as seagulls, petrels, cormorants and albatross share their habitats with mammals such as seals, sea lions, whales and orcas.
Classic Antarctic.
It is an expedition that covers in 11 days and 10 nights, the most fascinating southern places, from the South Shetland Isles to the Antarctic Peninsula. Classic Antarctic offers a complete itinerary for the white continent on board the ex Pilot Pardo, that moreover than its welcoming crew brings an excellent service of gastronomy and housekeeping. After leaving the port of Ushuaia, the city where the voyage also finishes, to make an emotional crossing of the Drake Sea, the surprising landscapes of the fiords, glaciers and icebergs anticipate a unique experience. The trip, with 8 to 10 disembarkations in selected strategic points, invites the contemplation and knowledge of the natural diversity and rich wildlife whilst having a mark of respect for the environment.
Camping in Antarctica.
Guided by the adventure to explore in an incomparable land and remembering the feats of the numerous old expeditions, we propose to camp on the Antarctic Coast or paddle in a kayak. In the company of polar expedition experts and with the adequate equipment for the highest requirements you get the feeling and live the surprise of the nature that is identified with these latitudes. It is an experience reserved for those that look to discover this singular destination from a different perspective, marked by the profound personal experiences that are encountered in this unique and irresistible setting.
Kayaking in the Antarctic.
To canoe in the Antarctic is, without doubt, one of the most captivating and unforgettable experiences that the expedition can offer and it is the way to perceive the majesty of this area. Agile and secure, the kayak allows one to get close and stealthily observe naturally the conduct and habitat of the wildlife such as the seals and sea lions that rest on the floating ice or snow covered coasts. You navigate between fragments of ice, which have broken free from the glaciers or ice bergs with each one having a texture or colour that can show its age, together with the sympathetic penguins, the most popular aquatic birds of this area. If we have some luck then it is possible to admire at a short distance, groups of hump backed whales, who announce themselves with a particular guttural sound and the graceful movement of their fins.
Our professional guides, in their zodiacs, give permanent assistance to the navigation of the kayaks that are stable and comfortable, assuring a pleasant experience at all times. We organize a minimum of three kayak expeditions in each one of our Antarctic Coast cruises, guaranteeing the security and with a full respect of the environment. We have to point out that this activity is only offered when the navigation conditions are absolutely suitable and each participant has the option to abandon whenever they wish to do so.
All of the presented options to get to know the Antarctic are done from on board the Antarctic Dream. This boat, that has a long history with the Chilean Navy, was reconditioned as a luxury expedition cruise boat to offer its passengers all the facilities necessary to enjoy a very pleasant voyage.
|
|
 |
Ushuaia is the most southern city of the world and the capital of the Argentinean Province of Tierra del Fuego, which is the point of departure of our expedition. In the International Port the M/N Antarctic Dream and all of its crew wait to give a warm welcome to the passengers. Once your cabin has been assigned, from which you can see the immense sea, the check-in takes place (at about 2.30pm). The expedition to the most hidden place on the planet commences with the boat placidly navigating down the Beagle Canal.
|
|
Leaving behind the Beagle Canal, the boat enters the famous Drake Passage. This passage was discovered by the captain Sir Francis Drake, in the 16th century, and extends from the Ushuaia Coasts to the Antarctic Peninsula, a distance of 500 nautical miles (1,000kms), to the Cape Horn. The sea, that can be impetuous and temperamental in this area, is visited by errant black capped albatross, cape petrels and cormorants and other sea birds that can be seen from the decks. When we arrive to the South Shetland Islands we have officially entered to the Antarctic.
The Ship's captain will inform us when we cross the Antarctic convergence, or frontal polar zone of the Antarctic, that is the line bordering the entire Continent. This cruise gives evidence of the sudden change of the surface sea temperature from 2.8°C to 5.5°C that at this level facilitates the development of a rich ecosystem. The South Shetland Islands are in an archipelago in the Antarctic Glacier Ocean and are only 120 kilometres from the Antarctic Peninsula. The explorer William Smith baptised them with this name in 1819, describing them as a barren land, covered in snow and inhabited by seals. Its eleven principal islands are supplemented by other small ones and are conformed in two separate groups. Our first stop is made in the largest island of the archipelago: the Aitcho Island.
|
|
The opening of our Antarctic expedition is at the Aitcho Island that is found at the coordinates 62° 23'S 59°50'W in the extreme north of the Islands between the Greenwich and Robert Islands. Like the other Islands the sea bed is well mapped and named by the Hydrographic Office of the British Admiralty with various names provided by the Chilean Antarctic Expeditions. The first disembarkation is at Caleta Potter, known for its seal hunters from the beginning of 1821 and baptised as homage to the English navigator Samuel Potter.
After, we sail directly to la Aitcho to observe some marine mammals and to see the Giant and Wilson Petrels, blue eyed cormorants and skuas, amongst other birds characteristic to the area. The boat continues its course by first crossing the Bransfield Straits and then the Gerlache Straits, flanked by beautiful glaciers and blue icebergs that drift slowly along during the summer time, leaving uncovered part of the continental land. We enter the Andvord Bay by the eastern coast and get off in Port Neko, the first continental point of the itinerary.
|
|
We touch dry land in the Antarctic. Neko was discovered by the Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache in his voyage made between 1897 and 1899. This bay, that has its name from a Norwegian whaler, presents another overwhelming scene with an extensive glacier that extends from extremes of its coast to front itself at the beach. Incredible and dangerous at the same time, because the falling ice blocks can provoke inundations of the beach and for this reason we have to be permanently alert. Another continental place that we visit is Port Lockroy, on the Island of Wiencke, well recorded for having been the base for the Operation Tabarin, a strategic company of the British Governor that in 1943 set up permanent bases in the Antarctic.
|
 |
In the morning, providing that the weather is favourable, we disembark in Paradise Bay, an inlet on the Antarctic Peninsula that deserves its name. It has privileged views of the glaciers close by and white hills that invite us to enjoy the snow, sliding gently down, forming part of this natural Eden. A crossing in the zodiacs to observe the colonies of cormorants and the active Petzval Glacier completes an interesting excursion. Later, after reaching the northern part of the Herrera Canal, we arrive to Cuverville, a rocky island that is between the Rongé Island and the Arctowski Peninsula. Cuverville not only surprises us with its magnificent panoramas but also by its great colonies of Papúa or Gentoo penguins. On the top of the slopes nest the skuas, one of the principal predators of the Papúa penguins. Also resting on the beaches are the sea lions, the youngest males simulating arguments, in training for their adulthood.
|
 |
One of the most memorable moments of the wonderful scenery is the navigation along the Lemaire Canal, a narrow strait going to the south that is so spectacular that it is granted the fame of being one of the most beautiful places in the world. If the blocks of ice do not stop us, and the weather permits, we visit the Petermann Island at 65°10'S 64°10'W, the most southern point of our expedition. Here also we can see other great colonies of Papúa and Adelia Penguins, which nest with other birds. In the sector of Pleneau we have the opportunity to make another impressive navigation in the zodiacs to observe the astonishing icebergs.
|
 |
One of the surprises that the voyage brings is the trip to the Deception Island, the principal active volcano in the zone to the North East of the Antarctic Peninsula, in the marginal drainage area of the Bransfield Strait. The crater is permanently submerged and the narrowness and shallowness of the access and return requires precise navigation. Passing by Port Foster, that is the most protected on the Island, we arrive at Caleta Balleneros, where we can appreciate the ruins of an abandoned British base. Very close, in Caleta Péndulo, the guides improvise a swimming pool in the black volcanic sand of the beach, which is not very deep and gets warm.
Of course, the adventure of taking a bath in the Antarctic, is an invitation that cannot be refused and justifies a good excuse to take a number of photos portraying this situation. The trip continues in the afternoon on the Livingston Island and with the disembarkation at Hannah Point, known for the greatest diversity of wildlife. Further to the already known Papúa penguins it is possible to distinguish those of Barbijo and Macaroni, Giant and Wilson petrels, blue eyed cormorants, skuas and elephant seals that are normally found close to the coasts. To finish the day, knowing that the next morning we start our return, these moments and the previously felt emotions confirm that this expedition was indeed a unique experience.
|
 |
The boat points its bow to the north to face again the impetuous waters of the Drake Passage. Meanwhile we leave behind the Antarctic Peninsula and the boat life changes to include conferences and talks that go to enrich what we have seen and learnt on our expedition. Together with the activities programmed by the crew and the delicious food on board, we enjoy the return to Ushuaia.
|
 |
We return to the town of our departure full of vivid recollections of a memorable expedition. We share our last breakfast on board before disembarking at the local port approximately at 9.00am.
|
|
IMPORTANT: The above itinerary is only a reference guide and can be changed for whatever climatic eventuality that presents itself on the voyage. Its flexibility constitutes the prime condition in order to guarantee the success of the expedition that we propose. |
|
| |
01NOV2011 |
11 |
---------------- |
---------------- |
5.990 USD |
5.990 USD |
11NOV2011 |
11 |
---------------- |
5.990 USD |
5.990 USD |
5.990 USD |
21NOV2011 |
11 |
5.990 USD |
5.990 USD |
5.990 USD |
5.990 USD |
01DEC2011 |
11 |
11.450 USD |
10.450 USD |
8.250 USD |
---------------- |
11DEC2011 |
11 |
5.990 USD |
5.990 USD |
5.990 USD |
5.990 USD |
05FEB2012 |
11 |
14.200 USD |
---------------- |
10.200 USD |
8.550 USD |
15FEB2012 |
11 |
14.200 USD |
12.900 USD |
10.200 USD |
8.550 USD |
25FEB2012 |
11 |
---------------- |
10.450 USD |
8.250 USD |
------------- |
06MAR2012 |
11 |
11.450 USD |
10.450 USD |
8.250 USD |
6.900 USD |
|
| |
The service included:
- Cabin on the contracted deck
- Food during the expedition. Wellcoming Reception
- Drinks stated in the menu/ wine included
- Reading sector
- Gymnasium and Sauna
- Classes given by Antarctic Specialists
- Reading material available for use of the passengers
- Accident insurance
- Navigation in the Zodiac dinghies
- Available medical service
The service no included:
- Air Tickets
- Expenses for the emission of visas or passports
- Taxes, Embarkation charges etc
- Transfers that are not declared in the program
- Telephone communications
- Air tickets or Port taxes
- Internet (except for emails without attached files)
- Air tickets or Port taxes
- Food and drink not declared in the menus
- Cancellation charges for flights
- Life and cancellation assurance
- Medical services outside of the ship
- Tips
- Fuel supplements, if appropriate
|
Considerations to bear in mind.
Reservations and payments
To make and confirm your reserved booking you need to make an initial deposit in the concept of prepayment of USD 1500 per person. The total amount needs to be paid at least 90 days before the Antarctic Expedition leaves. The payments are in US dollars or in Euros. They need to be paid by way of a bank transfer. There can be modifications in the tariffs as a result of differences in exchange rates or increases in the price of petroleum that can result in an enhanced cost of the expedition and in consequence of the anterior agreement the shipping company reserves the right to increase the price of the voyage without previous notification. Consult for any discounts offered on prepayments.
The reservations can be cancelled only in writing, detailing all of the passengers' data. If the cancellation is at least 90 days before sailing then the total amount paid will be returned, less an administration cost of USD 500 per person. If the cancellation is within the stipulated period then there will not be any refund and any unpaid amount will be considered an unpaid debt. To avoid these penal charges we suggest that cancellation insurance is contracted that protects the passenger in case any unforeseen event causes the passenger to cancel.
Medical Insurance
We advise that a medical insurance is taken out beforehand in order to protect against the costs that might arise in the case of an emergency and evacuation, avoiding the payment of excess prices in those zones far from urban centres.
Recommendations for the passengers
The partial or total payment implies that the passenger agrees with all the terms and conditions of the contract. The passenger needs to have paid the tariff total before the start of the expedition. They need to communicate the date of arrival and what method of transport they will use to get to Ushuaia. Our advice is to arrive a day before the sailing avoiding the risks of reprogramming of the airline companies, especially Aerolineas Argentinas. The union stoppages, particularly in the high season, can provoke general chaos in all the airports and for this we advise to arrive at least one day before, however 3 days before is ideal. The passengers need to advise in writing and fill in the reservation questionnaire if they desire special foods during the Antarctic Expedition.
Clothing advised to bring for the Expedition
Our voyage is programmed during the southern summer, and that represents a temperature of between -5°C to 5°C with days that could be sunny but also there could be rain, snow or fog, moreover there could be strong winds that reduce the thermal sensation. For this reason we recommend taking clothing adequate for these climatic conditions.
Furthermore it is imperative to have the following in your equipment:
1) Sun glasses that have a filter to protect from ultra violet rays
2) Binoculars
3) Casual clothes for the interior of the boat
4) Thermal underclothes, avoiding the use of synthetic materials, favouring wool and el duvet
5) Lip protection
6) Sun protection (Factor 50 or +)
7) Swimming trunks ( for swimming at the Deception Island)
8) Walking shoes
9) Waterproof trousers
10) Waterproof Parka or Jacket with hood
11) Rubber boots. Their use is obligatory, in the case of not having them the crew will provide
12) Hermetically sealed bags to carry and protect cameras, binoculars etc when navigating in the zodiacs. For environmental reasons no polythene or plastic bags are allowed as they can be blown away by the strong winds
|
The Antarctic Dream, ex Piloto Pardo, was constructed in the shipyards of Harleem, Holand, at the request of the Chilean Navy, with the objective of using it in the Antarctic campaigns. In October 1957 it was launched with the name 'Piloto Pardo', in homage of the epic rescue of the failed polar expedition of the ship 'Endurance', captained by the Irish explorer, Ernest Shackleton. It was 'El Yecho', a small boat commanded by Alberto Pardo Villalón, accustomed to operate in the Antarctic Seas, that in 1916, reached Shackleton and his 22 crewmen that had been trapped in the ice in the Elephant Island, after the failure of a risky mission to reach the South Pole. Thanks to the skill and daring of Pardo, his boat managed to cross the extensive icy cold area and save all of the expedition force.
As was expected, the Piloto Pardo rapidly gave honour to its mentor and transformed itself into a national legend. After leaving service with the navy it was acquired by the private company, Antarctic Shipping S.A., that initiated a remodelling in 2003, with the end result being to combine the excellent qualities of an Antarctic ship with the best comforts of a cruise boat. With a capacity for 80 passengers, the Antarctic Dream has the basic dimensions of 83 metres in length, 11.9 metres wide, with a gross registered weight of 2,000 tons and a draft of 4.60 metres, moreover with a reinforced hull that permits polar navigation.
- 40 double external cabins with external viewing
- Reception area: found on the Shackleton Deck, where the welcoming will be held
- Large dining room: found on the Piloto Pardo Deck, it is a large room of 220m2 with a capacity for 100 people and has a splendid panoramic view. It serves a well chosen menu of International Cuisine
- Pub: this is the meeting point and an ideal place to spread out and take advantage of the full bar and giant screen to watch movies. It is on the Piloto Pardo Deck
- Library: it is situated on the Shackleton Deck and offers numerous books specific to the Antarctic theme
- Projection Room: On the Scott Deck this is an auditorium of 70m2 and possesses a projector and is the place assigned for the conferences and on board activities
- 6 zodiac rubber dinghies: utilized for all the excursions and each zodiac has the capacity for 15 people
- Exercise Room/Sauna: the Scott Deck has available a small room for exercise and a sauna and needs to be reserved in advance at reception
- Sick bay: this is on the Shackleton Deck and is in the charge of the ship's doctor and offers constant medical attention and first aid equipment
- Shop: on the Amudsen Deck where you can acquire special clothes for the expedition and souvenirs of the company
- Passenger bridge: on the Cabo de Hornos Deck it offers spectacular panoramic views and is the ideal place for seeing the marvelous landscapes during the cruise
 Name:
|
Antarctic Dream (ex Piloto Pardo) |
Certificate: |
Passenger boat suitable for the Antarctic reinforced for ice |
Length: |
83 metres
|
Beam: |
11,9 metres (width) |
RGT: |
2.180 tons |
Draft: |
4.60 metres/cent. |
Propulsion: |
Diesel - Electric (1850 KW) |
Speed: |
12 knots |
Capacity: : |
80 passengers |
Flag: |
Belize |
Navigation System: |
Satellite
|
Water treatment: |
Yes
|
Electricity: |
440/220/120 volts 60 hz / 24 v.c.c |
Heating: |
Yes |
Remodelling: |
Shipyard ASMAR 2004
|
Registry: |
Passenger Boat
|
Crew: |
43 people |
Crew language: |
Spanish and English
|
The M/N Antarctic Dream has a one inch plating of HTS steel up to a height of three metres, which covers its ice working zone, over the total hull. The ribs of this sector have a distance of 300 mm between them. The propeller has a protection for working in ice. The boat is not an ice breaker but can work in thicknesses of 300-500 mm of ice. The boat was constructed with the following Lloyd's rating: + 100 A1 with reinforcement for ice.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
