Useful Information about
Antarctic Cruises
This information relates to cruises onboard Akademik Ioffe
and Akademik Vavilov
All of our voyages begin in the ‘Town at the end of
the World’, Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina.
We sail down the Beagle Channel accompanied by albatrosses
and head into the Drake Passage. Once at sea, our informal
educational program consisting of presentations, discussions
and other fun activities gets under way.
As we continue south towards the Antarctic Peninsula we see
our first icebergs and then our first glimpse of Antarctica!
The western flank of the Antarctic Peninsula is a rugged,
mountainous spur flanked by ancient glaciers and massive ice
shelves that creep down to the water’s edge. In the
lee of the Peninsula lie dozens of islands, home to the greatest
concentration of wildlife on the continent, including Weddell
seals, Elephant seals, Skuas, Giant Petrels and rookeries
of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.
We'll usually make our first landing in Antarctica late on
Day 3 of the cruise. Over the following days we make the most
of the long daylight hours, with several excursions each day,
weather permitting. With an emphasis on spending as much time
off the ship as possible, we’ll venture ashore to hike
or watch the wildlife, or cruise in the Zodiacs among the
icebergs and whales. No two voyages are the same, and you
can be as active or not as you please.
Our Falkland Islands and South Georgia itineraries extend
the experience to include the extraordinary wildlife and history
of the Sub-Antarctic. Homeward bound, we pass legendary Cape
Horn on our return to Ushuaia, our journey’s end.
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these Antarctic Cruises
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Travel with Polar Professionals
Between them, our leaders have made hundreds of polar
voyages and bring on board a diversity of interests including
zoology, polar history, geology, ornithology and ocean
sciences. Their knowledge and expertise shine through
our informal education program, with presentations and
discussions on all aspects of the polar experience.
Presentations take place in a comfortable, purpose-built
theatre on Deck 1 – the most stable and quiet area
of the ship. Sophisticated projection facilities assist
our educational experts, and there is a television monitor
that relays the view from the bridge. Our experts also
guide the frequent shore excursions.
Frequent Shore Excursions
We aim to spend as much time off the ship as possible.
With our fleet of sturdy, inflatable Zodiac boats, we
are able to disembark all passengers at once, swiftly,
easily and safely.
We normally break into small groups which share similar
interests – you choose which
group you’d like to go with at each outing.
While we carry up to 110 passengers, some passengers are
joining parallel programs, or pursuing specialised interests
such as sea kayaking or photography. This means we can
comfortably stay within the industry guidelines of 100
or less people ashore at a time, never requiring the inconvenience
of shuttles.
Support Environmentally Responsible Tourism
Our cruise company (Peregrine) is a Full Member of the
International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators
(IAATO – there is no equivalent body in the Arctic)
and, as such, has agreed to abide by some of the tourism
world’s most conscientious codes of conduct. We
go beyond ‘best practice’ in our polar operations.
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Photography
The polar regions offer exceptional rewards for photographers.
David McGonigal will host floating photography symposiums,
operating as part of our regular voyages at no extra cost.
Antarctic Explorer, 10 Dec 2006 departure
S Georgia and Antarctica, 20 Nov 2006
departure
Epicurean Antarctica
Combine the raw outdoors with a touch of the good life.
Join our wine and food experts, musicians and more on
a special no-extra-cost cruise.
Antarctic Explorer, 6 Dec 2006 departure
Magnificent Mammals
Towards the end of the season we see astonishing whale-watching
experiences, with regular displays of breaching and hunting.
We ahve our own set of sensitive guidelines for watching
these mammals, and have a dedicated cruise.
Antarctic Explorer, 3 Mar 2007 departure
Art Workshop
Internationally acclaimed wildlife artist and zoologist
Alan Hunt is running a series of workshops on all aspects
of composing and building a painting.
Antarctica, Falkland Islands and S Georgia
21 Nov 2006 departure |
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Call us to check availability:
UK: 0845 226 2475
Overseas: +44 1756 693609
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| The Antarctic is a place of climatic
extremes. Each year the area of Antarctica doubles as
the pack ice in the seas surrounding the continent freezes
solid in winter.
The Antarctic summer (November to March) is the best
time to visit. The sea ice has retreated, so it is possible
to get to the continent itself and the wildlife is plentiful
and active. During summer on the Antarctic coast, the
daily temperature is usually about 0C to 5C.
Any time in summer is a good time to go and there is
always something to see.
In December you are more likely to
see massive icebergs in the water and for the ship to
have to crash through plates of ice on the water’s
surface – if you want spectacular ice, this is
the time to go. Penguins abound and are nesting their
eggs.
In January the penguins are hatching
and there will be plenty of action around the colonies
with penguin chicks galore and skuas circling overhead
waiting for the chance to swoop.
In February the mammals will be out
in force – seals, orcas, humpback whales and minke
whales abound.
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Wildlife and Ornithology
Bird and wildlife watching is the backbone
of all our expedition programs. Groups will
regularly head out in the company of world renowned naturalists
and ornithologists in
search of rare and interesting wildlife.
Camping
Camping ashore on the Antarctic ice is an
unforgettable experience. We provide all the gear and
you bring along a sense of adventure. It’s an optional
activity in Antarctica, and is included in the voyage
fare. Sea Kayaking
Experience Antarctica and the Arctic in their most serene
and tranquil state. We’ll take up to 16 paddlers
per voyage in Antarctica. If you have experience in paddling
and are up for some nautical adventure, then be sure to
reserve your spot at the time of booking your voyage.
This optional adventure package costs £330 in Antarctica,
per person, and includes kayaks, paddles, lifejackets
and drysuits. On one of our voyages in Antarctica, you
also have the option of joining an overnight expedition.
Photography
The polar regions present some of the most spectacular
scenery and captivating wildlife on the planet. Even the
most casual ‘snappers’ get carried away! We
have photographic experts on board to answer your questions
– just remember to bring twice as much film as you
think you’ll need! If you have a passion for wilderness
and wildlife photography, join us for a special expedition.
We also have a multi-media centre on each ship, where
passengers can download their digital images and burn
CDs. |
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Hire your wet weather
gear on board so you don't have to bring it from home!
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Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Vavilov ships
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