Antarpply brochure

A N T A R C T I C AGob. Paz 633 - 1st Floor

(9410) Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego

Argentina

PHONE +54 (2901) 433636 / 436747

FAX +54 (2901) 437728

EMAIL [email protected]

WEB www.antarpply.com

Photos © Antarpply Expeditions Photographers:Claudio SuterEnrique TapiaFacundo SantanaPablo PetracciWeisheng LinAndrés Camacho

Artwork_Antarpply Brochure 12pp 19/10/2010 21:50

Antarctica is the most pristine, exhilarating and beautiful place that you can imagine and is perhaps the last true wilderness area left on Earth – largely unchanged since explorers and whalers Þrst landed on its hospitable shores less than two centuries ago.

Antarctica is the continent with the longest nights and longest days and, surprisingly, the world’s greatest concentration of wildlife... and our Classic Antarctic adventure cruises on board the USHUAIA are the perfect introduction to the White Continent!Come with us to the land of superlatives – the coldest, windiest, driest and highest of all the major landmasses in the world. Embarking and disembarking in the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, our expeditions include many of the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Antarpply’s team has an enormous and varied Antarctic experience and all our expeditions are designed to exceed your expectations. Your safety, together with the protection of the environment are our priorities. You will be informed about safety measures and environmental policies in the onboard lectures and discussions.

As members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), we are committed to appropriate, safe and environmentally sound private-sector travel to the Antarctic. We operate all our expeditions in accordance with IAATO guidelines and we comply with all the relevant international regulations during navigation and shore visits.

Based in Ushuaia, Antarpply Expeditions has specialised in small ship expedition cruises to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands for more than 8 years. As a leading Antarctic operator we take small groups to some of the most spectacular, remote and pristine parts of the world.

The ice-strengthened polar vessel USHUAIA is the ideal expedition ship for Antarctica. She was built for the US agency NOAA (National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration) and has been constantly modernised and refurbished to offer its passengers safety and comfort.The USHUAIA accommodates a maximum of 84 passengers in 41 comfortable twin cabins and suites. She is very well appointed

and provides an open bridge policy, ample deck space and spacious public areas. Exploring and shore access is ensured by the full complement of inßatable landing craft designed for minimal impact. You will enjoy fabulous landings, station visits and wildlife viewing opportunities on the otherwise inaccessible coastline.

Our expert captain, ofÞcers and crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation and your safety is paramount for them. Antarpply’s specialist team of international expedition leaders and lecturers, all extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic and with a great love for nature, are dedicated to the protection of the environment and to share with you this voyage of a lifetime.

A N T A R P P L Y E X P E D I T I O N SA N T A R C T I C A - A trip of a lifetime!

NAME OF THE VESSEL

FLAG

DWL

BUILDERS

HULL MATERIAL

LENGTH

BREADTH

OUTRIGGER

DRAUGHT

PASSENGERS

SPEED

CRUISE SPEED

USHUAIA

Union of Comoros

2923 tonnes

American Shipbuilding, Toledo, Ohio

Steel, ice-strengthened

84,73 m / 278,3 feet

15,54 m / 51 feet

7,62 m /25 feet

5,48 m / 18,08 feet

max. 84

14 knots

12 knots


NO TWO EXPEDITIONS ARE THE SAME

Antarctic wildlife is at its most active during the southern summer. From November to March, we operate our expedition cruises aboard the USHUAIA. Summer arrives Þrst in the South Shetland Islands and spreads south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Progressing from spring to autumn, the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands change in appearance and character each season offering a different range of spectacular sights to the visitor.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER (spring – early summer)

After the winter darkness, spring fever hits Antarctica and the sun causes an explosive growth of phytoplankton in areas of mineral upwelling. The phytoplankton provides food to the astronomic swarms of zooplankton, including krill. Krill forms the base of the food chain for squid, Þsh and ultimately for seabirds, seals and whales, which ßock in to fatten themselves and to produce their young.

JANUARY – FEBRUARY (summer)

In Antarctica’s warmest months wildlife activities are in full swing. Most penguin chicks hatch in January, earliest in the South Shetland Islands and later more to the south at the Peninsula. The frantic activity continues in the colonies in February as the young get older and bolder and are gathering in crèches.

• Crabeater seals are born between

September and November.

• Elephant seals guard their harems

aggressively until December.

• The Þrst big whales come down

to Antarctica to feed, among them

humpback, Minke and southern

right whale.

• Amazing displays of the penguins’

courtship ritual, including nest building,

sky pointing and stone stealing.

• Penguin, petrel and cormorant eggs are

laid in November and December.

• Penguin chicks start to hatch at the end

of December in the South Shetland

Islands.

• Wintering scientists at the research

stations welcome the Þrst visitors

of the season.

• Longest days in December create longer

daylight hours – photographs can be

taken at midnight!

• Last winter’s sea-ice offers sometimes

spectacular sailing among the ßoes

with seals everywhere on the ice.

• Penguin chicks are in their adolescent

state now and quite curious about visitors.

• The adult penguins moult and the young

go to sea.

• Receding ice allows exploration farthest

south along the Antarctic Peninsula.

• Spectacular green and pink algae blooms

on snow-slopes and ice cliffs.

• Whale watching is still very good.

• Fur seal and leopard seal pups are visible.

• Whale watching is at its best in February.

• Penguin colonies at their busiest, fetching

krill and feeding chicks.

• In February receding ice allows

exploration further south along the

Antarctic Peninsula.

• Concentration of fur seals increases.

MARCH (autumn)

Nightly darkness returns as the sun sinks farther below the southern horizon, but temperatures are still above zero, though we may experience a touch of Antarctic winter with night frosts, creating beautiful patterns of thin sea ice on the surface. The snow cover is at its minimum allowing for easy and extensive walks in the South Shetland Islands.


CLASSIC ANTARCTICA ABOARD THE USHUAIAExpedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

Flexibility is the key to expedition cruises!

PLEASE NOTE

The itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board.

DAY 1DEPART FROM USHUAIA

Embark the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. Soon your expedition begins as we sail along the famous Beagle Channel in the tracks of FitzRoy and Parker King.

DAYS 9 & 10AT SEA CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE, NORTHBOUND

Time for more whale and seabird spotting! Enjoy lectures and take the chance to relax and reßect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

DAY 11ARRIVAL AT USHUAIA

We arrive at Ushuaia and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.

DAYS 4 TO 8EXPLORING SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

The South Shetland Islands are home to vast penguin rookeries. Chinstrap and Macaroni Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the ßooded caldera of Deception Island is a truly remarkable experience.

You will have plenty of time to explore Antarctic Peninsula’s amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and channels, and an incredible diversity of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range. We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways: the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. Further exploration may take you to Paradise Bay, Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island, and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins or to many other exciting landing places including some of the many scientiÞc research stations.

DAYS 2 & 3CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE

Sir Francis Drake gave the name to these perilous waters and the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, the key to the biodiversity of this region. Antarpply Expeditions’ lecturers will start the full lecture program and will be out on deck to help in the identiÞcation of an amazing variety of seabirds. Our open-bridge policy allows you to join our ofÞcers on the bridge and learn about navigation and watch for whales. The Þrst sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that the USHUAIA has reached the South Shetland Islands. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage you will experience your Þrst encounter with penguins and seals on Day 3.

SOUTH PACIFICOCEAN

DRAKEPASSAGE

ANTARCTIC CIRCLE

SCOTIA SEAStaten Island

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

SOUTH ATLANTICOCEAN

ElephantIsland

King GeorgeIslandLivingston

IslandDeception Island

Port Lockroy

Lemaire Channel

Petermann IslandPaulet Island

Hope Bay

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

Ushuaia

Our itineraries are expertly planned to take best advantage of the amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery during each time of the Antarctic season. Your Expedition Leader and his team takes you to remote places only visited by few people before. Amazingly busy penguin colonies, spectacular variety of seabirds, abundance of seals and magniÞcent whales await you, all set in a breathtaking scenery of imposing mountain ranges, ice-Þlled channels, tabular and beautifully shaped icebergs and glaciers.

Whilst in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, we endeavour to make two landings a day including a station visit and a continental landing, weather and prevailing conditions permitting.


ACCOMMODATION

Suites

Superior

A cabins

B cabins

C cabins

THE USHUAIA (deck plan)

Public areas feature a large dining room (one sitting), an observation lounge and bar, library, a conference room with modern multimedia equipment and a small inÞrmary. Our chefs prepare excellent cuisine including many local specialties and the bar is well-stocked with carefully selected wines and spirits.

The USHUAIA maintains an open-bridge policy. During the days we are underway, the ofÞcers invite you to observe the navigational operations of the ship and will gladly answer any questions you may have. We kindly ask you to respect the bridge as the working area for the ofÞcers.

Antarpply Expeditions’ highly experienced lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identiÞcation of an amazing wildlife, will give lectures on board and will accompany you on shore excursions to provide you with guidance and speciÞc information for the region.

N.B.

Suite 201

Suite 202

Superior Cabin Superior Cabin

B C

Suite 202

Suite 201

5 Outside cabins with windows on the upper deck (G), private facilities, two lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD player and fridge.Suite 201 features two double beds, Suite 202 one double bed and a sofa bed. Suite 203 features two lower single beds, Suites 204 and 207 three lower single beds.

8 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck (G), private facilities, two lower berths. Cabin 301 features one double and one single bed.

6 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck (G), private facilities, two lower berths.

14 Twin outside cabins: 12 twin outside cabins with portholes on deck (E) and semi-private facilities, two berths (upper/lower); and 2 twin outside cabins (214 and 215) with portholes on the upper deck (G) with private facilities and two berths (upper/lower).

8 Twin inside cabins on the lower deck (D) with semi-private facilities, two berths (upper/lower).

Semi-private facilities: Two cabins share

one bathroom accessible from both cabins

(shower and wc). Each cabin is also equipped

with its own washbasin.


TESTIMONIALS

• The USHUAIA was great and always will be. I will never forget it.

• Thank you for the safe, enjoyable and very memorable adventure!

• Wonderful! Would recommend to all! • The quality of this cruise has been

exceptional. I highly appreciate the professionalism shown by the staff.

• We can safely say “we got much more than we expected”.

• Thanks to you all, this expedition has been the best in my life. Keep it up!

• We will certainly recommend this trip with you people to our friends. It was the best friendliness service we ever had on a trip!

• Thanks to all the crew for a most wonderful experience. They are so friendly, helpful and attentive. The places we visited and explored were awe inspiring. Thanks once again!

• Fantastic trip! I can’t say enough about

RATES All rates are quoted per person in US Dollars, based on twin occupancy. Twin cabins (except suites) are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the share rate. Suites may be reserved at 2 times the share rate. A third berth in some of the suites may be occupied at 50% of the published twin share rate. Shared accommodation can be arranged on request. All rates are subject to change and Antarpply Expeditions reserves the right to modify the published rates without prior notice.

INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PRICE• Voyage aboard the USHUAIA as

indicated in the itinerary. • All meals throughout the voyage

aboard the USHUAIA. • All shore excursions and activities

throughout the voyage by zodiac. • Program of lectures by noted

naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

• All miscellaneous services taxes and port charges throughout the program.

• Comprehensive pre-departure material. • Detailed post-expedition log.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PRICE Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter ßights; pre and post land arrangements; transfers to / from the vessel; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages (guidelines will be provided).

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS A deposit of 30% of the cruise fare is required per person to conÞrm reservations with Þnal payment due 90 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATIONS All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received 90 days prior to departure are

fully refunded less an administrative fee of US$ 500 per person.From 89 days up to and including the day of departure all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 89 day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately. For these and other reasons mentioned above, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Antarpply Expeditions reserves the right to cancel any voyage prior to departure in which case payments will be refunded in full without further obligation on our part.

ITINERARIES The itineraries published are for reference only and are subject to change due to weather and ice conditions, or due to any other reason beyond our control, at the Master’s and Expedition Leader’s discretion without prior notice. Passengers have no right to any refund, any other consideration or claim whatsoever in the event of inevitable itinerary changes.

INSURANCE Antarpply Expeditions requests their passengers to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation and mandatory medical evacuation and repatriation cover. Antarpply Expeditions shall not be responsible for any injuries to persons (whether or not resulting in death) or damage or loss to property. In case of a medical problem arising during the voyage, either on board or on shore, which results in costs for evacuation, use of aircraft or repatriation, the responsibility for payment of these costs belongs solely to the passenger and Antarpply Expeditions speciÞcally decline any responsibility whatsoever (also if not covered by travel insurance).

PASSENGER CONTRACT The passenger must sign a passenger contract which constitutes the sole contract and his/her agreement to all the terms and conditions relative to the cruise. By accepting the cruise ticket the passenger also agrees to its terms & conditions.

the staff and expedition leaders. Very caring people and want everyone to have the best experience they can! The USHUAIA crew and staff are awesome!

• Your attention to detail was spot on, much more than expected. This was truly a trip of a lifetime.

• Landings were excellent. Expedition staff went out of their way to help, inform and educate.

• Thank you for the journey of my life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail among stunning islands, beautifully-sculpted icebergs and sparkling glaciers.

• Visit fantastic places, previously only seen by heroic explorers and adventurers.

• Observe the unique and abundant wildlife. Many species of whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds await you.

• Land and cruise in safe “go anywhere” zodiac landing craft.

• Travel on board our comfortable ice-strengthened vessel, the USHUAIA

• Enjoy the excellent onboard services and facilities, hospitality and support of our crew during your adventure.

TERMS & CONDITIONS


Antarpply brochure

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