EXPEDITION CRUISING 29 Straight Mile Romsey Hampshire

Transcription

EXPEDITION CRUISING
29 Straight Mile Romsey Hampshire England SO51 9BB
Tel: 01794 523500 Fax: 01794 523544
Email: info@expeditioncruising.co.uk
www.expeditioncruising.co.uk
EXPEDITION CRUISING
CRUISES for NATURE
2007
2007
EXPEDITION CRUISING
Welcome to our new 2007 colour brochure for Expedition Cruising and
Cruises for Nature. Once again we have plenty to offer those of you who
are attracted to cruising in order to visit exciting venues around the world.
Our most popular destination is still Antarctica and we have a number of
ships listed which visit this Great White Continent. The popular film “March
of the Penguins” has generated a lot of interest in visiting this southern land
mass and we still advise you to book early as many of the ships sell all their
berths a year in advance of the cruise dates!
Explorer
Cruises for Nature is the trading name for our Escorted Cruise section,
where we put a professional guide in charge of our group. As the name
implies these cruises have been chosen for their appeal to the naturalist
and are normally also excellent if you are a keen photographer.
Black-browed Albatross
In 2007 and early 2008 we have a great selection of cruises on offer.
Whether you have always fancied a visit to the North Pole, to see the
penguins in Antarctica, to cruise around the British Isles or to see Polar
Bears in Spitsbergen, then we should have a cruise to suit you.
There are a large number of expedition ships to choose from but we have
selected just the cream of the crop to offer you. Each of these comes with
our seal of approval and we are confident that you will enjoy the varied
itineraries that they offer.
Orcas in ice
Under our banner of Cruises for Nature we offer a select number of escorted
cruises that have been hand-picked to offer a superb wildlife experience for
the nature lover, bird watcher and photographer. These cruises include our
ever-popular ones to Antarctica, as well as Kamchatka and the Ring of Fire,
the Galapagos Islands, Baja and the Sea of Cortez, Spitsbergen, the
Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, the Islands of Macaronesia
and the west coast of South America. For each of these cruises a professional
guide will be with you from when you leave the airport in London, to when you
pick up the ship. They will then be there to help with identifying the wildlife,
looking after you on the ship, and making sure that your holiday runs as
smoothly as possible. Later, they escort you back on the return flight to
London. We also provide species checklists for the cruises, and we can even
offer you a selection of field guides to help your enjoyment of each holiday.
Why not give us a call and make sure that 2007 is a year that you travel with
Expedition Cruising?
Nigel R Jones
August 2006
EXPEDITION CRUISING
29 Straight Mile Romsey Hampshire England SO51 9BB
Tel: 01794 523500 Fax: 01794 523544
Email: info@expeditioncruising.co.uk
www.expeditioncruising.co.uk
The air holidays in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6934.
Introduction to Expedition Cruising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Polar Cruising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Expedition Cruising
CONTENTS
Contents
• Antarctica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
• Travelling North and South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Introduction to Cruises for Nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Escorted Cruises
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Galapagos & Ecuador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
The Sea of Cortez, Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Spitzbergen & the Svalbard Archipelago . . . . . . . . .22
Classic Antarctica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Antarctica, Falkland Islands & South Georgia 2008 . .26
Peru, Chile & Argentina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Macaronesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Ring of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand & Australia . .37
Deck Plans
• Explorer & Andrea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
• Explorer II & Spirit of Enderby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
• Polar Star & Kapitan Khlebnikov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
1
INTRODUCTION TO EXPEDITION CRUISING
Introduction to Expedition Cruising
Spitsbergen scenery
What is an expedition ship?
Expedition ships are normally smaller than the
average, taking perhaps 100 people in total. The
itineraries that they follow are often novel, or
remote, or just plain exciting. On board there are
lecturers who are there to impart knowledge on
subjects such as geology, birdwatching, history
and culture. These ships are normally “informal”,
so no need to pack that dinner jacket or posh
frock. This leaves space for waterproofs and
rubber boots which are probably going to be
needed for those “wet landings” and hikes on
muddy ground.
As many of the ships are normally compact
some the cabins are often on the small size.
Most of them will have toilets and showers en
suite and there is space for a small desk and a
chair. The lower category cabins are normally on
the lower decks and are cheaper. On higher
decks the categories become more expensive
and the cabins a little larger. However, be aware
that the most stable part of a ship is in the middle
and near the water line!
Most of the ships have dining rooms capable of
taking everybody at a single sitting. Even though
you may be in remote places the food is often
excellent and the wine lists on some ships are
exceptional! Many of the ships have tea and
coffee available at all times.
The ships will normally have a fleet of inflatable
zodiacs, which are used for making landings on
beaches, or else for taking you around icebergs,
cliffs and small islands. The ships’ daily
itineraries are based around making landings,
which may result in you finding yourself having
meals early or late on occasions so that you can
visits particular areas.
The majority of the ships operate an open bridge
policy to enable you to watch the captain or first
officer plotting the ship’s course, or navigating
between icebergs. Wildlife watching is an
essential part of many of these cruises and if a
large whale is spotted the ship may well divert for
closer views. The decks on the ships have many
areas where you can stand and just watch the
scenery and wildlife pass by.
If you are expecting a band and dancing girls
each evening then these type of cruises are not
what you are looking for!
What if I am a single traveller?
Adelie Penguins
2
One of the worries regarding travelling on your
own is the additional cost of taking a single room
or cabin. If you want to share on these expedition
ships then you will not be charged a single
room/cabin supplement. The ships will endeavour
to find someone to share with you and if they are
unable to they will not charge any extra, this does
not apply to the Explorer II. However, if you do
require a twin room/cabin for sole use then you
should specify this at the time of booking and the
single supplement will be charged.
To make a booking please call Expedition Cruising on 01794 523500
INTRODUCTION TO EXPEDITION CRUISING
Why book with us?
Why should you book with Expedition Cruising
rather than directly with the ship or their cruise
company? We have been dealing with expedition
ships for over 15 years and we know that
problems can occur with both the ships and the
companies that own or lease them. During these
last 15 years a number of ships have had to
withdraw from the market due to financing
problems. The beauty of dealing through a UK
licensed company such as Expedition Cruising is
that your money is safeguarded as we have
financial bonding for all bookings. If a cruise is
cancelled then we would refund your money. If
you deal with overseas companies normally your
money is not protected, nor governed by UK or
EU laws.
What else can we offer?
We are happy to book any of the cruises on the
ships offered in this brochure but we can also
book your flights, hotels and airport car parking
if you require them. We can also offer a range of
books that may be suitable for wildlife
identification on the cruises. We also offer advice
on immunisation, visa requirements, currency
exchange and even weather and sea conditions
for different times of the year. Above all we can
normally find the answer to most questions you
have, if not immediately, then within hours.
How do I make a booking?
Firstly, choose the cruise you want to take and
the category cabin you require. Then either
telephone us or e-mail us with your request. We
can then see which cabins are still available and
let you know. Once a cabin is confirmed we need
you to complete the booking form that is in the
back of this brochure and let us have a 25%
deposit to confirm your booking. Once we have
received your completed form and deposit we
shall send you a Confirmation Account detailing
the services you have booked as well as the final
balance due and the payment date. Later, we
shall send you joining instructions which include
advice on clothing, visa application (if
necessary), airport parking and hotels and other
pertinent information.
Pack ice
Zodiac cruising
3
POL AR CRUISING
Polar Cruising
Possibly the two most exciting expedition cruises that anybody on earth can take
are to Antarctica and the High Arctic. One hundred years ago who would have
realised that these remote inhospitable areas would become two of the world’s
great tourist attractions.
For the wildlife enthusiast and photographer Antarctica has no equal. Penguins
in their millions, blue icebergs, great whales, soaring albatrosses and amazing
skies and scenery – they are all there.
The High Arctic has enormous Polar Bears, pack ice, long-tusked Walruses,
calving glaciers and cliffs filled with noisy nesting seabirds. You can even take
a nuclear powered icebreaker to the North Pole!
These journeys are expedition cruises at their best. Without a doubt we are in
the golden age of polar tourism – who knows what restrictions may be imposed
on visits in the near future. Now is the time to travel… read on.
Orcas
4
Kamchatka
Petropavlovsk
Europe
Murmansk
Scandinavia
ARCTIC OCEAN
Svalbard
Oslo
Longyearbyen
Aleutian
Islands
North Pole
POL AR CRUISING
Asia
British Isles
Nome
Iceland
Alaska
Greenland
Anchorage
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Ba
f
fin
PACIFIC
OCEAN
Isl
an
d
North America
Hudson Bay
South America
PACIFIC OCEAN
New
Zealand
Ushuaia
Antarctic
Peninsula
Invercargill
Ross
Sea
Drake
Passage
Falkland
Islands
South Orkney Islands
Australia
Weddell
Sea
South Georgia
Antarctica
South Pole
SOUTHERN OCEAN
5
A N TA R C T I C A
Antarctica
T
here are two main itineraries for cruises to Antarctica. A “Classic Antarctica” which explores the Antarctic Peninsula and may also visit the Weddell
Sea or Antarctic Circle, and a longer cruise which sails to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia as well as the Antarctic Peninsula. On all of the
ships we use there is a complement of lecturers who will discuss various topics while on board ship and who will also lead some of the landing parties
when you go ashore. We also offer some cruises with our own professional escort, who looks after you personally throughout the cruise and will fly
from London with our group. Our escorted short Classic Antarctic cruise is in November 2007 with Paul Rogers (see page 24) and the longer cruise
including the Falkland Islands and South Georgia is in January / February 2008 with Richard Coomber (see page 26). Both of these cruises are on
the Explorer. Please see below for the general itinerary and details of these expedition cruises.
The majority of our Antarctic cruises start in the Argentinean port of Ushuaia. This town is located amidst the beautiful scenery of Tierra del Fuego
and on the shores of the Beagle Channel. Ushuaia is small enough to be explored on foot and you can also take excursions into the stunning Tierra
del Fuego National Park. We can easily book flights for you from London to Buenos Aires and onto Ushuaia. Accommodation can be booked in both
places if required.
Antarctic icescape
Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
You embark the ship in the afternoon and set sail for the Falkland Islands.
Day 2 At Sea
As you make the passage east you have time to become acquainted with
the ship and common areas. During this time the lectures and information
sessions start and you have an opportunity to learn about the extraordinary
human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Days 3-4 Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological
diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins,
Elephant Seals and Sea Lions are abundant. Port Stanley provides an
opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses
provide contrast to the long dark winters. Here we hope to catch our first
glimpses of penguins, including the Magellanic, Rockhopper, Macaroni,
Gentoo and King. With a little luck we may also see the Elephant Seals, Sea
Lions, King Cormorants, Black-browed Albatross, skuas, Giant Petrels,
Striated Caracaras and of course sheep.
Days 5-6 The Great Southern Ocean
You now sail east to South Georgia. Your days at sea will be filled with
lectures to prepare you for South Georgia and we will have plenty of time
on deck to identify the abundant sea birds of the south ocean.
Days 7-9 South Georgia
South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including Shackleton’s
Grave, several former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific
wildlife. A huge colony of King Penguins is the highlight of this part of the
journey. Wildlife is abundant with large fur seal colonies, nesting
albatrosses, the South Georgia Pipit – the only songbird of the Antarctic
region, as well as huge Macaroni and King Penguin colonies.
Days 10-11 The Scotia Sea
You now cruise south-westerly towards the legendary Elephant Island in
6
the South Shetland Islands. The waters are rich with nutrients and the
long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of
the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several
species of whales, seals, and sea birds. Some of the species found
in the frigid southern waters include: the Humpback Whale which
consumes over a ton of krill each day; Southern Right, Sperm,
Antarctic Minke, Fin, Blue and Sei Whales and Orcas. Six species of
penguins are possible including King, Adelie, Chinstrap, Macaroni and
Rockhopper.
Days 12-16 Antarctica & the South Shetland Islands
This is what we’ve all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the
Great White Continent! There are enormous rookeries of Gentoo,
Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags, Kelp Gulls, Cape
Petrels, Snowy Sheathbills and Antarctic Terns are just some of the
many birds found here in abundance. You are also likely to see Weddell,
Crabeater and Leopard Seals, while Orca, Humpback and Antarctic
Minke Whales are often encountered at close range. The Peninsula also
has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we will learn about
some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote
corner of the world. Sailing around the northern tip of the Antarctic
Peninsula we hope to navigate the Antarctic Sound, or ‘iceberg alley’ as
it is often called, where huge tabular icebergs drift north from the
Antarctic continent.
Days 17-18 At Sea
Today you leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage.
In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final
lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the
adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.
Day 19 Depart Ushuaia
Your cruise comes to a close as you disembark in Ushuaia.
Please note the shorter 16 ship night itineraries have either one or two days
on the Falkland Islands and either three or four days at South Georgia and
three days on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
11-29 Nov 2007
Deck Plan page 40
Cruise
Ship nights Lower Triple Lower Forward Lower Double Main Forward Main Double
Falkland Islands,
18
£4,240
£5,010
£5,285
£5,820
£6,015
South Georgia &
Antarctica
17 Dec 2007Falkland Islands,
18
£4,455
£5,260
£5,550
£6,110
£6,320
04 Jan 2008
South Georgia &
Antarctica
22 Jan-09 Feb 2008
Falkland Islands,
18
£4,455
£5,260
£5,550
£6,110
£6,320
South Georgia &
Antarctica
Single Supplement: calculated at 1.8. A port charge of $300 US Dollars is payable locally on arrival.
Prices are for cruise only port to port and include shore excursions and full board. Please note drinks and gratuities are not included.
Captains Double Superior
£6,175
£6,730
Suite
£8,105
£6,485
£7,065
£8,510
£6,485
£7,065
£8,510
Andrea
A N TA R C T I C A
Explorer
Deck Plan page 40
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
09-27 Jan 2008
Cruise
Ship nights Outside Triple Inside Double Outside double King Double
Falkland Islands, South Georgia
18
£4,455
£5,550
£6,320
£6,485
& Antarctica
27 Jan-14 Feb 2008
Falkland Islands, South Georgia
18
£4,455
£5,550
£6,320
£6,485
& Antarctica
Single
£6,760
Superior
£7,065
Suite
£8,510
£6,760
£7,065
£8,510
Polar Star
Deck Plan page 42
Ushuaia/Ushuaia
Cruise
Ship nights
K1-T
K1-D
K2-D
K3-D
K4-T
K4-D
26 Feb-16 Mar 2007
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands
18
£4,280
£5,190 £5,980 £6,290 £5,500 £7,020
21 Nov-09 Dec 2007 Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica
18
£5,220
£6,330 £7,300 £7,670 £6,700 £8,560
26 Feb – 15 Mar 2008 Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica
18
£5,220
£6,330 £7,300 £7,670 £6,700 £8,560
Single Supplement: calculated at 1.6. Prices are for cruise only port to port and include shore excursions, full board, tea, coffee and juice and port charges.
Please note drinks and gratuities are not included.
Explorer II
K6-D
£7,630
£9,300
£9,300
K7-D
£8,000
£9,750
£9,750
Deck Plan page 41
Ushuaia/Ushuaia
Cruise
Ship nights
SA
B
A
SP
D
S
08-24 Nov 2007
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica
16
£4,220 £4,480 £5,030 £5,790
£6,500 £7,480
24 Nov-10 Dec 2007
16
£4,560 £5,060 £5,870 £6,940
£7,960 £8,960
20 Dec 2007-05 Jan 2008 Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica
16
£5,820 £6,290 £7,250 £8,850 £10,570 £11,350
05-21 Jan 2008
16
£6,100 £6,750 £7,850 £8,850 £10,640 £12,000
25 Feb-12 Mar 2008
16
£5,540 £5,860 £6,560 £7,570
£8,510 £9,810
Single Supplement: calculated at 1.15 times for Cat SA, B and A; 1.5 times for Cat SP and D; 2 times for Cat S and OS.
Prices are for cruise only port to port and include shore excursions, parka, drinks (except Premium drinks), full board and gratuities.
OS
Port charges
£10,050
£190
£10,780
£190
£14,420
£190
£15,390
£190
£13,180
£190
Iceberg, Pleneau Island
7
A N TA R C T I C A
Antarctica Classic
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
You embark the ship in the afternoon and set sail for Antarctica.
Days 2-3 Drake Passage
Your cruise begins with the 400-mile crossing of the Drake Passage, which
is an area that is prone to rough seas and high winds. During this time there
will be time to get acquainted with your ship and listen to lectures. Some
albatrosses and other seabirds may be spotted off the deck.
Days 4-7 Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
As the ship sails south you will encounter more and more ice floes and
eventually you will see what you have been waiting for ,the Antarctic
Peninsula, which is the most readily accessible part of the White Continent
and has some of the best wildlife and scenery. There are enormous
rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags,
Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels, Snowy Sheathbills and Antarctic Terns are just
some of the many birds found here in abundance. You are also likely to see
Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard Seals, while Orca, Humpback and
Antarctic Minke Whales are often encountered at close range.
The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we
will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to
this remote corner of the world. Sailing around the northern tip of the
Antarctic Peninsula we hope to navigate the Antarctic Sound, or ‘iceberg
alley’ as it is often called, where huge tabular icebergs drift north from the
Antarctic continent.
Days 8-9 Drake Passage
Today you leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage.
In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final
lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the
adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.
Day 10 Depart Ushuaia
Your cruise comes to a close as you disembark in Ushuaia.
Please note that some of the voyages are one or two days longer and either
have an extra day at the Antarctic Peninsula or else visit the Weddell Sea or
cross the Polar Circle at 66 0 30’S.
Snow Petrel
Explorer
Deck Plan page 40
Ushuaia/Ushuaia
Cruise
03-12 Feb 2007
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,250
£2,640
£2,780
£3,050
£3,150
12-21 Feb 2007
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,250
£2,640
£2,780
£3,050
£3,150
21 Feb-02 Mar 2007
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,250
£2,640
£2,780
£3,050
£3,150
02-11 Mar 2007
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,205
£2,580
£2,715
£2,980
£3.080
11-20 Mar 2007
Antarctica Classic
9
£1,920
£2,295
£2,430
£2,695
£2,795
29 Nov-08 Dec 2007 Antarctica Classic
9
£1,885
£2,255
£2,385
£2,650
£2,745
08-17 Dec 2007
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,320
£2,725
£2,865
£3,150
£3,250
04-13 Jan 2008
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,320
£2,725
£2,865
£3,150
£3,250
13-22 Jan 2008
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,320
£2,725
£2,865
£3,150
£3,250
09-18 Feb 2008
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,320
£2,725
£2,865
£3,150
£3,250
18-27 Feb 2008
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,320
£2,725
£2,865
£3,150
£3,250
27 Feb-07 Mar 2008
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,320
£2,725
£2,865
£3,150
£3,250
07-16 Mar 2008
Antarctica Classic
9
£1,885
£2,255
£2,385
£2,650
£2,745
£3,230
£3,515
£3,230
£3,515
£3,230
£3,515
£3,155
£3,430
£2,870
£3,145
£2,820
£3,090
£3,335
£3,625
£3,335
£3,625
£3,335
£3,625
£3,335
£3,625
£3,335
£3,625
£3,335
£3,625
£2,820
£3,090
Andrea
Deck Plan page 40
Ushuaia/Ushuaia
Cruise
Ship nights Outside Triple
Inside Double
Outside double
King Double
25 Nov-04 Dec 2007 Antarctica Classic
9
£1,885
£2,385
£2,745
£2,820
04-13 Dec 2007
Antarctica Classic
9
£2,320
£2,865
£3,250
£3,335
Single
£2,950
£3,470
Polar Star
Superior
£3,090
£3,625
Suite
£3,760
£4,350
Deck Plan page 42
Ushuaia/Ushuaia
Cruise
Ship nights
K1-T
K1-D
K2-D
K3-D
K4-T
K4-D
K6-D
09-19 Dec 2007
Antarctica Classic
10
£2,920
£3,530
£4,070
£4,280
£3,740
£4,770
£5,180
19-30 Dec 2007
Antarctica Classic
11
£3,200
£3,880
£4,470
£4,700
£4,110
£5,240
£5,700
04-15 Feb 2008
Antarctica & Polar Circle
11
£3,360
£4,080
£4,700
£4,930
£4,320
£5,500
£5,980
15-26 Feb 2008
Antarctica & Weddell Sea
11
£3,360
£4,080
£4,700
£4,930
£4,320
£5,500
£5,980
Explorer II
K7-D
£5,430
£5,970
£6,270
£6,270
Deck Plan page 41
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
Cruise
Ship nights
SA
B
A
SP
D
10 – 20 Dec 2007
Antarctica Classic
10
£3,010
£3,330
£3,860
£4,570
£5,230
15 – 25 Feb 2008
Antarctica Classic
10
£3,820
£4,230
£4,900
£5,800
£6,650
Single Supplement: calculated at 1.15 times for Cat SA, B and A; 1.5 times for Cat SP and D; 2 times for Cat S and OS.
Prices are for cruise only port to port and include shore excursions, parka, drinks (except Premium drinks), full board and gratuities.
8
Suite
£4,125
£4,125
£4,125
£4,110
£3,825
£3,760
£4,350
£4,350
£4,350
£4,350
£4,350
£4,350
£3,760
S
£5,900
£7,500
OS
£7,100
£9,620
Port charges
£170
£170
A N TA R C T I C A
Adventures by Icebreaker
King Penguin colony
Emperor Penguins Safari
Carrying on a 15-year legacy of polar firsts, in 2004 Quark Expeditions
confirmed the existence of 4,000 pairs of Emperor Penguins at a previously
unknown site near Snow Hill Island - and they are still the only company
visiting this remote rookery. This "safari" on the Kapitan Khlebnikov is an
ideal opportunity for photographers and nature lovers to observe Emperors
early in the breeding season and to take the time you need to appreciate
these extraordinary creatures. Emperors are the largest of the penguins
and the only birds to breed on frozen sea. At this time of year, large
numbers of appealing grey chicks in different stages of development still
huddle on the ice. Their hardworking parents trek miles over the ice to
bring food to their fast-growing young. We sail past stunning tabular
icebergs, en route to the fast ice, where the chicks await. As we approach
the Snow Hill Emperor Penguin colony, the Captain and Expedition Leader
rely on reconnaissance flights to assess the best possible approach. Unlike
many Antarctic expeditions, this one offers photographers and nature
lovers extended time at the rookery. We plan to park the icebreaker in the
ice as close as possible to the colony. Should there be open water nearby
the elegant, curious Emperor Penguins may seek us out, before we seek
them. The final few miles will be covered by a helicopter shuttle operation.
Our team takes painstaking care not to jeopardize the integrity of the
colony. They follow well-established guidelines for aircraft operations near
wildlife concentrations and you will be expected to walk the last mile or so
to the rookery. This 14-day holiday includes a night at a hotel in Ushuaia
before the cruise with a trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park before you
board the ship.
Semi-Circumnavigation of the Far Side of Antarctica
This cruise on the Kapitan Khlebnikov starts in Stanley, Falkland Islands and
takes you half way round Antarctica to finish in Fremantle, Australia
crossing the International Date Line along the way. This amazing journey
takes you to rarely visited areas of Antarctica with impressive mountains,
huge icebergs and regions of pack ice. You reach Antarctica via the South
Shetland Islands and then make your way through the Weddell Sea,
with its enormous tabular icebergs, to the Norwegian sector of the
continent. Here you may visit the Neumayer Station. Our clockwise
movement continues with visits to the Mawson Coast and the chance to
see Emperor Penguins.
Emperor Penguins
Kapitan Khlebnikov
Deck Plan page 42
Cruise
Ship Nights
Triple
Twin
Twin -single
Suite Corner Suite
Emperor Penguins
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
12
£5,880
£8,590
£14,590
£10,350
£11,060
Emperor Penguins
Ushuaia / Stanley, Falkland Islands
12
£5,880
£8,590
£14,590
£10,350
£11,060
Semi-circumnavigation of
Stanley, Falkland Islands /
36
tba
tba
tba
tba
tba
Far Side of Antarctica
Fremantle, Australia
Prices include shore excursions, parka, full board whilst on board ship, one night pre-expedition accommodation with breakfast, helicopter transfers and port charges.
Please note drinks and gratuities are not included. Please ask for details for cruises from January to March 2008 which were not available at the time of going to press.
06-19 Nov 2007
18 Nov-01 Dec 2007
01-Dec 2007-07 Jan 2008
Antarctic Petrels
9
ARCTIC
Arctic
T
he Arctic Ocean is the centrepiece of the Circumpolar North. Lands bordering this region include those of Alaska, Canada, Greenland/Denmark,
Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The cruises we have chosen visit many of these fascinating countries and offer the chance to
glimpse areas of unspoilt wilderness and beauty. This is the land of the Polar Bear, Walrus and Narwhal and of ice sheets, icebergs and glaciers.
Without a doubt every one of these cruises will offer excitement and a chance to see some of the unique wildlife and scenery of this area. Please ask
us for more details and detailed itineraries. We can always arrange flights and accommodation to help you enjoy any of these cruises.
Norwegian Fjords & Polar Bears
This cruise on the Explorer takes you on a journey along the coast of Norway
where we look at the seabird nesting grounds with the White-tailed Sea
Eagles flying around us. We will see dramatic fjords and mountain peaks and
can visit several villages and museums. We cruise past the most northern
point of Europe and then cross the Arctic Sea, looking out for seabirds, to
Svalbald which is home to Walruses, whales, seals and Polar Bears.
Realm of the Polar Bear
The long days of the Arctic summer melt the winter collar of sea ice, the bays
begin to open up, the wildlife comes out, and the wild flowers and berries
begin to flourish. Svalbard in July and August is literally an awakening as the
flora and fauna take advantage of the short but extreme summer. Seals,
foxes, Polar Bears, and a variety of seabirds are some of the wildlife we hope
to see. Svalbard is still an unusual destination for travellers and many of our
planned locations are pristine and rarely visited. From close-up encounters
with huge icebergs and glaciers, to the variety of unique wildlife, this is a
voyage of non-stop highlights. Roaming Polar Bears, lounging seals, longtusked Walrus, grazing reindeer and colonies of birds all co-exist in this
harsh land we dare only to explore a couple of months a year. This cruise
on the Explorer starts and ends in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Circumnavigate Newfoundland
This cruise on the Explorer starts and ends in St John’s, Newfoundland and
visits many interesting areas of Newfoundland on its circumnavigation,
including the Viking encampment at L’Anse aux Meadows, which is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. One day is spent at Gros Morne National
Park exploring the Tablelands, a 600-metre high plateau that forms one of
the world's best examples of ancient rock exposed from the earth's interior.
The spectacular landscape is home to Moose, Woodland Caribou and
giant Arctic Hare, as well as over 30 species of wild orchids. The Grand
Codroy Valley Estuary is one of Newfoundland’s finest estuarine wetlands
with inter-tidal sandbars, mudflats and islands. We also visit the town of
St Pierre located on the islands to the south of Burin Peninsula which
belong to France, and the site of the Avalon Colony at Ferryland, which was
founded by George Calvert in 1621.
Polar Bear
Explorer
Deck Plan page 40
Cruise
Norwegian Fjords
14
£1,625
£2,045
£2,310
£2,525
£2,695
& Polar Bears
22 Jun-01 Jul 2007
Realm of the
9
£1,480
£1,655
£1,765
£1,940
£2,050
Polar Bear
01-10 Jul 2007
Realm of the
9
£1,480
£1,655
£1,765
£1,940
£2,050
Polar Bear
10-19 Jul 2007
Realm of the
9
£1,480
£1,655
£1,765
£1,940
£2,050
Polar Bear
19-28 Jul 2007
Realm of the
9
£1,480
£1,655
£1,765
£1,940
£2,050
Polar Bear
21-30 Sep 2007
Circumnavigate
9
£1,300
£1,675
£1,905
£2,140
£2,465
Newfoundland
08-22 Jun 2007
£2,950
£3,125
Svalbard
10
Suite
£3,250
£2,165
£2,395
£2,620
£2,165
£2,395
£2,620
£2,165
£2,395
£2,620
£2,165
£2,395
£2,620
£2,640
£2,875
£3,115
ARCTIC
Ice cruising in Zodiac, Spitsbergen
The Magic of Islands & Fjords
This magical journey takes you on the Polar Star from the Scottish Isles to
the coast of Norway and Arctic Svalbard as spring reawakens these
northern regions. From ancient times to today, the area is rich in a
fascinating history and we will see ‘standing stones’, ‘brochs’ and more.
Spring is also a magical time for bird watching as it is the nesting season
and the cliffs are crowded. As we reach our northern destination it is
possible to see the ‘king of the north’ – the Polar Bear and perhaps Walrus
and other northern species. Join us for this remarkable voyage as we
experience the Scottish Isles and Norway past and present and the
beautiful natural environment.
Remote Coast of East Greenland
This cruise starts in Longyearbyen, where you embark the Polar Star. Few
are privileged to reach the Polar Regions of this great planet. The Arctic
region of East Greenland is today a protected national park and is home to
Musk Ox, Arctic Fox, Arctic Hare, Wolves, Caribou, Lemmings and much
more. It is possible to see Polar Bear and perhaps even a rare sighting of
a Narwhal. We learn about the early explorers and visit the remains of their
settlements and also visit an Inuit (Greenlandic) settlement of today. All of
this is set in a dramatic landscape of fjords, calving icebergs and endless
tundra – a truly pristine environment. The cruise ends in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Fjords of East Greenland – From Steam to Ice
On this holiday you embark the Polar Star in Reykjavik, Iceland and you
cruise across the Arctic Circle to the east coast of Greenland. This is an
area of some of the most spectacular fjords with views of dramatic snow
capped mountains, glaciers and late summer icebergs. We spend our time
walking in the beautiful wilderness watching for wildlife and visit an Inuit
community to gain an insight into the challenges of life today in the remote
north. Some of the wildlife that may be spotted includes Blue, Humpback
and Minke Whales, Orca, White-beaked Dolphin and the elusive Polar Bear.
We will also look for many species of birds including fulmars, kittiwakes,
gannets, guillemots, Razorbills, the shy Ivory Gull and geese. We finish the
cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Viking Trail
This cruise starts in Reykjavik, Iceland, where you embark the Polar Star.
This voyage follows in the footsteps of the early explorers to visit the
southern part of Greenland and learn about lives of the early explorers and
the Inuit of yesterday and today – from Nanortalik to Brattahlid, Hvalsey and
Qaqortoq. We then sail across ‘iceberg alley’ to Baffin Island of the
Canadian Arctic and along the way keep a keen watch for seabirds, seals,
whales and perhaps Polar Bears. We explore the coast of Frobisher Bay
before reaching Iqaluit, the capital of the newly created Nunavut territory of
Canada. From here we continue our exploration of Baffin and also Akpatok
Island. As we journey southbound, we explore the amazing coast of isolated
Labrador. We then come to the island province of Newfoundland with their
fishing ‘outport’ communities and rugged natural coastline. This journey is
a fascinating tale of tenacious people in a challenging environment. This
holiday ends in St John’s, the charming capital of Newfoundland and the
oldest city in North America. In 2007 this cruise is run as a two-part voyage
and you can participate in either one or both parts. The first part is from
Reykjavik to Iqaluit called The Viking Trail to the Americas and the second
part, In the Wake of Vikings, commences in Iqaluit and ends at St John’s.
There is a discount for travelling on consecutive tours.
Polar Star
Deck Plan page 42
Ushuaia/Ushuaia
Cruise
Ship nights
K1-T
K1-D
K2-D
K3-D
K4-T
K4-D
25 May-05 Jun 2007 Magic of Islands & Fjords
14
£2,080
£2,530 £2,910 £3,060 £2,680 £3,410
04-11 Sep 2007
Fjords of East Greenland
7
£1,100
£1,340 £1,540 £1,620 £1,410 £1,800
11-20 Sep 2007
The Viking Trail to the Americas
9
£1,340
£1,630 £1,870 £1,970 £1,720 £2,200
20-28 Sep 2007
In the Wake of Vikings
8
£1,190
£1,450 £1,670 £1,750 £1,530 £1,950
23 May-06 Jun 2008 Magic of Islands & Fjords
14
£2,370
£2,870 £3,300 £3,470 £3,040 £3,870
22 Aug-02 Sep 2008 Remote Coast of East Greenland
11
£2,050
£2,480 £2,860 £3,000 £2,630 £3,350
02-11 Sep 2008
Fjords of East Greenland
9
£1,530
£1,860 £2,140 £2,240 £1,960 £2,500
11-28 Sep 2008
Viking Trail
17
£2,870
£3,470 £4,000 £4,210 £3,680 £4,690
K6-D
£3,710
£1,960
£2,390
£2,120
£4,200
£3,630
£2,720
£5,100
K7-D
£3,880
£2,050
£2,500
£2,230
£4,400
£3,810
£2,840
£5,340
11
ARCTIC
Adventures by Icebreaker
Northwest Passage
The first night is spent in Anchorage before flying to Provideniya and
transferring to the Kapitan Khlebnikov, which sets sail in the evening. The
quest for a Northwest Passage that would connect the great Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans began in the 16th century. This remarkable voyage of
exploration will bring alive the endeavours of those who charted the Arctic:
Sir John Franklin, Leopold McClinkock, Roald Amundsen and many more
who faced the challenging climate and ice pack on their quest of discovery.
The Kapitan Khlebnikov navigates ice-choked channels, narrow straits and
little-explored waterways on this exciting cruise of exploration. The cruise
ends in Resolute where you disembark and fly to Ottawa for a final night in
a hotel before travelling home independently.
Tanquary Fjord
The first night is spent in Ottawa before flying to Resolute to join the Kapitan
Khlebnikov, which sails in the evening. This voyage ventures to 81º north,
just a few hundred miles from the North Pole and takes you to the stunning
glaciers and valleys of Tanquary Fjord, explore the coasts of Ellesmere
Island and call on some of the most remote communities in the world.
During the brief summer months, the vegetation here is transformed as
saxifrage, Arctic Cotton and Arctic Willow flourish. We venture to within
some 500 miles of the geographic North Pole and it will also offer the
possibility of first-hand sightings of Polar Bears, Musk Ox herds, Arctic
Hares, seals and the elusive Walrus that inhabit this icy paradise. The
cruise ends in Resolute where you disembark and fly to Ottawa for a final
night in a hotel before travelling home independently.
The High Arctic – Canada & Greenland
The holiday starts with a night in a hotel in Ottawa before flying to
Resolute to embark the Kapitan Khlebnikov. The pristine east coast of
Ellesmere Island is the highlight of this Arctic adventure. We visit areas
that were virtually unexplored until recent changes in ice conditions
finally made them accessible – and then only to icebreakers with the polarclass rating. Expect a one-of-a-kind journey with Quark Expeditions.
Along the way, from remote seabird cliffs to Greenland’s western fjords,
we can watch for whales, Walrus, Musk Ox and Polar Bears. This cruise ends
in Sondre where you leave the ship and fly back to Ottawa for a final night.
North-eastern Greenland
The first night is spent in Ottawa before flying to Sondre to join the Kapitan
Khlebnikov, which sails in the evening. This is a new cruise to journey to
Earth’s northernmost point of land. The incredible beauty of Prince
Christian Sound is stunning with glistening snow-capped mountains and
still, blue-green fjords. Travelling further north up the Blosseville coast we
come to Greenland’s highest mountain, Gunnbjorn Fjeld at 3,500m. Finally
we reach the northernmost point of land, which you may set foot on if you
choose. We then journey back with lots to see on the way including getting
out on the deck at night for the most spectacular displays of the aurora
borealis and visiting native archaeological sites. There is abundant wildlife
everywhere. The program ends in Reykjavik when you disembark the ship.
Kapitan Khlebnikov
Deck Plan page 42
Cruise
Gateway
Embark/Disembark
Ship Nights
Triple
Twin
Twin -single
Suite
Corner Suite
16 Jul-03 Aug 2007
Northwest Passage
Anchorage / Ottawa Provideniya / Resolute
16
£7,650
£10,000
£17,000
£11,770
£12,360
01-16 Aug 2007
Tanquary Fjord
Ottawa / Ottawa
Resolute / Resolute
13
£7,360
£9,120
£15,500
£10,300
£11,480
14-28 Aug 2007
The High Arctic
Ottawa / Ottawa
Resolute / Sondre
12
£6,770
£8,530
£14,500
£9,710
£10,890
26 Aug-14 Sep 2007 North-eastern Greenland Ottawa
Sondre / Reykjavik
19
£10,590 £12,360
£21,000
£13,530
£15,890
Prices include shore excursions, full board whilst on board ship, hotel accommodation one night prior to embarkation and one night post embarkation with breakfast (except
North-eastern Greenland where the program ends upon disembarkation in Reykjavik), helicopter transfers, round flights between gateway city and port of embarkation/
disembarkation, transfers to ship, parka and port charges. Please note drinks and gratuities are not included.
Orca
12
ARCTIC
Svalbard
The North Pole
This cruise starts with a night in Helsinki before flying to Murmansk to
rendezvous with the Yamal. We sail across the Barents Sea and into the
multi-year pack ice surging northward at speeds of up to 12 knots, in
conditions that few vessels have the power to negotiate. You also have a
chance to take your own helicopter flight, enjoying incredible aerial views
of the Yamal as it crashes its way toward the Pole, leaving massive blocks
of ice in its wake. At one point we plan to stop, lower the gangway and
invite everyone down onto the ice for an invigorating walkabout. As usual
we will keep watch for a diverse array of Arctic wildlife. At last the day
arrives when we hope to reach our ultimate destination - the top of the
world. You have plenty of time to wander out onto the ice and survey the
expanse of white and blue stretching hundreds of kilometres in all
directions. As on all expeditions, we make time for a celebration on the ice
– and even, for those who dare, a brief plunge into the Arctic Ocean! From
here the only way to go is south and our exact route will vary with local ice
and weather conditions. Our chances of spotting Polar Bears in particular
are excellent as we near Franz Josef Land. The most northerly point in
Russia, this archipelago of 191 islands is a naturalist's paradise. Polar
Bears and Arctic Fox often come very close to our ship; seals are plentiful,
and you can spot Beluga Whales and Narwhals offshore; and the high,
rocky cliffs are home to huge colonies of seabirds. The final leg of our
journey south is back across the Barents Sea, where there are seabirds
and whales to look out for, and then it is time to say farewell to the Yamal
and its crew as you disembark in Murmansk and fly back to Helsinki for a
final night where the tour ends.
Walrus
Yamal
Cruise
Ship Nights
Twin
Twin -single
Mini Suite
Suite
25 Jun-10 Jul 2007
North Pole
Helsinki / Helsinki
15
£12,360
£21,000
£13,530
£15,890
08-23 July 2007
North Pole
Helsinki / Helsinki
15
£12,360
£21,000
£13,530
£15,890
21 July-04 Aug 2007
North Pole
Helsinki / Helsinki
14
£12,360
£21,000
£13,530
£15,890
Prices include shore excursions, full board whilst on board ship, hotel accommodation one night prior to embarkation and one night post embarkation with breakfast,
helicopter transfers, flights between Helsinki and Murmansk, transfers to ship, parka and port charges. Please note drinks and gratuities are not included.
13
TRAVELLING NORTH AND SOUTH
Travelling North and South
T
hese expedition voyages visit some fascinating island groups in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Each of the cruises will have
chances to see seabirds, cetaceans and many interesting ports, villages and towns. The itineraries shown here are a brief guide but if you are
interested we can send you additional information. We can always arrange flights and accommodation to help you enjoy any of these cruises.
Zodiac on the jungle river
Fjords, Incas & Panama Canal
This cruise on the Explorer starts in Ushuaia, Argentina and takes you up
the west coasts of Chile, Peru and Ecuador, then through the
Panama Canal to Colon where the cruise ends. As the Explorer set
sail she first rounds Cape Horn before travelling though the crystal clear
waters of the Chilean Fjords where you can look out for whales and
dolphins. Journeying further north we come to Cinco Hermanos and
Chiloe Island before reaching Valparaiso with its Mediterranean climate.
We will enjoy the weather on deck as we look for Risso’s Dolphins, fur
seals and whales. Other stops are at Arica, Puerto San Juan and Islas
Ballestras. From here we travel further north to visit Lima and Trujillo
before coming to the highlight of the Ecuadorian coastline, Machalilla
National Park where we can see pre-Inca archaeological sites and tropical
forest. We visit Islas De La Plata to see the famous Blue-footed Boobies,
albatross and frigatebirds and then cruise through the mangrove forest
and have the opportunity to view a typical Darien village. You can snorkel
with beautiful underwater fish on the island paradise of Islas Las Perlas
before finally transiting through the Panama Canal to reach Colon on the
Caribbean Sea.
Celtic Adventure
This cruise on the Explorer takes you from Glasgow round the north of
Scotland to end near Edinburgh. Scotland’s western and northern isles offer
a rich supply of culture, heritage and natural history. In Medieval Times an
already archaic society in the Hebrides evolved into the Lordship of the Isles,
a sea-kingdom blending Gael and Viking under the powerful domination of
Clan Donald. In the north, Orkney and Shetland were welded into a formidable
Scandinavian earldom. Both island groups preserve some of the oldest
monuments in Europe, dating back to the Stone Age, while both today exploit
the latest computer technologies to place them at the forefront of modern
developments. Kinship and community are two of the constants in this story;
Gaelic-speaking clans retained their independence despite acknowledging
the Lords of the Isles, while free Norse landholders battled the forces of
feudalism in the Northern Isles. As the Explorer winds its way through the
western isles and across the Pentland Firth to Orkney and Shetland, history
will illuminate the present while tradition will enhance our understanding of the
past. The abundant bird and mammal population of the area will be observed,
studied and enjoyed. Island folk have always been extremely conscious of the
natural environment, as the riches thereof have sustained them.
Explorer
Deck Plan page 40
Cruise
Fjords, Inca &
29
£3,680
£4,615
£5,300
£5,645
£5,815
Panama canal
06-17 May 2007
Celtic Adventure
11
£1,745
£2,090
£2,535
£2,875
£3,355
16 Mar-14 Apr 2008
Fjords, Inca &
29
£3,795
£4,760
£5,470
£5,825
£6,000
Panama canal
20 Mar-18 Apr 2007
14
£6,245
£6,415
£3,490
£6,440
£3,660
£6,620
Suite
£6,840
£3,835
£7,060
The Essence of the Azores
This cruise on the Polar Star starts and finishes on Sao Miguel in the
Azores. This mid-Atlantic archipelago of nine islands tells a fascinating
story. Part of Portugal, these islands will truly take you back in time – to a
slower pace and disarming simplicity, where farmers take their milk carts to
the fields. Their tenacious history is told in the views of windmills, cliffside
vineyards, boats and charming communities. Today the surrounding
waters are visited by whales and dolphins and migratory and indigenous
birds are to be found. A fascinating aspect of these islands is the volcanic
formation and activity that has formed both the natural and human history
through time. Join the Polar Star and discover the essence of island life in
the Azores.
Remote UK
You embark the Polar Star in southern England and travel to the east coast
of Scotland via Ireland. This remarkable spring voyage takes us to areas
that are difficult or impossible to see other than by sea. We discover sites
from ancient times and historic monuments that reflect these great islands’
past of pre-Christian times, Nordic and Celtic influences, feudal times and
more recent times. This trip includes a visit to the subtropical island of
Tresco and the colourful Abbey Gardens, the south coast of Ireland, the
Aran Islands close to the Galway coast, the west coast of Ireland, the
Hebridean Islands, Fair Isle, the Shetlands Islands, the Orkney Islands and
finishes in Leith, the port of Edinburgh.
The Tropics of the Americas
This cruise on the Polar Star commences in Belize City, Belize and takes you
down the west coast of South America to Callao, the city port of Lima, Peru.
Imagine a journey through the tropics to witness engineering marvels such
as the Mayan ruins of Copan, the Panama Canal and the Moche Pyramids
of Peru. Along the way we visit amazing ecosystems of the western
Caribbean reefs, the mangrove creeks of Bastimentos National Park, the
diverse Darien and the ‘mini Galapagos’ of Ilsa de la Plata. With lectures on
board, wildlife viewing, zodiac cruises, shore excursions and wonderful
snorkelling, this is a trip to amaze with island reefs, unusual bird species,
marine life, rainforests and other cultural and archaeological delights.
Polar Star
Deck Plan page 42
Ushuaia/Ushuaia
Cruise
Ship nights
K1-T
K1-D
K2-D
K3-D
K4-T
K4-D
K6-D
K7-D
29 Mar – 15 Apr 2007 Atlantic Islands
17
£2,530
£3,070 £3,530 £3,710 £3,240 £4,150 £4,500 £4,720
28 Apr – 05 May 2007 Essence of the Azores
7
£1,280
£1,550 £1,780 £1,870 £1,640 £2,090 £2,270 £2,380
16 Oct – 02 Nov 2007 Tropics of the Americas
17
£2,530
£3,070 £3,530 £3,710 £3,250 £4,150 £4,500 £4,720
19 – 26 Apr 2008
Essence of the Azores
7
£1,380
£1,660 £1,910 £2,010 £1,760 £2,240 £2,430 £2,540
26 Apr – 03 May 2008 Essence of the Azores
7
£1,380
£1,660 £1,910 £2,010 £1,760 £2,240 £2,430 £2,540
09 – 23 May 2008
Remote UK
14
£2,370
£2,870 £3,300 £3,470 £3,040 £3,870 £4,200 £4,400
Single Supplement: calculated at 1.6
Prices are for cruise only port to port and include shore excursions, full board, tea, coffee and juice and port charges. Please note drinks and gratuities are not included.
TRAVELLING NORTH AND SOUTH
The Atlantic Islands of the Equator
The Polar Star embarks on this magical Atlantic crossing to discover some
of the most remote and untouched places on earth. The cruise starts in
Salvador, Brazil and from there travels to the Canary Islands via Recife,
Fernando de Noronha, St Peter and St Paul Rocks and the Cape Verde
Islands. There are few frontiers left but these equatorial nuggets are some
of the most special. In addition to learning about the unique island life of
each, this explorer’s program is also an excellent opportunity to watch for
a wide variety of bird species and marine life.
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan
15
INTRODUCTION TO ESCORTED CRUISES
16
Introduction to Cruises for Nature
On the following pages you will find nine cruises where we have chosen itineraries of particular
interest to the birdwatcher, naturalist and photographer. On these cruises you will be escorted by
one of our team of professional guides who will be with you for the complete holiday. In our small
group, you will have personal attention from our leader who will be there to help with identifying
the wildlife, look after you on the ship and to make sure that your holiday runs as smoothly as
possible.
For each of these holidays the price includes the flights from London and some include extra
excursions and accommodation before and after the cruise. Once you have made the booking we
will provide you with comprehensive joining instructions, species lists and past tour reports.
Antarctica still proves to be the most popular of our escorted cruises but all of the others offer
their own unique and amazing experiences.
The Enchanted Islands
The Galapagos Islands with Tandayapa, Ecuador
Escorted Wildlife & Photography Tour
C AC H A LO T E
CRUISE ON THE CACHALOTE
Tuesday 11 September – Monday 24 September 2007
T
he Galapagos Islands are situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and are the home of some of the world’s most confiding and photogenic
wildlife. Most of the islands of this archipelago were set aside in 1934, by the government of Ecuador, as a wildlife sanctuary. Uninhabited areas
were declared a national park in 1959. In 1964 the Charles Darwin Research Station, named after the naturalist who made the islands famous, began
its operation and in 1986 the government created the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve. The national park now includes 97% of the island’s land
and 50,000 square kilometres of ocean.
The diverse wildlife of the islands does not fear people and is so abundant you have to watch where you tread to avoid disturbing a sleeping
Galapagos Sea Lion or Marine Iguana basking in the sun. Here you can swim with the Galapagos Sea Lions and Galapagos Penguins (the most
northerly penguin in the world), be entertained by the antics of courting Blue-footed Boobies and nesting Waved Albatrosses, or just observe the
fantastic birdlife which includes Swallow-tailed and Lava Gulls, Brown Noddies, Nazca Boobies, Greater and Magnificent Frigatebirds, Flightless
Cormorants and several species of Galapagos finches. Boobies and pelicans find food in the harbours, while shearwaters and storm petrels prefer
the open sea. Well-camouflaged Lava Herons and Wandering Tattlers perch on wave-splashed rocks. Whilst cruising we shall keep an eye out for
marine turtles, dolphins and some of the great whales. The opportunities for photography are excellent: indeed they are unique.
For this cruise we have chosen to charter the Cachalote – a first class 96 foot schooner refurbished in 2002. She has three wooden decks for relaxing
on and has a steel hull. She has sails but normally travels with these tied and uses her motor. In favourable winds and under the right conditions the
sails are sometimes used. There are eight double cabins, which can accommodate a maximum of 16 passengers. On our cruise we shall restrict the
party size to 11 clients plus Tony. Each cabin is air-conditioned, and has a sea-view and private facilities. Experienced naturalist guides and the crew
of five will introduce you to the spectacular flora and fauna of the islands. The Cachalote allows the visitor access to coves and inlets that are
inaccessible to larger ships, with flexibility of itinerary and ample opportunity for exploring the islands, or snorkelling with the confiding Galapagos
Sea Lions. For going ashore she is equipped with zodiacs.
THE ENCHANTED ISL ANDS
Leader: Tony Pym
At the end of our cruise we return to Quito and transfer to the delightful Tandayapa Bird Lodge set in subtropical forest. Here we can relax amidst the
splendour of lush vegetation and sit on the verandah watching, or photographing, a variety of colourful hummingbirds coming to the feeders. We have
plenty of time to explore the trails around the lodge finding many more bird species, as well as monkeys, butterflies, lizards, insects and plants. Later,
we explore the Upper Tandayapa Valley before returning to Quito.
Throughout the tour you will also have the expert services of Tony Pym, one of our professional guides, who has previous experience of both the
Galapagos Islands and Ecuador.
Cachalote
To make a booking please call Cruises for Nature on 01794 523500
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C AC H A LO T E
ITINERARY
Marine Iguanas
Day 1
We depart from London and fly to Quito where
we arrive later the same day. We transfer to our
hotel, where we stay for one night.
Days 2 to 8
Next morning we catch the flight from Quito to
the Galapagos Islands and join our boat the
Cachalote. For the next seven nights we cruise
around the islands exploring them on foot and
enjoying the unique wildlife they offer. Our
lifestyle during these days will be relaxed, and
we make visits to the islands during daylight and
then cruise to our next destination overnight.
Each island is different in character and we find
new and different animals and plants as we
cruise. Our itinerary is governed somewhat by
weather conditions, but we plan to visit the
following islands:
SAN CRISTOBAL – This is the most easterly of
the archipelago, formally called Chatham. It acts
as our introduction and farewell to the islands, as
we use the island airport for our flights.
SANTA CRUZ – To the south of the island are the
headquarters of the Galapagos National Park and
the Charles Darwin Research Station, which we
can visit to see where endangered giant tortoises
and land iguanas are bred in captivity. We will also
explore the highlands, where there is normally the
chance for a close encounter with giant tortoises
in the wild. A mix of forest and pasture, the
highlands offer a completely different habitat from
the arid lowlands, with the opportunity of seeing a
wider selection of Darwin’s finches, and brilliant
Vermilion Flycatchers.
background of incoming waves that spout 90
feet into the air through a blowhole. Confiding
Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies nest on or next
to the paths and we have to walk carefully round
them. Galapagos Hawks and Yellow-crowned
Night-Herons are often seen here too. Along the
beach at Gardner Bay we should see Galapagos
Doves, Yellow Warblers, various species of
Galapagos finches and Galapagos Sea Lions.
HOOD (ESPAÑOLA) – This is the only island in
the world where Waved Albatrosses nest and the
endemic Hood Mockingbird can be found.
Marine Iguanas bask on the rocks against a
FLOREANA – Here there is a large lagoon,
where we can see feeding American Flamingos,
and often a variety of migrant American waders.
The endemic Large-billed Flycatcher is often
seen here. Snorkellers can view the colourful fish
life, perhaps with an escort of playful Galapagos
Sea Lions, which can also be seen lazing on the
sands. There may also be an opportunity to post
your mail in the historic pirates’ barrel, which has
been the island’s post-box since the 1700’s.
ISABELA – This is the largest island, and with
Fernandina forms the seldom-visited western
group. At Urbina Bay and Punta Moreno, the
dramatic landscapes of black lava and uplifted
coral make a superb contrast with azure seas.
Here the marine iguanas are black, to match the
lava. Elizabeth Bay has a system of mangroves
Bartolomé
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To
To make
make aa booking
booking please
please call
call Cruises
Cruises for
for Nature
Nature on
on 01794
01794 523500
523500
Cachalote staff
C AC H A LO T E
Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan
Details of The Cachalote
Shipboard Facilities
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and turtle lagoons, and views of the impressive
Sierra Negra Volcano. A walk at Urbina Bay may
turn up land iguana or giant tortoise. Isabela was
one island visited by Charles Darwin in 1835: the
variety of finches he saw here inspired him to
develop his theory of evolution and natural
selection.
FERNANDINA – We visit Punta Espinosa to
admire the remarkable Flightless Cormorant
colony. These large cormorants nest and hang
out their vestigial wings to dry on black lava
along the coast. Galapagos Penguins can be
seen here too. These western isles are likely
spots to find the rare and declining Galapagos
Petrel, and perhaps a raft of Red-necked
Phalaropes on the sea.
JAMES (SANTIAGO) – The black lava shore
and shallow pools are dotted with brilliant red
Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Waves have cut deep
grottos into the lava bed and it is here that
Galapagos Sea Lions and fur seals swim in the
clear turquoise waters. This is an excellent place
for snorkelling to sample the delights of the
multi-coloured fish.
BARTOLOMÉ – This tiny island has a beauty all
of its own and affords a summit view of spatter
and eroded tuff cones, golden beaches, and a
mangrove swamp. Swimming and snorkelling is
perfect off the beaches and there may be more
encounters with Galapagos Penguins.
Throughout the cruise we have the services of a
Galapagos naturalist guide who is there to inform
us about the islands, their history and culture
and of course their wealth of unique life forms.
We shall have time to relax during our cruise and
we shall endeavour to make time to enjoy some
swimming experiences with the local wildlife. The
emphasis of the cruise will be to enjoy these
spectacles and to be able to experience close
encounters with a fascinating variety of unique
birds, animals and plants. The photographic
opportunities will be excellent.
Days 9 to 11
This morning we leave Galapagos and fly to Quito
where we transfer to the superb Tandayapa Bird
Lodge, for a stay of three nights. Checking the
rivers for White-capped Dippers and Torrent
Ducks as we go, we arrive in good time at the
lodge. We may be a little distracted by some of
the hummingbirds on the feeders on arrival. The
intense activity here has to be seen to be
believed as Booted Racket-tail, Buff-tailed
Coronet, Violet-tailed Sylph, Brown Inca, Purplebibbed Whitetip, Western Emerald, Rufous-tailed
and Speckled Hummingbirds and Green
Violetear compete for a place at the feeders. With
patience some of the less frequent visitors such
as Empress Brilliant or Velvet-purple Coronet
may be observed here too. Using the Tandayapa
Bird Lodge as our base we explore the westslope subtropical forests over the next three
days. Two species we will be looking for in
particular are endemic to the Choco region of
Colombia and Ecuador: Plate-billed MountainToucan and Toucan Barbet. We explore the
upper and lower sections of the Tandayapa
Valley in search of Gorgeted Sunangel, Goldenwinged Manakin, Pacific Tuftedcheek, Powerful
Woodpecker,
Green-and-black
Fruiteater,
Pearled Treerunner and Grass-green and
Rufous-chested Tanagers. With luck we may
locate Tanager Finch, Scaled Fruiteater or Whitefaced Nunbird that the area is famed for. The
lower elevations of the Choco at Milpe and Mindo
will also be explored from our Tandayapa base.
Here we will have the opportunity to find Palemandibled Aracari, Club-winged Manakin, Mossbacked, Rufous-throated, Ochre-breasted and
Glistening-green Tanagers, Yellow-collared
Chlorophonia, Choco Warbler and Rufousrumped Antwren.
Day 12
This morning we explore Yanacocha hoping to
find Golden-breasted and Sapphire-vented
Pufflegs, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great
Sapphirewing, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Barbellied Woodpecker, Barred Fruiteater, Bluecapped Tanager and Superciliated Hemispingus.
Later, we transfer to our hotel in Quito where we
have our final farewell dinner and stay overnight.
Days 13 & 14
We leave Quito in the morning catching our return
flight to London, where we arrive next morning.
Dining and lounge area
Bar
Desalinator
TV and DVD player
Two zodiacs
Three wooden decks
Fully air-conditioned
All cabins have:
● Air conditioning
● Private toilet
● Hot/cold showers
● Upper and lower bunks
● Porthole views
● Closets
Itinerary
Day 1
Days 2-8
Days 9-11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Fly to Quito
Cruise around the
Galapagos Islands
Tandayapa
Quito
Depart Quito
Arrive London
Built: 2002
Length: 96ft
Speed: 9 knots
Motor: Caterpillar diesel engine
Tour Prices
Total cost for 14 days in 2007:
Cost per person in
a twin-bedded room . . . . . . . . . . .£ 3,699
Cost per person in a
twin room for sole use . . . . . . . . . £ 4,399
Party Size
Maximum of 11 clients plus the leader.
Cabins
Aboard the accommodation is in eight twinbedded cabins. Three cabins will be sold for
sole use.
The Tour Price Does Not Include
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Travel Insurance
Items of a personal nature
Laundry
Beverages
Excess baggage charges
Any Visa fees
Gratuities
Hire of snorkelling equipment
Cachalote cabin
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DON JOSÉ
CRUISE ON THE DON JOSÉ
The Great Whales
The Sea of Cortez, Mexico – Escorted Wildlife & Photography Tour
Saturday 10 March – Monday 19 March 2007
T H E G R E AT W H A L E S T O U R
Leader: Dylan Walker and Trevor Codlin
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aja, a long desert peninsula of outstanding beauty, has to its east the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez and to its west the cool waters of the
Pacific Ocean. This area is the richest in the world for the numbers and diversity of whales and dolphins that can be found in the early months of
the year. The Sea of Cortez, which we visit on this tour, has long been a Mecca for migrating whales, as well as being a haven for Californian Sea
Lions, several species of dolphin and many species of seabird. With its specialised wildlife it has been referred to as the Mexican Galapagos and is
the place to spot the giant Blue Whale, the largest mammal on earth. Apart from Blue Whales, other cetaceans include Humpback, Fin, Sperm, Minke
and Bryde’s Whales. Bottle-nosed, Short-beaked and Long-beaked Common Dolphins as well as Orca are regularly seen. Magnificent Frigatebirds,
Brown Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds and Brown Pelicans and a host of gulls, terns, shearwaters, storm petrels and cormorants will delight the
birdwatcher. Photographers can take hundreds of pictures and swimmers can snorkel with Californian Sea Lions and brilliantly coloured fish. A
wonderful experience! There is something for everyone.
John Steinbeck details his journey to this area in his famous book, Log of the Sea of Cortez, and tells of the amazing wildlife he found. That was over
50 years ago. The wildlife is still there and just as amazing! On one of our recent tours we had over 25 sightings of Blue Whales, a flotilla of 22 Sperm
Whales as well as Fin, Bryde’s, and even the uncommon Dwarf Sperm Whale. Some of these magnificent animals were swimming right next to the
boat. A truly memorable experience! There was also the amazing sight of literally thousands of Common Dolphins surrounding the boat and stretching
as far as the eye could see.
We have chartered the 80-foot cruise vessel, the Don José, which was purpose-built for whale watching and has a crew of seven. She has seven main
berths, situated on an upper and lower deck. She normally takes a maximum of 16 people, but this is cramped so we have restricted the total number
to 10 clients plus Dylan and Trevor. We have decided to sell two of the cabins on the upper deck for single occupancy. None of the cabins have private
facilities but there are three toilets and showers. As well as our own tour leader, who will be with you throughout the tour, there also is the ship’s
naturalist to help you identify the wildlife, give slide shows and lectures, offer snorkelling tips and increase your understanding of this exciting area.
Blue Whale tail fluke
ITINERARY
Day 1
We take the scheduled flight from London to Los
Angeles, California. We stay overnight in a hotel
in Los Angeles.
Day 2
After breakfast we may have time to explore the
local area and visit Venice Beach. Here there
should be Willets and Marbled Godwits feeding
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along the tideline and if we walk along the pier
we should find Western and Clark’s Grebes as
well as Surf Scoter, Forster’s Tern and
Heermann’s and Ring-billed Gulls. Later, we
travel to the airport and catch the flight to Loreto,
Mexico. On arrival we transfer to our hotel where
we stay overnight.
Days 3 to 8
This morning we transfer to the Don José for
the next six nights. We shall set sail north-east
into the Sea of Cortez, or the Gulf of California
as it is otherwise known. Our main objective on
this cruise is to obtain good views of the “Great
Whales” that frequent this area at this time of
year. The month of March should see peak
numbers of Blue Whales in these waters and
we can hope for numerous sightings of these
enormous animals. We may also be lucky and
find mothers with their young. In the past we
have also had wonderful views of Humpbacks,
which are often playful with the boats, floating
DON JOSÉ
Details of the Don José
Built: 1979
Length: 80ft
Shipboard Facilities
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Swimming platform
Sun lounge
Shaded seating area
Storage area for snorkelling gear
All rooms have:
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Air Conditioning
Curtained changing area
Hanging lockers with drawers
Privacy curtains
Electricity supply 110V
T H E G R E AT W H A L E S T O U R
The Don José
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Days 3-8
Day 9
Day 10
Fly to Los Angeles
Fly to Loreto and overnight
Embark the Don José and
cruise in the Sea of Cortez
Disembark the Don José at
La Paz and fly to Los
Angeles. Depart Los Angeles
Arrive London
Tour Prices
Cost per person in a twin/doublebedded room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £ 2,899
Cost per person in a twin room
for sole use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £ 3,699
Humpback Whale spy-hopping
on their backs or waving their fins, or looking
out of the water to see what is happening. Then
of course there are the large numbers of
dolphins that feed in these waters, which often
provide an amazing sight as they move
through the water en masse leaping and
diving. Other whales include Bryde’s, Sperm,
Fin, Minke and Orcas. Much of the time will be
spent on deck watching for these animals and
we have the services of an onboard naturalist
who can help answer the innumerable
questions on the life and biology of these
lovely animals.
Seabirds will be numerous and we shall find
Heermann’s, Laughing, California and Yellowfooted Gulls, Pomarine, Parasitic and Long-tailed
Jaegers (Skuas), Craveri’s Murrelet, Pink-footed,
Sooty and Black-vented Shearwaters, Black and
Least Storm-petrels, Brown and Blue-footed
Boobies, Neotropic and Brandt’s Cormorants
and Magnificent Frigatebirds. Of course there will
be many shorebirds to look at as well as birds of
prey.
We shall also take excursions on the numerous
islands and beaches where we land. Canyon
Wren, Verdin, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned
and Yellow Warblers, Northern Cardinal, Xantus’
and Costa’s Hummingbirds, Black-throated
Sparrow and California and Blue-grey
Gnatcatchers will soon become familiar birds of
these small islands. The dry mesquite vegetation
grows with Cardons as well as Cholla, Creeping
Devil and Organpipe Cacti. For those who wish
there will also be the chance to snorkel in some
of the shallow bays to look at the abundant fish
life and soft corals. There will also be time for
hiking and beachcombing and of course we will
not forget the importance of taking sundowners
as the day draws to a close!
Days 9 & 10
We arrive into La Paz and then transfer to the
airport for our return flight to Los Angeles.
Hopefully, we shall have time to visit the famous
La Brea Tar Pits, before we connect with the
scheduled flight to London, where we arrive the
next day.
Party Size
Maximum of 10 clients.
Cabins
Aboard the Don José the accommodation is
in twin cabins and one double berth cabin.
Only two twin cabins will be sold for sole use.
All the cabins are compact with shared
facilities. The accommodation is normally
allocated in the order of booking.
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Travel Insurance
Laundry
Beverages
Any Visa fees
Gratuities
Hire of snorkelling equipment
Meals while not aboard the boat
21
E X P LO R E R
CRUISE ON THE EXPLORER
Spitsbergen – the Svalbard Archipelago
Norway – Escorted Wildlife & Photography Tour
Monday 09 July – Thursday 19 July 2007
SPITSBERGEN – THE SVALBARD ARCHIPEL AGO
Leader: Paul Rogers
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his island of Spitsbergen, part of the Svalbard Archipelago, is a mere 600 miles from the North Pole and this cruise is a fabulous introduction to
Polar cruising. This is a land dominated by cold and darkness during the winter months, but for a period from May to August it is transformed into
a land of perpetual daylight. The tundra and hills come alive with flowers and the cliffs and bogs are home to nesting seabirds, ducks and waders.
The islands are dramatic, with high snow covered mountains, classic v-shaped fjords and indented shorelines, with rivers and stone beaches. The
chief prize of a cruise in June and July is to find the denizen of these northern lands, the magnificent Polar Bear. These animals are normally in pristine
condition, with glistening creamy white fur, and can be seen hunting the shorelines or swimming in the sea. There are also long-tusked Walruses,
cheeky Arctic Foxes as well as a supporting cast of whales, seals and reindeer. The bird list will not be enormous (about 30 species), but there will
be exciting birding, with some key northern species to be found. This is the land of the auk, and it is here that the Little Auk is found in vast numbers.
There will also be divers, geese, ducks, waders, skuas, gulls, terns and a lone passerine, Snow Bunting. Special mention must be made of three
species of birds, which can be found here: Ivory Gull, King Eider and Grey Phalarope. For the photographer there will be much to see and the light
at this time of year will be excellent, with almost constant daylight.
For this holiday we have chosen to use the Explorer – the “Little Red Ship”, for our cruise to Spitsbergen. We have journeyed with her on numerous
occasions to Antarctica and the Amazon, and we know you will be very happy aboard. The Explorer is an ideal vessel for travelling to the High Arctic,
as she is comfortable, safe and environmentally sensitive. She has an on-board re-cycling system that is backed by a philosophy of care that protects
the peoples and environments on her routes. A fleet of zodiacs makes it easy to explore the more inaccessible areas. She has a superb expedition
staff and a team of on-board lecturers who will impart their knowledge of the natural history and geographical features of the region.
Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by one of our leaders, Paul Rogers, to assist you and help with identifying the wildlife.
ITINERARY
Days 1 & 2
We leave London on a scheduled flight bound for
Oslo. In Oslo we connect with our onward
northern flight, which takes about three hours
before we land in Longyearbyen, the capital of
the Svalbard group. We transfer to our hotel,
where we stay overnight. The early risers will be
able to walk from the hotel and enjoy the local
wildlife. There will be Arctic Foxes sauntering,
looking for their breakfast, as well as Ptarmigan,
which are common locally. Later, we can explore
the town, before we transfer to the Explorer in the
late afternoon. We can settle in to our cabins and
explore the ship. We shall cast off and once
underway watch Northern Fulmar, Common
Eider, Red-throated Diver and Bearded Seals
could surface to peer at us inquisitively.
Day 3
Krossfjorden is surrounded by high peaks and
huge glaciers. Here we shall look for Barnacle
Goose, Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Great
Skua, Glaucous Gull, Grey Phalarope, Purple
Sandpiper and Snow Bunting. In the past this
area used to have whaling stations that hunted
the great whales, such as Bowheads, only to turn
to the smaller species as stocks diminished.
Whales are still uncommon in these waters but
we may be lucky to spot a Minke or even a
Beluga. We should start to see Ringed Seals
now, as well as good numbers of auks. There will
be Little Auks, as well as Puffin and both Black
and Brünnich’s Guillemots.
Day 4
Today we shall make a landing at Fugelsangen.
We can take the zodiacs to a stony beach and
access the expanse of scree that is a nesting site
for thousands of Little Auks. These small birds,
the size of a starling, have a population on these
islands of around 15 million birds. We should be
able to watch as they whirr on their stubby wings,
arriving to feed incubating females or hungry
Seabird colony, Spitsbergen
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E X P LO R E R
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Days 7-9
Day 10
Day 11
Polar Bear and cubs
youngsters. The two attendant predators of their
colonies, the Arctic Fox and the Glaucous Gull,
will also not be far away.
Day 5
Today we shall be cruising at sea, looking for
whales, seals, sea-ducks and auks. The scenery
will be magnificent with seabird thronged cliffs,
ice walls, and calm blue water bays. This is the
land of pack ice and seals. Walruses may be
hauled out on ice floes and on beaches showing
long ivory tusks, which contrast with their all-dark
skin. They are often found laying near their
smaller relatives the Bearded, Ringed and Harp
Seals. The adult Bearded Seals are the colour of
Rich Tea biscuits, and when their long whiskers
are dry, they curl like a beard. The small Ringed
Seals have a pattern of dark, ring-like markings
on their back. The male Harp Seals are very
smart with their black hoods and piebald bodies,
while the females are more sombre in colour. We
shall pass more colonies of Little Auks and the
air should be full of them as they pass in many
thousands.
Day 6
We sail through the Hinlopen Strait with fjords to
each side. If conditions permit we visit Vibebukta
near the Austfonna Glacier (but please note the
route is weather dependant and if the pack ice is
still thick we may have to take a different route).
Cliff nesting Kittiwakes are harassed by both
Arctic and Great Skuas and we may be lucky to
see some of the delicate Long-tailed Skuas that
nest on Spitsbergen. The tundra will have
nesting waders and there should be Ruddy
Turnstone and Purple Sandpipers sitting on
cryptically coloured eggs, while Arctic Terns will
scream overhead if we approach the colonies.
Small pools hold nesting Grey Phalaropes and
we may be lucky to photograph them in their
beautifully coloured brick-red summer plumage.
Common Eiders will have their nests, lined with
Fly to Longyearbyen
Embark the Explorer at
Longyearbyen
Krossfjorden
Fugelsangen
At sea
Hinlopen Strait
Svalbard
Longyearbyen
Disembark the Explorer at
Longyearbyen, fly to London
Tour Prices
copious down, amongst the heather and
bilberry. The scenery will be marvellous as we
cruise past snow-covered mountains, glaciers,
ice-floes and flower-studded tundra.
Days 7 to 9
We are in the Svalbard Archipelago and this is
the land of the Polar Bear. We shall cruise into
small bays, looking at ice-floes, for these giants.
We may find a lone male, or perhaps a female
with small cubs. These animals are always
exciting. They can be unpredictable in their
behaviour, sometimes they are attracted to the
ship by the smell of cooking and at other times
they will just walk away unconcerned. Some may
even continue sleeping as the ship or a zodiac
passes by. We shall endeavour to get good
views of these marine mammals as we cruise
amongst the numerous small islands and ice
floes. There will also be gulls and terns here and
we can search again for the dove-like Ivory Gull
and also the dark-hooded Sabine’s Gull. We can
keep a look out amongst the Red-throated Divers
for any Great Northern Divers that might be here.
Another animal to look for will be the Svalbard
Reindeer, a small race with shorter legs than
those of mainland Norway.
Please see the cabin layout and check which
category cabin you require. (See page 40)
Lower Triple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,599
Lower Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,899
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £4,199
Lower Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£3,099
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £4,499
Main Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£3,199
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £4,899
Main Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £3,399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £5,199
Captain’s Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £3,599
Superior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £3,799
MP Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,299
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SPITSBERGEN – THE SVALBARD ARCHIPEL AGO
Grey Phalarope
Travel Insurance
Laundry
Beverages
Any Visa fees
Gratuities
Any meals while not aboard the ship
Day 10
As we cruise along the coastline we scan for
more birds, bears, seals and whales. Geese will
present on the cliffs and in the bays. Barnacle
and Pink-footed are the most common but we
may also see Pale-bellied Brents. Tonight we
have our farewell dinner as we approach
Longyearbyen.
Day 11
In the morning we say our goodbyes and depart
from the ship. We transfer to the airport and
catch the flight to Oslo, where we connect with
our return flight to London, arriving in the
evening.
Walruses
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E X P LO R E R
Classic Antarctica
Antarctica and Argentina – Escorted Wildlife & Photography Tour
Tuesday 27 November – Sunday 09 December 2007
C L A S S I C A N TA R C T I C A
Leader: Paul Rogers
T
his cruise offers the opportunity to visit Antarctica and some of mainland Argentina, as well as the delights of the famous Drake Passage. The
Antarctic is the last untouched wilderness on earth, with an ice-clad landmass of over 12 million square kilometres, which holds almost 90% of the
planet’s fresh water, locked as ice. You will cruise in luxury amidst ice floes, towering snow-capped mountains, and past deep-blue icebergs, formed
by water frozen perhaps a million years ago. Penguins, albatrosses, shearwaters, prions, skuas, petrels, whales, dolphins and seals will be constant
companions throughout the voyage and, for the photographer the endless procession of birds, scenery and sights is relentless.
For this cruise we have chosen to use the Explorer – the “Little Red Ship”. We have journeyed with her on numerous occasions to the White Continent
and we know you will be very happy with her. The Explorer is an ideal vessel for travelling to Antarctica, as she is comfortable, safe and environmentally
sensitive. She has an on-board re-cycling system that is backed by a philosophy of care that protects the peoples and environments on her routes. A
fleet of zodiacs makes it easy to explore the more inaccessible areas. She has a superb expeditionary staff and a team of on-board lecturers who will
impart their knowledge of the natural history and geographical features of the region.
While on the cruise, visits will be made to islands and the peninsula, using classic zodiac inflatables, navigated by skilled operators. There will also
be time for “ice cruising” when zodiacs are used to visit small inlets and inaccessible parts of many of the islands and promontories to look for whales,
seals, penguins and albatrosses.
Throughout the tour you will have the services of Paul Rogers, an experienced guide, who has travelled to these waters before. He is very keen on
Antarctic seabirds and has an all-round enthusiasm for all aspects of natural history.
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E X P LO R E R
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Days 4-5
Days 6-9
Days 10-11
Day 12
Antarctic scene
Day 13
ITINERARY
Days 1 & 2
We leave London in the morning on a scheduled
flight bound for Buenos Aires, where we arrive in
the evening and stay for two nights. The next
morning we visit the superb reserve of Costanera
del Sur. Here we should find Rosy-billed Pochard,
Silver Teal, Red Shoveler, Spot-flanked Gallinule
and White-tufted Grebe. Large Crested Screamers
are quite common here. Smaller birds should
include Spectacled Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird,
Brown-and-yellow Marshbird and White-browed
Blackbird. Black-necked and Coscoroba Swans
will be here too if the water level permits. It is
possible to see almost 100 species in a few hours.
Day 3
We take the morning scheduled flight from
Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Here we have some
time to explore the local area before we board
the Explorer. We leave the port in the evening,
bound for Antarctica.
Days 4 & 5
We head south and cross the Drake Passage.
We should see our first Black-browed
Albatrosses and perhaps one or two Royals, as
well as diving-petrels skimming the waves. The
waters now become cooler as we cross the
Antarctic Convergence, and the suite of seabirds
following the wake of the ship should now
change in its composition.
Days 6 to 9
During this period we visit the Antarctic
Peninsula. (The itinerary is dependent on ice
conditions). As our expedition ship moves further
south, we encounter more ice floes. These floes
may be dotted with Crabeater and Leopard
Seals and the horizon may reveal a Humpback
or Antarctic Minke Whale. We’ll spot hundreds of
Adelie Penguins and dramatic icescapes with
glacier-lined shores coming into view as we
cruise the stunning Lemaire Channel, also
known as Kodak Gap.
The Neumayer Channel provides further
opportunities to photograph Gentoo Penguins
and Imperial Cormorants, surrounded by
dramatic alpine peaks and ice-blue glaciers.
Going ashore by zodiac we may find the
bleached whalebones from another century.
Deception Island’s narrow entry, Neptune’s
Bellows, leads inside to the steep-walled,
flooded crate of this active volcanic island. A
stunning anchorage, Deception also has historic
interest – an abandoned whaling station
operated from 1911-1931, where we may also
spot many Chinstrap Penguins. Southern
Fulmars and Cape Petrels circle over the water,
while a walk ashore at Telefon Bay brings us to a
moonscape of lava, formed in the 1970 eruption.
At Pendulum Cove, hot geothermal springs
bubble up to form a bathing pool. An unusual
experience awaits the hardy – a hot pool soak in
Antarctica!
The protected harbour of Paradise Bay, on the
peninsula, is backed by an ethereal landscape of
hanging ice cliffs. Conditions permitting, we
might land at an abandoned research station on
the Antarctic Continent, and hike with our
leaders and guides for a 360-degree view of the
surrounding mountains and glaciers. Zodiac
tours will offer ample opportunity for outstanding
photos of ice formations.
Days 10 & 11
We head north again and cross the Drake
Passage. We will encounter some good seabirds
here and must be on the look out for
Whiteheaded Petrel, Grey-backed Storm-Petrel
and Common Diving-Petrel.
Fly to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Ushuaia
At sea
Antarctic Peninsula and
South Shetland Islands
At sea
Ushuaia, fly to Buenos Aires
Arrive London
C L A S S I C A N TA R C T I C A
Gentoo Penguins
Tour Prices
Lower Triple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£3,699
Lower Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£3,899
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £5,699
Lower Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£4,099
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £5,999
Main Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£4,299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £6,399
Main Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£4,499
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £6,499
Captain’s Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£4,699
Superior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£4,999
MP Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5,599
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Beverages
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Gratuities
Days 12 & 13
We arrive at Ushuaia and transfer from the ship.
If time permits we may do some local bird
watching before catching our scheduled flight
back to Buenos Aires, where we connect
with our London flight arriving in London the
next morning.
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E X P LO R E R
T H E G R E AT W H I T E C O N T I N E N T
Friday 18 January – Sunday 10 February 2008
The Great White Continent
Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falkland Islands & Argentina –
Leader: Richard Coomber
T
he confiding nature of the wildlife and the stunning scenery of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands provide some of the best
photographic opportunities for the natural history photographer in the world. We visit in the austral summer when there is at least 18 hours of
daylight – a real bonus for taking those atmospheric pictures. On this cruise we visit both Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, with visits to the superb
penguin and albatross colonies of South Georgia. The sight of thousands of King Penguins on Salisbury Plain is a truly awesome experience and the
photographer can take literally hundreds of photos. We cruise in luxury amidst ice floes, towering snow-capped mountains, and past deep-blue
icebergs. Penguins, albatrosses, shearwaters, prions, skuas, petrels, seals, whales and dolphins will be constant companions throughout the voyage.
For the photographer the endless procession of birds, mammals, scenery and sights is relentless. Visits will be made to various islands and the
Antarctic Peninsula, using a fleet of zodiacs, navigated by skilled operators, which enable us to explore some of the more inaccessible areas.
For this cruise we have chosen to use the Explorer – the “Little Red Ship”, for our cruise to Antarctica. We have journeyed with her on numerous
occasions to the White Continent and we know you will be very happy with her. The Explorer is an ideal vessel for travelling to Antarctica, as she is
comfortable, safe and environmentally sensitive. She has an on-board re-cycling system that is backed by a philosophy of care that protects the
peoples and environments on her routes. A fleet of zodiacs makes it easy to explore the more inaccessible areas. She has a superb expeditionary
staff and a team of on-board lecturers who will impart their knowledge of the natural history and geographical features of the region.
We also have some time for birding in Argentina with the Costanera Sur, Ceibas and the Tierra del Fuego National Park being the main sites visited.
In our short time here we should see well over 150 species of bird, including Andean Condor and Magellanic Woodpecker.
Throughout the tour you will have the services of Richard Coomber to help you identify the wildlife and to take care of you. Richard is well known as
one of our most travelled leaders and a very proficient photographer – so he will be there for all your photographic questions, especially regarding
what exposure to use for bright snow, dark penguins and a blue sea.
ITINERARY
Days 1 to 3
We take an evening flight from London to Buenos
Aires (via Madrid), where we are met by our local
guide and transfer to our hotel, where we stay for
two nights, in time for lunch. Later, we visit the
famous Costanera Sur Reserve in the heart of the
city. It is possible to see almost 70 species here in
an afternoon including Southern Screamer,
Coscoroba
Swan,
Black-headed
Duck,
Plumbeous Rail and Many-coloured Rush-Tyrant.
We have the whole of the next day to explore
areas north of Buenos Aires. The habitats here
comprise a mixture of thorny woodlands,
marshes and grasslands where we may find
Greater Rhea, Limpkin, Giant Wood-Rail, Curvebilled and Straight-billed Reedhaunters, Firewood
Gatherer and many other species.
Day 4
After breakfast we depart for our flight to
Ushuaia. We transfer to our hotel and in the
afternoon we visit the Martial Glacier and look for
some of the specialities of the area including
Yellow-bridled Finch, Grey-flanked Cinclodes
and Ochre-naped Ground-tyrant.
Light-mantled Albatross
26
Day 5
After breakfast we visit the Tierra del Fuego
National Park. This beautiful reserve has a
number of interesting species, but the best must
be the enormous Magellanic Woodpecker and
birding in the nothofagus forests is a great
experience. We also have the chance to see the
magnificent Andean Condor, Austral Pygmy Owl,
Thorn-tailed Rayadito and many other species.
In the late afternoon we board the Explorer, and
leave the port in the evening, bound for the
Falkland Islands.
Day 8
We move to Port Stanley where we should have
time to do some local exploration and shopping.
We should see Upland and Kelp Geese in the
harbour, as well as the endemic Falkland
Days 9 & 10
We leave the islands and head eastwards. Our
time will be spent at sea, watching films and
listening to the lecturers discussing the history and
wildlife of the South Georgia Islands. We will
become acquainted with the identification features
of Black-browed, Grey-headed, Royal and
Wandering Albatrosses. There will also be prions,
storm-petrels, diving-petrels and shearwaters
to watch.
Days 11 to 13
We arrive at South Georgia. This area is
mountainous, ice-clad and isolated at the edge of
the submarine Scotia Ridge, and possibly the
most picturesque of all of the subantarctic islands.
The silent rusting ruins of Grytviken’s whaling
station are out of bounds to visitors, but we should
be able to visit Shackleton’s grave, the little white
church and the fascinating museum. At the Bay of
Isles is the world-famous colony of 100,000 King
Penguins. We shall also watch Gentoo Penguins
and, if sea conditions allow, the colourful
Macaronis. We also have the unique opportunity of
seeing Wandering Albatrosses on their nests in the
tussac grass. These marvellous birds, with a
wingspan of up to 11 feet, are a delight to watch as
they soar gracefully. We may also find nesting
Light-mantled and Grey-headed Albatrosses.
Hopefully, we shall have time to find the three
endemic species – South Georgia Shag, South
Georgia Pintail and South Georgia Pipit. The
scenery here is breathtaking and if we are lucky we
will make a special excursion to be on a beach to
watch the sun rise and see it light up the vast
glaciers that frequently calve icebergs into the sea.
Days 14 & 15
We take to the sea once more for sea watching,
and lectures and films on Antarctica and
Elephant Island.
Day 16
Today it is Elephant Island and colonies of
Chinstraps and Gentoos, with some Fur Seals for
good measure. Awesome glaciers, speckled with
pink algae, create a dramatic landscape near to
Cape Lookout.
Days 17 to 20
During this period we visit the Antarctic
Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. (The
itinerary is dependent on ice conditions). As our
expedition ship moves further south, we
Pair of Wandering Albatross
519445
Day 7
Today we arrive at the Falkland Islands and make
our first landfalls at West Point and Carcass
Islands. Here we get a chance to stretch our legs
with a walk across to the Black-browed Albatross
and Rockhopper Penguins. They both should
have young and the colony should be busy! We
shall also see our first Striated and Southern
Crested Caracaras. Magellanic Penguins will be
nesting amongst the tussac grass on the slopes.
We move to Carcass Island where we walk along
lovely sandy beaches, past the endemic Cobb’s
Wren and flocks of Magellanic and Blackish
Oystercatchers, to the McGill’s homestead.
Hopefully, we shall be in time for one of their
renowned teas. Later, we transfer back to the
ship by zodiac.
Flightless Steamer-Ducks. It is interesting to
observe the bustle of this small town, as the
streets are often crammed with Land Rovers - the
highest per capita ownership of these vehicles
anywhere in the world!
E X P LO R E R
Day 6
Our time will be spent at sea, watching films and
listening to the lecturers discussing the history
and wildlife of the Falkland Islands. We should
see our first Black-browed Albatross and
perhaps one or two Royal Albatross.
27
E X P LO R E R
King Penguin chick
Itinerary
Day 1
Days 2-3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Days 7-8
Days 9-10
Days 11-13
Days 14-15
Day 16
Days 17-20
Days 21-22
Day 23
Day 24
Depart London
Buenos Aires
Ushuaia
Ushuaia
At sea
Falkland Islands
At sea
South Georgia
At sea
Elephant Island
Antarctic Peninsula and
South Shetland Islands
At sea
Ushuaia, fly to Buenos Aires
Arrive London
Tour Prices
Lower Triple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £6,199
King Penguin colony
encounter more ice floes. These floes may be
dotted with Crabeater and Leopard Seals and
the horizon may reveal a Humpback or Minke
Whale. We’ll spot hundreds of Adelie Penguins
and dramatic icescapes with glacier-lined shores
coming into view as we cruise the stunning
Lemaire Channel, also known as Kodak Gap.
The Neumayer Channel provides further
opportunities to photograph Gentoo Penguins
and Antarctic Shag, surrounded by dramatic
alpine peaks and ice-blue glaciers. Going ashore
by zodiac we may find the bleached whalebones
from another century.
Deception Island’s narrow entry, Neptune’s
Bellows, leads inside to the steep-walled,
flooded crater of this active volcanic island. A
stunning anchorage, Deception also has historic
interest – an abandoned whaling station
operated from 1911 – 1931, where we may also
see many Chinstrap Penguins. Southern
Fulmars and Cape Petrels circle over the water,
while a walk ashore at Telefon Bay brings us to a
moonscape of lava, formed in the 1970 eruption.
At Pendulum Cove, hot geothermal springs
bubble up to form a bathing pool. An unusual
experience awaits the hardy – a hot pool soak in
Antarctica!
The protected harbour of Paradise Bay, on the
peninsula, is backed by an ethereal landscape of
hanging ice cliffs. Conditions permitting, we
might land at an abandoned research station on
the Antarctic Continent, and hike with our
leaders and guides for a 360-degree view of the
surrounding mountains and glaciers. Zodiac
tours will offer ample opportunity for outstanding
photos of ice formations.
Days 21 & 22
We head north again and cross the Drake
Passage. We will encounter some good seabirds
here and must be on the look out for Whiteheaded Petrel, Grey-backed Storm-Petrel and
Common Diving-Petrel.
Days 23 & 24
Later, we arrive at Ushuaia and disembark from
the ship. We catch a flight back to Buenos Aires,
and connect with our London flight, where we
arrive next morning.
Lower Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £6,9399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £11,299
Lower Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7,299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £11,999
Main Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7,799
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £12,799
Main Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7,999
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £13,199
Captain’s Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8,299
Superior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8,999
MP Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10,199
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Travel Insurance
Laundry
Beverages
Any Visa fees
Gratuities
Weddell Seal yawning
In the Wake of Darwin
Peru, Chile & Argentina – Escorted Wildlife & Photography Tour
Thursday 01 November – Friday 23 November 2007
Leader: Tony Pym
e have chosen to join the Polar Star on a cruise that follows the passage of the great naturalists and explorers such as Darwin, Magellan and
Drake. We journey from northern Peru, down the west coast of South America to the fjords of southern Chile and then to the end of the earth,
Tierra del Fuego – the land of fires. This cruise will begin in the very rich cold Humboldt Current, where we can witness vast numbers of seabirds,
such as Guanay Cormorants, Peruvian Boobies and Inca Terns, as well as being able to search for interesting cetaceans. The scenery will be
spectacular, with the Andean chain visible as a backdrop, and then we cruise to the Chilean fjords where we pass glaciers and snow-capped peaks,
until we navigate Cape Horn and the Beagle Channel to finish in the Argentinean port of Ushuaia.
The Polar Star is the first icebreaker to be fully converted for expedition cruising. She was commissioned by the Swedish Maritime Administration and
built in Finland. She served as a working ice-breaker in the Baltic, before Karlsen Shipping, a Norwegian/Canadian company bought her and had her
converted, with a new superstructure and new engines. She has a maximum capacity of 105 and is the ideal size for expedition cruising. She has
spacious open deck areas, a large lounge with panoramic views, a library, a gymnasium, shop and bar. The captain and the officers are mostly
Norwegian and the cabin and service staff mainly Filipino. All in all she is a very comfortable little ship, with a very friendly atmosphere. We have been
very impressed with the feedback we have had from clients who have already travelled on her, and are proud to be able to offer this cruise, which
contains both amazing wildlife and scenery.
Throughout the tour you will have the services of Tony Pym to help you identify the wildlife and to take care of you. These will be our third cruise on
this itinerary with the Polar Star.
ITINERARY
Day 1
We catch an early morning flight from London to
Lima. We arrive in Lima in the evening, and
transfer to our hotel in time for dinner.
IN THE WAKE OF DARWIN
W
P O L A R S TA R
CRUISE ON THE POLAR STAR
Day 2
After resting at our hotel we move to the coast
and have lunch at a local seafood restaurant built
on stilts. From here we can watch Peruvian
Booby, Peruvian Pelican, Band-tailed Gull, South
American Tern and the beautiful Inca Tern. Later,
we transfer to the dock and board the Polar Star
to begin our cruise.
Day 3
Our main visit today will be to the famous seabird
colonies of the Islas Ballestas. These are the
“Guano Islands” that were once the source of
tons of valuable nitrate-rich guano used in the
production of fertilisers, and explosives. They are
now protected as a wildlife sanctuary, and we
should find thousands of birds, including Inca
Terns and even Humboldt Penguins, all vying for
space amongst a multitude of boobies, pelicans
and three different species of cormorants, whilst
the barking from South American Sea Lions will
be a constant background noise.
Day 4
Today we arrive at Puerto San Juan where we
anchor in a bay surrounded by sandy hills. We
can take a drive inland to the Nazca Plain, and
then on to the Nazca burial site where wellpreserved mummified bodies are found, still in
their pit tombs. The highlight of our day here will
be boarding a light aircraft to overfly the
remarkable Nazca Lines, which are over 30
metres long and date back to about 100BC. This
desert region has Peruvian Thick-knees,
Burrowing Owls and in the more lush regions
Vermillion Flycatchers. Later, we rejoin the ship
and sail south.
Black-browed Albatross
Day 5
Today is spent at sea as we move south. There
will be a chance to listen to lectures or to be out
on deck to watch for seabirds and cetaceans.
29
P O L A R S TA R
Buller’s and Salvin’s Albatrosses
Maybe we shall sight our first albatross (six
species visit the Humboldt Current) and we may
see, at the opposite end of the size scale, the
diminutive Peruvian Diving-Petrel. Seabirds
should be in profusion – Sooty, Pink-footed and
possibly Buller’s Shearwaters and maybe three
or four species of storm-petrel including
Wilson’s, White-vented, Markham’s and Ringed.
The beautiful Swallow-tailed Gull, which breeds
only on the Galapagos Islands, could well be
seen. This area is also a hotspot for dolphins and
a number of species visit the area.
Day 6
We arrive at Arica today and should be greeted
by beautiful Inca Terns and many Peruvian
Boobies. We have a chance to explore the
seaside town and to look at Eiffel’s famous iron
church. We should also have a chance to see the
petroglyphs near to the Azapa valley. This
irrigated valley is also home to Oasis
Hummingbird and Peruvian Sheartail. Later, we
rejoin the ship and move south once again.
Days 7 & 8
We now have two full days at sea, to enjoy the
wildlife and to relax and listen to lectures. These
cold waters are rich in fish, birds and cetaceans
and we could hope to find both Long-beaked and
Short-beaked Common Dolphins, Dusky and
Risso’s Dolphins, and possibly Southern Right
Whale Dolphins that would have followed the cold
water current from the southern oceans. Amongst
the South American Fur Seals we may find the rare
Juan Fernández Fur Seal. Birds should be plentiful
– Peruvian Pelicans diving for fish, White-chinned
Petrels together with Pink-footed Shearwaters
shearing the waves, and Grey Gulls maybe being
harassed by Chilean Skuas.
30
Day 9
As we sail towards Valparaiso albatrosses will be
seen gliding close to the ship. Amongst the
larger, the Great Albatross species, Wanderers
and Royal Albatrosses can be expected, and
amongst the smaller species, the mollymawks,
maybe Salvin’s, Grey-headed and Pacific
(Buller’s) Albatrosses. Little-known enigmatic
Gadfly petrels may zoom by for this is home
ground for Defilippe’s and Stejneger’s Petrels
and the large and dynamic Juan Fernández
Petrel. Valparaiso is a city built at the very foot of
a tall range of hills. We can go ashore and
explore, and perhaps travel on the funicular
railway (now UNESCO listed) to the top of the
steep hills. From here there is a lovely view down
over the narrow streets to the port where the
Polar Star will be lying at anchor.
Day 10
Today we cruise at sea, listening to lectures from
the resident staff or watching for seabirds and
cetaceans. Later, we arrive at Isla Mocha in
northern Chile and have some time here for
sightseeing. Common birds here include the
large Chilean Pigeon and the petite Greenbacked Firecrown.
Day 11
The ship will enter the Bahia Corral (Coral Bay)
into which the river Valdivia flows. We have a
chance to see the town of Valdivia, which is
about 18km up river. The bird life here is quite
prolific and includes Great Grebe, Black-necked
Swans and Southern Lapwings.
Day 12
We visit Puerto Montt today and the “Chilean
Lake District” with a tour to the Parque Nacional
Vicente Perez Rosalez. The main focus will be
Lake Llanquihue, where we shall stand on the
bridges that cross the cascades. Here we may
find the Torrent Duck, a denizen of swift and
turbulent waters. In the forested areas we shall
search for Tufted Tit-tyrant, White-throated
Treerunner, Chucao Tapaculo, which is quite
common if skulking, and Austral Blackbird.
Day 13
Today we visit Chiloë Island and the main town of
Castro. Here we visit the UNESCO listed
cathedral and churches, as well as a colourful
market and some of the stilt-homes. Of course
Chiloë Wigeon is always a possibility!
Days 14 to 18
We are now sailing amongst the Chilean Fjords.
The scenery becomes exceptionally beautiful,
with narrow channels, tree clad hillsides, distant
snow-capped peaks and calm waters. We pass
Golfo Corcovado, Morleda Canal, Golfo de
Penas, Vancouver Island and Kirke Narrows.
Landings ashore will be made at many sites and
we should witness the passage of numerous
seabird species including Black-browed
Albatross, Sooty Shearwater, White-chinned
Petrel and perhaps the little known Westland
Petrel. Amongst the cetaceans, perhaps Peale’s
and Chilean Dolphins will put in an appearance.
There is even the chance of Marine Otters. Later,
we arrive at Puerto Natales and have a chance
for a visit to the lovely Torres del Paine National
Park. This park is famous for the dramatic cliffs
“The Towers of Pain”, that dominate the
landscape. We can enter the park early in the
morning and find Lesser Rheas, Patagonian
Sierra-finches, Rufous-tailed Plantcutters, Blacknecked Swans, Crested Duck, Chiloë Wigeon,
head for Cape Horn, and hopefully will make a
landing at Horn Island.
Day 21
We arrive at Ushuaia in the morning and say our
final goodbyes to the crew. We meet local guides
who take us on a tour of Tierra del Fuego
National Park, where we hope to find Magellanic
Woodpecker, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Whitethroated Treerunner and many more species.
Later, we catch the flight back to Buenos Aires,
and then transfer to a hotel for a farewell dinner.
We stay in Buenos Aires overnight.
Days 22 & 23
After breakfast we have an excursion to the
Costanera Sur Nature Reserve. We can hope to
see at least 50 species here this morning, including
Silver Teal, Lake Duck, Plumbeous Rail, Wattled
Jacana, Picazuro Pigeon and Rufous Hornero.
Later, we transfer to the airport and catch our flight
to London where we arrive early next morning.
Peruvian Pelican
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Days 7-8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Days 14-18
Days 19-20
Day 21
Day 22
Day 23
Fly to Lima
Embark the Polar Star at Lima
Islas Ballestas
Puerto San Juan
At sea
Arica
At sea
Valparaiso
Isla Mocha
Valdivia
Puerto Montt
Chiloë Island
Chilean Fjords
Beagle and O’Brien Channels
Disembark the Polar Star at
Ushuaia. Fly to Buenos Aires
Depart Buenos Aires
Arrive London
Days 19 & 20
These will be an exciting two days as we come
around the tip of South America. We shall pass
glaciers and fjords and sail through channels
thronged with seabirds We pass the famous
Garibaldi Fjord and head for the Beagle
Channel, which is itself a v-shaped fjord where
giant petrels and albatrosses will follow in the
wake of the Polar Star. The scenery will be
dramatic with distant snow-capped peaks,
tumbling waterfalls, and slopes covered with
Nothofagus forests (sub-Antarctic beech).
Zodiac cruises ashore are planned where
birds may include the sierra-finches and
ground-tyrants. Specialities include Austral
Parakeet, Austral Pygmy-Owl and the giant
Magellanic Woodpecker amongst others. We
pass through the O’Brien Channel and we
P O L A R S TA R
perhaps Spectacled Duck and much more
besides. The massive Andean Condor is
common here.
Tour Prices
Category K1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,199
Category K2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,999
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £8,099
Category K3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £6,199
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Single cabin £8,399
Category K4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £6,599
Category K6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £6,999
Category K7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7,499
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Travel Insurance
Laundry
Beverages (see below)
Any Visa fees
Tea, coffee, juice and water are always
available in the 5th deck Observation
Lounge.
Torres del Paine National Park
31
P O L A R S TA R
CRUISE ON THE POLAR STAR
The Islands of Macaronesia
Canaries, Salvagen, Desertas, Madeira and Azores –
Saturday 14 April – Saturday 28 April 2007
THE ISL ANDS OF MACARONESIA
Leader: Tony Pym
T
he North Atlantic holds many small island groups but this cruise visits three island clusters that are home to some fascinating landscapes, unique
animals and lovely buildings and scenery. The natural environments of some of the islands are a delight, with beautiful expanses of flowers, small
farm landscapes, rural settlements and an island wilderness encompassing both land and seascapes. Islands are a natural gathering place for bird
species and marine wildlife and these islands act as both a nesting area for many interesting bird species and a feeding area for many cetaceans.
We shall visit volcanic calderas, cascading waterfalls, old windmills and churches, desert landscapes, golden beaches, vineyards and laurel forests.
The Polar Star was the first icebreaker to be fully converted for expedition cruising. She was commissioned by the Swedish Maritime Administration
and built in Finland. She served as a working ice-breaker in the Baltic, before Karlsen Shipping, a Norwegian/Canadian company bought her and had
her converted, with a new superstructure and new engines. She has a maximum capacity of 105 and is the ideal size for expedition cruising. All the
cabins in our allocation have private facilities, and all have outside views. She has spacious open deck areas, a large lounge with panoramic views,
a library, a gymnasium, shop and bar. The captain and the officers are mostly Norwegian and the cabin and service staff mainly Filipino. All in all she
is a very comfortable little ship, with a very friendly atmosphere.
Throughout the tour you will have the services of Tony Pym to help you identify the wildlife and to take care of you. This will be our fourth cruise on
the Polar Star.
ITINERARY
Day 1
We fly from London to Las Palmas on Gran Canaria
(Canary Islands) where we transfer to the port to
meet the Polar Star. Once settled in to our cabins
we begin our cruise around the island. These
islands are home to some interesting seabirds and
we can begin to look for Madeiran Storm-Petrel,
Bulwer’s Petrel, Cory’s and Macaronesian
Shearwaters as well as several species of
cetacean, including Short-finned Pilot Whale.
Day 2
Today we shall make a visit to the island of
Fuerteventura. This volcanically formed island
has a desert-like landscape, with cacti and
euphorbias growing from the sandy soil.
The wind-swept plains have many windmills
and are home to some interesting birds.
We would hope to find Trumpeter Finch, the
endemic Canary Island Chat, Black-bellied
Sandgrouse, Cream-coloured Courser, Egyptian
Vulture and Houbara Bustard. We may also find
the Barbary Ground Squirrel.
Day 3
UNESCO has classified our next landfall,
Lanzarote, as a world Biosphere Reserve. We
shall visit the unique geological formation at Los
Jameos del Aqua, which was formed by the lava
flow from the eruption of the volcano, La Corona,
which advanced while the surface solidified. Due
to the action of the gas trapped beneath the
surface, part of the surface collapsed. A small
lake formed which is home to the ‘jameito’, a tiny
blind albino crab, which is unique to Lanzarote.
Day 4
We make landfall this morning on La Palma and
visit the national park of Caldera de Taburiente.
This is a large crater, which dominates the
northern part of the island. The caldera is about
10km across, and in places the walls tower
2000m over the caldera floor. The highest
point is the Roque de los Muchachos on the
northern wall, at 2,423m. During the Spanish
conquest of the Canary Islands, it was the site
of the last stand of the indigenous people of
the archipelago, the Guanches. It proved
impregnable to the invading Spaniards, and they
only defeated the Guanches by luring their
leader out on the pretext of holding talks. Later,
we go to the island of La Gomera, a cone shaped
island with one of the last remaining tracts of
laurel forest, home to two endemic pigeons,
Bolle’s and Laurel, which we would hope to see.
There are also Canary (the real ones!), Spanish
Sparrow, Berthelot’s Pipit and Plain Swift.
Day 5
We cruise northwards towards the Salvagen
Islands. Governed by the Portuguese, this small
remote grouping is a nature reserve and home to
several species of petrel and shearwater as well
as 25,000 pairs of White-faced Storm-Petrel.
Red-billed Tropicbird is possible in the waters
around these islands and, at this time of year, we
may also see some migrant seabirds passing
through such as terns and skuas.
Red-billed Tropicbird
32
Day 6
We visit next the Desertas Islands. On this three-
P O L A R S TA R
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Bottle-nosed Dolphins
island grouping, a gad-fly petrel, the Fea’s Petrel
can be seen during nesting season. Its close
relative, the critically endangered Zino’s Petrel
feeds in these waters also, but the current view is
this species is not separable at sea. The
Desertas group also supports a population of the
endangered Monk Seal.
Day 7
We reach the island of Madeira today, governed
by the Portuguese. Again this is a hilly, volcanic
island and Madeira is actually the summit of a
mountain range rising four miles from the
seabed. Its volcanic origin can be clearly seen in
the mountainous interior and lava streams, which
break up the line of cliffs on its coast. The capital
Funchal is a small romantic town with
Jacaranda-lined streets and a colourful market.
It’s known for its wine, embroidery and
wickerwork. We explore the island in search of
natural volcanic swimming pools, cascading
waterfalls, picturesque churches and traditional
triangular thatched-roof houses. We may also
encounter Plain Swift, the endemic Trocaz
Pigeon and Madeira Firecrest as well as the
endemic Wall Lizard.
Day 8
Porto Santo is a smaller island in the Madeira
group. This landscape is completely different
from Madeira with a flat coastline, magnificent
golden beaches and its mountains are only in
the northern interior.
Day 9
The day is spent at sea and we can enjoy the
various lectures given today and also watch for
marine wildlife and seabirds. We may spot
dolphins, whales or even turtles.
Day 10
We reach the Azores Island group today and
make for Ponta Delgada on Saõ Miguel. We
explore the area including a pottery factory, tea
plantation, steaming geysers, thermal springs,
and the beautiful Terra Nostra Gardens with a
therapeutic pool. At midday we enjoy a
traditional volcanically cooked lunch (cozidos
nas caldeiras). There may be a chance to try and
see the endemic Priolo, the Azores Bullfinch.
Day 11
We visit the island of Terceira and walk the lovely
town of Angra do Heroismo steeped in
Mediterranean charm, visiting the Misericorda
Church, Convent do Saõ Francisco, public
gardens and museum. There will also be free
time to explore the town at leisure or walk to the
nearby fortification, Monte Brasil. While cruising
between islands we may see some of the many
Roseate Terns, as two-thirds of the entire
Western Palearctic’s population breed on the
Azores. The Azores is famous for many species
of cetaceans - these include Sperm Whale and
Risso’s, Striped, Spotted, Common and Bottlenosed Dolphins.
Day 12
In Flores we see the basalt cliffs of Rocha dos
Bordões and other natural features such as
cascading waterfalls, caldeiras and fajãs. On the
tiny island of Corvo we reach the rim of the 300m
deep volcano that erupted to form the original
landmass.
Day 13
On Faial we visit Ponta dos Capelinhos, site
of the 1957/58 volcanic eruption and the
Scrimshaw Museum, then sail to Pico where we
visit a UNESCO site, Lajido Acros, with its
vineyards, Pico Mountain (Portugal’s highest
peak) and the Whaling Museum of Lajes.
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Fly to Gran Canaria,
Canary Islands. Embark the
Polar Star
Fuerteventura, Canary
Islands
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
La Palma and La Gomera,
Canary Islands
Salvagen Islands
Desertas Islands
Madeira
Porto Santo, Madeira
At sea
Saõ Miguel, Azores
Terceira, Azores
Flores and Corvo, Azores
Faial and Pico, Azores
mbark the Polar Star. Depart
Ponta Delgada, Azores and
arrive London
THE ISL ANDS OF MACARONESIA
Island view, Azores
Tour Prices
Category K1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,999
Category K2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£3,999
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £5,899
Category K3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£4,199
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £6,299
Category K4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£4,599
Category K6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£4,999
Category K7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5,599
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●
●
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Travel Insurance
Laundry
Beverages (see below)
Any Visa fees
Any meals while not aboard the ship
Tea, coffee, juice and water are always
available in the 5th deck Observation Lounge.
Day 14
We reach the end of our cruise, disembark in
Ponta Delgada to begin our homeward journey.
We catch the flight here and return to London,
arriving in the late afternoon.
33
SPIRIT OF ENDERBY
CRUISE ON THE SPIRIT OF ENDERBY
Russian Far East – The Ring of Fire
Kamchatka, Commander & Kuril Islands –
Saturday 26 May – Saturday 09 June 2007
Leader: Simon Boyes
O
R U S S I A N FA R E A S T –
ver the last 10 years we have taken a number of cruises to this part of the Bering Sea. This breathtaking expedition offers you the opportunity to
explore one of the most geologically active and biologically rich parts of the planet. The large number of live volcanoes on the Kamchatka
Peninsula and Kuril Islands has earned this region the reputation of the Pacific’s ‘Ring of Fire’. The Kamchatka Peninsula is a land of stunning bays
and snow-capped volcanoes whose alpine meadows and lowland forests support a great diversity of wildlife. The Kuril Island chain is made up of 32
islands that stretch between Russia and Japan across the Bering Sea. The Kurils are all formed by volcanoes that rise from the sea floor. The larger
of the Kuril Islands are inhabited, and most people make their living from the sea, as they have for generations. It will be fascinating to meet these
people and see their way of life.
The seas washing these isolated coasts are among the most productive in the world. The area teems with birds and marine mammals. Huge bird
colonies dot the cliffs and large seal rookeries are scattered along the coast. The trip also takes in the Commander Islands. These remote islands are
also rich in bird and sea mammal life and they are the final resting place of the famed Danish explorer Vitus Bering.
We shall be sailing on the Spirit of Enderby – she was refurbished in 2004 and is ideally suited to expedition cruising, taking just 48 passengers.
Travel with Simon and see why we think this cruise is so fantastic for both wildlife and scenery.
ITINERARY
THE RING OF FIRE
Days 1 & 2
We leave London in the morning on a flight
bound for Moscow. We then connect with our
flight to Petropavlovsk where we arrive next day.
There may be time to explore the city and
perhaps take an excursion to the Valley of the
Geysers. In the late afternoon we board the Spirit
of Enderby, while it is moored in one of the
world’s most beautiful natural harbours.
Day 3
We are at sea as we cruise towards the
Commander Islands. During the voyage we
have a chance to attend lectures, enjoy
watching seabirds from the bridge or relax in
the library.
Day 4
The Commander Islands group is steeped in
history and the only place where the extinct
Steller’s Sea Cow was ever recorded. These
islands are named after legendary explorer
Commander Vitus Bering, who first observed
that Asia and the Americas are separate
continents. A simple tombstone marks his grave
on Beringa Island. We will visit the small museum
in the village of Nikolskoye, where we will be
introduced to the culture of the local people. The
Commander Islands are home to a huge number
of birds, including Horned and Tufted Puffins,
Crested and Parakeet Auklets, Brünnich’s
Guillemot, Red-legged Kittiwake and Red-faced
Kamchatka landscape
34
Day 5
We spend the morning in the Zhuponavo River
region on the Kamchatka Peninsula. We
negotiate this shallow meandering river with our
zodiacs. There are superb opportunities for
birding and nature walks. We are likely to spot up
to 40 species of birds, including such special
Siberian species as White-billed Diver, Yellowbreasted Bunting, Greenshank, Far-Eastern
Curlew and Common Tern. In the mature birch
forest along the river there is a good chance of
spotting a Steller’s Sea Eagle, hopefully the first
of many we will see on this expedition.
Day 7
Depending on weather and sea conditions we
will either land on or cruise around Atlasova
Island. At 2,339m, the Alaid Volcano on this
island is the highest volcano in the Kuril chain. It
erupted as recently as 1971. Steller’s Sea Lions
are often seen along the western shoreline. This
afternoon we plan an expedition landing in
Bukhta Krasheninnikova on Paramushir Island.
This is large, mountainous volcanic island and
five of its 20 volcanoes are active. The island is
known to have a good population of Brown Bear.
Day 9
Raikoke Island has a reputation as one of the
‘must sees’ of this trip. Unbelievable numbers of
Northern Fulmar nest on Raikoke. It is not a large
island (just 4.6sq km) and we will either view it
from the Spirit of Enderby or land with the
zodiacs if conditions are right. This island is also
a breeding site for Steller’s Sea Lions. In the
afternoon we visit Matua and nearby Toporkovi
Island. There are military remains on Matua
Island dating from World War II when the
Japanese occupied it. On shore Siberian
Rubythroat are common.
Other birds sighted here include Narcissus
Flycatcher, Rough-legged Buzzard, and
Harlequin Duck. Around the island is a great deal
of seabird and marine mammal activity. Tufted
Puffins are the most abundant along with the allblack Pigeon Guillemot. Other seabirds include
Common Guillemot, Crested and Whiskered
Auklets, Northern Fulmar and Black-legged
Kittiwake. Steller’s Sea Lion and Harbour Seal
can also be seen here.
Further south are Yankicho and Piponkicha
Islands, which are part of the Ushishir group.
They are the submerged remains of a large
volcano, and they support birdlife that is nothing
short of spectacular. A visitor has said “The
sound is like a symphony, as if each bird
contributes a different note – fulmar, puffin,
auklet and murre”. We land here and enjoy this
amazing island. There is a pleasant walk and hot
pools to soak in when you have had enough of
the wildlife.
Day 10
Conditions permitting we will land at Ketoy
Island, where there are Red-faced and Pelagic
Cormorants, Slaty-backed Gull, Harlequin Duck
and Black-backed Wagtail. On shore we can
expect among others Siberian Rubythroat,
Eastern Crowned Warbler and Eurasian
Nutcracker. Rough-legged Buzzard, White-tailed
Eagle and Peregrine Falcon can also be seen.
At the northern end of Shimushir Island there
is a huge caldera that gives easy access to
slopes of Karlomyy Volcano. We hope
conditions permit so that we can get ashore
and spend the afternoon amongst this
spectacular scenery.
Day 11
We plan an early morning zodiac cruise around
Broutona Island, a small island with an
enormous colony of Northern Fulmars. It is likely
we will find the same or similar at nearby Chirpoy
and Brat Chirpoyev. The afternoon is spent at
Natalyia Bay on Urup Island; a great place to
Day 6
In the early morning we enter Russkaya Fjord, a
spectacular feature within Avachinsky Bay. From
this fjord we should get great views of the
volcano, Mutnovskaya Sopka (2,322m). There is
also a superb chance to view wildlife. We
continue south along the Kamchatka Peninsula
to Vestnik Bay and Utashud Island. The island is
small and steep but Tufted and Horned Puffins,
Pigeon and Brünnich’s Guillemots nest there.
Day 8
After an early breakfast we land on the northern
end of Onekotan Island, where we enjoy an easy
two-kilometre walk to Black Lake. This lake lies
in the lee of Volcano Nemo. Beautiful wildflowers
carpet the meadows surrounding the lake.
Among the birds here it is possible to see the
Red-throated
and
Buff-bellied
Pipits,
Greenshank and Rough-legged Buzzard. South
of Onekotan is a cluster of four islands,
Kharimkotan, Chirinkotan, Ekarma and
Shiashkotan. We will go ashore on some, or all
of these, depending on weather and sea
conditions. Good numbers of Tufted and Horned
Puffins, Common, Pigeon and Brünnich’s
Guillemots, Black-legged Kittiwake, Slatybacked Gull, Crested Auklet, Red-faced
Cormorant and Northern Fulmar can be seen on
and around these islands.
SPIRIT OF ENDERBY
Cormorant. We may also spot Harbour Seal,
Steller’s Sea Lion and Northern Fur Seal.
THE RING OF FIRE
Humpback Whale
35
SPIRIT OF ENDERBY
Zodiacs cruising
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
6
7
8
9
10
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
11
12
13
14
15
Depart London
Arrive Petropavlovsk.
Embark the Spirit of Enderby
At sea
Commander Islands
Zhuponavo River,
Kamchatka Peninsula
Russkaya Fjord
Atlasova Island
Onekotan Island
Raikoke Island
Ketoy Island and Shimushir
Island
Broutina Island
Iturup Island
Kunashir Island
Sahkalin Island
Disembark the Spirit of
Enderby at Korsakov. Depart
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and fly to
London
Tour Prices
THE RING OF FIRE
Main Deck Triple Cabin . . . . . . . . . . .£4,599
Main Deck Cabin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5,199
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £7,899
Superior Cabin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5,599
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £8,399
Superior Plus Cabin . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5,899
Mini Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£6,299
Heritage Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£6,699
enjoy some walks ashore. There is a great
diversity of wildlife both onshore and offshore.
Seabirds include Common and Spectacled
Guillemots, Ancient and Long-billed Murrelets,
Rhinoceros Auklet, Tufted Puffin, Harlequin
Duck, Goosander, Pelagic and Japanese
Cormorants, Slaty-backed Gull, Northern Fulmar
and Steller’s Sea Eagle. Offshore we would be
able to spot Dall’s Porpoise, Sea Otter and
Harbour Seal, including the Kuril Island
subspecies.
Day 12
At Iturup Island we plan to anchor off Kurilisk,
the main village on the island with a population
of about 10,000 people. Iturup Island, along
with Kunashir, Shikotan and Haboniai Islands,
has been administered by Russia since 1945 but
Japan still claims them. We have an opportunity
to meet with the local Russian folk and enjoy
their hospitality and the activities they have
organized.
Day 13
Today we visit Kunashir Island. Over one third of
this island is protected as nature reserves. The
southern part of Kunashir has a particularly high
biodiversity. Many species of plants common on
the island are rare and endangered elsewhere.
Rare birds here include Red-crowned Crane,
Blakiston’s Fish Owl, two sea eagles and
Mountain Hawk-Eagle. We plan a full day here,
with many options including nature walks, hot
thermal pools and an opportunity to visit the
main centre of Yuzhno-Kurilisk.
Day 14
Today we have a full day at sea as we cross to
Sahkalin Island.
Day 15
We berth at the Port of Korsakov and transfer to
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to connect with our
international flight to London (via Moscow),
where we arrive later the same day.
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Travel Insurance
Laundry
Beverages
Any Visa fees
Gratuities
Meals while not on board ship
Steller’s Sea-Eagle
36
Siberian Rubythroat
Spirit of Enderby
The Subantarctic Islands
Snares, Auckland, Macquarie, Campbell, Antipodes and Bounty Islands of
New Zealand & Australia – Escorted Wildlife & Photography Tour
Friday 02 November – Friday 23 November 2007
Leader: Richard Coomber
T
ITINERARY
Days 1 to 3
We leave London in the afternoon on a
scheduled flight to Christchurch. We arrive into
Christchurch on the morning of the third day and
connect with the domestic flight to Invercargill,
New Zealand's southernmost city. It was
established by Scottish settlers and has a wealth
of rich fertile land where sheep and diary farms
predominate. We transfer to our hotel where we
have time to relax, have dinner and stay
overnight.
Day 4
We take breakfast at leisure. Later, we visit the
Southland Museum to view the special
Subantarctic display, before being transferred by
coach to the Port of Bluff (27km to the south of
Invercargill) where we board the Spirit of
Enderby. We begin our great adventure and
depart for the Snares Islands.
T H E S U B A N TA R C T I C I S L A N D S
he seldom visited, remote and unspoilt Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia are the jewels of the southern oceans. They include the
Snares Islands, the Auckland Islands, Macquarie, Campbell, the Antipodes and the Bounty Islands. These islands are numbered amongst the last
unspoilt environments on Earth. They are home to a rich diversity of seabirds, marine mammals and plants, many of which are found nowhere else in
the world. Seven species of great albatross come ashore to breed, as do many different species of petrels, prions and shearwaters. Eight species of
penguin, three of which are endemic, breed on these islands and the world's rarest sea lion makes its home in the Auckland and Campbell group. To
ensure the continued protection of these impressive wonderful islands visitor numbers are limited. Cruises for Nature are pleased to offer this new
cruise to these isolated refuges for millions of seabirds, rare mammals and the megaherbs (the oddly large plants brought back from the verge of
extinction only a few years ago). For seabird lovers this offers probably the finest pelagic anywhere in the world with outstanding birding to these
distant islands which are one of the world’s best-kept secrets. We shall be sailing on the Spirit of Enderby – she was refurbished in 2004 and is ideally
suited to expedition cruising, taking just 48 passengers. This will be our second cruise with her to these islands, after our very successful trip in 2005.
SPIRIT OF ENDERBY
CRUISE ON THE SPIRIT OF ENDERBY
Day 5
The Snares is the first of the Subantarctic Islands
on our cruise. It is an amazing place – more birds
nest here, on this small island, than there are
seabirds around the entire British Isles! We arrive
early in the morning and as landings are not
permitted we shall take zodiac cruises along the
sheltered eastern side. While cruising in these
protected bays we should see the endemic
Snares Penguins as well as Tomtit and Fernbird.
Cape Petrels, White-fronted Terns and Red-billed
Gulls are around the coastline. An estimated six
million Sooty Shearwaters nest on the Snares,
and Buller’s Albatross breed here from early
January onwards and we should see some as
they prospect the nesting areas.
Royal Penguin
Day 6
Today we arrive off the Auckland Islands, one of
the largest of the Subantarctic Islands, which has
a most colourful history of discovery and
attempted settlement. We shall land at Sandy
Bay on Enderby Island, a great island for its
natural history. We see the main breeding
ground for the Hooker’s Sea Lion and some of
the birds should include Southern Royal and
Light-mantled Albatrosses, Northern Giant
37
SPIRIT OF ENDERBY
Chatham Albatross
Petrel, Auckland Islands Shag, Auckland Islands
Teal, Double-banded Plover, Tomtit, New
Zealand Bellbird, Red-crowned Parakeet and the
endangered Yellow-eyed Penguin. We spend
some time searching for the very tame
Subantarctic Snipe, which we have a very good
chance of seeing. Other more common species
include Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Blackbird,
European Starling and Redpoll, all introduced by
settlers in the past.
Day 7
This morning we cruise to Carnley Harbour in the
south of the main Auckland Islands. There will be
an opportunity for those energetic participants to
climb to the Shy Albatross colony at Southwest
Cape. Wandering Albatross nest above the
colony amongst tussock grass and we should
get good views of these birds, as they will be
nesting at this time. There will be an optional
exploration of the coastal forest, with a chance to
see New Zealand Falcon and enjoy close
encounters with other woodland species. We
depart the Auckland Islands in the mid-afternoon
to head southwest towards Macquarie Island.
Day 8
Whilst at sea there will be a series of lectures,
supported by videos, on the biology and history
of the Subantarctic Islands and the southern
ocean. The Subantarctic Convergence is
traditionally very close to the area we sail
through, so we should expect the birdlife to
reflect this as we get closer to Macquarie Island.
We will be at sea all day which gives us an
opportunity to study the acknowledged masters
of these latitudes, the albatrosses, including
Wandering, Royal, Shy, Light-mantled, Greyheaded and Black-browed plus many varied
petrels such as White-chinned, Mottled, Whiteheaded and Cape as well as Common Diving-
38
Petrel and Grey-backed and Black-bellied StormPetrels. This will be pelagic birding at its best!
Days 9 & 10
We arrive at Macquarie Island, the only place to
see the Royal Penguin, and they are in
abundance here. King Penguins will be seen,
comically shuffling along the beaches, as they
are also here, in large numbers. Two further
penguin species breed on Macquarie Island, in
smaller numbers, the Gentoo and the
Rockhopper. Along the coast we will see the
Macquarie Shags. We plan landings at both the
Anare base and at Sandy Bay where Southern
Elephant Seals slumber and Subantarctic Fur
Seal pups inquisitively come bounding to greet
us. We also take a zodiac cruise around
Lusitania Bay, where there is a huge King
Penguin colony, numbering a quarter of a million
individuals. From Macquarie Island we lift anchor
to sail to our next stop, Campbell Island.
Day 11
We spend the day at sea travelling to Campbell
Island. This sea area regularly has patrolling
pods of Orcas and the seabirds will include a
similar range as en-route to Macquarie Island.
The albatrosses will be in large numbers and
we should add the likes of Blue and Softplumaged Petrels.
Day 12
Arriving early in the morning we spend the day
exploring the island by foot from Perseverance
Harbour. Campbell Island is a magnificent island.
Rats have recently been successfully removed
with an encouraging increase in the number of
small birds being observed, most notably the
Australasian Pipit. There are some great birding
and photographic opportunities on this island. The
Southern Royal Albatross colony is accessible and
the route passes many early flowering megaherbs;
the regeneration of these plants since the removal
of the sheep in the 1970's & 1980's is a spectacle
to behold. During the day ashore we should see
Light-mantled Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel,
Brown Skua, Red-billed Gull, the endemic
Campbell Island Shag and even more familiar, that
common British bird, the Dunnock.
Day 13
We spend the day at sea, en-route to the
Antipodes. We can relax aboard the ship or
come onto the decks, for this is a day for pelagic
birding. Species commonly seen in this area
include Wandering (of various forms, to test the
identification skills!), Southern Royal, Blackbrowed (and the distinct race, Campbell), Lightmantled, Shy (now also the form called Salvin’s)
and Grey-headed Albatrosses, Northern and
Southern Giant Petrels and Sooty and Little
Shearwaters. This region of the Southern Ocean
is one of the few places where Fairy, Fulmar and
Antarctic Prions occur together providing a good
opportunity for comparison and discussion.
Other species to be looked for include Softplumaged, Mottled, White-headed, Great-winged
and White-chinned Petrels, Grey-backed,
Wilson’s and Black-bellied Storm-Petrels and
Common Diving-Petrel.
Day 14
Antipodes Island is one of the most isolated, least
known and rugged of New Zealand’s
Subantarctic Islands. Landings are not permitted;
so we plan to zodiac cruise along the coastline,
where we have a good chance of seeing both
Antipodes and Red-crowned Parakeets. We
should enjoy good views of both Erect-crested
and Rockhopper Penguins, which breed along
this coastline. There are usually also good
numbers of both Antarctic Tern and Kelp Gull.
Day 17
At South East Island (Rangatira), one of the
world’s greatest nature reserves, we take a
zodiac cruise (landings are not permitted) and
should obtain good views of Chatham
Oystercatcher and the very rare Shore Plover.
We should also see the Pitt Island Shag, Tui,
Tomtit, Red-crowned Parakeet and maybe Little
Penguin. This afternoon we cruise past Mangere
and Little Mangere Islands, from where the
endemic Black Robin was rescued in the 1970’s
when the total population was down to only six
birds. We will relate the story of how the Black
Robin was saved from extinction. This evening
we sail across Pitt Strait to the main Chatham
Islands and pass the Tuku valley where the
Magenta Petrel breeds.
Days 19 & 20
En route to Dunedin we cross what is known as
the Chatham Rise. It is a relatively shallow area
of water, compared to the rest of the surrounding
ocean, and is one of the best places for watching
birds and cetaceans, due to an overlap of the
southern and more temperate species. Some of
the birds found here include Wandering, Royal,
Black-browed and Shy Albatrosses, Northern
Giant, Cape, Westland Black, White-chinned,
Great-winged and Cook’s Petrels, Flesh-footed,
Buller’s, Sooty and Little Shearwaters, Fairy and
Broad-billed Prions, Grey-backed and Whitefaced Storm-Petrels and Common Diving-Petrel.
It will be a good time to be on the bridge. We
have our farewell dinner this evening, as the
cruise is now almost complete.
Days 21 & 22
We arrive in Dunedin and after completing
formalities we disembark. We should have some
time to explore a little of the city, before we
transfer to the airport to catch our afternoon flight
to Christchurch. We then connect with our
evening flight to London, arriving next morning.
Buller’s Albatross
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Days 6-7
Day 8
Days 9-10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Days 19-20
Day 21
Day 22
Depart London
In transit
Arrive Christchurch, fly to
Invercargill
Embark the Spirit of Enderby
at Port of Bluff
Snares Island
Auckland Islands
At sea
Macquarie Island
At sea
Campbell Island
At sea
Antipodes Island
Bounty Islands
Pyramid Rock
South East Islands
Chatham Islands
At sea
Disembark the Spirit of
Enderby at Dunedin, depart
Christchurch
Arrive London
Day 16
We can relax and enjoy the cruise as we should
arrive at the Chatham Archipelago during the
afternoon. From the decks we shall try to spot
the Chatham Petrel and we will be keeping a
close watch for the very rare Magenta Petrel or
Taiko. As we approach we may see Greatwinged Petrels and Broad-billed Prions. We shall
encircle the spectacular Pyramid Rock, the sole
breeding place for the beautiful Chatham
Albatross, another stunning form; thousands will
be flying around the stack.
Day 18
This morning we land at Waitangi, the main
settlement on the Chatham Islands. Near the
landing we should see the endemic Chatham
Island Shag. Local buses and Land Rovers
transport us down the south coast to the Tuku
Reserve. Here on private land, and guided by the
local people, we enjoy a bush walk in the hope
of seeing the Chatham Gerygone and the huge
and impressive New Zealand Pigeon. Much of
the main Chatham Islands have been developed
for farming and many introduced European birds
can be seen in this area. We return to the Spirit
of Enderby in the early afternoon and depart for
Dunedin.
SPIRIT OF ENDERBY
Day 15
In the early morning we arrive at the Bounty
Islands, inhospitable granite knobs lashed by the
southern ocean. Thousands of Salvin’s
Albatrosses will be wheeling above this breeding
island as we make our approach. We take
zodiacs and look for Erect-crested Penguin,
Fulmar Prions and yet another island endemic,
Bounty Island Shag. Later, we depart for the
Chatham Islands.
Tour Prices
Main Deck Triple Cabin . . . . . . . . . . .£5,499
Main Deck Cabin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5,999
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £9,599
Superior Cabin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£6,999
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Single cabin £10,999
Superior Plus Cabin . . . . . . . . . . . . .£7,399
Mini Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£7,699
Heritage Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£7,999
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Travel Insurance
Laundry
Beverages
Any Visa fees
Gratuities
Meals while not on board ship
Megaherbs on Campbell Island
39
E X P LO R E R & A N D R E A
Explorer
Andrea
The Explorer was specifically designed for the rigours of expedition
cruising as well as the safety, comfort and convenience of her passengers.
She was the first expedition ship ever constructed, not a converted
freighter or research vessel. Her compact size, shallow draft and icestrengthened double hull were specifically designed for challenging
marine environments and exploratory travel, while her cabins and
common areas were conceived for passenger comfort and enjoyment.
The 107-passenger Andrea entered service in 2003 after an extensive
renovation in Sweden. She was formerly the Norwegian coastal vessel,
Haral Jarl, which sailed around the fjords of Norway and was engineered
to be able to travel to remote ports that are inaccessible to larger vessels.
As she is a traditional vessel, which has been converted to luxury cruising
each cabin is unique but all have modern comforts. She has been
tastefully decorated in 18th century Scandinavian Gustavian style and the
delightful Shearwater Restaurant features a single sitting for meals, which
gives her a special intimacy.
Amundsen Suite
Ship Specifications
DECK PL AN
Built/Refurbished: 1969/2004
Type: Passenger Vessel,
108 Passengers max
Registry: Liberia
Cruising range: 8,000 nautical miles
Speed/Consumption: 10 knots
economic cruising/10 metric
tonnes per 24 hrs
Tonnage: 2,398 grt
Length: 75m
One double berth.
Ship Specifications
MP Suite
One double berth.
Superior
Two lower berths except for one
cabin which has one upper and
one lower berth.
Cabins 142,144,146,148
Amenities & Facilities
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Suite
Refurbished: 2003
107 Passengers max
Registry: Liberia
Speed: 14 knots
Tonnage: 2,632 grt
Length: 286 ft
Beam: 43.6 ft
King bed.
Superior
Two lower berths.
King Double
Two lower berths.
Comfortable lounge/bar
Cinema/lecture hall
Dining room
Library
Gift shop
Pool
Sun deck
Fitness centre and sauna
Overnight laundry service
Fully equipped medical office
Each cabin has: private bathroom
with shower, individual climate
control, wall mounted hair dryer,
220-volt (AC current) electrical
outlets, 110-volt shaving sockets
for electric razors.
Main Double
Two lower berths.
Cabins 204-223
Main Forward
One upper and one lower berth.
Cabins 202-203
Lower Triple
One upper and two lower berths.
Cabins 312-315
Lower Double
Located on Explorer Deck with two
lower berths.
Cabins 304-311
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Outside Double
Comfortable Lounges & Bar
Restaurant & Cafe
Library
Gift Shop
Fitness Centre
Elevator
Laundry service
Fully equipped medical office
Two lower berths.
Inside Double
Two lower berths.
Outside Triple
Two lower and one upper berth.
Each cabin has: Private bathroom
with shower, lower beds, individual
climate control, hair dryer, 220-volt
(AC current) electrical outlets,
110-volt shaving sockets for electric
razors, TV with satellite access
and safe.
Outside Single
One lower berth.
Deck Plan
Captain’s Double
Lower Forward
Two lower berths.
Cabins 100-109
One upper and one lower berth.
Cabins 302-303
Bridge Deck
702
Deck Plan
Baltic Deck
wc wc
pool
penguin
lounge
604
602
605 603
601
108
106
104
102
100
sun
deck
109
107
105
103
101
Boat Deck
Mediterranean Deck
Salon Deck
library
142
144
bar
223
221
219
217
215
213
211
209
207
205
203
Yacht Deck
148
146
explorer
lounge
dining
room
507
505
222
220
218
216
214
212
210
208
206
204
202
315
313
311
309
307
305
303
314
312
310
308
306
304
302
40
501
Caribbean Deck
424 422 420
Explorer Deck
503
418
421 419 417
414 412 410
408 406
411 409 407
405
404 402
401
403
Atlantic Deck
322 320
318
321 319 317
316 314 312 310 308
315 313 311 309 307
306
305
304
302
303
The Spirit of Enderby is the complete expedition vessel, built in 1984 for
polar and oceanographic research; she is fully ice-strengthened and has
stabilisers for comfortable travel. She was refurbished in 2004 to provide
comfortable accommodation for just 48 passengers. This class of vessel
is world renown for polar cruising because of its strength, manoeuvrability
and small passenger numbers.
Ship Specifications
Built/Refurbished: 1984/
New Zealand 2004
48 Passengers max
Propulsion: Two, 1,156
horsepower, diesel engines
Speed: 12 knots
Length: 72m
Beam: 12.8m
Ice strengthened hull
Superior Plus
Twin-bedded cabins with two
lower berths, private bathroom
with shower, toilet and washbasin
and outside window
Cabins 411, 421, 425, 426, 505,
509, 518, 521
Superior
Bar
Dining hall
Lounge
Library
Zodiacs
Medical centre
Open bridge policy
Laundry
Lecture theatre
Twin-bedded cabins with one
lower and one upper berth, private
bathroom with shower, toilet and
washbasin and outside window
Cabins 413, 415, 418, 420
Main Deck
Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, a separate
small bedroom with double bed, a
single bed in the main room which
has large forward and side facing
windows and a private bathroom
with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Cabin 513
Mini Suite
Separate small bedroom with
three quarter bed, a couch bed in
the main room, windows, a desk
lower berths, washbasin and
portholes. The nearby showers
and toilets are shared with other
main deck cabins.
Cabins 309, 312, 313, 322, 326,
327, 331, 332, 337
Main Deck Triple
Triple-bedded cabins with two lower
berth sand one upper berth,
washbasin and portholes. The
nearby showers and toilets are
shared with other main deck cabins.
Cabin 321
Country of Registry: Bahamas
Type: Passenger Vessel, 198
Passengers max for Antarctica
Hull: Ice strengthened
Engines: 2 x Wartsila/Pielstick
Gross Tonnage: 12,500
Speed: 16 knots
Length: 436 feet
Beam: 66 feet
Draft: 19 feet
Electricity: 220 volts
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Lounges
South Cape bar
Dining room
Sun deck
Lecture hall
Cinema
Cafe
Card room
Gym
Spa & sauna
Hair salon & boutique
Open bridge policy
Gift Shop
Laundry
Medical centre
Zodiacs
Middle Deck
All cabins are on the outside and
have a sitting area, a private
bathroom, TV/DVD player, radio,
hairdryer and direct dial satellite
phone system
Category OS Owners Suite
Outside double cabin – separate
sitting area and private balcony.
Category S Suite
Outside double cabin – separate
sitting area and private balcony.
Category D Deluxe
Double cabin – window and
separate sitting area.
Category SP Superior
Double cabin – window.
Category A-Deck Standard
Double cabin – window or porthole.
Category B-Deck Standard
Category SA Standard
Deck Plan
Promenade
Deck
Deck Plan
Upper Deck
Ship Specifications
DECK PL AN
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and a private bathroom with a
shower, toilet and washbasin.
Cabin 517
Explorer II looks and feels like a country house hotel, but there’s strong
steel (including an ice-strengthened hull) behind the graceful exterior. Bow
and stern thrusters make her extraordinarily manoeuvrable, and stabilizers
minimise the effects of wind and water to help keep passengers
comfortable in remote seas. Zodiac auxiliary craft – safe, stable, motorized
rubber rafts – are the workhorses of any well-planned Antarctic expedition,
and Explorer II carries a fleet of twelve. Explorer II boasts uncommonly
elegant guest quarters, among the most spacious and comfortable
available on any Antarctic cruise.
S P I R I T O F E N D E R BY & E X P LO R E R I I
Spirit of Enderby Explorer II
Bridge
Deck
A Deck
B Deck
Lower Deck
D2 D1
D4 D3
D6 D5
D8 D7
D10 D9
D12 D11
SP
2
SP
4
SP
6
SP
8
SP
10
SP
12
SP
14
SP
16
SP
18
SP
20
SP
1
SP
3
SP
5
SP
7
SP
9
SP
11
SP
13
SP
15
SP
17
OS2 OS1
S2 S1
S4 S3
S6 S5
S8 S7
S10 S9
A2
A6
A10
A14
A18
A22
A26
A30
A32
A34
A36
A40
A44
A46
A48
A50
A54
A58
A1
A5
A9
A13
A17
A21
A25
A29
A31
A33
A35
A39
A43
A45
A47
A49
A53
A57
A62
A64
A68
A72
A74
A76
A80
A84
A88
A61
A63
A67
A71
A73
A75
A79
A83
A87
SA10
SA14
SA18
SA22
SA24
B26
B28
B30
B32
B34
B36
B38
B40
SA9
SA13
SA17
SA21
B23
B25
B27
B29
B31
B33
B35
B37
B39
41
P O L A R S TA R & K A P I TA N K H L E B N I K O V
Polar Star
Kapitan Khlebnikov
The Polar Star was built in Finland and served in the Swedish Maritime
Administration’s fleet of icebreakers. In 2000 she was purchased by Polar Star
Expeditions and underwent complete retrofit and upgrades. The Polar Star is
one of the most safe and comfortable ice class vessels with safety standards
exceeding requirements for several years to come. The ship is certified for
worldwide international voyages, complying with the latest SOLAS and IMF
regulations for safety and the environment. She can take up to 105
passengers on expedition cruises that by definition are to remote destinations.
For shore excursions, she is equipped with ten 16-man zodiacs. The Polar
Star is large enough to voyage to remote areas in comfort and small enough
to enter out of the way destinations that other vessels can only sail by.
The Kapitan Khlebnikov was built in Finland in 1981 and is one of three
vessels of this class. Not simply an ice-reinforced ship, the Kapitan
Khlebnikov is a powerful polar class icebreaker, which has sailed to
extremely remote corners of the globe with adventurous travellers since
1992. No other expedition vessel has navigated more polar waters. It was
the first ship ever to circumnavigate Antarctica with passengers in 199697. The ship's interior provides the passenger facilities necessary for
excellent comfort, with accommodation in 54 first class outside cabins and
suites. The vessel carries a maximum of 112 passengers. The atmosphere
on board is relaxed and informal.
Corner Suite
Ship Specifications
Category C7
Ship Specifications
DECK PL AN
Built/Converted: Finland 1969/
Canada 2001
105 Passengers max
Propulsion: Diesel Electric/12,000
BHp / 4 Propellers (2 each end)
Owners: Karlsen Shipping
Norway AS
Flag/Homeport: Barbados/
Bridgetown
Call Sign: 8PPK
Official/Imo No: 725482/6905745
Class: Dnv +1a1 Ice 1a*
Speed/Consumption: 10 knots
economic cruising/10 metric
tonnes per 24 hrs
Gross/Net Tonnage: 4998/1500
Length: 80m
Breadth: 21m
Depth Moulded: 9.5m
Draft (Summer): 6.8m
Suites, two room suites with
double bed, shower & toilet
Cabins 401, 501
Category C6
Junior suites, with double bed,
shower & toilet
Cabins 331-2, 409-10, 418, 507-8
Category C4
Superior double-bedded cabins
with shower, toilet & two windows
Cabins 343-4, 433-4
Category C3
lower berths, shower, toilet &
large window
Cabins 333-334, 339-342, 423-432
Category C2
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lower berths, shower, toilet & large
window
Cabins 335-338, 411-417, 419-422
Panoramic lounge
Dining hall
Polar Bar and lounge
Library
Zodiacs
Exercise Facilities
Laundry
Medical centre
Open bridge policy
Shop
Built: Finland 1981
112 Passengers max
Propulsion: Six Wartsila Dieselelectric 24,000 total hp
Registry: Russian
Class: KM*LL3 A2 Icebreaker
GRT: 12,288 tons
Cruising speed (open water):
15 knots
Length: 131m
Breadth: 26.5m
Draft: 8.5m
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Lounge and bar
Two dining rooms
Well-equipped auditorium
Library
Zodiacs
Gymnasium and sauna
Indoor swimming pool
Laundry
Medical centre
Passenger elevator
Shop
Triple Cabin
Private facilities, three berths,
a desk and closet
Cabins 59, 512, 514, 819, 823, 825
Deck 8
Triple-bedded cabins with two
lower and one upper berth &
shared facilities
Cabins 324, 326, 328, 330
507
Deck 7
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
25 23 21 19 17 15 13 11
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
21 19 17 15 13 11 9 7
Deck 6
Deck 5
501
508
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10
417
415
416
413 411
409
414 412
6
6
401
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
23 21 19 17 15 13 11 9
6
1
410
Deck 4
330
328
326
324
344 343
342
341
340
339
338
337
336
335
334
333
332
331
5 5 5 5 5 5 5
22 20 18 16 14 12 10
6
2
6
5
Deck 3
42
7
2
7
6
Deck 4
418
Twin Cabin
Private facilities, two lower berths,
a desk and large closet
Cabins 519-523, 69, 610-624, 79,
710-722, 724
Deck Plan
Deck 5
431
429
427
425
423
421
419
Suite
Cabins 62, 65, 76
Category C1
Deck Plan
434
432
430
428
426
424
422
420
Cabins 61, 66, 71, 72
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
23 21 19 17 15 13 11 9
7
1
When you book a holiday with EXPEDITION CRUISES and CRUISES FOR
NATURE you will be looked after by one of the most experienced UK travel
organisations, which operates in this field. Our staff try to provide you with a
happy and memorable holiday and care about keeping it trouble-free. Given
below are details concerning various aspects of your holiday, explaining the
commitments you make to us and our obligations to you.
The conditions below form the contract between you, the customer and
ourselves, Expedition Cruising Limited. The contract is deemed to have been
made at our registered offices in Chichester and is governed by English law. We
both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises out of or in
connection with this contract or your holiday will be dealt by the English Courts
only. No variations to these conditions are permitted unless they have been
acknowledged by the company in writing.
Your Commitments to Expedition Cruising Limited
Where you or any member of your party is prevented from travelling (e.g. as a
result of personal illness or injury, the serious illness or injury of a close family
relative, jury service or unavoidable work commitments) that person may
transfer their place on the booking to someone else subject to the following
conditions. We must be notified of the need to transfer for the above reason not
less than 28 days before departure. Transfer will not be possible where there is
a waiting list of other clients who wish to go on the holiday in question.
Documentary proof of the reason for the transfer must be produced with the
request (e.g. a letter from a doctor). All costs incurred or imposed by ourselves
or our suppliers in making the transfer must be met in full before the transfer can
be effected. For flight inclusive bookings, you must pay the charges levied by
the airline concerned. As most airlines do not permit name changes after tickets
have been issued for any reason, these charges are likely to be the full cost of
the flight.
4. OTHER CONDITIONS
1. BOOKING PROCEDURE
To book a cruise please phone EXPEDITION CRUISES and CRUISES FOR
NATURE to determine the availability in the category you require and once a
cabin is confirmed please complete the booking form, which can be found at the
back of this brochure, in block capitals and return it to our office together with
the payments referred to in clause 2 below. The Booking Form must be signed
by the first named person on the booking (“the party leader”). The party leader
must be at least 18 and must be authorised to make the booking on the basis
of these Booking Conditions by all persons named on the booking. By sending
the Booking Form, the party leader confirms that he/she is so authorised and
that all party members agree to be bound by these booking conditions. The
party leader is responsible for making all payments due to us.
On receipt of your Booking Form and all appropriate payments, we will, subject
to availability, confirm your holiday by issuing our confirmation invoice. At this
point a binding contract comes into existence between us. This invoice will be
sent to the party leader. Please check this invoice carefully as soon as you
receive it. Contact us immediately if any information, which appears on the
confirmation invoice or any other document appears to be incorrect or
incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later. We regret we
cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracies in any
document within 10 days of our sending it out; 5 days for tickets.
2. PAYMENT
In order to confirm your chosen holiday, a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the
holiday (or full payment if booking within 14 weeks of departure) must be paid
at the time of booking. If you purchase the insurance policy we offer, all
applicable premiums must also be paid at the time of booking (you must be
insured – see clause 20).
Except as is otherwise provided in these conditions, your booking is subject
to the conditions of the airlines, hotels, coach operators and other subcontractors involved in providing your holiday, some of which may limit or
exclude their liability to you usually in accordance with applicable International
Conventions (see clause 11(4) below). These conditions can be viewed at our
offices on request.
5. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Below are listed the advised health precautions to take for each destination
we travel to. Also, the visa requirements for British Citizens. Information on health
is contained in the Department of Health leaflet (Health Advice for Travellers)
available from your local Department of Health Office and most post offices. A copy
will be included in your joining instructions. For European holidays you should
obtain an EHIC card prior to departure. Advice should always be sought from your
own GP and/or Health Centre. The websites at www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk and
www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers also provide health
advice for travellers.
British citizens require a full ten year British passport (expiring not less than six
months after the end of the holiday). Non-British citizens and British citizens
holding non-British passports should obtain the necessary passport and visa
requirements from the Embassy or Consulate of the country or countries to be
visited or travelled through in good time before departure. A ten year British
passport usually takes one month to obtain.
Health and Visa Checklist
This alphabetical list shows for each country:
r=
Immunisation or tablets recommended for protection against disease, but
note that for Yellow Fever, pregnant women and infants under nine
months should not normally be vaccinated and therefore should avoid
being exposed to infection.
E=
Immunisation is an essential requirement for entry to the country
concerned and you will require a certificate.
The balance of the holiday cost is due 14 weeks before departure. (On rare
occasions the balance may be required earlier than this).
The balance due date will be shown on the confirmation invoice. Reminders are
not sent. If, for any reason, we do not receive all payments due (including any
surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your
booking as cancelled by you. In this case the cancellation charges set out in
clause 3 below will be payable.
If you fail to arrive at the time and place scheduled for departure, then (unless
your booking has been validly cancelled by us under this clause or by you under
clause 3 below) any unpaid balance of the total price including any adjustments
under clause 9 will be payable in full.
We have facilities for accepting payment by Visa or MasterCard, but there is a
2.0% handling charge to cover the card company’s charges, if you wish to pay
by this method.
3. IF YOU CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY
E1 = Immunisation essential except for infants under one year (but note the
advice above).
E2 = Immunisation essential (except for infants under one year) unless arriving
from non-infected areas and staying for less than two weeks. The UK is a
non-infected area, but if travelling via equatorial Africa or South America,
seek medical advice.
E3 = Immunisation essential if the traveller arrives from an infected country or
area (this will not apply if your journey is direct from the UK). The lower
age limit varies.
E4 = Immunisation essential if the traveller arriving within 6 days of visiting an
infected country. This will not apply if your journey is direct from the UK.
A cancellation can only be accepted in WRITING from the party leader. Such
cancellations are not effective until received at this office. In the event of a
cancellation by any or all persons named on the Booking Form we will levy the
cancellation charges set out below. These charges are based on the estimated
expenses and losses suffered by us as a result of your cancellation. The scale
is as follows:
E5 = Immunisation essential for entry to the country from endemic areas,
travelling to Easter Island
Period before departure
within which WRITTEN
cancellation is received:
b) = Recommended for all travellers going to Chiapas, Darién and San Blas.
Up to 98 days before departure
97 days - 1 day before departure
Departure day or after
Cancellation Charge as a %
of the totalprice* for the
person(s) cancelling
CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
Conditions of Booking
D = Check immunised against diphtheria.
M = Meningitis, depending on area visited and time of year.
a) = Depends on area visited.
d) = Applies only to travellers to the Azores and Madeira.
Deposit only
100%
100%
Please note that if the reason for the cancellation falls within the terms of your
holiday insurance policy, any such cancellation charges will normally be
refunded to you by the insurance company, less any excess.
*Total Price excludes any insurance premiums, which are non-refundable in the
event of your cancellation.
43
VISA REQUIREMENT – applicable to British Citizens holding British Passports
COUNTRY
HEP. A
POLIO
TYPHOID
MALARIA
ARGENTINA
r
r a)
AZORES
r
E3
CHILE
r
E5
ECUADOR
r
r a)
YELLOW
FEVER
OTHER
VISA
REQS
E3 r a)
NORWAY
MEXICO
NEW ZEALAND
RUSSIA
r
r a)
E3 r a)
r a)
YES
USA
YES
Visa Waver Scheme
see below
A Visa Waver Scheme exists for the United States of America but there are many
exceptions. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they comply with the USA’s
entry requirements. If your flight touches down in the USA you are not allowed
to remain in transit and visa requirements will apply.
Full details of how to obtain visas will be sent out with the Party Instructions after
a booking has been made. It is the client’s responsibility to make sure that they
have the necessary visa for their holidays.
6. COMPLAINTS
In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any
problems with your holiday whilst away, you must immediately inform a
representative and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification
must be put in writing and given to our representative and the supplier as soon as
possible. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot begin to resolve
it. If your problem is not resolved to your satisfaction on the spot, you must write
to us as soon as possible, preferably within 28 days of the date of your scheduled
return from holiday. In any event, we cannot accept liability for any claims, which
are not notified to ourselves within 3 months of your return to the UK.
Our Commitment to You
7. YOUR RESERVATION
On receipt of your signed Booking Form and deposit we shall reserve your
holiday. Your booking is taken to be confirmed and accepted in respect of all
persons travelling when we despatch our confirmation/account to the party leader.
The holiday costs include travel, accommodation and services as detailed. The
inclusive terms do include Airport Taxes (for flights included in the itinerary) and
duties. Not included in our inclusive terms are insurance premiums, visa fees,
vaccination charges, excess baggage charges, telephone calls, laundry services,
additional snacks, drinks and anything else of a purely personal nature.
Occasionally gratuities are included but normally they are an additional cost.
8. PRICE FLUCTUATIONS
The prices in this Programme are calculated as at 17 July 2006, using the
following exchange rates (as quoted in the Financial Times Guide to World
Currencies on that date):
Euro ............................1.45
US Dollar ....................1.81
The price of your holiday is subject to surcharges on the following items: dues,
taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or
disembarkation fees at ports and airports, currency fluctuations, transportation
costs, e.g. fuel, scheduled air fares and any other airline surcharges which are part
of the contract between airline (and their agents) and the tour operator/organiser,
and increases in transfer and other transport costs at the holiday destination.
We reserve the right to correct errors in both advertised and confirmed prices.
We will do so as soon as we become aware of the error. Please note, changes
and errors occasionally occur. You must check the price of your chosen holiday
at the time of booking.
9. IF WE CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR BOOKING
The Company reserves the right to make changes to and correct errors in
brochure and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed
and cancel confirmed bookings, subject to the following limitations
a) In the rare event of overbooking by a hotel of which we are not aware before
your departure, you will on arrival be offered alternative accommodation.
Reasonable compensation for the disturbance will be offered if the location
and/or facilities of the alternative accommodation can reasonably be
regarded as inferior to that originally booked. We will take all reasonable
steps to ensure that holidays are not cancelled or altered as a result of
overbooking of hotels/lodges/tented camps.
b) i) We will not cancel your holiday 6 weeks or less before departure unless
we are forced to do so as a result of circumstances amounting to "force
majeure" as defined in paragraph e) below or where you have failed to
44
ii) We will not make significant changes to your holiday arrangements 6
weeks or less before departure without paying you compensation as set
out in this paragraph, subject to the exceptions mentioned below.
iii) We will not make any significant changes to your holiday arrangements
unless we are able to notify you not later than 14 days before the holiday
is due to commence (providing you have given us a telephone number by
which you can be contacted during and out of working hours) unless we
are forced to do so as a result of circumstances amounting to “force
majeure” as defined in paragraph e) below or where the balance has not
been paid on time in whole or part.
FALKLAND ISLANDS
PERU
comply with any requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to
cancel (such as paying on time).
c) If we are compelled to cancel or make a significant change to your holiday
arrangements, we will inform you without delay. We will then give you the
choice of either accepting the altered travel arrangements (in case of a
significant change) or purchasing an alternative holiday of comparable
standard if available (with you paying or receiving a refund in respect of any
price difference) or receiving a prompt and full refund of all monies paid to us.
The choice will be left open to you for seven days and, if you have not made
your choice by the end of that time, we may assume you have chosen a refund.
Any refund will then be despatched to you within 10 days of our notifying you
of the alteration or cancellation. In addition, if we cancel or make a significant
change to your holiday 6 weeks or less before departure, we will pay you
compensation in accordance with the following scale except where the
cancellation or significant change is made as a result of unusual and
unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control (such as those mentioned in
e) “force majeure” below, the consequences of which we could not have
avoided even with all due care or because you have failed to make payment in
full by the due date or in the case of cancellation only, because where an
insufficient number of people have booked your chosen holiday - in this case
you will be notified not less than eight weeks before your scheduled departure
date.
Scale for Compensation
Period before scheduled departure date within which a significant change or
cancellation is notified to you
Compensation per person
More than 8 weeks
Within 8 weeks
Within 2 weeks
nil
£10
£25
No compensation is payable for minor changes and save for the compensation
payments set out above, we will be under no further liability to you.
d) A significant change to your holiday arrangements is one which is made before
departure involving a significant change of places of visit or stay, a reduction in
the category of accommodation provided for the whole, or an extended period
of the holiday, a change in departure time or length of holiday by more than 12
hours, a change of UK departure airport (except between Heathrow, Gatwick
and Stansted) to one which is significantly less convenient for you or a
significant change of itinerary. A change of leader is not a significant change.
e) Force majeure means any event which either we or the supplier of the
service(s) in question could not have foreseen or avoided, even with all due
care such as, by way of example, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist
activity, nuclear disaster, natural disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions,
industrial disputes which unavoidably prevent a carrier, hotelier or other
supplier from performing their contract and all similar events outside our
control. In these booking conditions except where otherwise expressly
stated, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay you any compensation
where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligation
is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss (as
more fully described in clause 11(a) below) as a result of “force majeure”.
f) Very rarely, we may be forced to curtail your holiday after the date of departure
where circumstances amounting to force majeure, as defined above, occur. In
this very unusual situation, we regret we cannot make any refunds, except
where these are obtained from any supplier, or be responsible for the payment
of any compensation or other costs of expenses incurred by you as a result.
10. FLIGHT DELAYS
We will not, except to the extent that we are obliged to do so by Condition 9
instead of a change in flight timing of which we learn before you are due to
depart, accept responsibility for delays in flight departure (whether or not they
exceed the period for which cover is provided by your insurance, and whether
or not you decide to abandon your holiday as a result). In the case of extended
delays on the outward or return journey, it is the responsibility of the airline to
provide refreshments and accommodation.
11. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) We promise to make sure that all parts of the holiday we have agreed to
arrange as part of our contract are provided to a reasonable standard and in
accordance with that contract. We also accept responsibility for what our
employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do. We will not, however, be
responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example, loss of
enjoyment), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description
whatsoever which results from any of the following:
(b) the fault of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday
which we could not have predicted or avoided or
(c) an event or circumstances which we or the supplier of the service(s) in
question could not have predicted or avoided even after taking all
reasonable care (see clause 9).
(d) the fault of anyone who was not carrying out work for us (generally or in
particular) at the time.
In addition, we will not be responsible where you do not enjoy your holiday or
suffer any problems because of a reason you did not tell us about when you
booked your holiday or where any problems you suffer did not result from any
breach of our contract or other fault of ourselves or, where we were responsible
for them, our suppliers or agents or where any losses, expenses, costs or other
sum you have suffered relate to any business.
Please note, we cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form
part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or
facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where
the services or facilities are not advertised in our brochure and we have not
agreed to arrange them.
(2) The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide
or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the
country in which your claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis
for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If
the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied
with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the
services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the
case even if the services did not comply with the laws and regulations of the
UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK.
(3) We limit the maximum amount we may have to pay you for any and all claims
or parts of claims which do not involve personal injury, illness or death. Except
where loss of and/or damage to luggage or personal possessions is
concerned or a lower limitation of liability applies to your claim, the maximum
amount we will have to pay you for such non personal injury claims if we are
found liable to you on any basis is twice the price (excluding insurance
premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the person(s)
affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything
has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit at all from your holiday.
Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any luggage or
personal possessions (including money), the maximum amount we will have to
pay you is £35.00 per person affected as you are assumed to have taken out
adequate insurance at the time of booking. Please also see clause 11(4) below.
(4) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is based on any travel
arrangements (including the process of getting on and off the transport
concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel,
the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited.
The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are
found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper
concerned would have to pay under the international convention which applies
to the travel arrangements or hotel stay in question (for example, the Warsaw
Convention as amended for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an
operating licence granted by an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier
Liability for national and international travel by air, the Athens convention for
international travel by sea). When making any payment, we are entitled to
deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the
transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.
(5) You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may
reasonably require. You must also tell us and the supplier concerned about
your claim or complaint as set out in clause 12 below. If asked to do so, you
must transfer to us or our insurers any rights you have against the supplier
or whoever else is responsible for your claim or complaint (if the person
concerned is under 18, their parent or guardian must do so). You must also
agree to cooperate fully with us and our insurers if we or our insurers want
to enforce any rights which are transferred.
If you or any member of your party suffers illness, injury or death, through
misadventure, as a result of an activity which does not form part of your
contracted holiday arrangements, we will provide you with all reasonable
assistance. This assistance may include our making a contribution towards your
initial legal costs in taking action against the person(s) responsible providing
you request this within 90 days of the incident in question. All assistance
(financial or otherwise) is subject to our reasonable discretion and a maximum
total cost to ourselves of £5,000 per booking form. If you are entitled to have any
costs and expenses arising from such an incident met by or from any insurance
policy or if you obtain a costs order against anyone in relation to the incident,
you must repay to us the costs and expenses we spend in assisting you.
12. LIABILITIES
Where we have complied with our responsibilities as set out in Condition 11,
we will accept no liability in respect of:
a) death or physical injury or illness save as provided for in Condition 11(b);
b) loss or damage to goods;
c) loss, damage, or delay or misdirection of your luggage or effects.
We strongly recommend that you check that the cover for personal baggage
under our Travel Master insurance is adequate, in particular if cameras, jewellery
or other valuable items are to be carried.
All clients are expected to behave with all due consideration for their fellow
travellers and accompanying leaders/guides as well as local people. We reserve
the right to terminate the holiday arrangements of any person who, in our
opinion, or in the opinion of any accommodation owner or manager, airline pilot
or other person in authority, is or is likely to cause danger, disruption or
annoyance to any of our clients, personnel or any third party or to cause
damage to property. In these circumstances, our responsibilities for your
holiday, including any return journey, will immediately cease and full
cancellation charges will apply. Further, we will not be responsible for meeting
any costs or expenses you may incur as a result or for making any refunds or
paying compensation.
When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss
caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage
or loss must be paid direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager
or other supplier. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for meeting any
claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other
party’s full legal costs) as a result of your actions.
13. LICENCE
Bookings are accepted subject, where applicable, to the grant of licences by the
Civil Aviation Authority and ratification by the Department of Trade and Industry.
14. AIR TRAVEL
(a) the fault of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or
a) The air holidays featured in this brochure are based on scheduled and
chartered services of IATA airlines. The conditions of carriage of any airline or
other transport operator used will apply, some of which may limit or exclude
their liability to you, often in accordance with international conventions. The
responsibility of IATA airlines in connection with the tours in this brochure is
limited to the carriage of passengers and their luggage in accordance with
the Conditions of Carriage of the participating airlines. In other respects this
brochure is issued on the sole responsibility of the Tour Operator and not on
behalf of, and it does not commit, the airline(s) mentioned therein or any
airline whose services are used in the course of the tours.
b) Flights are scheduled to be operated by the airlines as detailed in the
appropriate tour details where you will find also the airports of destination.
We reserve the right to substitute alternative airlines, aircraft and airports of
destination, subject to Condition 9, which changes will not be significant
ones entitling you to cancel without penalty.
15. DISABILITIES AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Please note that our holidays and tours may not be suitable for people with
certain disabilities or medical conditions. Should any member of your party
suffer from any disability or medical condition which may affect their holiday, you
must provide full details on your booking form including any specific
requirements that person has. The booking form must additionally be
accompanied by written confirmation that all assistance that the person
concerned requires will be provided by other party members as outside
assistance may often not be available. We regret that we must reserve the right
to decline any booking whenever we feel unable to accommodate the needs of
any particular client. We further reserve the right to cancel any holiday and
impose cancellation charges if we are not fully advised of any relevant disability
or medical condition at the time the booking is made.
16. SPECIAL REQUESTS
Any special request you have (e.g. diet) must be clearly noted on the booking form
at the time of booking. Whilst we will endeavour to arrange for any reasonable
request to be met if possible, we regret we cannot guarantee that we will be able
to do so. Failure to meet any particular request will not be a breach of contract.
17. FINANCIAL SECURITY
We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority
(ATOL number 6934). This means the air holidays in this brochure are ATOL
Protected. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you
are not left stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid
to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at
www.atol.org.uk.
18. PRICES AND BROCHURE ACCURACY
Please note, the information and prices shown in this brochure may have
changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made
to ensure the accuracy of the brochure and prices at the time of printing,
regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check all
details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking.
19. SCHEDULED AIRLINE FAILURE
If you have booked your own flights we cannot be responsible for scheduled
airline failure.
20. TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is essential that you have adequate travel insurance for your holiday. Details
of the insurance policy we have arranged can be obtained from the Expedition
Cruises / Cruises for Nature office. This policy can only be used by clients
resident in the United Kingdom. It is a condition of our accepting your booking
that you take either our own insurance or one offering at least comparable cover.
45
OUR LEADERS – PHOTO CREDITS
If you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must provide details of your
alternative policy where indicated on the booking form.
21. DATA PROTECTION
In order to process your booking and to ensure that you travel arrangements run
smoothly and meet your requirements we need to use the information you
provide (such as name, address, any special needs/dietary requirements etc.).
We take full responsibility that proper security measures are in place to protect
your information. We must pass the information on to the relevant suppliers of
your travel arrangements such as airlines, transport companies etc. The
information may also be provided to public authorities such as
customs/immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Additionally,
where your holiday is outside the European Economic Area, controls on data
protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We
will not however, pass any information onto any person not responsible for part
of your travel arrangements. This applies to sensitive information that you give
us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary /religious requirements. (If we
cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers we cannot provide your
booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed
on to the relevant persons.)
We will hold your information, where collected by us, and may use it to inform
you of offers in the future or to send you brochure and newsletters. If you do not
wish to receive such approaches in the future, please notify and we will take
steps to stop using your information in this way. We will not pass your details to
third parties for similar purposes.
22. TRAVEL ADVICE
Travel advice is available from the Foreign Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
Our Leaders
SIMON BOYES was brought up and learnt his birds in the Cotswolds. He
graduated in Classics (helpful for scientific names) from Oxford University in
1974, and took his Master's Degree in Environmental Conservation in
Edinburgh. Before leaving college he had already travelled round Kenyan and
Tanzanian game parks, overland to India and round Scandinavia. In 1976 he
worked for the RSPB as a summer warden on Fetlar and at Minsmere. In 1977
Ornitholidays invited him to co-lead a tour to the Seychelles, which turned out
to be the first of many international tours. Since then he has become one of our
principal leaders and has now led over 260 tours to all seven continents. There
can be few tour leaders in the world that rival Simon’s knowledge of world birds.
He has cruised extensively and has been visiting Antarctica since 1991. He has
taken numerous other cruises to the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, Baja and
the Sea of Cortez and the “Ring of Fire”.
TREVOR CODLIN is an ecological consultant and a very keen seabird and
cetacean enthusiast. He has been leading groups across the Bay of Biscay for
the last few years, as well as tour leading in Europe. He is an accomplished
photographer and quite an expert on cameras and optical equipment - having
been a manger at London Camera Exchange for many years.
RICHARD COOMBER lives in Hampshire and is one of Cruises for Nature’s
principal leaders. Before making the move south, he ran a guest house and
wildlife safari business on the Isle of Mull. Richard has now led over 170 tours
for Ornitholidays and has great knowledge of Southern Africa in particular; as
well as North and South America and Europe. He is the author of the Pictorial
Encyclopaedia of Birds of the World and the Living World of the Birds of Canada.
His other skills extend to photography and computing. He is a past winner of the
"Dusk to Dawn" section of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year
competition, with a picture taken on one of our Botswana tours. His other
interests include cetaceans, plants, butterflies and moths. Richard has made
numerous visits to Antarctica, Baja and the Sea of Cortez, the Amazon, the “Ring
of Fire” and the Galapagos Islands.
NIGEL JONES is the Managing Director of Expedition Cruising Limited. His
interest in natural history and birds led to a degree in Biological Sciences at the
University of East Anglia, then to employment as Assistant Warden on Fair Isle
in the Shetlands and as an ornithologist working in the Camargue, France.
Subsequent posts in teaching and research have finally culminated in his
position running Ornitholidays and Expedition Cruising since 1990. He has
travelled extensively to all seven continents in search of wildlife and his favourite
holiday has to be Antarctica.
TONY PYM is a naturalist, whose recent diverse assignments have included
research on marine turtles in the tropics, filming Polar Bears in the high Arctic,
working with cetaceans in the world’s oceans and managing a whale-watching
operation in the United States. He has combined these with wildlife tour leading,
to now some 55 countries. Birds though are his primary interest, seabirds in
particular (he has seen more than 90% of the world’s species), closely followed
by cetaceans. He has had papers published worldwide and his most recent
submission was on the identification and field characteristics of Shepherd’s
Beaked Whale – he was only the second person to have seen this species alive
(he pointed them out to some lucky Cruises for Nature clients at the time!). Tony
is one of the world’s experts on seabirds and runs a website, ‘Seabirds and
Cetaceans’. He has made many visits to the oceans of the world having cruised
extensively through the Atlantic and the Pacific, made numerous voyages into
both Arctic and Antarctic waters and has sailed many times in the Sea of Cortez
and also around the Galapagos Islands. Tony, an experienced naturalist with
infectious enthusiasm, is a principal leader for Cruises for Nature
PAUL ROGERS has had a life-long interest in natural history, which is
underlined by his qualifications in Ecology and Animal Behaviour gained at
London University. He is a principal leader for Cruises for Nature and has led
over 200 tours. He now has the privilege of living at Shorelands on Anglesey, the
former home of wildlife artist Charles Tunnicliffe. He is widely travelled in Europe,
North America and Africa and lectures on ornithology, ecology and all aspects
of natural history.
DYLAN WALKER has an all-consuming passion for whales and dolphins and is
author of the recent Wildguides book on cetaceans of the Pacific. He has been
leading whale watching parties in the Bay of Biscay for many years. He is also
co-founder of Organisation Cetacea, a forum for raising awareness for the future
of all whales and dolphins.
Photo Credits
Many thanks are due to the people who provided photographs for this brochure.
They are all by courtesy of Richard Coomber with the exception of the following:
Page
Inside front cover
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2
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3
3
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9
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Photograph
Explorer
Black-browes Albatross
Icescape
Spitsbergen scenery
Adelie Penguins
Pack ice
Zodiac cruising
Orcas
Antarctic icescape
Iceberg, Pleneau Island
Emperor Penguins
Antarctic Petrels
Polar Bear
Svalbard
Ice cruising in Zodiac, Spitsbergen
Svalbard
Walrus
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan
Cachalote
Cachalote
Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan
Cachalote
Polar Bear and cubs
Photographer
N Jones
N McCall
N McCall
N McCall
N McCall
N McCall
N McCall
N McCall
N McCall
N McCall
A Pym
N McCall
A Pym
N McCall
S Boyes
N McCall
S Boyes
C Bushell
Cachalote
Cachalote
Tropical Birding
Cachalote
N McCall
A Pym
Page
23
23
24
28
30
31
31
33
34
36
36
36
36
37
38
39
39
40
40
41
41
42
42
Inside back cover
Photograph
Grey Phalarope
Walruses
Adelie Penguins on ice flow
King Penguin colony
Buller’s & Salvin’s Albatrosses
Torres del Paine
Peruvian Pelican
Island view, Azores
Kamchatka landscape
Spirit of Enderby
Siberian Rubythroat
Zodiac cruising
Steller’s Sea Eagle
Royal Penguin
Chatham Albatross
Megaherbs on Campbell Island
Buller’s Albatross
Explorer
Andrea
Spirit of Enderby
Explorer II
Kapitan Khlebnikov
Polar Star
Coastal landscape
Photographer
A Pym
S Boyes
N McCall
A Pym
N Jones
C Vidal
N Jones
A Jones
N McCall
Heritage Expeditions
N McCall
N McCall
R Griffiths
A Pym
N Jones
GAP Expeditions
A & K Shipping
Quark
Polar Star
N McCall
Booking Form
Title
First Name
(as on Passport)
Surname
(as on passport)
Nationality
Date of Birth
Passport No.
Place of Issue
Date of Issue
First name or names by which you would like to be known on the cruise:
Cruise Destination
Ship
Departure Date
Cabin Type
Single/Twin/Double/Sharing Twin
All correspondence, tickets, etc. will be sent to the first named above at:
Telephone No: home
Telephone No: office
Email address:
Postal Code:
I enclose a cheque made payable to Expedition Cruising for £
A 25% deposit is required for all cruises.
being the deposit / full amount.
On behalf of the person(s) included on this form I agree to accept, in full, the booking conditions as set out in the Expedition Cruising and Cruises for
Nature brochure/website.
Signature:
Date:
Insurance
It is a condition of joining one of our cruises that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks. Please send us the name and
contact number of your insurer, your policy number, expiry date and details of the medical and repatriation cover.
Please state here any special food requirements:
Please return this form to:
EXPEDITION CRUISING LIMITED
29 Straight Mile, Romsey
Hampshire, SO51 9BB, UK
Tel: 01794 523500 Fax: 01794 523544
Please state here any disabilities or medical conditions, which
may affect your participation in a holiday. Please also ensure
you have read section 15 of our Conditions of Booking.
BOOKING FORM
✂
EXPEDITION CRUISING
CRUISES FOR NATURE
Coastal landscape
Brochure entries:
We make every effort to ensure our brochure entries are as
accurate as possible. However, it needs to be pointed out that
some of the arrangements for our tours are made at least 18
months prior to departure. Inevitably there are occasions when
changing circumstances require us to alter published itineraries
and hotel bookings. Normally we are able to advise clients of such
changes before departure. Similarly, weather patterns in many
parts of the world are not wholly predictable and it is virtually
impossible to accurately predict the temperatures you will
encounter while on tour. Thus it is necessary for there to be a
degree of flexibility in our programmes that allows some freedom
to do what is best in the particular circumstances. The chances of
seeing certain species may also be affected by the vagaries of the
weather. It is unlikely that a group will see all the species
mentioned in the brochure text. We accept bookings on the
understanding that these points are fully understood.
Sharing places and single rooms:
If you book a sharing room on any of these cruises, you will not
ever be asked to pay any additional single room supplement. We,
or the cruise company, take the booking on the understanding
that someone will be found to share with you. If we cannot find
someone we will not charge you any extra. Please note this does
not apply to the Explorer II. If you wish to book a cabin for single
use, please note that these cabins are sometimes limited in their
number by the ship’s owners, so early booking is essential.
Insurance:
It is a prerequisite of joining any tour that you have sufficient
insurance cover in case of illness or repatriation. We are happy to
quote you a price for your travel insurance depending on your age
and the cost and duration of the cruise.
Smoking:
Please note that many of the ships operate a non-smoking policy
within cabins and eating areas. Sometimes the only place where
smoking is allowed is on deck. Also please note that smoking in
public places and hotel rooms is now forbidden in some of the
countries we visit.
Booking Conditions:
Please note our booking conditions on pages 43 to 46 of this
brochure.
Amazonian Indians
selling fruit
BROCHURE ENTRIES & BOOKING POLICY
Brochure Entries & Booking Policy

EXPEDITION CRUISING 29 Straight Mile Romsey Hampshire

Transcription

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