Antarctica Cruise: Adventure Ships

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Dates & Prices

Highlights

Trip Dates:

2009-2010

See Dates & Prices tab.

Price:

See Dates & Prices tab.

Additional Fees:

Single supplement: 1.5 times chosen cabin rate

Total Days:

12 - Antarctic Adventures
15 - Crossing the Circle
20 - Antarctic Quest

Group Size: Varies by ship

Activity Level:

Activities:

Wildlife viewing

Accommodations:

2 or 3 person ship cabins, private or shared facilities. 1 hotel night

Antarctica Cruise: Adventure Ships

Our Antarctica cruises offer the ultimate introduction to the White Continent and include many of the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. They are designed to include as much wildlife viewing as possible but also incorporate visits to scientific bases and allow plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of ice waterways, glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains. All voyages take place aboard ice-strengthened vessels, include multiple shore landings via Zodiac landing craft and are accompanied by world-class naturalists whose insightful lectures enhance our explorations.

Embarking and disembarking Ushuaia, Argentina.

REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures with our travel partner, Quark Expeditions.

"Antarctic Adventure" Itinerary:

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Days 1-2: Tierra del Fuego, a fiery beginning
Spend the night in our host hotel in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, the Land of Fire. On the second day, take part in a guided tour of the nearby National Park, ending with a traditional Argentine asado barbecue. You'll be coasting down the Beagle Channel toward Antarctica by late afternoon.
Days 3-4: A passage to adventure
Anticipation mounts crossing the Drake Passage. Participate in briefings and presentations on the Antarctic ecosystem. Then watch for seabirds and marine mammals from the Bridge or the deck, surrounded by the majesty of the Southern Ocean. The first icebergs should appear on the horizon during Day 4.
Days 5-9: Everything for the ambitious adventurer
Many factors play a role in shaping the expedition's progress. Our goal is to give you the best possible active experience based on prevailing wind, weather, and ice conditions. We attempt as many as three landings a day. Perhaps, you'll feel salt spray on your face as the Zodiac weaves in and around grounded icebergs. You could scramble to the top of a craggy hill for an unforgettable view of an icy chasm. Strap on a harness for a polar plunge into frigid Antarctic waters.

The cycle of life
Over the course of the austral spring and summer, the sun lingers longer and longer, melting snow and ice. Wildlife grows in abundance: chicks hatch and fledge, and pods of whales breach in a deep bay where a calving iceberg has churned up krill, the local delicacy. The natural cycle of life ensures that every expedition is different. And that every expedition is full of surprises!

That's my pebble
In Antarctica, silence is so complete that interruptions become indelible memories: noisy penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor or Paradise Bay. Then there is the sound of breathing as your arms pump and your legs power you up an incline on cross-country skis. As you sail from island to shore to bay during four days in the Peninsula, the Expedition Team provides opportunities to test your endurance and engage your curiosity.

Soaring peaks and storied history
The soaring peaks and stark rocks of Lemaire Channel are just the excuse you need to grab your camera gear for a shooting session from the deck, if the channel is free of ice. Afterward, you'll have an excuse to warm up below in the lounge with a member of the Expedition Team who will relate the storied history of the Peninsula.
Days 10-12: "One gets the fever and can't stop going." - Shackleton
You'll return via the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, having walked in the path of the great Antarctic adventurers. As Cook, Ross, Scott and Shackleton did, you've stared at the same skies and wondered at the same vast landscapes. And now, like them, you understand the enduring lure of Antarctica.

"Antarctic Adventure" Itinerary:

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Days 1-2: Tierra del Fuego, a fiery beginning
Days 3-4: A passage to adventure
Days 5-9: Everything for the ambitious adventurer
Days 10-12: "One gets the fever and can't stop going." - Shackleton

"Crossing the Circle" Itinerary:

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Days 1-2: The end of civilization, the start of your adventure
If you're eager for exercise after the flight, we suggest a hike to the glacier that hangs above the town. We'll have a comfortable bed in a local hotel waiting for you, when you return.

The next day you'll tour the nearby National Park. There'll be time for a brisk walk to a secluded bay, before returning to Ushuaia for an asado barbecue lunch. Board your Adventure Ship in the late afternoon.
Days 3-4: The Drake Passage: Furious Fifties, Screaming Sixties
To sailors the Drake is legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, but you may be lucky and get calm weather. Regardless of the conditions, we'll keep you busy on deck, on the Bridge, and in the presentation room. We prepare you for boarding Zodiacs, shore landings, and, if you dare, polar dips.

En route to Antarctica, you may find that delicious three-course meals are made even more interesting by the occasional shout of "Whales off the port side!" Will you continue eating or dash on the deck with your camera?
Days 5-8: Hiking The Great White
The Expedition Team is planning as many as three landings a day during this voyage. That means that the bow of your Zodiac will be riding high, as the driver opens the throttle so we can give you as much time as possible ashore. Once on land, hike The Great White, or just sit on a rock and watch penguins invest considerable energy in survival. Wildlife in the Antarctic is refreshingly unafraid of humans, making each visit feel like a trip to another planet. The jagged polar terrain is magnificent, and awe-inspiring.

Got skills, use them
Every cross-country skier, kayaker, camper or mountain-climber seeks that one perfect moment that they will relive for the rest of their lives. Perhaps you'll find that moment in Antarctica. Optional adventures are available on a first come, first served basis. You could drift past an azure iceberg after a hard paddle. You could rappel down a rock face after an exhilarating climb. As there are no ski trails in Antarctica, you could leave tracks in a pristine wilderness. While camping you could be compelled to reach for the sky, because the stars appear to be only an arm's length away.
Days 9-10: The Antarctic Circle--A celebration is in order
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is still a rare and impressive achievement. Celebrate with a well-earned glass of champagne. Raise your glass to the intrepid explorers who have gone before.
Days 11-12: Another fascinating coast, another incredible story
During the voyage, your Expedition Team will keep you informed about the fabled history of each area we visit. Every name on the map of the Antarctic has a story to tell. The Loubert Coast is no exception. The French names that appear are the legacy of Jean- Baptiste Charcot, physician, yachtsman, and explorer. He, like you, lived for adventure.
Days 13-15: Whales below, birds above, memories ahead
While crossing the Drake once again, stay up late with new friends as the lingering twilight of the southern summer fades. Trade memories that will last forever while you puzzle over the mystery that is Antarctica.

"Crossing the Circle" Itinerary:

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Days 1-2: The end of civilization, the start of your adventure
Days 3-4: The Drake Passage: Furious Fifties, Screaming Sixties
Days 5-8: Hiking The Great White
Days 9-10: The Antarctic Circle--A celebration is in order
Days 11-12: Another fascinating coast, another incredible story
Days 13-15: Whales below, birds above, memories ahead

"Antarctic Quest" Itinerary:

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Days 1-2: The quest that calls
This extended adventure begins at the tip of South America, in Ushuaia, Argentina, with a night at a local hotel. Before boarding the ship on Day 2, tour the nearby National Park and sample local cuisine during an asado barbecue lunch.

Charles Darwin was the first to identify the indigenous trees in the region. Ushuaia is situated on a channel named for the ship that brought him there, HMS Beagle.
Days 3-5: The evolution of Darwin's inspiration
En route to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), you learn more about Darwin. He visited the islands in 1833 on the voyage that led to his iconoclastic work, The Origin of Species.The shipboard education program introduces the flora and fauna that you can expect to encounter during landings. Properly prepared, you are zipped from the ship to shore in a Zodiac to hike to a plain where geese graze and Magellanic Penguins guard their burrows.

You'll comb beaches and socialize with local residents. There are activities for a diverse range of interests - historical, natural and physical.
Days 6-11: Welcome to a world of ice and birds
The published account of James Cook's voyage to South Georgia brought fortune seekers to the island for nearly two hundred years. Now there are only a handful of scientists studying the abundant bird life and the glaciers that cover the island. The Expedition Team plans a series of landings including King Penguin rookeries, abandoned whaling stations and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Different activity levels will be accommodated during the landings. You can be as active as you like.
Days 12-17: Hang on, Shackleton's coming
As the ship sails south and west, watch for tabular icebergs, as you will, at last, be in Antarctic waters. Landings in the South Shetlands Islands are planned. The northernmost island in the archipelago is Elephant Island, where the crew of Endurance waited for rescue. While a landing there is not likely, no exploration of the Antarctic is complete without hearing of the exploits of Shackleton and his crew.

Jump in, the water is freezing
The Expedition Team will be planning as many as three landings a day. You'll climb craggy hills, cruise in Zodiacs along granite beaches choked with brash ice and take a polar plunge, if you dare. Wildlife viewing will be a priority ashore and from the deck. The optional activities - camping or kayaking - are planned also. For all activities, included and optional, the Expedition Team consults weather reports and marine charts to find the best sites for a memorable experience.
Days 18-20: The Drake Passage. Lake, or shake?
This famous passage is notorious for its high winds and rolling seas. Crossing it is as much a part of the Antarctic experience as penguins and krill. All the great explorers have braved the Drake Passage. It is a most fitting end to your Antarctic quest.

"Antarctic Quest" Itinerary:

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Days 1-2: The quest that calls
Days 3-5: The evolution of Darwin's inspiration
Days 6-11: Welcome to a world of ice and birds
Days 12-17: Hang on, Shackleton's coming
Days 18-20: The Drake Passage. Lake, or shake?

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Cruise Cost Includes:

Voyage aboard one of the four ships as indicated in the itinerary, pre-cruise hotel accommodation on a share basis with breakfast as indicated, all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship, a guided tour of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac, program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by an experienced expedition staff, comprehensive pre-departure materials and Antarctic handbook, rubber boots available to borrow, expedition parka on all ships, transfers and baggage handling between hotel and ship on the day of embarkation, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program, and detailed post-expedition log.

Not Included:

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; supplement for single hotel accommodations; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunications charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Share Basis For Single Travelers:

If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will guarantee double occupancy rates for hotel rooms and ship cabins even if we are unable to match you with a roommate. If you request a single cabin, rates are 1.5 times the cabin cost.

Complimentary Handbooks:

Your expedition fee includes a trip handbook with detailed information about your trip. It includes the history and politics of the Antarctica region, the explorers, a section on land, water and ice, and of course birds of the region. It's an invaluable tool and serves as a wonderful souvenir of your expedition. This will be sent in your final packet and is designed for you to carry with you on the cruise.

Climate:

Our trips are scheduled to take advantage of the Antarctica summer. Daytime temperatures may vary between 25° to 45°F and if the sun is shining, it can get warmer. Daylight lasts 20 hours per day!

How To Reserve Your Trip:

Call REI Adventures catalog information toll free at 1-800-622-2236 to sign-up with a credit card, or you can mail a check with your trip application. For Classic Antarctica, a deposit of $1000 per person is required upon booking to reserve your place. For Explorer's cruises, a deposit of $1500 per person is required. The balance is payable 90 days prior to your departure date.

Cancellations:

All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received up to 180 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $750 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 and 90 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited. Please note that for cancellations received within 89 days prior to departure, all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 89-day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately.

Please note:

This policy is different than the general cancellation policy published in our current travel catalog and is strictly adhered to.

Delays:

If any trip must be delayed due to bad weather, cancelled or delayed transportation, sickness or any other situation for which REI Adventures catalog information cannot make provisions, all costs incurred during such delays must be borne by trip members.

Equipment:

A complete equipment list is sent to all trip members when they sign up. No special gear is required for this trip and you probably own most of it already. The dress code on-board is casual and comfortable. On deck, you need to have a warm polar fleece jacket with a rain shell that fits over it. Layering works best. Pull-on rubber boots (calf to knee high) are a must for landings and are available to borrow on all ships.

Qualifications:

The trip is rated easy to moderate [2]. During most shore landings, trip participants will have the opportunity to walk for short distances (less than 1 mile) while visiting penguin rookeries and exploring the landscape. Dependent on location, walks may involve crossing snowfields or bare, rocky terrain. Individuals prone to motion sickness should carry appropriate remedies as high seas may be encountered while crossing the Drake Passage.

Documentation:

A valid passport is required for travel to South America. A visa is not required for travel to Antarctica. Extensions may require visas when traveling to additional South American countries.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Antarctica Cruise: Adventure Ships

The key to staying comfortable during this expedition is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Trapped air is a very good insulator and you stand a much better chance of staying warm by wearing several thin layers rather one or two heavy items. You will also be able to add or shed layers more easily as the temperature changes.

Weather

The weather in the Antarctica is known for its extreme variability. Although heavy rainfall is unusual, strong winds are fairly common and can greatly affect your comfort during shore landings. Average temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula during the summer months range approximately: 23°-41°F.

Gear Checklist

Provided Gear

Expedition parka for yours to keep

Equipment for all Further Adventures options

Waterproof rubber boots on loan for shore landings

Official Papers

Valid passport

Airline tickets

Luggage

Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase (2 maximum)

Daypack or fanny pack to carry your camera, water bottle, extra clothing during shore landings

Luggage tags and luggage locks

Passport pouch or money belt

Outerwear

Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable

Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable, side-zip pants are highly recommended

Clothing

Heavyweight fleece top or wool sweater

Midweight fleece top

Midweight fleece pants

Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool

Casual shirts/pants for use aboard ship and Ushuaia

Underwear

Hiking socks (for use during shore landings under boots)

Casual socks

Footwear

Waterproof, over-the-calf, rubber boots with non-slip soles if you prefer to bring your own

Comfortable shoes (also for use aboard ship; non-slip soles are best!)

Clothing Accessories

Wool or fleece hat

Wool or fleece gloves

Heavier, ski-type gloves

Travel Accessories

One-quart water bottle (to stay hydrated during shore landings)

Watch with alarm or travel clock

Electrical adapter plug

Sunglasses and retainer strap

Sunblock and lip balm

Toiletry kit/toiletries

Small personal first-aid kit

Optional Field Gear

Camera, film/memory and spare batteries

Small binoculars

Favorite energy snacks

Motion sickness remedies

Spare contact lenses or glasses

Reading and writing materials

Things to Consider

Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. When the wind is constant, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Adequate wind/raingear is vital!
Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
The dress code on board the ship is strictly casual, in the expedition spirit. There is no need to dress formally for meals.
A few large zip-lock bags are useful to keep camera equipment and film dry while riding in the Zodiac and during wet shore landings.
Bring more film/memory cards than you think you will need. Certain film types will be difficult to purchase or unavailable once the trip begins. It is not unusual for participants to shoot a roll per day.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staffs at our stores or Direct Sales (800-426-4840) are happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

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Loyalty Discount
Passengers who have sailed with Quark Expeditions in the past are entitled to a 5% discount on all sailings. REI Adventures honors all Quark discounts and promotions.

If you opt to join us for two (or more) consecutive expeditions we will be pleased to offer a 6% discount off the second expedition (and any additional consecutive expeditions).

2009-2010 Season Dates & Prices:

Antarctic Adventure ---
Aboard Ocean Nova (passenger capacity 68)
Date	Days	Triple	Twin	Dedicated Single
Nov 20 - Dec 1, 2009 *	12	$5,490	$7,790	$10,990
Nov 30 - Dec 11, 2009 *	12	$5,490	$7,790	$10,990
Dec 10-21, 2009 *	12	$5,490	$7,790	$10,990
Dec 20-31, 2009 *	12	$6,190	$8,590	$12,390
Dec 30 - Jan 10, 2010 **	12	$6,990	$9,990	$13,990

Crossing the Circle ---
Aboard Ocean Nova (passenger capacity 68)
Date	Days	Triple	Twin	Dedicated Single	Suite	Cook Suite
Jan 9-23, 2010 **	15	$9,190	$12,990	$18,290	$13,790	$14,990
Feb 9-23, 2010 **	15	$9,190	$12,990	$18,290	$13,790	$14,990

Antarctic Quest ---
Aboard Ocean Nova (passenger capacity 68)
Date	Days	Triple	Twin	Dedicated Single
Nov 2-21, 2009 ^^	20	$9,890	$13,990	$19,990
Jan 22 - Feb 10, 2010 ^	20	$12,690	$17,990	$25,290
Feb 22 - Mar 13, 2010 ^	20	$10,990	$15,390	$21,990

* with option for kayaking, camping, mountaineering and cross-country skiing
** with option for kayaking and camping
^ with option for kayaking
^^ with option for kayaking, mountaineering and cross-country skiing