The Ross Sea region was the starting point for the early explorers to the South Pole. Backed by vast ice fields and mountains, the sea only just melts, even in summer. This region has permanent, year-round ice and the powerful icebreaker,  Kapitan Khlebnikov, is the best vessel suited for its exploration.  It is a unique experience  to be standing alone on the bows as the vessel ploughs through solid pack, cracks running away from you through the ice, her three engines capable of generating 24,000 horsepower. You will also witness this from the air. The helicopters allow shore landings anywhere too, and a few itineraries include a visit to the unique ‘dry valleys’ of the continental interior. These are still parts of Antarctica that very few people have visited.

 

This is the realm of the largest penguin, the magnificent Emperor - please see pages 68 and 69 for our special itineraries which concentrate on this species - and the smallest, Adelies. Orcas and Antarctic Minke Whales swim amongst the ice floes whilst Antarctic Petrels  (rarely seen in the Antarctic Peninsula region) and Snow Petrels wheel above.  This region also offers one of the best chances to see Ross Seal. Visit Scott and Shackleton's expedition huts, see the cliffs of the Ross Ice Shelf with your own eyes and camera and travel through ice-choked scenery that is simply out of this world. Some of the itineraries also include some of the rarely visited Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand, plus Macquarie Island (Australia) with its endemic penguins. If you have travelled to the Antarctic Peninsula and islands, these are an obvious next trip. The high cost of operating these vessels and the longer duration of the voyages  are, however, reflected in the fares. This is one of only a few true icebreakers in the world that fare-paying passengers can travel on. Carrying a maximum 108 passengers, the ship has a bar and lounge, library, gift shop, lecture auditorium, pool, exercise room and sauna. All cabins are outside with window and private facilities (the stunning views will be free) and food onboard happens to be superb. World-class expedition teams, including naturalists and professional photographers, will accompany you on your voyage of a lifetime. Photographic opportunities will be uncountable. Single supplement is approx 1.7 times the twin share rate, but bookings can  happily be made on a share basis. Separate full colour brochures are available from us for these ultimate expedition voyages. All prices exclude airfares (which we can arrange for you along with any other pre and post arrangements you may require) and are subject to exchange rates and fuel surcharges.

 

 

---

2007/2008

 

Emperor Penguins, Snow Hill Island (See here)

 

The Semi-Circumnavigation and Far Side of Antarctica (Ushuaia – Fremantle)

1^st December -  7th January 2008

Triple berths from £16750 per person, twin share from £19199 per person.

 

---

2008/2009

 

Emperor Penguins, Snow Hill Island (See here)

 

The Semi-Circumnavigation of Antarctica (Ushuaia – Christchurch)

13^th November – 13th December 2008

Triple berths from £9755 per person, twin share from £12990 per person.

 

The Ross Sea & Sub-Antarctic Islands – Great Antarctic Explorers (Christchurch-Hobart)

13th December 2008 -  7th January 2009

Triple berths from £9069 per person, twin share from £12,500 per person.

 

All voyages aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov include a pre-cruise hotel stay for one night with breakfast, group transfers to/from vessel, comprehensive pre-trip information, all meals aboard ship (glass of wine with dinner nightly), services of expedition team, Zodiac and helicopter excursions and landings, boot loan service, complimentary parka coat and post-trip CD with photos and video.

 

Excludes: Flights, gratuities (suggested US$10 pp per day aboard vessel), airport transfers, travel insurance and other drinks and items of a personal nature.

 

Previous Quark Expeditions passengers qualify for a 5% discount on these or other future voyages.

 

More detailed information and a full colour brochure for these voyages is available from us.

 

 

---

 

SOUTH POLE AIR EXPEDITIONS

If you would like to join the select few to stand at the Geographic South Pole, WildWings can take you there.  An IL-76 or Hercules flight from Southern Chile will fly you to Patriot Hills, the only private base camp in the heart of the continent, strategically situated about one mile from the blue-ice runway where you’ll land.  The camp accommodates up to 50 visitors, sleeping in insulated tents with a separate dining tent – the true heart of the camp.  Whilst in camp there is a range of optional activities available, from cross-country skiing to light climbing.  And, for the ultimate day trip, you’ll fly in a ski-equipped Twin Otter to the Geographic South Pole, flying over a pure landscape that few human eyes have ever seen. Travelling in this modern manner puts the achievements of Amundsen and Scott in total perspective. After landing you will be at an altitude of 12,000 feet, standing on Antarctica’s ice cap where all 360 lines of longitude meet.  Walk around the world in a few steps.  Pose for photos by the official plaque and flags. A brief visit to the U.S. science base and gift shop is planned.  Further details available from us. For the North Pole, please see page 92.

 

7/8 days duration from Punta Arenas, Chile.  Departures in December and January 2007 and 2008.  Prices from £16750 per person. Note: some time flexibility is needed on the part of Antarctic air expedition participants; weather delays currently average three days per expedition (additional to planned duration).