Antarctica - Corinthian II: 14 Days Cruise Tour Antarctica is the opposite of the world as you know it. "Terra Incognita Australis," as the old maps labeled it -- "the unknown land to the south." You couldn't survive on your own; it is not a place for human beings. Then why visit? In this overbuilt, overscheduled world, Antarctica is an entire continent virtually devoid of human influence. The nations of the Earth have agreed. Study. Admire. And let be. During the brief Austral summer, penguins, gulls, skuas, and other nesting birds return in the thousands to nest on the few scraps of exposed ground. Antarctic fur seals return to breed, leopard seals cruise among the ice floes, and whales migrate to the ice from their breeding grounds in the equatorial latitudes. Scientists return too. The scenery is fantastic. And it's not even all that cold along the Antarctic Peninsula. Inclusions Highlights Features Itinerary Dates Inclusions Ten-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II One night in Buenos Aires at the Marriott Plaza Hotel Round-trip group flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia Full program of excursions as described in the accompanying itinerary Welcome and farewell receptions aboard ship, hosted by the captain All meals aboard ship with house wine, beer, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner Physician aboard ship (Corinthian II's sophisticated communications system allows for easy link-up with a medical assistance service in the U.S.) Educational program of lectures and discussions with accompanying study leaders and onboard naturalist guides Expedition parka, complete pre-departure materials, and detailed cruise log Travel Dynamics International expedition leader, cruise staff, and trip directors Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates Embarkation taxes and port dues Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers Special Notes Travel 12/30/2006, 1/9/2007 or 1/19/07 from $8995.00. Please call for rates and availability. Accommodations All accommodations are suites facing outside, and several have balconies. All suites include a bedroom with twin or queen-size beds, sitting area, ample closet space, mini-refrigerator, TV, marble-appointed bathroom with shower and more.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart from the US
Depart from the United States on a flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the Marriott Plaza Hotel for the night. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after the flight or to explore Buenos Aires on your own.

Day 3 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Embarkation
Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, a small Patagonian city set on the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Darwin Cordillera, glaciers, and forests of southern beech. Upon arrival, transfer to Corinthian II. As Corinthian II navigates the Beagle Channel, enjoy a spectacular vista of glaciers and green-misted mountains.

Days 4 & 5 - At Sea
Attend lectures by naturalists and study leaders as Corinthian II sails through the Drake Passage and crosses the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold waters of the Southern Ocean override the warmer waters to the north. Albatross and cape petrels are among the birds that accompany the ship on its passage.

Days 6 through 10 - Antarctic Peninsula
Enjoy five days exploring the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. The Peninsula is a narrow finger of land that separates the ice-choked waters of the Weddell and Bellingshausen Seas. As Corinthian II sails through scenic waterways, witness a breathtaking panorama of icebergs, blue glaciers, and jagged, snowcapped mountains. Aboard the ship's fleet of Zodiacs, cruise among ice floes, land at penguin rookeries, and visit with scientists at research stations. Although the itinerary varies according to local ice and wind conditions, we plan to land at such places as Petermann Island, where humpback and minke whales are often sighted offshore; Paradise Bay, the habitat of gentoo and chinstrap penguins and leopard and Weddell seals; and Deception Island, known for its volcanically-heated hot springs. Voyages through the magnificent Lemaire, Neumayer, Errata, and other protected channels are also scheduled -- never to be forgotten.

Days 11 & 12 - At Sea
Watch for whales and seabirds and enjoy onboard lectures and the amenities of the ship as Corinthian II makes the 600-mile return trip to Ushuaia.

Day 13 - Ushuaia, Argentina/Disembarkation/Buenos Aires
Disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, connect with flights to the United States.

Day 14 - USA
Arrive in the United States.

Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent

• Not Included: Visas; passports; luggage, cancellation, and accident insurance; meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail/Internet service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel. Airfare other than the designated group flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, is not included in the cost of the program.
• Note: SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at a supplement of $2,795 to the per person, double occupancy rates indicated above. Singles in Categories AA - PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates. THIRD PERSON SHARING: The rate for a third person sharing a suite with two full-fare guests is $2,495.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.