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Great Antarctic Explorers
10 December 2006 - 6 January 2007 (26 Days) aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov |
© Steve Bloom/Quark 
'Kapitan Khlebnikov' in pack ice |
Ultimate Antarctica with Quark Expeditions
click for larger map Itinerary Day 1: Auckland, New Zealand When you book your airfare to New Zealand, do not forget to include a flight from Auckland to Christchurch for the second morning. You overnight in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, where one-third of the country's population resides. For your stay, we have selected a centrally located hotel, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. In the evening at a time posted, there will be a Quark representative in the lobby of your hotel to answer questions. Day 2: Lyttelton, New Zealand, via Christchurch Make your way to the Auckland airport for the flight to Christchurch that you arranged before beginning your journey. Many of the early expeditions to the Ross Sea area left from Christchurch or the nearby port of Lyttelton. The city's links with the planet's most southerly continent are still strong, as the city claims the title of 'the world's aerial gateway to the Antarctic.' At the Christchurch airport you are met by a Quark Expeditions' representative and transferred as a group to Lyttelton, the port of embarkation, where you clear customs. Have your identification on hand, because you must pass through security to board the ship. The Kapitan Khlebnikov, which may be one of several vessels moored along the quay, is instantly recognizable, as the shape and bulk of the polar-class icebreaker are distinctive, especially from a distance. The Expedition Team directs you to the lecture theatre for a safety briefing. Emergency procedures are explained then followed by a practical demonstration. One of the four enclosed lifeboats is lowered to give you the opportunity to see what is within and how you would survive in the unlikely event of an emergency at sea. Later, a three-course dinner with a choice of main courses and a complimentary glass of wine is served in the dining room. There is no need for formal attire, as our style is casual. After all at any time during the expedition you may want to respond, should the Expedition Team announce 'icebergs off the starboard bow!' During the after-dinner Welcome Briefing, the Expedition Leader introduces the team of specialists that accompanies every expedition. The Expedition Leader delivers an overview of the voyage, after which the ship's doctor may provide practical advice about coping with seasickness. Day 3: At sea Spend your first full day at sea in the shelter of New Zealand's South Island and then Stewart Island. The Kapitan Khlebnikov affords many opportunities for watching the passing scenery al fresco. From the open fly deck located above the Navigation Bridge you have a 360o view that stretches unendingly toward the horizon. The bow deck, much closer to sea level, is an excellent spot to watch for surfacing sea creatures and circling birds. An Expedition Team member may kick off the education program with a presentation about the flora and fauna of the Sub Antarctic islands, or give a detailed account of the geological processes that formed the area toward which you are sailing. These special places you are about to visit need to be protected so the afternoon could be spent decontaminating the clothing and gear that you brought with you. Bags, packs and outer clothing which you intend to take ashore are vacuumed to remove seeds so that foreign plants that could overwhelm indigenous species are not introduced. As inflatable landing craft, referred to as Zodiacs, are used for transportation from the ship to shore, you are shown how to board one from the ship's gangway and how to exit on landing ashore. This is in preparation for tomorrow's planned visit to Enderby Island. There are one or two occasions during this expedition when you may want to wear something a little less informal than expedition gear. The first would be the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner, an opportunity to meet the Captain and officers, who manoeuvre the ship so skilfully. The daily program, which is delivered to your cabin each evening, informs you of the next day's activities and special events such as this one. Day 4 - Enderby Island, one of the Auckland Islands Awake to see many different sea birds about the ship -Albatross, Shearwaters, and Petrels. The Expedition Team shares tips, formally and informally, that soon have you identifying birds on the wing. Also, expect a briefing about the seals you may see on the first landing, and throughout the expedition. Excitement builds as you wait for the call to board the Zodiac to transfer to Enderby Island, where the Southern Royal Albatross breeds. The island is on every birders dream destination list, because of the rare species that inhabit it. Keep on the alert and you may be lucky enough to spot a Yellow-eyed Penguin, known by the Maori people as hoiho. Or a Red-crowned Parakeet. Imagine seeing penguins and parakeets in the same place! The landing should begin almost immediately after the anchor is dropped. Once ashore, the welcoming committee may consist of a large group of New Zealand Sea Lions and a small group of Kiwi scientists who study them. Back in the Zodiacs you spend some time exploring the coastline, as the Zodiac driver points out places of interest. Once everyone is back on board, the Captain weighs anchor setting sail for Campbell Island. Day 5: Campbell Island Campbell Island may be in view when you awaken. Visibility depends on the weather, which can be changeable in the Sub Antarctic Islands - sometimes sunshine, sometimes showers. The complimentary Quark Expeditions parka, which was in your cabin on the day of embarkation, is designed to accommodate any kind of weather. The hooded shell protects you from the rain. The fleece liner can be worn as a jacket to keep you warm on a chilly night. Worn together, you are ready for a squall or snow storm. New Zealand has declared Campbell Island a national nature reserve. Also, the island, as has all New Zealand's Sub Antarctic islands, been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, because it is the breeding ground of the world's largest population of Royal Albatrosses. Not only are the birds suffering from long-line fisheries, but also the aberrant behaviour of the New Zealand sea lions. One, or perhaps a few, sea lions have taken to attacking and eating albatrosses, and in one region, have killed about half the local population, including many marked birds in nests that were regularly observed. The boardwalk is covered in chicken wire, which greatly helps retain your footing. After leaving the station you follow the boardwalk through some amazing vegetation that is virtually a thick low forest. In some places, enormous leaf-like lichens grow on the Dracophyllum trunks. Ferns are abundant. Beyond the forest should be higher grassland. The track leads down a wide shallow valley and ascends to a region near the top of the ridge, where over a dozen Royal Albatross nests may be in easy sight. The Albatrosses are well suited for the windy ridge, as they can take to the air with minimal difficulty. They have well-established 'runways' for this purpose, as well as for landing. Near the landing and in the Dracophyllum forest, you should hear many bird calls. Watch for a pipit or Red-billed Gulls. Several species of albatross and the inevitable Skuas could fly overhead. Keep an eye open for New Zealand sea lions, afraid of nothing and no one. The anchor is weighed again, as you attend a recap session on board. This is an opportunity to get together informally with the resident specialists to review highlights of the past few days and to ask questions. Throughout the expedition our extremely talented chefs host many themed dinners, such as the 'black and white dinner,' during which fun trumps formality. These special dinners celebrate many of the different nationalities represented by your fellow adventurers. Day 6: Sailing to the Ice Edge While at sea, you can attend more education program presentations delivered by the Expedition Team members. One could be an introduction to the early history of Antarctic exploration that prepares you for the visits to the historic huts in the Ross Sea. Wildlife enthusiasts can take binoculars to the flying deck to watch for seabirds and whales. Inside, you may learn more about Campbell Island watching a video about New Zealand's huge rat eradication efforts, the largest pest eradication program of its kind in the world. You always have the option to relax in your cabin with a book from the polar library, or play one of the board games available in the ship's library. Day 7 - First Icebergs The weather may be cloudy with some snow hinting at the white world to come. If that is case it is probable that one of our specialists begins the day with a talk about sea ice and all its forms. With luck you spot your first iceberg shortly afterward. As the ship pushes farther and farther south the icebergs continue to grow in number and size. The BBC video Life in the Freezer may be shown in the theatre, the timing appropriate because you are moving ever closer to the region in which it was filmed. Day 8: The Antarctic Circle During your visit to the Ross Sea region you will be subject to Antarctic Conservation Guidelines. They are introduced at a briefing arranged by the Expedition Leader. Quark Expeditions is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and as such, is bound by the irregulations. IAATO is a self-governing association that is dedicated to keeping tourism in Antarctica as low-impact as possible. The regulations cover everything: boot washing (we loan you a pair, so you don't have to pack them), numbers of visitors onshore, distances that people should keep away from wildlife and human behaviour around wildlife. There is electricity in the air when the Expedition Leader announces that the icebreaker will reach pack ice and the Antarctic Circle some time within the next 24 hours. Day 9: Helicopter Flight-Seeing If the weather is pleasant, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle is celebrated on the bow with hot chocolate and rum. To make landings in the Ross Sea often requires the use of helicopters, so a mandatory briefing about helicopter protocols will be on the agenda, before your first take-off, which could be a flight-seeing adventure over the ice today. We encourage everyone, even those who do not normally do so, to carry a camera-any helicopter flight may be a source of once-in a- lifetime moments that you will want to share with friends at home. To help you get the most out of your camera, a new media artist is on board to assist you. The education program continues with either a description of the intricacies of the Antarctic Food Web, or a talk about the many processes involved in the creation of ice sheets and glaciers. Day 10: The Drygalski Ice Tongue In April 2005 this extension of the David Glacier lost about 5 km off its seaward tip after it was struck by a massive, 115 km-long iceberg known as B-15A - necessitating changes to all future Antarctic maps. The ice tongue is named for Erich von Drygalski, a German geophysicist who pioneered the study of ice formation and made an historic balloon ascent (equipped with Antarctica's first telephone) to take aerial photographs. The aerial photographs you may take today will be from our onboard helicopters, as another round of flight-seeing begins if weather conditions permit. Day 11: Cape Evans and Cape Royds One of the highlights of this particular expedition is a visit to the historic huts where the Great Antarctic Explorers conducted research and prepared for their push to the South Pole. A briefing about the huts and the code of conduct that must be followed is delivered prior to the landings. There are restrictions on numbers of people around and within the huts to maintain and preserve the huts for future generations. As well, you learn why cleaning your boots is an essential step toward conservation. Precautions to take in the surrounding area (especially the Adélie Penguin colony) are explained. Finally you hear of the conservation work in progress. Normally, the group is divided in two, with one group participating in a helicopter operation to Cape Royds, while the second group approaches Cape Evans as Shackleton did, on foot. Weather and ice conditions may affect the manner in which you are transported to the sites. Later in the day each group is transported to the site that they did not visit earlier. Shackleton's Nimrod hut, on Cape Royds. You sign the visitors' book and queue for entry. The limit inside the hut is eight, so six are admitted at a time to meet our resident historian and the New Zealand conservation representative who wait inside to give a brief introduction to the hut. After signing the visitors' book, you queue for entry. The limit inside the hut is eight so six are admitted at a time to meet our resident historian and the New Zealand Conservation representative who wait inside to give a brief introduction. Shackleton's cabin is the only separate accommodation room. This is small, barely 2.2m by 1.7m (7.2 x 5.6 ft). Shackleton's bunk, with his signature, has been removed to the main part of the hut. His cabin now holds cases of materials for conservation in New Zealand. While some are visiting the cabin, others may be photographing objects outside. At Cape Evans, the historians are on duty as before. The hut was used from 1912 to 15 to over winter. The 'once-round-the-hut' tour begins with the acetylene generator in the porch, followed by the galley with a large stove and a vast variety of food remaining. Look for something quite unexpected-rat-traps. At the far end of the table is a large heating stove and the scientific department, including a telephone system (which once connected to Hut Point over the sea ice). In the rafters are two sledges and a man-harness hung from one. At the far end of the hut are two particularly interesting places: ahead, Herbert Ponting's darkroom and to the left Scott's den. Ponting preferred to be called a 'camera artist' rather than a photographer (and, for him, once could not always say that the camera never lied). His specialized darkroom had the best equipment available in 1910, much of which is still there. Even the smell is reminiscent of a photographic laboratory. Scott's den may have the advantage of a window unobstructed by ice, making it well lit. His bunk can be seen and compared with the scene in one of Ponting's photographs when he was writing there. In the same vicinity are the bunks of Edward Evans (second on command) and Edward Wilson, chief scientist, medical officer and artist. The pharmaceutical department can be found on a shelf directly over his bunk. The focus of this expedition may be on the Great Antarctic Explorers, but there are opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to fulfil some lifelong ambitions too. Anywhere along the edge of the fast ice of Ross Island and in the open water created by the channel to McMurdo Station, a pod of Orcas could treat you to a wonderful display -one you will never forget. Day 12: McMurdo Station and Scott Base Should permission be granted, a tour of McMurdo Station and Scott Base will occur. McMurdo, which is operated year-round by Americans, is the largest base in Antarctica. It is so large that Base personnel use transportation vehicles to move around the perimeter. It is from McMurdo that the US National Science Foundation sends scientists to the polar plateau, where they conduct research. With permission to tour the base comes permission to visit Robert Falcon Scott's Discovery Hut on Hut Point, used for scientific observations and drying equipment. New Zealand operates Scott Base, just a short distance from McMurdo. Smaller than its American neighbour, it too operates year-round. Regular flights by Hercules aircraft between the Base and Christchurch, New Zealand keep both Scott and McMurdo resupplied. In this region you see the majestic Transantarctic Mountains, which divide Greater Antarctica from Lesser Antarctica. The geological and glaciological formation of the range is fascinating, especially when you consider the age of coals and other deposits, combined with volcanic periods in specific regions. Day 13: Taylor Valley The Dry Valleys are one of the most fascinating areas in Antarctica. Without an icebreaker equipped with helicopters it would be impossible to visit them. As they prepare for the landing, the Expedition Team will check visibility, wind, and weather conditions to determine the optimum moment to depart. Your Dry Valley visit could begin shortly after breakfast. The Team arranges a circular track that takes people to a series of significant sites and back to the helicopter depot. The flight is long over the pack ice and into the valley, passing the Commonwealth Glacier, near Lake Fryxell, and near the Canada Glacier before landing. You may have an excellent view of the brilliant scenery during the flight, and even more so on landing. A 'welcome to Mars' comment is appropriate. You are escorted first to an ancient desiccated seal, much worn by Aeolian erosion, and then you follow the flagged route past a small series of ponds at the snout of the Canada Glacier (named by Captain Scott's second expedition, 1910-13). When your group comes across a desiccated crabeater seal that had made its one-way journey to this spot within the last decade, an Expedition Team member explains how it came to be so far from sea. There are several theories as to why a seal should make such a fatal journey. Nearer the pond edge may be a patch, about 1m (3.3. ft.) across, of dark moss (Cephalozialla sp.) and an area of brown ferro-bacteria, the maximum development of life in the region. Perhaps you follow the flagged route to the spot where an Expedition Team member describes the wind and ice effects in the valley. The wind is a major factor in the environment and the reason why neither liquid nor solid water is abundant there. The discovery of the valley and glaciers was by Captain Scott's two expeditions that prepared detailed maps of them. At the next station you may get a good view of the snout of a glacier. From this vantage point, you may see some ponds and the lake, examples of the scarce liquid water in the valley (which is particularly odd when you can see so many types of glaciers all around the margins.) The route leads onward along the ridge, and is decidedly windy. Another Expedition Team member waits atop a small hill to explain the geology on the macro and micro scale. Day 14: The Ross Ice Shelf Ice shelves are thick plates of ice that extend from land. They are fed by glaciers. In Antarctica, they extend from half the continent's coastline. Ice shelves act as a braking system for glaciers, keeping warmer marine air away from the glaciers, thus moderating the amount of melting that occurs. Air that blows off the ocean is cooled sufficiently as it crosses the shelf to slow the melting of the continent's glaciers. The Ross Ice Shelf, larger than the State of Texas or about the size of France, spans nearly 965 km (600 miles) in length and reaches a thickness of 914m (3000 feet) in certain areas. It is the largest ice shelf on the planet. Throughout the day you have spectacular views of the shelf as the ship sails along it, just as Captain James Ross did in 1841. During the education program, you learn how he became the first human to see the shelf and how it came to bear his name. If the conditions are just right, a helicopter operation to the surface of the shelf is conducted. Imagine standing on ice hundreds of feet thick as you look down upon the Kapitan Khlebnikov anchored below. Please note: en route to the Bay of Whales you cross the International Date Line, gaining a day that is lost when the ship begins sailing westward to Tasmania. Day 15: Making History in the Bay of Whales The Bay of Whales was so named by Ernest Shackleton in the Nimrod, January 24, 1908, because of the large number of whales seen. In February 1911, Roald Amundsen, aboard Fram, used the bay to attain 78o41' south - which at the time of writing still stands as the southernmost point on the planet ever reached by ship. In December 2006 aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov you are part of an attempt to surpass a record that has not been surpassed for nearly a century. The Bay of Whales is an indentation in the leading edge of the Ross Ice Shelf just north of Roosevelt Island. A natural ice harbour generally forms here, however its configuration is continuously changing. A survey by the Byrd expedition in 1934 determined that the Bay of Whales lay at the junction of two separate ice systems, the movements of which are influenced by the presence of Roosevelt Island. The natural instability of the ice that defines the bay is the challenge faced by the Captain as he navigates the icebreaker ever southward. Day 16: The Bay of Whales - December 29 - Cape Adare In February 2006, the Kapitan Khlebnikov attained 78o 40 '.871'S, under the command of Captain Viktor Vasil'iev. Eyewitness accounts confirmed that within instrumental accuracy the icebreaker had equalled the most southerly ever attained by ship, a record set by Fram in 1911. Due to local conditions, the icebreaker could not proceed southward. However, the following day, a fleet of Zodiacs were launched from Kapitan Khlebnikov. The drivers followed the ice edge, searching for an opening that would permit them to attain the farthest south. The fleet reached 78o 41 ' .027'S on February 2, 2006 at 0908 (New Zealand Time 20:08 GMT). According to Robert Headland, polar historian and witness to the event, 'The farthest south position was at a small shelf of persisting first-year ice about 60cm out of the sea. This ascended to a low portion of the ice-shelf about 6 meters away. Several detached tabular icebergs of a variety of sizes, from 50m to 1km long, were adrift in the vicinity.' Will the Kapitan Khlebnikov be able to break its own record during this expedition? To increase the possibility, this itinerary includes two days in the Bay of Whales. Only time will tell. Day 17: At Sea During the expedition, when weather, ice conditions and maritime regulations permit, the Navigation Bridge is open for visits. You can watch the officers and crew keep the icebreaker on a steady course westward across the Ross Sea. Ever since Captain James Cook conducted the first circumnavigation of the Antarctic continent in the late 1700's, an Antarctic expedition's complement included an artist-in residence. William Hodges was Cook's choice. Robert Falcon Scott's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Edward Wilson, was his artist in- residence. Quark Expeditions continues the tradition through its Polar Arts Program that places a professional artist on every sailing of the Kapitan Khlebnikov. Our artists-in-residence work in a variety of media-watercolour, oil, pastels, pencil, and mixed-media. Each one brings his or her unique vision to the expedition. Some lead interactive workshops. All create individual works of art, and lecture on the history of painting in the Antarctic. The Polar Arts Program takes advantage of days at sea, like this one. Day 18: Cape Adare During the night the clocks are advanced to put the ship on New Zealand time again. The day you gained earlier is now lost, as once again you have crossed the International Dateline. During an education program presentation, our historian may speak about the history of Cape Adare and the two historical sites located there-the Borchgrevink and the Northern Party site. During the presentation you may be shown a series of slides from photographs taken at the time. Carsten Borchgrevink led the first expedition to winter on the Antarctic continent (ten men in 1899), and then in 1912 Victor Campbell led Scott's Northern Party (six men) to the cape. Borchgrevink's hut, a Norwegian log-cabin, still stands, but the hut built by Campbell and his companions is now ruinous, with only the porch remaining. When Cape Adare is at last in sight, you should be able to see Gertrude and Rose, the two stacks at its base. Shortly afterward, the icebreaker should enter Robertson Bay. You can clearly see Borchgrevink's hut at the south western side of Ridley Beach, amid a vast Adélie Penguin colony. The penguins are also very common on ice floes and in the water, presenting excellent subjects for photography. In many cases, they may show no fear of the Zodiacs. Swarms of them may follow closely, porpoising in the landing craft's wake, easily matching speed with the boat. Once ashore, take the opportunity to walk among the 'penguinated' icebergs. The birds may be seen eating snow, which not only provides fresh water, but is also cooling on what could be, by local standards, a hot summer day. During the landing, Expedition Team members are stationed outside and inside the hut. A way in and out through the penguin colony is flagged. The visitors' book from the Antarctic Heritage Trust should be available to sign. The hut is in good condition, but rather small. Only four people are permitted to enter at one time. The small bunks occupied by the two Lapps who accompanied Borchgrevink are just to the right of the inner entrance. Next are two bunks with bottles above them: the lower was the pharmacy, the upper had photographic chemicals. The upper of the next two bunks has an enigmatic likeness of a young lady sketched above it, while the lower has food from 1899. Pemmican, man-food and dog-food, is stored beneath the next set of bunks, which also has newspapers, other publications, and worn-out clothing left behind. The other internal features are a darkroom and Borchgrevink's office, both very small rooms on each side of the porch. Outside is a store room with several interesting features, including part of the boat, Pollux, from Southern Cross. The effects of a century of blizzard and ice particles are evident on the fabric of the hut, where harder parts of the timber, such as knots, and nails, are standing well proud of the eroded wood. In the vicinity is the ruin of Victor Campbell's hut, used by Scott's Northern Party for the 1911 winter. It collapsed in the 1960's, before much attention was given to the preservation of the historic huts. Day 19: Balleny Islands This morning you may have your first view of Sturge Island, the most southerly of the uninhabited Balleny group, an archipelago volcanic in origin inhabited by thousands of penguins and other sea birds. It is said that the highest point, Brown Peak, on Sturge Island has never been climbed. Once the anchor is dropped the Zodiacs could be lowered to provide a fabulous platform from which to view the wonders of Sabrina Island one of the Balleny Group. See fantastic rock formations, flying birds breeding on the cliffs, Adélie Penguins in some impossible looking locations, and a small number of Chinstrap Penguins, a rare bird in this sector of Antarctica. Day 20: Last Ice Calm conditions, fog and sea ice: could be the ethereal scene that greets you this morning. As the day is to be spent heading gradually north through the last of the sea ice and into open waters, the onboard education program continues. One of our specialists may show informative slides about volcanoes in the Antarctic - a region more associated with cold than heat. More about the early explorers of the region is told: Wilkes, Dumont D'Urville, and Ross. These men laid the foundation for the Heroic Age. Day 21: At Sea Perhaps the Captain will carefully pick his way between low pressure zones in an attempt to avoid bad weather, while you are sailing toward Macquarie Island, crossing both 60ºS (the Antarctic political boundary) and the Antarctic Convergence (the Antarctic biological boundary), sadly leaving Antarctica behind. As you are now well and truly in Australian waters our shipboard historian will tell of Sir Douglas Mawson - the first hero of the united nation of Australia. You may have left Antarctica, but there are landings still to come. The Expedition Team prepares you for a landing on Macquarie Island, which you should think of as a walk through a Sub Antarctic paradise. The Expedition Leader's briefing reminds you of your environmental responsibilities in such a special place. Day 22: Macquarie Island's Three Million Penguins Virtually the entire global population of Royal Penguins lives on Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place in the world where rocks from the Earth's mantle (6 km below the ocean floor) are visible above the water. Another rare sighting to anticipate is the Aurora Australis, few people who live outside of the Polar regions witness the dancing lights, swirling with colour. The Expedition Team makes a public announcement whenever the night sky is aglow. Later in the day you could be watching from the deck as the local population of King Penguins comes to greet you while the Captain noses the Kapitan Khlebnikov close to shore. You may be transferred ashore by Zodiac to meet local guides from Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife. The park rangers point out the most amazing spectacles -huge elephant seals, and two more species of penguins - Gentoos and Rockhoppers. Day 23: Macquarie Island, Sandy Bay If the sea is calm enough you may be part of a second landing on Macquarie at Sandy Bay. There you are delighted by the extraordinary colonies of King and Royal Penguins. The inquisitive nature of the Kings is the cause of many smiling faces and photo opportunities as they waddle up for a closer look. Please remember that the penguins have never attended a briefing about the proper distance to keep between themselves and people! You are privileged to see these magnificent birds in a situation where they do not fear humans. Once back on board, the artist-in-residence opens the exhibition of art works created by you and your fellow adventurers. The work produced is a wonderful reflection on the journey. Day 24: At Sea The education program continues with a brief recap of the Antarctic Treaty and a general forum on Antarctic environmental issues which allows you to ask questions or speak your mind about some of the things that you have seen. The Polar Film Festival continues. As the theme of this expedition is the Great Antarctic Explorers, the Expedition Team will try to show Frank Hurley's film of the Shackleton Endurance expedition, and Herbert Ponting's portrayal of the Scott expedition. The images that these two legendary photographers took defined how subsequent generations capture the Antarctic on film. As you cross the Southern Ocean towards Hobart, expect the sea to become a little more exuberant. You will be sailing into Storm Bay and Derwent River in just over a day's sailing time. Day 25: At Sea The second last day of any expedition is 'packing day.' A briefing is always held, final remarks are made, and instructions for disembarkation are delivered. The Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party, which often occurs on the last evening aboard, is an excuse to dress after weeks in expedition gear. This is an opportunity to thank the Captain, and officers, whose skills were essential to the success of the expedition and to our safety. Day 26: Hobart Tasmania Early in the morning the ship sails north of north west into the broad expanse of the Derwent Estuary, picking up Pilots and Customs Officials. Luggage is moved to the quay ready to go to buses, taxis, or other transport. A last breakfast aboard gives you time to make your farewells before you begin the journey home. By the time you step off the gangway onto the dock, you will have travelled from Lyttelton to Hobart as many as 5,222 nautical miles. Kapitan Khlebnikov A World Class Icebreaker Designed for Excellent Comfort Quality accommodation Refurbished to accommodate passengers in 54 first-class outside cabins and suites, the Kapitan Khlebnikov is extremely comfortable. All cabins feature private facilities, two lower berths (one fixed berth and one convertible sofa bed, plus one upper pull-down berth in triple cabins), a desk, closets, and picture windows. Cabin amenities include hairdryers and bathrobes. Suite amenities include a safe and a TV/VCR. Public areas include two dining rooms, a lounge and bar, well-equipped auditorium, indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna. The ship also has a library of polar books and videos, a shop, a passenger elevator and a small infirmary with a Western doctor. Professional Catering Staff and Excellent Cuisine Professionally trained chefs prepare excellent international cuisine using fine provisions from around the world. An engaging barman attends the popular forward lounge which features a well-stocked bar with a good selection of wines, champagne and spirits. The dining room is attended by an international wait staff. Advanced Icebreaker Technology With 24,000 horsepower and a massive icebreaker hull, the ship navigates safely and efficiently through ice-choked waterways that are inaccessible to conventional cruise ships. The Kapitan Khlebnikov is also equipped with the latest satellite navigation equipment, and convenient Inmarsat telephone, facsimile and e-mail. Expert Officers The officers of the Kapitan Khlebnikov are from Russia and are highly experienced in polar navigation. Russian Captains are recognized the world over as experts in icebreaker operations. Helicopter and Zodiac Excursions The ship carries helicopters used to move small groups of passengers to otherwise inaccessible areas, and for ice and wildlife reconnaissance. Zodiac landing craft take you to remote beaches, enabling you to cruise among floating ice or close to Antarctic wildlife. All helicopter flights and Zodiac voyages are weather-dependent.
Accommodation: Cabins as described above subject to availability. Triple cabins are identical to twins but with a third pull down berth. Travel: Flights from regional UK airports may also be available; please enquire for details. Leaders: Guides from Quark Expeditions Prices per person**: ** Please note the 7% fuel supplement in addition to the prices given from 1 Dec 2005, as shown below
The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of the cruise, meals during the voyage, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and helicopter (as included in group excursions with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed), lectures and leadership by expedition staff, transfers and baggage handling between the hotels, airports and ship as indicated in the itinerary, miscellaneous service taxes and port charges, pre-departure information, Antarctic handbook, special expedition jacket and post-expedition log. The prices exclude flights UK/Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland/Christchurch and Hobart, Australia/UK (allow approx. £ 1450.00 with transfers), travel insurance, meals ashore, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, and other personal expenses. passport and visa expenses (cost of an Australian Visa about £ 15 through us), government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, supplement for single hotel accommodations, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges and optional tips to leaders and crew. Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced onboard. Please note that we can arrange flight upgrades for separate sectors. You can also opt to leave the UK earlier, and have stopovers in Australia or elsewhere. Fuel Supplement with effect from 1 Dec 2005 The rates shown above were set in the spring of 2005. Since then, unprecedented volatility in global energy markets has caused the price of marine fuel to take a dramatic upward turn, particularly in the remote ports where these ships refuel. Quark Expeditons have therefore introduced a fuel surcharge for their trips. In addition, the cost of flights has increased due to the increased cost of fuel. We therefore have reluctantly had to impose a fuel supplement of 7% of the above tour prices for all the 2006/7 expeditions to the Antarctic shown above. More information on Quark Expeditions. |
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