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SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA

Cruises with Peregrine Adventures

Peregrine Voyager
Wednesday 22 November - Friday 08 December 2006 (17 days)

Beginning in Ushuaia, we head directly to South Georgia for some concentrated wildlife viewing. Located on the cusp of the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica, South Georgia attracts an overwhelming number of sub-Antarctic animals, which come ashore to breed. You'll see many species whose range doesn't extend south to the ice. Masses of king penguins blanket the beaches; fur and elephant seals form huge colonies on the foreshore. Crossing the Scotia Sea, we explore the Antarctic Peninsula, its bays and islands, and observe a very different collection of wildlife, including gentoo and Adelie penguins, Weddell seals and whales, before returning North.

ITINERARY

Day 1
On Day 1 you board the Peregrine Voyager in Ushuaia and in the early evening, we head down the Beagle Channel and turn towards South Georgia.

DAYS 2 - 4
During these days at sea, we commence a series of presentations, discussing various aspects of conservation and the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration. You also have time to look for marine mammals and seabirds, from the top deck of the Peregrine Voyager - whales and dolphins are often sighted. We cross the Antarctic Convergence during this time, and a drop in temperature becomes apparent.

Days 5 - 8
Reaching South Georgia you observe towering, snow covered mountains and glaciers when conditions are clear. South Georgia is the most mountainous of the many islands of the Southern Ocean and is a spectacular sight. We will cruise the more protected eastern coast of the island, seeking out suitable landing spots as conditions permit. It is hoped to get ashore at Salisbury Plain where colourful king penguins crowd the beaches in numbers that will leave you spellbound. The vast area is covered in a sea of birds: of adults and their young in hundreds of thousands. Another 75,000 pairs of king penguins nest at St Andrews Bay. Everywhere, albatross, skuas and giant petrels wheel overhead, whilst fur seals are found in good numbers along the shore or are seen frolicking in the water. At Grytviken, you visit the old whaling station, and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, undoubtedly one of the greatest of the Antarctic explorers.

Days 9 - 10
Crossing the Scotia Sea to the south-west, you head for the South Orkney Islands which are linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by a massive range of sub-marine mountains. Huge breeding grounds of Weddell seal have recently been discovered here. Time and weather permitting, you may land at Coronation Island, known for its extensive moss beds, nesting penguins and beautiful snow petrels, or perhaps visit the Argentinean meteorological station located on Laurie Island in this remote and seldom-visited part of the world.

Days 11 - 14
En route to the South Shetland Islands you may land at Elephant Island, depending on the ship's progress and the weather. It is from this island that Sir Ernest Shackleton set out for South Georgia in a small boat in 1916, undertaking one of the most remarkable sailing journeys of all time and returning 132 days later to rescue his men. You then spend several days cruising among the South Shetlands, an archipelago of around 20 islands, and the bays and channels of the Peninsula. You enjoy frequent shore excursions by inflatable Zodiac boat, exploring perhaps King George, Half Moon, Aicho or Livingston islands. You experience superb encounters with Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, and several species of seal, as well as enjoying stunning scenery. Weather permitting, you may enter the flooded caldera of Deception Island to explore the abandoned whaling station or perhaps enjoy a spectacular walk to some of the higher points of the crater rim. At Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay on the Antarctic mainland, you will witness some of the most dramatic scenery the Antarctic has to offer. If the weather is kind you'll have the chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent.

Days 15 - 16
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula you head back across the Antarctic Convergence and cross the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn, before you sail into the Beagle Channel.

Day 17
In the early morning you arrive in Ushuaia - it's worth getting up early to view the early light on the city and its surrounding mountains - as we sail towards our berth. Here the cruise ends. You are transferred to your hotel or to the airport for your onward flight.

Please note that due to the nature of this expedition, weather, ice, or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, within the limits of safety and time constraints.

THE FLEET

Ship's Notes for the Peregrine Voyager (the 'AKADEMIK SERGEY VAVILOV')

These notes should be read in conjunction with Peregrine's Antarctic Trip Information Guide.

The Peregrine Voyager is a modern, ice strengthened vessel that is very comfortable and ideally suited for polar exploration. The vessel was extensively re-fitted during May of 2003 and she now features all the modern facilities and comforts to be expected in a polar exploration vessel. There is a panoramic bar/lounge, library, video room, and dining space for the full passenger complement in one seating. There is also a gymnasium, sauna and swimming pool. There is ample space for meetings of the full group as well as smaller rooms for more intimate meetings. Slide and video projection equipment are available, as well as overhead projection and computer/data projection in our state-of-the-art presentation theatre.

Comfort

As a relatively new Scandinavian-built exploration vessel, the Peregrine Voyager is very comfortable, especially following the refitting and refurbishment in May of 2003. All passenger areas are thoroughly heated and air-conditioned. Cabins are tastefully and pleasantly decorated. The vessel is maintained to the highest standards and is kept immaculately clean.

As the ship was built to perform delicate and sensitive hydroacoustic work, she is also designed to run very quietly. In cabins and public spaces there is very little if any ambient noise from engines or machinery. Further, most passenger cabins (except the Main Deck cabins) are on a separate deck from the well-used public spaces and lounge areas, so noise is seldom a bother.

Stability and Safety

This vessel has external stabilizers on her hull. She also has a built-in trimming system which is operated by the flow of water ballast from tanks in either side of the ship. A series of valves causes the water to flow to the side where its presence guarantees greatest stability. Added to her modern hull design, these systems make for a very stable ship.

The Peregrine Voyager carries all current certifications required by law for ensuring passenger safety and wellbeing. All equipment and systems are inspected and tested regularly. A lifeboat briefing and drill will be conducted early in each expedition to ensure that all passengers are familiar with the location of life jackets and lifeboats, and the procedures to be followed in the highly unlikely event of an emergency.

With her two powerful engines this ship rarely suffers significant delays due to inclement weather. She has a cruising speed of 14.5 knots in still-wind/sea conditions. The ship's speed capabilities allow us added flexibility in planning our itineraries.

Bridge

On Deck 6 the ship's bridge is open to passengers virtually 24 hours each day. With an officer and sailor (and often the captain) on watch, you are always able to learn something. The chart and navigation room is open to everyone, as are places to view the equipment and instruments. The bridge is a fascinating part of the ship and often a great place for sightseeing and bird watching - it provides a great view!

Communications

The ship carries all required communications and navigation facilities and equipment. She has Immarsat telephone and fax equipment as well as a variety of shortwave, SSB, and VHF radio systems. She also carries fully current GMDSS (Global Marine Distress and Safety System) equipment.

Panoramic observation lounge

On the top deck to the aft of the bridge there is a large panoramic observation lounge. It is a very comfortable room with large windows all around. This spot is tastefully furnished with an ample supply of comfortable sofas, chairs, and bar stools and has seating for about 85 people. There are also a number of traditional bar stools surrounding a large semiâcircular bar. There is a stereo with CD player in the bar area. If you are interested in where we are going, there is also a television monitor showing video of the view from the bridge at all times as well as a modern chartplotter located in the corner for keeping up with the navigators' efforts. There is also a great collection of games and puzzles.

A quick exit can be made to a large outer deck which is supplied with deck chairs and is a great vantage point for iceberg and wildlife spotting.

Dining Room

Located on the main deck our dining room seats all passengers comfortably in one sitting. It is attractively lit and comfortably furnished. There are outside windows and it is immaculately maintained. In one corner there is a bar which is used for meal times. There is also a comfortable lounge area in this corner. Lunches and dinners are served to the table by our ship's stewards, and breakfast is served here also but is buffet style. In the dining room there is also a television monitor relaying video images of the view from the bridge at all times.

Elevator

In addition to the stairs between decks, there is one lift/elevator on the ship operating between all passenger deck levels and to the bridge level. (Please note that this does not remove the need for passengers to have a reasonable level of mobility, as ship access to and from zodiacs is by way of a staired gangway (please see Trip Information Guide).

Gift Shop

On the Main Deck there is a small kiosk and gift shop. It carries a selection of souvenir items such as postcards, hats, t-shirts, and books to bring home from a voyage. It also has a basic supply of toiletries such as sunscreen, lip balm, usually some film and some camera batteries. It is open each day.

Gynasium

There is a small gymnasium on the ship with a set of free weights, exercise bike, rowing machine, and step trainer.

Infirmary

(Please refer also to Peregrine's Antarctic Trip Information Guide.)
On Deck 5 there is a basic infirmary and crew doctor available for passengers. As the ship was designed for extended projects, she carries an impressive list of equipment and supplies. However, passengers are reminded that this facility is intended as a basic or emergency service. While the inventory of medicines and equipment is extensive, passengers should bring their own basic firstaid kit as detailed in the Trip Information Guide for any minor problems, and if using specific medications should ensure they bring a supply adequate to last the entire journey. If there is a need to consult the ship's doctor and to receive medications, etc., from the infirmary passengers will be invoiced for the cost of any items supplied.

Library

On deck five and forward, situated in a quiet part of the ship, there is a library area. With a large conference table, comfortable chairs, and sophisticated decor this serves as a great, quiet space to read from our selection of expedition reference materials, atlases, magazines, novels and the like. There are attractive wooden bookcases and quality lighting. There are also windows which overlook the bow of the ship for good sightseeing from indoors.

Just outside the library itself there is another quiet area with good lighting and very comfortable armchairs which is usually also reserved as a reading room. The library also has a slide screen and whiteboard for smaller discussions and meetings. It seats about 20.

Mud Room

Towards the aft section of the main deck, and not far from where you will disembark from the zodiacs, there is a 'mud room' where you can change out of your wet-weather gear on returning from shore excursions and leave your waterproof rubber boots. In science days this area was known as the antenna room and really served as the heart of the ships research program with its elaborate moon pool and antennae equipment.

Presentation Room

Our presentations take place in a comfortable theatre on deck 1. At 2 levels below our main deck this in the most stable, quiet, and comfortable area of the ship. All passengers can be seated there 'theatre style' at the same time and it has a PA system to ensure everyone can hear talks and announcements. It has a TV and VCR to help in programming as well as modern projection facilities and screens.

Sauna and Swimming Pool

On Deck 5 there is a small swimming pool and a sauna. A plunge pool really, the former is filled on special occasions or on request and is on the outer deck just outside the sauna. It gets a certain level of use, even in the Antarctic waters! The sauna is open each afternoon and evening and seats about six people - it is a great place to relax after your shore excursions. It also has a change room and shower room.

Top Deck

There is also a spacious open top deck; from here you can enjoy spectacular views.

'Peregrine Voyager' deckplan

Accommodation: Cabins as described above subject to availability.

Travel: Flights from regional UK airports may also be available; please enquire for details.

Leaders: Guides from Peregrine Adventures

Prices per person:

Dates 2006-07	Vessel	Itinerary	Nights	Main Deck Triple	Main Deck Twin	Upper Deck	Superior	Superior Plus	Peregrine Suite	Cook Suite
9 Jan 07	Peregrine Voyager	South Georgia & Antarctica	17	£4,850	£5,530	£5,900	£6,830	£7,230	£7,690	£8,190

The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of the cruise, meals during the voyage, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage, 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.

The prices exclude flights UK/Ushuaia, Argentina (allow approx. £1200.00), travel insurance, meals ashore, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, and other personal expenses. passport and visa expenses (if applicable), government arrival and departure taxes, pre-cruise or post-cruise accommodation, 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.

Please note that we can arrange optional extensions in, or anywhere else in Argentina. You can also opt to leave the UK a day earlier and spend a day in Buenos Aires to break the long journey south.

Notes:
1. These notes should be read in conjunction with Peregrine's Antarctica - Trip Information Guide booklet that is provided to you shortly after booking (or which can be requested prior to booking). We also provide a second manual, dealing with Antarctic history, geology, geography, marine and birdlife.

2. Budgeting. In addition to funds for on-board expenses, it is sometimes possible to purchase souvenirs in the form of books, t-shirts, stamps, postcards, wind-cheaters, caps and similar items at some of the research stations in the Antarctic Peninsula area - mail can even be posted from these stations as well. $US cash is suggested.

3. Clothes: Please read our Peregrine's Antarctica - Trip Information Guide booklet carefully. You do not need to make expensive, specialist clothing purchases, but you must have adequate protection against the cold, and against possible wet conditions.

4. The waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world - at other times they are so smooth it is referred to as the 'Drake Lake'! The Peregrine Mariner is one of the most stable ships in its class; however, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.

5. Gratuities. We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected shortly prior to the end of the cruise. The amount can be paid by Visa or MasterCard if you wish.

6. There are separate trip notes for the sea-kayaking option. Please note that this option must be booked prior to your departure from home: it cannot be booked on the ship. Some prior experience is required.