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FALKLAND ISLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA

Cruises with Peregrine Adventures

Peregrine Voyager
Wednesday 09 January - Sunday 27 January 2008 (19 days)

Peregrine Mariner
Wednesday 06 February - Sunday 24 February 2008 (19 days)

Click here for 20-day cruises

This voyage is Peregrine's most complete and varied Antarctic adventure. It promises an in-depth and unforgettable experience to the bottom of the world travelling to the extraordinary Falkland Islands and diverse sub-Antarctic islands before sailing further south to the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula area.

Our first stop is the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. This far-flung group of islands lies north of the Antarctic Convergence and enjoys a relatively warmer climate than our other destinations. As a result, the mainly uninhabited Falklands support unique wildlife not found further south, including sixty species of migratory birds as well as the rare rockhopper penguin.

Our journey continues southeast, crossing the Antarctic Convergence to the remote and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. Here amongst the soaring snow-clad mountains and massive glaciers, we'll find huge king penguin rookeries, thousands of sub-Antarctic fur seals, the comical macaroni penguin, as well as spectacular wilderness that is perhaps, unequalled on earth. We'll also discover a remarkable history here that reminds us of some of the world's most legendary explorers from Captain James Cook to Sir Ernest Shackleton.

We then set course to the off-shore islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, hoping to land at the remote and often mist-shrouded South Orkney Islands. Then we continue on to the South Shetland archipelago, stopping at various islands whose waters are often inhabited with feeding humpback whales.

On approaching the mainland, the splendours of Antarctic nature will be on display. Thousands of differently shaped icebergs dot the sea, penguins are seen porpoising through the waters and various seals, including the predatory leopard seal, use the ice flows as a resting place. The Antarctic Peninsula itself boasts a profusion of wildlife including five species of seal, massive penguin rookeries with gentoos, Adelies and chinstraps as well as a variety of whale species and seabirds including albatross, petrels, shearwaters and skuas.

Extraordinary and inhospitable scenery greets us on land. A sweeping ice sheet rises above the shore line, binding together an entire continent, close in size to Africa. One can only marvel at the resolve of the early explorers in their quest to conquer Antarctica.

Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.

ITINERARY
Day 1 Board the vessel. Sail the Beagle Channel
Day 2 Sail east towards the Falkland Islands
Days 3 - 4 The Falkland Islands
Days 5 - 7 Sailing towards South Georgia
Days 8 - 10 South Georgia
Day 11 Sailing to the South Orkney Islands
Day 12 South Orkney (ice conditions permitting)
Day 13 Sail south to Antarctica
Days 14 - 16 Antarctica Peninsula
Days 17 - 18 Sailing north towards South America
Day 19 Arrive in Ushuaia, where our voyage ends. You are transferred to your hotel, or to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 1: Ushuaia
We board our Peregrine expedition vessel at Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, the southern tip of South America. In the early evening, we set sail travelling through the Beagle Channel. The long days mean plenty of evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to perhaps enjoy our first wildlife sightings.

Day 2: At Sea
As we sail to the northeast, we have the chance to enjoy a series of presentations that will prepare us for all our Antarctic adventures to come. On deck, the first sightings of albatross and petrels are likely to add to the sense of excitement.

Days 3 - 4: Falkland Islands
We arrive in the Falklands overnight and make our first shore excursion in the morning. Depending on conditions, we'll explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago including West Point, Carcass or Saunders Islands, all rich in wildlife. We'll find an abundance of land and seabirds with many migratory species in residence, such as the wandering albatross and its smaller relative the black-browed albatross.

The breathtaking cliffs at West Point are home to busy rookeries of rockhopper penguins and Magellanic penguins nest in the tall tussock grass on privately owned Carcass Island, where we may see a variety of land birds. Here, we'll also hope to observe oyster catchers, geese and the endemic steamer duck along the rocky shores.

The next day we'll visit Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, with its brightly painted houses and renowned philatelic bureau and museum. We'll learn about the historic importance of the harbour in Stanley that served as a major port during the 19th century for sailing vessels attempting to round the Horn, or seeking refuge after completing the formidable journey.

Days 5 - 6: At Sea
Leaving the Falklands, our journey continues southeast heading for the island of South Georgia. We'll have a chance to learn about Antarctic conservation as well as the fascinating history of the area as our onboard presentations continue. Of course, there'll be ample time to scan the seascape from the top deck in search of marine mammals and seabirds. We'll cross the Antarctic Convergence on this leg of our journey and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.

Days 7 - 10: South Georgia
We arrive in South Georgia, the most rugged and mountainous of the many islands in the Southern Ocean. The towering, snow-covered mountains and glaciers are truly magnificent to behold. We'll cruise the more protected eastern coast of the island, seeking out suitable landing spots as variable ice and weather conditions permit.

We'll hope to get ashore at Salisbury Plain where colourful king penguins crowd the beaches in numbers that are simply astonishing. Hundreds of thousands of adult birds and their young literally carpet the vast area. Another 75,000 pairs of king penguins nest at St Andrews Bay. Everywhere, albatross, skuas and giant petrels wheel overhead and fur seals are found in good numbers along the shore or frolicking in the water.

At Grytviken, we'll visit an old whaling station as well as the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the greatest Antarctic explorers of all time.

Days 11 - 12: Sea and South Orkneys
Crossing the Scotia Sea to the southwest, we'll head for Antarctica. Along the way, if time and conditions allow, we'll make a stop at the South Orkney Islands linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by a massive range of sub-marine mountains. This area is usually surrounded by sea ice and often guarded by large icebergs.

We'll attempt a landing at Coronation Island, known for its extensive moss beds, nesting penguins and beautiful snow petrels. We may also visit the Argentinean meteorological station located on the seldom-visited island of Laurie.

Days 13 - 16: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Mainland
En route to the South Shetland Islands, we may be able to land at Elephant Island. It was from here that Sir Ernest Shackleton set out on a small boat for South Georgia in 1916, undertaking one of the most remarkable sailing journeys of all time and returning 132 days later to rescue his men.

We'll spend several days cruising among the South Shetlands, an archipelago of bays, channels and some 20 islands off the Antarctic Peninsula. We'll enjoy frequent shore excursions via zodiac boat, exploring various islands such as King George, Half Moon, Aicho or Livingston. Here on these beautiful islands, we'll enjoy superb wildlife encounters with Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, as well as several species of seal.

Weather permitting, we'll enter the flooded caldera of Deception Island and enjoy a spectacular walk to the higher points of the crater rim, or we may explore an abandoned whaling station nearby.

Finally, we'll arrive at the Antarctic mainland in Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. Here we'll witness some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet. We'll hope for temperate weather so we can undertake a shore excursion and set foot on the Antarctic continent.

Days 17 - 18: Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, we'll head back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn. Our final evening onboard is spent at a special Captain's dinner where we'll celebrate our extraordinary Antarctic adventures together.

Day 19: Ushuaia
In the early morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia where the cruise ends. You're transferred to your hotel or to the airport for your onward flight.

THE FLEET

Ship's Notes for the Peregrine Mariner (the 'AKADEMIK IOFFE')

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

The Peregrine Mariner is a modern, ice strengthened vessel that is very comfortable and ideally suited for polar exploration. 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. There is a separate 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.

Comfort

As a relatively new Scandinavian-built exploration vessel, the Peregrine Mariner is very comfortable, especially following refitting and refurbishment over the last five years. 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 Mariner 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.

Bar

On the main deck to the aft of the lobby there is a separate room which is operated as a bar, with an adjacent lounge area. It is a very comfortable room with outside views and an exit to the main outer deck and has seating for about 25 people in comfortable sofas, armchairs. There are also a number of traditional bar stools surrounding a large semi-circular 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.

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.

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.

Lounge

In the aft part of the ship and reached through the bar is the television lounge. It seats about 25 and has an exit to the main outer deck space. It also has outside views. There is a television and VCR for educational and entertainment programming as well as watching the relayed video images of the view from the bridge. There is a collection of games and puzzles, maps, and a piano. This area, along with our bar, serves as the main social area of the vessel.

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.

Presentation Room

Our presentations take place in the dining room. All passengers can be seated there 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 Mariner' deckplan

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

Communications

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

Elevator

Gift Shop

Gynasium

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

Infirmary

Library

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

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 2007/08	Vessel	Nights	Main Deck Triple	Main Deck Double	Upper Deck	Superior	Superior Plus	Peregrine Suite	Cook Suite
06 Feb 2008	Peregrine Mariner	18	£6,380	£7,030	£7,620	£8,735	£9,265	£9,850	£10,500
09 Jan 2008	Peregrine Voyager	18	£6,380	£7,030	£7,620	£8,735	£9,265	£9,850	£10,500

Sea-kayaking option on all departures - £350 per person

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 approximately £1200 pp for flights, accommodation and transfers), 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 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.