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WEDDELL SEA EXPLORER

Cruises with Peregrine Adventures

Peregrine Voyager
Friday 28 December 2007 - Wednesday 9 January 2008 (13 days)

The ice factory that is the Weddell Sea has become synonymous with the torturous northerly drift of Shackleton's Endurance expedition. Images of massed pack ice and human hardship add to the legendary status of this inaccessible sea. This is a true exploratory voyage, heading into rarely visited regions, our course determined by the weather and ice.

We'll make landfall at the South Shetland Islands at the northern tip of the peninsula, before testing the limits of the sea ice as we push south into the Weddell Sea.

We aim to visit Snow Hill Island, base for the Heroic Age Nordenskjold expedition, and Seymour Island, where scientists are still finding fossils of giant penguins. We'll head south among the islands of the western shore of the Weddell Sea, in search of an emperor penguin colony, as we virtually backtrack along the route the Endurance drifted.

Heading north, we hope to visit Paulet Island, site of one of the Peninsula's largest penguin rookeries, and we'll attempt the notoriously difficult landing on Elephant Island, home for many months to the Endurance sailors.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Ushuaia
We board our Peregrine expedition vessel in Ushuaia, on Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. In the early evening we set sail, charting a course through the Beagle Channel bound for Antarctica.

DAYS 2 - 3: DRAKE PASSAGE
We make our way across the Drake Passage in the company of our team of naturalists who'll be on a constant lookout for whales and seabirds from the ship's deck. We can also spend time partaking in the onboard education program. Seminars on wildlife, polar ice and Antarctic history will prepare us for the extraordinary adventures to come on the 'White Continent'.

The excitement intensifies as we cross the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We'll feel a distinct change as the air gets cooler, and notice increasing numbers of huge icebergs looming on the horizon. Wandering albatrosses, petrels and other birds which thrive in this cold, remote ocean are sighted regularly, not to mention whales which we'll hope to see. On Day 3, we'll likely have our first glimpse of Antarctica late in the day as we approach the South Shetland Islands.

DAY 4: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
We'll cruise among the volcanic South Shetland Islands and travel ashore via zodiac boats. Depending on conditions, our first landing on Deception Island promises an abundance of wildlife and natural wonders.

In addition to seeing the island's large chinstrap penguin colony, we'll hope to visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception, a recently active volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands in the world. Steam rises in places from the black sand beaches along its shores. The very intrepid may wish to take a dip here where the icy Antarctic waters mix with the steaming, thermal waters of the bay.

We'll plan on making another shore excursion, if weather conditions permit, at beautiful Half Moon Island. This little crescent-shaped island offers spectacular vistas and a wealth of wildlife sightings, including a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags.

DAY 5: ANTARCTICA
Today we plan on visiting Esperanza Base, Argentina's established scientific research station. One of the uncommon species in Antarctica is the human being, and we may see some at work during a tour of the base. There's also a large Adelie penguin colony in the area, and by this time of the year, many will be tending to chicks born some weeks ago. The waters around Hope Bay are filled with these penguins 'porpoising' to and from their feeding grounds, in a never-ending quest to provide food for their young. It's a quest that comes with danger, as the occasional leopard seal often lies in wait for a meal of its own.

Travelling through these waters of the Antarctic Sound, we'll be treated to some of the most dramatic scenery the continent has to offer. Often referred to as 'iceberg alley', these waters are packed with hundreds of different shaped icebergs that have calved from glaciers. Many have eroded into natural ice sculptures while others known as 'tabular' bergs are the size of city blocks with sheer sides and flat tops. Watching these mammoth icebergs from our close vantage-point is an extraordinary experience. The days are long, and the short nights are often preceded by a wonderful twilight. We'll be tempted to spend time on deck marvelling at the glory of the passing scenery.

DAYS 6 - 8: WEDDELL SEA, ANTARCTICA
We'll be operating in true expedition style as we see how far the sea-ice will let us push into the iceberg factory that is the Weddell Sea on the eastern side of the peninsula - one of the lesser-visited parts of Antarctica. Snow Hill Island will hopefully be one of our first ports of call. It was here that adventurer Otto Nordenskjold and some of his party had to endure two winters in 1902 and 1903 before a miraculous rescue. Given good weather and ice conditions, there is some terrific hiking on shore with some truly superb views from the beach, and even better ones if you choose to climb the hills above.

We may visit Seymour Island where scientists are still finding fossils from the remains of the world's largest penguins, discovered here a century ago. Other islands that we may be able to reach include Devil Island, Vega and Vortex. Back in 1998 on Vega, a team of Argentinean and U.S. scientists found fossils of a duck-billed dinosaur, as well as the remains of Antarctica's most ancient bird and an array of giant marine reptiles.

If conditions allow, over the next few days we'll push further into the Weddell Sea near the islands on its western shore. We'll hope to investigate an emperor penguin colony known to live deep in the area and we'll attempt to get as close as possible. Eventually, if we can continue even further south, we'll basically be backtracking, following the same route as Sir Ernest Shackleton who drifted on the ice with his crew after his ship, the Endurance sunk.

We'll make as many shore excursions as possible, and spend time cruising amongst the astonishing shapes and colours of the icebergs. At least once on our journey, you'll want to stay awake long enough after dinner to watch the sun try to set, at about 11:35pm. Watching the wonderful array of pastel colours lighting up the sky, is a mesmerising, almost hypnotic, Antarctic experience you won't want to miss.

DAY 9: PAULET ISLAND
Today we turn back to the north and visit Paulet Island, the site of one of the largest penguin colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula. Amidst the crowds of Adelie penguins and their chicks, one can discern the ruins of a stone hut built by shipwrecked sailors of an earlier age.

If sea conditions are favourable, we'll then head towards Elephant Island for a memorable shore excursion. This remote and rocky island was home to the heroic Endurance sailors for many months while Shackleton went to seek rescue.

DAYS 10 - 11: DRAKE PASSAGE
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, we make the journey back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. We'll make our way to Tierra del Fuego once again and then complete the crossing when we round Cape Horn. From there, we'll be in the sheltered waters on the eastern side of South America. We celebrate the conclusion of our adventure and last evening together on board, at the Captain's Dinner as we make our way down the Beagle Channel.

DAY 12: USHUAIA
In the early morning we'll arrive back in Ushuaia where our voyage ends. You'll be transferred to your hotel, or to the airport for your return flight home.

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 2007/08	Vessel	Nights	Main Deck Triple	Main Deck Double	Upper Deck	Superior	Superior Plus	Peregrine Suite	Cook Suite
21 Dec 07	Peregrine Voyager	12	£4,795	£5,380	£5,620	£6,440	£6,825	£7,175	£7,590

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.

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.