Ship: Kapitan Khlebnikov
Itinerary: Ross Sea Centennial Voyage
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Arctic ViewPhoto by: Paul Orenstein
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Christchurch, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Embarkation Day |
| Day 3 : | At Sea |
| Day 4 : | The Snares |
| Days 5-6 : | Aukland Islands |
| Day 7 : | Campbell Island |
| Days 8-9 : | At Sea |
| Day 10 : | Cape Adare |
| Days 11-21 : | Ross Sea |
| Days 22-23 : | Balleny Islands |
| Day 24 : | At Sea |
| Days 25-26 : | Macquarie Island |
| Days 27-28 : | At Sea |
| Day 29 : | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||
| Triple | Twin | Suite | Corner Suite | ||
| 29 | Nov 9, 2011 | $35,390 | $45,890 | $54,690 | $57,890 |
| Destinations : Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, Ross Sea, South Pacific, Victoria Land Activities : Cultural Activities, Expedition Cruising, Helicopter Tour, History, Nature Viewing, Photography |
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-Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Single supplement of 1.7 times the twin rate for travelers who want to guarantee single room.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person is required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
1911 was a remarkable year in Antarctic exploration. In January, Robert Falcon Scott and the members of his expedition anchored off Ross Island in the Ross Sea. His intention was to be the first person to reach the South Pole. By December, the single most important goal of Antarctic exploration had been achieved by Roald Amundsen from his base camp in the Bay of Whales. The Norwegian reached the South Pole on December 14, 1911, just five weeks ahead of Scott. During this expedition, we celebrate their accomplishments and bid farewell to the Emperor Penguins of the Ross Sea.
Day 1 : Christchurch, New Zealand
One hundred years ago, on a map of Antarctica exploration in the 1911 edition of Encyclopedia Britannica two solid lines ran from Lyttelton to the Ross Sea. Both were labeled - Shackleton. One represented his route in 1908 and the other his return in 1909. We know that "the Boss" stayed in Christchurch before he embarked for Antarctica. You will do the same.
Day 2 : Embarkation Day
Like Shackleton, Robert Falcon Scott boarded a ship in Lyttelton when he began his journey to the South Pole. As this voyage celebrates the 100th anniversary of his departure and Amundsen's success, it is appropriate that you will embark Kapitan Khlebnikov in Lyttelton.
Day 3 : At Sea
In addition to commemorating the most significant year in Antarctic history, celebrate the End of an Era. This will be the penultimate voyage as an expedition vessel for the legendary Kapitan Khlebnikov. While at sea, the Expedition Team will reminisce about the discovery of Emperor Penguin rookeries, the first visit to the Dry Valleys, and all the other firsts made possible by this icebreaker.
Special guest Nigel Watson, Director of Antarctic Heritage Trust (NZ), cares for the expedition bases left by Scott, Shackleton and Borchgrevink in the Ross Sea Region of Antarctica. He will provide insight into the current efforts to save the historic bases for current and future generations.
Day 4 : The Snares
You will cruise in Zodiacs along the shoreline of one of the New Zealand subantarctic islands designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Snares is an archipelago without terrestrial mammals, making it a superb environment for birds and seals. Five million Sooty Shearwaters populate The Snares in the austral summer months. Three species of Albatross breed on the islands, including the Buller's Mollymawk. If we are particularly fortunate while cruising, we will observe an endemic species of penguin - the Snares Crested Penguin. Pack binoculars.
Days 5-6 : Aukland Islands
The Auckland Islands are included in the UNESCO designated New Zealand subantarctic islands. Enderby, the largest island of the archipelago, is one of two of the islands on which visitors are permitted to explore. The islands are extinct volcanoes that have eroded and dissected. The rare Yellow-eyed Penguin breeds here, as do the endemic Auckland shags. A wildlife watch will be established. You can volunteer to participate.
Day 7 : Campbell Island
The third and final New Zealand subantarctic island you will visit during this expedition is Campbell Island. The expeditions parka that you will receive will come in handy, as rain falls 325 days a year, mainly as light showers or drizzle. However, the total annual accumulation is astounding - 1450 mm (57 inches).
New Zealand declared Campbell Island a nature reserve in 1954. Vigorous eradication of introduced species has resulted in the successful recovery of native vegetation and invertebrates, and the return of seabirds. The rarest duck in the world, the Campbell Island Teal, has been reintroduced successfully. Perhaps you will spot one during your visit.
You could increase your penguin life list by sightings of an additional two species - Erect-crested Penguins and Eastern Rockhopper Penguins. Campbell Island is a birder's delight.
Days 8-9 : At Sea
How will you know when Kapitan Khlebnikov reaches Antarctica: When the icebreaker crosses the Antarctic Convergence aka the Antarctic Polar Front. This biological boundary is unique to Antarctica. Encircling the continent, it is an irregular, invisible curve where the cold, northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. The zone is about 32 to 48 km (20 to 30 miles) wide, somewhere between 48° and 61° S.
While at sea, you will learn about the distinctive marine life and climates that are associated with the Polar Front and the area just to the north of it. The Expedition Team will encourage you to go on deck to watch for seabirds, and other wildlife that can be seen near the Convergence.
Day 10 : Cape Adare
When you step ashore at Cape Adare, you will be stepping into Antarctic history. The first confirmed landing on the Antarctic continent by human beings occurred here. Ten men overwintered on Cape Adare, by spring only nine were still alive, thus the first burial also occurred. An Adelie Penguin rookery has over run the historic hut that still stands on the Cape. Special guest Nigel Watson will provide an insider's insight into the hut's preservation.
Days 11-21 : Ross Sea
From Cape Adare, Kapitan Khlebnikov will negotiate the ice of the Ross Sea, steaming southward into the historic heart of Antarctic exploration. You will visit Emperor Penguin rookeries. There are three on the coast of Victoria Land. You will visit research stations, where scientists are changing our understanding of the universe. You'll visit Historic Huts erected by Scott and Shackleton to house their expedition team members through the endless darkness of an Antarctic winter. If conditions permit, you'll participate in a farewell flight to the Dry Valleys, accessible only by helicopter. Plan to visit McMurdo Station and Scott Base, the contemporary legacy of the explorations of a century ago. Kapitan Khlebnikov's farewell voyage to the Ross Sea is not to be missed!
Days 22-23 : Balleny Islands
The uninhabited Balleny Islands straddle the Antarctic Circle. The chain formed by the islands stretches across the Southern Ocean for 160 km (99 miles) from southeast to northwest. Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins breed on the islands formed by volcanic activity. You will go ashore and cruise in Zodiacs past ice tongues in the channels and bays.
Day 24 : At Sea
During the day, you will bid Antarctica farewell, as the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence once more. You will have a choice of activities - birding on the deck, attending illustrated presentations and recaps, or just lazing in your cabin, while you complete your journal.
Days 25-26 : Macquarie Island
You will visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its unique geological features. Four species of penguin - Royal, King, Gentoo and Rockhopper breed on the island. Significantly, Macquarie is the only place on Earth where the white-chinned Royal Penguin is found. Elephant and fur seals laze about on the beaches. Australian researchers have been conducting studies on the island for half a century. The island has wonderful boardwalks laid down for visitors. However, the number of visitors to the island is highly restricted to protect the wildlife. We will ask permission to land, but must be prepared to be disappointed.
Days 27-28 : At Sea
Throughout the expedition you will have enjoyed fabulous dinners, not the least will be the Captain's farewell dinner, made even more momentous by the fact that the icebreaker will never return to Antarctica as an expedition vessel.
Day 29 : Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
After breakfast on board the ship, you will be transferred to the airport for your independent homeward flight.
Ship Description: Kapitan Khlebnikov
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Kapitan Khlebnikov breaking ice
The KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV was built in Finland in 1981 and is a powerful polar class icebreaker, which has sailed to extremely remote corners of the globe with adventurous travelers since 1992. No other expedition vessel has navigated more polar waters. It was the first ship ever to circumnavigate Antarctica with passengers in 1996-97.
The ship's interior provides passenger facilities necessary for excellent comfort, with accommodations in 54 first class outside cabin and suites. The vessel carries a maximum of 112 passengers.
All cabins are outside, with windows that can be opened for fresh or cooler air. In addition, passengers may control the flow of air into the cabin by adjusting the vent. Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash-basin. Cabin floors are carpeted. The cabins have ample cupboard and drawer space, and a large desk. The second bed in each cabin is a convertible sofa bed, which is made up each night by the stewardess and converted back into a sofa during the day. Triple cabins have two lower berths and one upper berth. Each cabin is equipped with an 'in-cabin' music system. All cabins have robes for use while on board, which will be collected on the last day of the voyage. These are available for purchase if passengers wish to take one home.
There is ample storage space under the beds to store most luggage. If not, passengers should alert the cabin stewardess who can store it for the duration of the voyage. Hair dryers, quality soap and shower gel are available in each cabin.
Triple135 sq. ft. Cabins include twin bunk beds and a convertible sofa, writing desk, chair, bookshelves, storage box, telephone, and porthole or window |
Twin135 sq. ft. Cabins include one twin bed and a convertible sofa, writing desk, chair, bookshelves, 2 wardrobes, storage box, telephone, and porthole or window |
Suite193 sq. ft. Cabin includes separate living area, TV/VCR, refrigerator, convertible sofa, double bed 2 desks, 2 chairs, bookshelves, storage box, telephone, 2 wardrobes, and picture window |
Corner Suite285 sq. ft. Cabin includes separate living area, TV/VCR, refrigerator, convertible sofa, double bed 2 desks, 2 chairs, bookshelves, storage box, telephone, 2 wardrobes, and picture window |
