E-mail a friendShip: Minerva
Itinerary: Classic Antarctica
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Buenos Aires |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina |
| Days 3-4 : | Cruising the Drake Passage |
| Days 5-9 : | Antarctica |
| Days 10-11 : | Drake Passage |
| Day 12 : | Ushuaia, Argentina/Buenos Aries |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| SB | B | SA | A | Superior | Deluxe | Suite | Owner Suite | ||
| 12 | Dec 8, 2008 | $6,695 | $7,295 | $7,795 | $8,195 | $9,495 | $10,595 | $11,295 | $13,995 |
| 12 | Jan 3, 2009 Feb 7, 2009 |
$7,995 | $8,895 | $9,595 | $9,995 | $11,395 | $12,895 | $14,395 | $17,995 |
| * These departures are Waitlist only | |||||||||
| Destinations : Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, South America Activities : Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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Day 1 : Buenos Aires
Arrive this morning and transfer to your hotel, where immediate check-in has been arranged with time to relax before this afternoon's optional city tour. Meet your fellow adventurers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception.
Day 2 : Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia for a traditional Patagonian barbecue. Later, arrive at your ship and settle in for your first night on board.
Days 3-4 : Cruising the Drake Passage
The southward journey toward Antarctica is an exciting one, as you join the Captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck--these krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds.
Days 5-9 : Antarctica
As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement and expectation begins to build. A first shore expedition is swiftly followed by others, all carefully planned by the Captain and the Expedition Leader to take full advantage of each day's possibilities. On most days, two landings are scheduled. Head out in swift and versatile zodiacs, guided by expert drivers and accompanied by lecturers to a number of islands filled with penguins in the South Shetlands, just off the continental coastline, which may include Half Moon, Cuvercille, Paulet, Penguin, Goudier and Deception. Weather permitting, the ship will land on the Antarctic Peninsula. Minerva also plans to sail through the breathtaking PAradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, affectionately referred to as "Kodak Alley", with other possibilities for exploration including a scientific research station and the remains of early-century whaling and sealing stations. After each evening's leisurely dinner, there's time to stroll the deck and gaze at the seascapes in the lingering light of an austral summer twilight.
Days 10-11 : Drake Passage
The ship's return through the Drake Passage is an iterlude for recap and reflection, with time to compare notes with your lecturers, and bid- or whale-watch from the deck.
Day 12 : Ushuaia, Argentina/Buenos Aries
Disembark after breakfast, and head out to explore Tierra del Fuego's spectacular wilderness before transferring to the ariport to board your flight home via Buenos Aires.
-This ship was formerly known as 'Explorer II' (before June 1st, 2008)
-Travelers must add port charges ($285 per person for 12 day trip and $315 per person for 18 and 19 day trips) and the internal charter flights for the Buenos Aires-Ushuaia roundtrip flights ($600 per person plus $20 tax)
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
-Single occupancy cabins available with approximate single supplements of 15% for Categories 5-8; 50% for Categories 3-4; 100% for suites. Contact us for specific details for each
-Rates include hotel night in Buenos Aires. Contact us for rates for cruise-only trip starting and ending in Ushuaia
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Minerva
click to enlarge
Suite
The Minerva brings a rare touch of comfortable, informal refinement to Antarctic travel. Launched in 1996, she has been likened to a country-house hotel, a comparison confirmed by her fresh flowers, gleaming brass, polished wood and works of original art.
But there's strong steel beneath the graceful exterior. Minerva is well equipped to handle the open-water cruising and icy channels of Antarctic seas. Her speed, ice-strengthened hull, stabilizers and bow thrusters give her the power, stability and agility necessary to ensure a safe, smooth passage for all on board. Without sacrificing an iota of strength, Minerva sets new standards of style in expeditionary cruising.
The descriptions and pictures of this ship might look very familiar as this ship has been previously known as the 'Explorer II'; the name changed in June 2008.
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SB Baltic Deck, two porthole windows, full bath with shower, queen or twin beds, TV. 140 sq. feet |
B Baltic Deck, two porthole windows, full bath with shower, queen or twin beds, TV. 140 sq. feet |
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SA Atlantic Deck, picture windows, full bath with shower, queen or twin beds, TV. 140 sq. feet |
A Atlantic Deck, picture windows, full bath with shower, queen or twin beds, TV. 140 sq. feet |
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Superior Promenade deck, picture windows, full bath with tub, queen or twin beds, TV. 160 sq. feet |
Deluxe Promenade deck, picture windows, full bath with tub, two twin or one queen bed, and TV and separate sitting area. |
SuiteBridge deck, picture windows, full bath with tub, two twin beds or queen bed, TV and veranda. 315 sq. feet |
Owner Suite Bridge deck, picture windows, full bath with tub, queen beds, TV and veranda. 360 sq.feet. |
