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Ship:  Minerva

Itinerary:  Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands from Buenos Aires

click to enlarge
  Group of penguinsPhoto by: Ocean Photo Services

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Day 1 :	Buenos Aires
Day 2 :	Buenos Aires/ Ushuaia, Argentina
Days 3-6 :	At Sea
Day 7 :	Falkland Islands
Days 8-9 :	Cruising the South Atlantic
Days 10-11 :	South Georgia
Days 12-13 :	Cruising the Scotia Sea
Days 14-16 :	Antarctica
Days 17-18 :	Drake Passage
Day 19 :	Ushuaia, Argentina/Buenos Aires
	Click for full itinerary

There are no scheduled departures at this time.
Please check back again soon.

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-For 2009-2010 season, all port charges are included.
-Additional charge for the Buenos Aires-Ushuaia roundtrip flights: $650 plus $25 tax for 2009-2010 season.
-Single occupancy cabins available with approximate single supplements of 25-30% for Categories SB-A; 50% for Category SP; 75-100% for Deluxe and 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
-This ship was formerly known as 'Explorer II' (before June 1st, 2008)

Day 1 : Buenos Aires

Arrive this morning and transfer to the Caesar Park Hotel Buenos Aires, located in the popular Recoleta neighborhood, 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

Join your ship today and settle in for the first night on board.

Days 3-6 : At Sea

Your journey to the Falkland Islands 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.

Day 7 : Falkland Islands

The Falklands offer a chance to step back in time to a place where nature reigns. Spend the day on nature walks to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled wildlife habitats or perhaps stroll the village streets of Stanley.

Days 8-9 : Cruising the South Atlantic

As the ship approaches South Georgia, deck-side sightings of marine mammals and other wildlife will become more frequent.

Days 10-11 : South Georgia

South Georgia is actually a nearly submerged continuation of the Andes mountain range, and your days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores. Weather permitting, enjoy a visit to the impressive Salisbury Plain, St Andrew Bay, or Gold Harbor--home to a vast colony of stately king penguins.

Days 12-13 : Cruising the Scotia Sea

Lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia while the ship passes through waters filled with marine mammals and fish.

Days 14-16 : Antarctica

As conditions permit, the ship's itinerary called for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands including Cuverville, Paulet, and Deception Island. There are also plans to sail through Paradise Bay and Lemaire Channel, with other possibilities for exploration including a scientific research station.

Days 17-18 : Drake Passage

Return through the Drake Passage where there are more opportunities for observing marine and birdlife. It's also a good opportunity to reflect on your journey with fellow travelers on deck.

Day 19 : Ushuaia, Argentina/Buenos Aires

Disembark after breakfast and head out to explore Tierra de Fuego's spectacular wilderness before heading to the airport.

Ship Description: Minerva

click to enlarge
  The MinervaPhoto by: Ocean Photo Services

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.

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
SA Atlantic Deck, porthole 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
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.
Suite Bridge 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.