E-mail a friendShip: Polar Star
Itinerary: The Essence of the Azores
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Scenic Landscape near the ocean
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Sao Miguel |
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| Day 2 : | Graciosa |
| Day 3 : | Flores & Corvo |
| Day 4 : | Faial |
| Day 5 : | Pico |
| Day 6 : | Sao Jorge & Terceira |
| Day 7 : | Santa Maria |
| Day 8 : | Sao Miguel |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| K1-Triple | K1-Double | K2 | K3 | K4-Triple | K4-Double | K6 | K7 | ||
| 8 | Apr 19, 2009 | $2,540 | $3,050 | $3,495 | $3,665 | $3,220 | $4,070 | $4,410 | $4,615 |
| Please note an additional fuel surcharge listed below | |||||||||
| 8 | Apr 22, 2010 | $2,920 | $3,525 | $4,130 | $4,335 | $3,730 | $4,740 | $4,980 | $5,425 |
| 9 day itinerary Please note an additional fuel surcharge listed below |
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| Destinations : Azores, Europe Activities : Cultural Activities, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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Day 1 : Sao Miguel
In Ponta Delgada, we board our expedition ship - the ideal way to reach all of these remote islands.
Day 2 : Graciosa
This island takes us back in time - mule-drawn carts with milk cans, perhaps an old windmill in the distance. We explore Furna do Enxofre - 184 steps down to an underground volcanic cavern and lake. Afternoon Zodiac cruising is around the bird sanctuary islands of Praia or Braixo, home of the Red-Billed Tern and the Grebe.
Day 3 : Flores & Corvo
Considered the prettiest of all the islands, it is also of geological interest. On our overland route we see the basalt 'organ-pipe' cliffs of Rocha dos Bordoes, volcanic craters known as caldeiras often with beautiful lakes, cascading waterfalls and perhaps old watermills. On the tiny island of Corvo, we set off on a lovely hike to the rim of the volcanic cone, with a view of the vast caldeira and the coastline. The waters around Flores and Corvo are also excellent for whale and dolphin watching - notably Sperm and Fin whales.
Day 4 : Faial
In Horta, ocean-crossing yachts gather and sailors leave their mail for those who are sure to follow. After a Zodiac cruise to a beautiful volcanic lagoon, Caldeira do Inferno, we visit Ponta dos Capelinhos. In 1957-58 a series of submarine volcanic eruptions occurred that eventually created new land and devastated the nearby village. The museum tells the geological and human story. Back in Horta we visit the Scrimshaw Museum before returning to the ship.
Day 5 : Pico
Today we explore distinctive Pico, home to Portugal’s highest peak and numerous black lava flows. The UNESCO designated Lajido Acros tells the story of early winemakers and we learn about whaling life in the Azores at the Museum of Lajes.
Day 6 : Sao Jorge & Terceira
In the morning we make a Zodiac cruise around the remote fajãs of Sao Jorge, a unique geological phenomenon. We then steam to Terceira to explore Angra do Heroismo, a charming UNESCO heritage town with a distinct Mediterranean flavour. After a walking tour that takes in the Misericorda church, Convent do Sao Francisco, public gardens and museum, there may be time to wander the quaint streets on your own.
Day 7 : Santa Maria
Today’s planned itinerary includes visits to remote Saõ Laurenço and Maia, known for vineyards which rise steeply up high sea cliffs in terraces. We plan to explore this island by land or sea depending on the sea conditions. This coastline is accentuated by a dramatic waterfall, lava tube caves, seabirds and marine life. It is the only island that is both volcanic and sedimentary. Our ship continues its circumnavigation of Santa Maria and cruises around the Formigas (or Ant Islands), an islet and navigational landmark.
Day 8 : Sao Miguel
We return to Ponta Delgada for a day exploring Saõ Miguel which includes visits to a tea plantation and ceramic factory. We will experience the island’s volcanic energy during visits to thermal springs and steaming geysers at Furnas and even enjoy a volcanically cooked lunch! Late afternoon, we bid farewell to new friends and begin our journeys home.
-Additional fuel surcharge of $30/person/night for the 2008-2009 season (Nov-Nov). This surcharge is subject to possible increases depending on the price of fuel.
-A provisional fuel surcharge of $14/person/night has been set for the 2009-2010 season, subject to change depending on the price of fuel.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. 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.
-Standard Twin Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.6 times the shared price.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$50,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
-All onboard gratuities are included for the 2008-2009 season.
15+ months prior to departure - SAVE 5%
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Polar Star
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Polar Star
The Polar Star was built in Finland and served in the Swedish Maritime Administration's fleet of icebreakers under the name of Njord. In 2000 she underwent complete retrofit and upgrades. She was renamed M/V Polar Star after her namesake that served Karlsen's Arctic cruise program. Karlsen Shipping, is an old Norwegian family business originally from the northwestern coast of Norway and now headquartered in Halifax, Canada. With over 100 years experience in many aspects of the marine industry, Karlsen has operated primarily in the Polar Regions.
The M/V Polar Star is one of the most safe and comfortable ice class vessels with safety standards exceeding requirements for several years to come. The ship is certified for worldwide international voyages, complying with the latest SOLAS and IMF regulations for safety and the environment. We take up to 105 passengers on expedition cruises that by definition are to remote destinations. For shore excursions, we are equipped with 10 16-man zodiacs.
The M/V Polar Star is large enough to voyage to remote areas in comfort and small enough to enter out of the way destinations that other vessels can only sail by. We explore nature's most breathtaking wonders up close and our voyages offer magnificent wildlife on a journey that is spirited with adventure.
Polar Star has some of the "industry bests" on board including a very spacious bridge with an open bridge policy, large observation lounge/lecture hall with seating for all passengers, one of the best standard cabins (our K3) and a superior amount of outside viewing areas. Additional common areas include a shop, sumptuous library, bar, fitness facility and a dining room that seats all passengers in one sitting. Our varied international menu is prepared fresh onboard. Our 45 cabins include 31 doubles, 4 superior cabins and 6 suites (all with private facilities), plus an additional 4 cabins with shared facilities.
Our Cabins
All cabins are outside cabins. K1 categories have shared facilities with the next cabin. Our K3s, K4s, K6s and K7s all have private facilities with sink, shower and toilet. Each cabin is equipped with a wardrobe for each person and a writing desk. (The figure in brackets below indicates the number of cabins in each category available for passengers.)
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K1-Triple Two lower and one upper berths sold as triple. Sharing toilet / showers shared with cabin next door. Approx.100 sq. feet/10 sq. meters. Windows or portholes. |
K1-Double Two lower and one upper berths sold as double. Sharing toilet / showers shared with cabin next door. Approx.100 sq. feet/10 sq. meters. Windows or portholes. |
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K2 Two lower beds. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx. 115 sq. feet / 11.5 sq. meters. Large windows. K2 cabins on deck 3 have a partially obstructed view and one window opens. K2 cabins on deck 4 have non-opening windows. |
K3 Two lower beds. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx. 115 sq. feet / 11.5 sq. meters. Large windows, one opens. |
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K4-Triple Double bed, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 140 sq. feet / 14 sq. meters. Side and aft facing windows. |
K4-Double Double bed, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 140 sq. feet / 14 sq. meters. Side and aft facing windows. |
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K6 Double bed in alcove, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 180 sq. feet / 18 sq. meters. Large windows. |
K7 Sleeping area in separate room (double bed in 501 and 2-singles in 401), couch in living room can be made up as bed. Approx. 250 sq. feet / 25 sq. meters. Forward and side facing windows. |
