E-mail a friendShip: Polar Star
Itinerary: Macaronesia Islands 2009
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Massive Geysers
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Praia, Cape Verde / Embark |
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| Day 2 : | Fogo |
| Day 3 : | Saõ Antao Island |
| Day 4 : | Mindelo |
| Days 5-6 : | At Sea |
| Day 7 : | Arrival in the Canary Islands |
| Day 8 : | Isla Gomera |
| Day 9 : | La Palma |
| Day 10 : | Salvagen Islands |
| Day 11 : | Desertas Islands |
| Days 12-13 : | Madeira Island |
| Day 14 : | At Sea |
| Day 15 : | The Azores |
| Day 16 : | Faial Island |
| Day 17 : | Pico |
| Itinerary continues - click for full itinerary | |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| K1-Triple | K1-Double | K2 | K3 | K4-Triple | K4-Double | K6 | K7 | ||
| 18 | Apr 2, 2009 | $5,580 | $6,715 | $7,700 | $8,080 | $7,095 | $8,985 | $9,745 | $10,195 |
| Please note an additional fuel surcharge listed below | |||||||||
| Destinations : Africa, Azores, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Cape Verde Islands, Europe Activities : Cultural Activities, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography |
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Step out on the aft deck to greet another fine day exploring this remote and magical collection of Atlantic archipelagos. Absorb the sensations of island life, each grouping unique unto itself. Each day brings a new adventure as we visit protected natural reserves, boreal forests, volcanic sites, caldeiras, fajãs, fantastic miradors, tea plantation, vineyard chosen by the Tsar, cobblestone streets rich in history and culture, and spectacular island countryside. As we navigate the waters, join the officers on the bridge to experience navigation in action and watch for migrating birds and seabirds and elusive, spell-binding marine wildlife. Come explore Cape Verde, the Canaries, Salvagens, Desertas, Madeiras and Azores.
Day 1 : Praia, Cape Verde / Embark
Embark in the town of Praia where Mediterranean and African influences have blended through time.
Day 2 : Fogo
Fogo is a dramatic presentation of volcanic activity with a defiant race of people tilling the fertile soils despite orders of evacuation. If the winds allow, in the afternoon visit isolated Brava (wild island) with charming scenery, quaint villages and volcanic features.
Day 3 : Saõ Antao Island
On the rugged, windswept island Saõ Antao, the dramatic peaks and canyons are best experienced along the ribeira from Porto Novo to Ribeira Grande.
Day 4 : Mindelo
After a morning exploring the cobbled streets and 19th-century architecture of Mindelo, we leave Saõ Vincente and set out to sea.
Days 5-6 : At Sea
Relax at sea and enjoy onboard lectures and social time as we transit to the remote islands of the Canaries.
Day 7 : Arrival in the Canary Islands
Once cleared in at Tenerife the afternoon is spent learning about the formation of Tiede and its flora and fauna at El Portillo.
Day 8 : Isla Gomera
On Isla Gomera the day is spent at Parque Nacionel de Garajonay, a UNESCO site and home to a thriving laurel forest often shrouded in a sea of clouds due to its altitude.
Day 9 : La Palma
Often called la isla verde (green island), La Palma is home to Parque Nacionel Caldera de Taburiente, of huge interest to geologists, volcanologists and nature lovers.
Day 10 : Salvagen Islands
The first stop of the Madeiras archipelago is Salvagen Islands a protected natural reserve and nesting sanctuary for many species of seabirds.
Day 11 : Desertas Islands
In the mini archipelago of the Desertas Islands, is a bird and marine sanctuary especially noted for the endangered Zino’s petrel and Monk Seal; after time for everyone to go ashore the ship repositions to Funchal for the evening to enjoy the old world atmosphere.
Days 12-13 : Madeira Island
Funchal is the ideal starting point to explore the island of Madeira with its jagged mountains, waterfalls and ancient forests; Tuesday afternoon the ship heads back to sea for the short trip to the next archipelago, the Azores.
Day 14 : At Sea
There is time at sea to catch up on journal entries, attend lectures, relax and socialize.
Day 15 : The Azores
Once cleared in to Terceira, the afternoon is spent exploring Angra do Heroismo a UNESCO heritage site with a walking tour and fascinating cultural stops.
Day 16 : Faial Island
On the island of Faial, known by many transatlantic sailors, Ponta dos Capelinhos a recent volcanic site and Capelinhos Museum and a Scrimshaw Museum give further insight into Azorean life.
Day 17 : Pico
Pico is home to the Azores' highest volcanic mountain. Visit the UNESCO site Lajidos Acros, a winery and whaling life museum.
Day 18 : Ponta Delgada, Saõ Miguel / Disembark
Disembark the ship in Ponta Delgada, Saõ Miguel in the morning and participate in a full day island program before saying goodbye to fellow explorers and transferring to the airport for flights 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. |
