E-mail a friendShip: Professor Multanovskiy
Itinerary: Antarctica, Falkland Islands, and South Georgia
click to enlarge
King Penguins on South Georgia during Antarctic Cruise
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Ushuaia |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | At Sea |
| Days 3-4 : | Falkland Islands |
| Days 5-6 : | At Sea |
| Days 7-10 : | South Georgia |
| Days 11-12 : | At Sea and South Orkneys |
| Days 13-16 : | South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula |
| Days 17-18 : | Drake Passage |
| Day 19 : | Ushuaia |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared Bath | Twin Shared Bath | Twin Private Bath | Superior | Amundsen Suite | ||
| 19 | Feb 24, 2009 | $10,990 | $12,990 | $14,990 | $16,990 | $18,390 |
| Optional Activity: Sea Kayaking Feb 24, 2009 - Complimentary sea kayaking (subject to availability) and services and accommodations in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia! Contact our office for details. | ||||||
| Destinations : Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands Activities : Nature Viewing, Photography, Sea Kayaking, Whale Watching |
||||||
You may feel, as we do, that if you make the journey to the bottom of the world you may as well stay awhile. On this far-reaching expedition to the islands of the South Atlantic Ocean and the Antarctic mainland, you will revel in 18 eye-popping days of exploration. Busybody penguins in rookeries by the thousands, behemoth icebergs reflecting startling greens and blues, humpback whales feeding on krill and of course the continent-sized sweeping ice sheet of Antarctica.
Day 1 : Ushuaia
Today is the first day of our adventure. As we board the vessel in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city on the tip Argentina, and start to become familiar with 'our home' for the next 19 days we cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of us. In the early evening, we set sail and begin our voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Day 2 : At Sea
Our guests have the chance to spend plenty of time with our onboard polar experts. They will be educating us as we go on the wonders of Antarctica. Sailing northeast, we will likely be joined by swooping seabirds including the wandering albatross, who we will come to know well on this journey.
Days 3-4 : Falkland Islands
Arriving in the Falklands overnight, by morning we are all excited to make our first shore excursion. Our plan will be to explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago, home to a profusion of seabirds and migratory birds including the black-browed albatross. Our first penguin sightings will be on the island of West Point with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, we will observe nesting Magellanic penguins along with oystercatchers, geese and the flightless steamer duck who is a permanent Falkland resident.
The next day we will make a stop in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. As we wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses, we will learn how this quiet harbour was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the formidable waters of Cape Horn. We will also make a stop in Stanley's famed philatelic museum with its impressive collection of historic stamps.
Days 5-6 : At Sea
Now we sail southeast bound for the island of South Georgia. These days at sea are never dull. Much of our time is spent scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals as well as seabirds. Our friendly onboard experts continue to fill minds with heroic stories of some of the earliest daredevils to explore Antarctica. We will also learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of our guides and crew. The anticipation grows particularly as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
Days 7-10 : South Georgia
Majestic snow-covered mountains greet us on the island of South Georgia - the most rugged island in this region. We will cruise the protected waters of the eastern coast looking for suitable landing spots such as Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay. The highlight of both these excursions is the mind-boggling abundance of king penguin adults and young that live in these locations by the hundreds of thousands, covering every inch of the shore. That is not the only wildlife on display. Fur seals can be seen poking their heads above the water, skuas and giant petrels swoop in the skies above, and the albatross, our constant companion is never far away. We hope to explore an old whaling station at Grytviken (Greet-vik-in) and visit the grave of the most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Days 11-12 : At Sea and South Orkneys
As we cross the Scotia Sea, sailing ever closer to Antarctica, we hope to visit the South Orkney Islands. Linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by an enormous sub-marine mountain range these islands, often shrouded in mist, are protected by large icebergs and sea ice. If we are lucky, there will be an excursion to Coronation Island to observe penguins nesting in moss beds alongside graceful snow petrels. We may also stop at the remote island of Laurie and visit the Argentinean meteorological station located there.
Days 13-16 : South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula
Elephant Island, en route to the South Shetland Islands, will be our next destination if conditions are suitable. Here, we will learn more about the famous Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This island was a place of refuge in 1916 for Shackleton and his crew after his ship was destroyed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea.
Next, we will spend some time cruising among the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Dazzling wildlife sightings await us on our excursions to some of these islands including King George, Half Moon, Aicho or Livingston. Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins thrive here, as do several species of seal. We even hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill off King George Island.
Weather permitting, we will enter the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. At this recently active volcano the hot, thermal water mixes with the icy, Southern Ocean making this a great place for a quick dip for the more intrepid guest. If you prefer to stay dry, you may choose to enjoy a spectacular walk to the higher points of the crater rim. There is also an abandoned whaling station nearby begging exploration.
Finally, after so much anticipation, we will arrive at the Antarctic mainland in Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. The scenery here from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless Antarctic ice sheet is truly breathtaking. Weather permitting, we hope to undertake a shore excursion and set foot on the White Continent itself.
Days 17-18 : Drake Passage
As we leave this magical place and make our way back, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a special dinner.
Day 19 : Ushuaia
In the early morning, we will arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.
Single Travelers: OPTIONAL single supplement of 80%. There is no single supplement for travelers willing to share
Antarctic Fuel Surcharge (subject to change): $20pp/ night (Oct 2008- Mar 2009)
Arctic Fuel Surcharge: $50/night for the 2009 season. If, 2 months before departure, the cost per barrel is less than $130, we will discount this fuel surcharge.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Ship Description: Professor Multanovskiy
click to enlarge
Professor Multanovskiy
Small, ice-strengthened vessel offering an experience more like a private expedition than a conventional cruise.
The Professor Multanovskiy was built in Finland for polar and oceanographic research. The ship has been continuously refurbished since its conversion for passenger use and is ideally suited for expedition cruising.
The Professor Multanovskiy carries a maximum of 49 travelers in comfortable triple, twin and superior cabins, and suites. All cabins are outside, with a desk, ample storage space and windows.
Cabins on Decks 4 and 5 have private facilities with upper and lower berths. There are a few exceptions on Deck 4 where some of the cabins with private facilities have two lower berths. The cabins on Deck 3 have two lower berths and convenient shared facilities.
Public areas on the vessel include a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary, sauna and dining room(s). Views are excellent from the large, open deck and navigation bridge (where we are almost always welcome).
The atmosphere aboard is relaxed, more akin to that of a private expedition than a conventional cruise ship.
Dining
European chefs prepare excellent varied international cuisine, using high-quality provisions from around the world. The comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine, champagne and spirits. Dining room service is provided by a combination of Russian and Western staff.
Expedition Staff, Officers and Crew
The ships are staffed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian captains are recognised experts in polar operations.
All our voyages are led by dedicated and enthusiastic expedition staff, many of whom travel with us to the Arctic or Antarctic each season. They are chosen not only for their knowledge and experience but also their great love of the polar regions.
Technical Gear
With ice-strengthened hulls, we navigate scenic waterways with ease, venturing into areas closed to larger vessels. Designed to explore remote corners of the world, the ship is equipped with passive stabilizers for smooth sailing and meet all international environmental and safety standards. The vessel is equipped with sophisticated satellite navigation equipment.
Triple Shared Bath2 cabins (312-313) with shared baths (111-120 sq. ft.) Cabins have two lower berths and one upper berth(312 has 2 upper berths), sofa, writing desk, bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, cabinets, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Twin Shared Bath9 cabins with shared baths (106-124 sq. ft.) Cabins have two lower berths (except for 315 which has 2 lower, 1 upper), sofa, writing desk, bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, cabinets, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Twin Private Bath12 cabins with private bath with shower (100-125 sq. ft.) Cabins have one lower and one upper berth (411 & 421 have 2 lower berths), sofa, drawers, refrigerator, writing desk,bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Superior2 cabins with private bath with shower (510, 517). 190-226 sq. ft. Cabins have one double bed, a convertible sofa bed, refrigerator, large writing desk, drawers bookshelf, table + chairs, wardrobes, and 2 square windows |
Amundsen Suite1 cabin with private bath with shower (513). 270 sq. ft. Cabin has one double bed, a convertible sofa bed, TV + VCR, refrigerator, writing desk, bookshelf, table + chairs, 3 wardrobes, bedside cabinet with drawers, and 5 square windows. |
