Overnighting outdoors at the bottom of the planet presents an adventure of a lifetime on a 13-day journey dubbed the "South Orkney Antarctic Odyssey." And the "easy" part? Well, there simply is no skimping on creature comforts as you settle in for a sea voyage that you'll long remember.
The Antarctic cruise is offered by the Great Canadian Travel Company. You'll start at Ushuaia, Argentina, the world's southernmost city, located at the base of a stunning mountain range. Touring this small city where jagged mountains tower above the harbor as civilization clings to the shoreline is an auspicious start to this 13-day/12-night adventure.
The excitement onboard is palpable as the miles drift by. New friends are made and life onboard includes educational presentations about the Southern Ocean, Antarctic wildlife, glaciers and the history of exploration. Announcements are made as a new species of bird is spotted and the sight of a whale spouting may have you rushing to a rail.
Each day provides a mix of shore excursions and ship cruising, as you divide your time between hikes ashore and cruises in inflatable boats. As hundreds of icebergs drift past the South Orkney Islands, you'll have a good chance to see and photograph them. Highlights include great baleen whales, leviathans of the deep that make their presence heard with the mighty whoosh of air from and into their lungs. You'll also be visiting a region that is home to Adelie penguin rookeries of astonishing size.
One of the excursions will be planned with the aim of landing on the physical continent of Antarctica itself -- and not just on an offshore island. As you visit several landing spots, you may pause to consider the bravery and/or foolishness of those who traveled 100 years before you. To gain a better appreciation of those early explorers, you may choose to camp ashore overnight.
Finnish-built for the Russian Academy of Science, the Akademik Ioffe has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots. The ship was designed to travel quietly during hydro-acoustic research. It is exceptionally stable, yet maneuverable. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. The ship accommodates 109 guests. All cabins have exterior views; a dining room offers unreserved seating. There is a theater-style presentation room, gym, sauna, swimming pool and clinic with a licensed doctor. The lounge and bar are open late afternoon and evening with a wide selection of wines and spirits. A library is stocked with a collection of polar-themed books.
Included in "South Orkney Antarctic Odyssey" are the voyage aboard the Akademik Ioffe, all meals, all shore excursions, program of lectures by noted naturalists, miscellaneous service taxes and port charges and overnight camping (equipment supplied). Cost ranges from US$6,990 per person, based on triple share, and US$8,790 (main deck cabin), to US$9,690 (upper deck) US$10,790 (superior) and US$11,790 (superior deluxe). Departure is February 23, 2010.
Reservations and additional information available from the Great Canadian Travel Company, 800-661-3830, www.greatcanadiantravel.com.
Antarctica (c) Linda Garrison