trip specifics

price

2014

Experience Antarctica as explorers Scott and Shackleton did on this 22-day expedition to some of the polar regions famously charted by the men during the first race to the South Pole by these pioneering explorers 100 years ago. The Ross Sea coast extends from the ice shelf northwards until it reaches the very tip of Victoria Land and Cape Adare. During your time in the Ross Sea Region attempt a variety of opportunistic landings, subject to weather conditions. Although this itinerary to the extreme sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions is based on many years of collective experience, prevailing weather and ice conditions in this area of the world are unpredictable, so mother nature dictates your course. These are not cruises; they are true expeditions to what can be the most inhospitable region on earth. Bring with you a spirit of adventure and flexibility.

Day 1 - Embark Dunedin, New Zealand

The Otago region was settled by Maori's over four centuries ago, with Scottish migrants establishing a small town in 1848. After gold was discovered Dunedin rapidly developed to (then) become New Zealand's biggest city and the country's industrial and commercial heart, with many ornate heritage buildings dating from this period still standing today. The Botanic Gardens, New Zealand's first, are located at the northern end of the city on the lower slopes of Signal Hill. Set sail from this historic port south for Antarctica.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2-3 - At Sea

Relax and enjoy the hospitality of Orion's officers and crew as you settle into your new home for the next 20 days. Find a quiet spot on deck to enjoy the sunshine, or retreat into the library to review one of the many books and DVDs featuring this beautiful region. Orion's expert expedition team will prepare you for the days of exploration ahead as they begin their program of presentations and lectures of the Antarctic regions.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Auckland Islands

Sites in Port Ross may be visited, including an abandoned Maori settlement, a German expedition observation point at Terror Cove and a World War II coast-watching station at Ranui Cove. In Carnley Harbour, castaway depots at Camp Cove are marked by an A-frame building built in 1887 by the crew of the Awarua, inscribed with the names of people from the French Bark Angou wrecked in 1905. Conditions permitting, cruise to Victoria Passage, a dramatic opening at the end of Carnley Harbour. The birdlife of Auckland Island is profuse.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - At Sea

As you make your way through the Southern Ocean, Orion’s team will be on hand to prepare you for your expedition experience giving you an overview of all aspects of Antarctic life, with lectures and presentations on wildlife, ice, environmental sustainability and the history of polar exploration. These are given by some of the foremost experts in their fields including botany, marine biology, anthropology and history.

Cross the Antarctic Convergence Zone where warm currents meet cold, which rise to the surface resulting in nutrient-laden waters, a sudden and substantial drop in temperature and abundant marine life. A band of fog defines the convergence and icebergs may be sighted in this region. Transit a vast wilderness in the company of sea birds (especially albatross and petrels), whales and dolphins. If the opportunity arises the Orion may try to cross directly over the South Magnetic Pole as it heads south.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Macquarie Island

Often described as one of the wonder spots of the world, the sub-Antarctic island of Macquarie has been said to rival South Georgia in its magnificence, scenic diversity and prolific wildlife. Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and a World Heritage Site in 1997, Macquarie now operates a full-time manned station where biological and meteorological research is conducted. At the station, located on the isthmus at Buckles Bay, Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife rangers come aboard to be your expedition guides.

Sandy Bay, situated halfway down the island's eastern seaboard, is today's planned landing site. The zodiacs will traverse breakwaters of giant kelp before reaching rocky beaches where landing conditions can best be described as "wet and challenging." Once ashore you'll find the bay, with its rugged backdrop of mountains and tussockcovered headlands, is home to 20,000 breeding pair of royal penguins, king penguins, rock hopper penguins, gentoo penguins and elephant seals. This profusion of wildlife wasn't always so protected, the rusting remains of machinery used by whalers being stark reminders of the exploitation that took place on the island during its early history.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 6-9 - At Sea

Use these days at sea to relax and reflect on the wonders you have experienced in the past couple of days, while the expedition team continues their series of presentations.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 10-15 - Ross Sea Region

The Ross Sea coast is a spectacular seascape extending from the ice shelf northwards until it reaches the very tip of Victoria Land and Cape Adare. During your time in the Ross Sea Region, you will have the opportunity to attempt a variety of landings at the following locations, subject to weather and ice conditions.

CAPE ADARE
We plan to visit Borchgrevinks Hut, site of the 1899 British Southern Cross Expedition and the first party to spend winter in the Antarctic. Up to a million Adelie penguins have reclaimed this spectacular location surrounded by black volcanic hills. High above the huts is the lonely grave of Borchgrevinks biologist marked with a memorial cross.

CAPE HALLETT
A magnificent area with giant glaciers and surrounding mountains of over 4,000 metres. Weddell seals and Adelie penguins abound and provide a spectacular sight.

INEXPRESSIBLE ISLAND
This low, bleak island is the site of an amazing story of survival. Scott's Northern party endured a brutal winter here in a snow cave until their departure for Ross Island in September 1912. This rarely visited site is challenging to access, but if we can visit, you will realise why the men called this place Hell with a capital H.

FRANKLIN ISLAND
Look for leopard seals cruising around the island, and depending on the sea conditions, attempt a zodiac landing to go ashore near a large rookery of Adelie penguins and explore the coastline.

CAPE ROYDS
Shackleton's hut at Cape Royds was constructed during the British Antarctic Nimrod Expedition in 1907. Adelie penguins are slowly reclaiming the site, creating the worlds southernmost penguin rookery. The New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust conservation program has successfully preserved the fascinating artefacts so at first sight, the hut appears to have only recently been abandoned.

CAPE EVANS
The 1911 Terra Nova Hut is the largest historic building in Antarctica. Used in the 1910 British Antarctic Expedition, this was Scott's base for his tragic journey to the South Pole and ten men of Shackleton's ill-fated Imperial Expedition were marooned here in 1915 after their ship Aurora was blown out to sea. Entering the hut provides a window into the historic age of Antarctic exploration and discovery as it was a century ago.

If any of these destinations can not be reached due to ice or weather conditions, there may be an opportunity to make additional stops at Possession Islands, Terra Nova Bay, Drygalski Glacier, Ross Ice Shelf and Cape Bird.

POSSESSION ISLANDS
Subject to sea and ice conditions, make a landing at these small and craggy islands, discovered by Ross and Crozier in 1841.

TERRA NOVA BAY & DRYGALSKI GLACIER
First discovered by Scott during his 1901-1904 expedition, the site is now occupied by an Italian base which operates a summer research station. If permission is granted, visit the base then cruise by the massive Drygalski Ice Tongue, a regular habitat for young emperor penguins.

ROSS ICE SHELF
The South Pole is just 1,200 kilometres away and freezing gale force winds blow sheets of snow straight off the ice cap across the Ross Ice Shelf. This is the largest floating body of ice in the world with spectacular ice cliffs soaring 30 metres above the sea and the occasional background roar as massive icebergs calve away.

CAPE BIRD
This wild cape at the tip of Ross Island is home to a large Adelie penguin colony and the New Zealand scientists who study them, as well as all aspects of the islands natural history at the remote scientific station.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 16-19 - At Sea

Reflect on your time in the Ross Sea, and prepare for your visit to Campbell Island on these days back at sea.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 20 - Campbell Island

Campbell Island was first discovered in January 1810 by Captain Frederick Hasselburg, master of the sealing brig Perseverance. He named the island after his employers Robert Campbell and Co. of Sydney and sadly drowned later that year after a boat capsized in Perseverance Harbour. Campbell is a volcanic island with fascinating rock formations. Fifty years ago, between 2 and 3 million, rock hopper penguins were nesting on the island but since then 90 percent have been decimated by bacterial infection. Less than 20 pairs of wandering albatross nests are found here. Approximately 8,500 pairs of royal albatross and about 74,000 pairs of black-browed mollymawk also call the island home. Over 40 other breeds of birds including the Southern royal albatross have also been observed on Campbell Island.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 21 - At Sea

As you sail back to Dunedin, reflect on your exciting voyage and spend time with new friends during this last day at sea.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 22 - Disembark Dunedin, New Zealand

After an early morning breakfast, say your farewells and disembark in Dunedin. A complimentary transfer from Orion to the airport or city center is included.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Included: Accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programs, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Room Configurations: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person.

Families & Children: 2 years old age requirement. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Arrival & Departure: The Scott & Shackleton's Antarctica Cruise begins and ends in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Payment & Cancellation: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 100% of deposit or $1000
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilizing our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Qualifications: Scott and Shackleon's Antarctica will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.


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