|
|
|
|
Quark Expeditions
Antarctic Explorer: The Classic Adventure
This expedition offers the perfect chance to discover the best of the Antarctic
Peninsula, the last continent’s most northern region. You’ll be delighted by
penguins, seals and whales as they accompany you on your journey along the
Antarctic coastline. Landing on the continent itself is a memorable highlight,
where you’ll explore the iconic sights that make this one of the world’s most
pristine, exotic and unforgettable natural environments.
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition.
Days 1: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer independently to our conveniently located hotel; explore at your leisure in this frontier port overlooked by the rugged Martial Mounts. Lodging. Days 2: Embarkation In late afternoon, your Expedition Team welcomes you aboard your ice-strengthened ship as we sail into the scenic Beagle Channel to begin your Antarctic adventure. Days 3 & 4: Drake Passage Become familiar with the ship on this your first full day at sea. Members of the Expedition Team keep you company on deck, identifying seabirds that glide along side of the ship for miles at a time. You will cross the famed Drake Passage, named for the 16th-century English navigator Sir Francis Drake, looking out for Wandering Albatross and other seabirds from the ship’s spacious decks and promenades. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath warmer waters from the temperate zones. Expect to sight the South Shetland Islands, lying just to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula late in the afternoon on Day 4. On our planned landings you will explore penguin rookeries and have chances to spot Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals on the beaches or hunting their prey. We may also visit one of the many research bases in the archipelago. And keep an eye out for Antarctica’s only two flowering plants, which thrive here during the short southern summer. On many visits the ship is able to sail through a narrow passage leading into the sunken volcanic caldera of Deception Island. Here, if the tide allows, you may wish to strip down to your bathing suit and take a dip in the thermal waters of Pendulum Cove. Days 5 to 9: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. We can finally begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke Whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard Seal.
The majesty of the
Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to
vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in
particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin
colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between going for a
mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the
antics of curious penguins While cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula we’ll
also give you the chance to take a Polar Plunge! Cheer on other
travelers or strap on a harness yourself to take a dip and
swim in the frigid waters of an icy Antarctic bay.
|
| Intimate viewing of Antarctic wildlife, icebergs and more | |
| All cabins have exterior views and facilities en suite. | |
| Flat Screen TVs and DVD players in every cabin | |
| Chefs pamper you with delicious meals, three times daily. | |
| Remote headsets available for remote presentations. | |
| Massage & Wellness Program, Photography Program | |
| Optional camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing & mountaineering. | |
| Polar Library & Expert in Residence Program | |
| One-year enrollment in Friends of Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) | |
| All-inclusive beverage packages available |
Staff & Crew: 144- Passengers: 189 - Length (m): 124 - Breadth (m): 16 -Draft (m): 4.9
Ice Class: 1D - Lifeboats: 4 fully enclosed - Propulsion: 2 Wichmann Engines, 7375 horsepower - Cruising speed: 15.5 knots
- Registered: Bahamas
|
|
|
Triple |
Twin Porthole |
Twin Window | SUITE | Balcony SUITE |
Dedicated Single |
Nov 29– Dec 9, 2012 |
11 |
$4,795 |
$6,595 |
$7,395 | $9,995 | $12,395 |
$9,995 |
| Dec 8 - Dec 18, 2012 | 11 | $4,795 |
$6,595 |
$7,395 | $9,995 | $12,395 |
$9,995 |
| Dec 17 - Dec 27, 2012 | 11 | $6,395 | $8,595 | $9,495 | $12,395 | $15,395 | $12,895 |
| Jan 13 - Jan 23, 2013 | 11 | $6,395 | $8,595 | $9,495 | $12,395 | $15,395 | $12,895 |
| Jan 22 - Feb 1, 2013 | 11 | $6,395 | $8,595 | $9,495 | $12,395 | $15,395 | $12,895 |
| Jan 31 - Feb 10, 2013 | 11 | $6,395 | $8,595 | $9,495 | $12,395 | $15,395 | $12,895 |
Feb 9 - Feb 19, 2013 |
11 |
$6,395 |
$8,595 | $9,495 | $12,395 | $15,395 | $12,895 |
Expedition ship details, departure dates and rates
The Clipper Adventurer was built in 1975, and underwent a $13 million conversion in 1998. She has a proud reputation as a well-appointed, elegant expedition ship for softer adventures. The ship is equipped with Zodiacs for shore landings and ocean level, cruising, yet offers fine dining, and cabins with exterior views and facilities en suite.
122 Guests
Cabins & Amenities
| All cabins have exterior views | |
| 61 outside cabins. Decks 4 and 5 have exterior access with outside seating | |
| Window-lined dining room with unreserved seating: buffet-style breakfast with table service; table-service lunch and dinner with main course choices from changing daily menu; cakes served in mid-afternoon. | |
| Lounge/Presentation Room that can accommodate all guests. | |
| 2 bars. | |
| Library stocked with nautical books and board games. | |
| Gift shop. | |
| Ship-to-shore communications via satellite | |
| Satellite Internet access. | |
| Clinic with licensed doctor. | |
| Exercise room. | |
| Massage therapist. |
Specifications
Staff & Crew: 72 f Passengers: 122 f Length: 100.58 m f Breadth: 16.31 m
f Draft: 4.5 m f Propulsion: Diesel - 5,280 hp - Lifeboats: 4 fully enclosed
f Ice Class: Ice: A-1 f Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water. Registered: Bahamas
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expedition ship details, departure dates and rates
The SEA SPIRIT: Sail aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit and experience Quark's Antarctica in grand style with spacious suites. Carrying a maximum of 112 passengers this outstanding vessel, approved for polar waters, is equipped with rubber inflatable boats - called RIBs - for shore transfers and cruising. Kayaking and camping options are available.
Cabins & Amenities
| Quark's all-suite ship | |
| Smallest suite is a spacious 215 square feet. | |
| 15 suites have balconies. | |
| Owner's Suite is an outstanding 550 sq. feet. | |
| Flat Screen TVs and DVD players in every suite | |
| Open bar | |
| Optional kayaking and camping, climbing and cross-country skiing | |
| Every suite has an exterior view | |
| 10MB communications access card included in every voyage |
Ship Specifi cations
Staff & Crew: 94 - Passengers: 112 - Length (m): 90.6 - Breadth (m): 15.3 - Draft (m): 4.16
Ice Class: 1D. - Lifeboats: 4 partially enclosed - Propulsion: diesel – 4,720 - horsepower - Registered: Bahamas
Cruising Speed: 14.5 knots in open water
|
|
|
Triple |
Main DECK |
Classic |
Superior |
Deluxe |
Suite |
|
Nov 11 - Nov 22, 2012 |
12 |
$7,295 |
$8,395 |
$8,995 |
$9,495 |
$11,395 |
$12,495 |
|
Nov 21 - Dec 2, 2012 |
12 |
$7,295 |
$8,395 |
$8,995 |
$9,495 |
$11,395 |
$12,495 |
|
Dec 1 – Dec 12, 2012 |
12 |
$7,295 |
$8,395 |
$8,995 |
$9,495 |
$11,395 |
$12,495 |
| Dec 29 - Jan 9, 2013 | 12 | $9,895 | $10,995 | $11,895 | $12,795 | $15,495 | $16,995 |
| Jan 29 - Feb 9, 2013 | 12 | $9,895 | $10,995 | $11,895 | $12,795 | $15,495 | $16,995 |
| Feb 20 - Mar 3, 2013 | 12 | $7,995 | $8,895 | $9,495 | $9,995 | $11,995 | $13,595 |
Expedition Rates
All rates per person
in US dollars. If you're traveling alone, ask us about the significant savings
you can realize from our Request-Share Program, which matches solo travelers in
the same cabin.
Start /Finish
Locations
Ushuaia,
Argentina/Ushuaia, Argentina
Rates Include
Rates for the 2012-13 season include:
|
• One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast,as indicated in the itinerary. (The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel.) | |
|
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping. | |
|
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage. (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.) | |
|
• All shore landings per the daily program. | |
|
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities. | |
|
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program. | |
|
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled. | |
|
• Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage. | |
|
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings. | |
|
• A Quark Expeditions parka – yours to keep. | |
|
• Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock. | |
|
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin. | |
|
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader. | |
|
• Group transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation. | |
|
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program. | |
|
• All luggage handling aboard ship. | |
|
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefi t of $100,000 per person. |
Rates do not include:
|
Any airfare. For some departures, economy seats on group flights must be purchased in conjunction with the expedition. | |
|
The applicable per-person cost is indicated on the dates and rates pages. | |
|
Passport and visa expenses. | |
|
Government arrival and departure taxes. | |
|
Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation. | |
|
Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance. | |
|
Excess baggage charges. | |
|
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges. | |
|
Telecommunications charges. | |
|
The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for Hospitality Team members, ship’s crew and Expedition Team members. | |
|
On icebreakers, any helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced on board. |
Reservations and Payment
Deposits - To confirm reservations on all Quark products a deposit of 20%
(minimum $1000 per person) is required at time of booking. The deposit may be
paid by major credit card, bank wire transfer or check. For any bookings within
120 days of departure full payment is required.
Final Payments – Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Final payment may
be paid by bank wire or check.
Deposits and payments for pre-expedition and post-expedition services are
specific to each item and are explained and communicated at time of purchase.
Emergency
Evacuation Assurance
Emergency evacuation
assurance to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000 is included in
the cost of Quark Expeditions voyages that depart after April 2009. Included
coverage is applicable only to travel between the first and last day of the
expedition purchased. Additional days of travel prior to the expedition and/or
after the expedition are not covered by the included emergency evacuation
assurance. As we travel to remote regions of the world, and passengers travel
great distances to join our expeditions, we advise passengers to purchase
medical, cancellation and baggage insurance, and additional emergency evacuation
assurance.
Cancellations and
Refunds
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations
received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less an
administrative fee of $1000 per person. If cancellation is received between 179
days and 120 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than
120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has
not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance
is due immediately. To protect the traveler’s investment, we recommend that you
obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
Cancellations cannot be made online.
Transfers of Deposits or Payments to Alternate Voyages
Should travelers be unable to take the expedition they originally booked, but
would like to travel on an alternate date, it may be possible to transfer
deposits or payments from the original booking to an alternate booking, subject
to the following conditions: The new expedition must occur within one year of
the original expedition date and a request to transfer must be made in writing
to Quark Expeditions more than 120 days prior to the departure of the original
voyage. Quark Expeditions reserves the right to prohibit transfers on any of its
voyages. Should a transfer request be granted, a fee of $250 per person will be
charged.
It is understood that refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason whatsoever.
Itinerary
The
itinerary described is subject to change at the discretion of the ship’s master
and Quark Expeditions’ Expedition Leader. This is an expedition to a remote part
of the world, and we reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather
conditions, availability of anchorages, political conditions or other factors
beyond our control without consulting the passengers. It is understood that such
decisions will be made in the best interests of all passengers aboard and with
regard to the safety of the vessel. Passengers have no right to any refund or
other considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes. Nothing
in this brochure is meant to signify the use of any specific design or model of
helicopter. The images featured in this brochure are inspirational in character
and do not necessarily depict the exact people, animals and places encountered
by passengers.
The passenger must be in possession of a valid passport and any visas, permits and certificates that are required for the whole of the trip {expedition} and shall arrange such vaccinations as are normally recommended for the countries through which they intend to travel including those vaccinations recommended by Quark Expeditions. Information as to these matters and as to climate, clothing, baggage, gear, and similar matters is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of Quark Expeditions.
Rates
Voyage
rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing
and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs,
exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the
cost of expedition arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter
our prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if payment has been
received in full.
Compensation
Compensation for
personal injury is limited in accordance with the provisions of any applicable
International Conventions. These include, for example, in the course of road
travel, air travel, rail travel, sea travel, or hotel accommodation and are
limited to the provisions of, respectively, the Geneva Convention 1973, the
Warsaw Convention as amended by the Hague Protocol 1955, the 1961 Berne
Convention, the 1974 Athens Convention and the 1962 Paris Convention.
Limitation of Liability
QEI purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, and other services from
various independent suppliers that are not subject to its control. Neither QEI,
its affiliates, owners, officers, agents, employees, nor any associate
organization shall be held liable for any act, default, injury (including
death), loss, expense, damage, deviation, delay, curtailment or inconvenience
caused to or suffered by any person or their property, howsoever arising, which
may occur or be incurred by any organization or person, even though such act,
default, injury, loss, expense, damage, deviation, delay, curtailment or
inconvenience may have been caused or contributed to: (a) by the act, neglect or
default of QEI, or of any persons for whose acts it would otherwise be
responsible, or (b) defects or failures of any aircraft, vessel, automotive
vehicle or other equipment or instrumentality under the control of independent
suppliers. In issuing tickets for transportation of the travel by any means and
making arrangements for travel, hotel or other accommodation, QEI is not acting
as principal but only as agent for the companies, corporations, owner, public
carriers or persons providing or offering the means of transportation and
accommodation. You further understand that QEI neither owns not operates such
third party suppliers and accordingly, agree to seek remedies directly and only
against those suppliers and not hold QEI responsible for their acts or
omissions. In no event will QEI be responsible for incidental, consequential or
special damage or loss suffered by any person. QEI’s maximum liability, for any
reason whatsoever, will be limited to the amount paid to QEI for its services.
Without limitation, QEI is not responsible for any negligent or willful acts of
God or force majeure, weather emergencies, breakdown, or failure of diving or
mechanical equipment, government actions, inclement weather, sickness, attacks
by animals, availability of medical care or the adequacy of the same, criminal
activity of any kind, terrorism, war, civil disturbance, sanitary conditions,
quality or sanitation of food, quarantine, customs, regulations, epidemics,
strikes, hotel overbooking, safety and/or security standards at hotels or other
accommodations, or for any other reason beyond the control of QEI. You
understand, agree with, and agree to be legally bound by the terms of the
release and waiver of liability set forth herein.
QEI reserves the right (at their discretion) to alter or omit any part of the
itinerary or change any reservation, feature and/or means of conveyance without
notice and for any reason whatsoever, without allowance or refund and with extra
costs, if any, resulting, said changes being paid by the travelers. We reserve
the right to cancel any services prior to departure, in which case payment will
be refunded without further obligation on its part. QEI shall not be
responsible for any injury to person (whether or not resulting in death) or
damage to property arising out of any act of war, insurrection, revolt or other
civil uprising or military action occurring in the countries of origin,
destination or passage.
In case of a medical problem arising during the voyage, either on board or on
shore, which results in costs for evacuation, use of aircraft or repatriation,
the responsibility for payment of these costs belongs solely to the traveler if
costs incurred are above that of the Emergency Evacuation Insurance.
The traveler contract in use by the carriers concerned (when issued) shall
constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies and the
purchaser of these services and/or passage. By accepting the ticket, the
traveler also agrees to its terms and conditions.
Acknowledgment of Risk
You understand and acknowledge that your travel in connection with and
participation in the tour arranged at your request by QEI may involve risk and
potential exposure to injury. You also realize and acknowledge that risk and
dangers may be caused by the negligence of the owners, directors, employees,
contractors, subcontractors, officers or agents of QEI or the negligence or
participation of other participants, contractors and/or subcontractors to QEI.
You also recognize and acknowledge that risk and dangers may arise from
foreseeable and unforeseeable causes, including weather and other acts of
nature. You fully understand and acknowledge that the aforementioned risks,
dangers and hazards are a potential in connection with recreational activities
which may take place during your journey.
By payment of your deposit, you certify that you do not have any mental,
physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for
yourself or other travelers and you confirm that you are physically and mentally
capable of participating in the activity and willingly and knowingly elect to
participate in your travel package in spite of the potential risk of danger. By
payment of your deposit, you certify that you willingly and voluntarily assume
full responsibility for any injury, loss or damage suffered, whether caused in
whole or in part by the negligence of the owners, directors, agents, officers,
employees, contractors or subcontractors of QEI. QEI reserves the right to
remove a passenger or cancel or withdraw any reservation at any time at its sole
discretion.
Express Assumption of Risk and Responsibility/Participation
In recognition of the inherent risk of the travels and related activities in
which you are intending to engage, you confirm that you are physically and
mentally capable of participating in the activity, that you are willingly and
knowingly electing to participate in this tour in spite of the potential risk of
danger, and you willingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for any
injury, loss or damage suffered by you or caused by you, whether caused in whole
or in part by the negligence of the owners, directors, agents, officers,
employees, or contractors of QEI. You understand and acknowledge that QEI
reserves the right to accept or reject any participant for any reason, and QEI
or its guide has the right to disqualify you from any trip activity, if in QEI's
or such guide's judgment, you are incapable of that activity and/or your
continued participation in the tour will endanger yourself or the safety of the
group. It is your responsibility and obligation to inform QEI, at the time your
reservation is made, of any medical or physical disability or limitation that
might disable you or render you unable to perform or safely complete the tour or
any activity on the tour. You further acknowledge that you are the best judge of
your own conditions and limitations and that it is incumbent upon you to fully
disclose the full extent of any such conditions or limitations to QEI.
Release of Liability
In consideration of the services and arrangements
provided by QEI, you, for yourself and for your heirs, personal representatives
or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, hold harmless and agree to
indemnify QEI, and its owners, officers, directors, employees and affiliates
from any and all claims, actions, or losses for bodily injury, property damage,
wrongful death, loss of services, lost profits, consequential, exemplary,
indirect or punitive damages or otherwise which may arise out of or occur during
your travel in connection with the scheduled travel package and any activities
conducted in conjunction therewith. YOU SPECIFICALLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT
YOU ARE RELEASING, DISCHARGING AND WAIVING ANY CLAIMS OR ACTIONS THAT YOU MAY
HAVE PRESENTLY OR IN THE FUTURE FOR THE NEGLIGENT ACTS OR CONDUCT OF THE OWNERS,
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR AFFILIATES OF QEI.
Photography
Passengers extend QEI, SEL and PS permission to take
their photograph during the voyage, and release all rights over those images.
Passengers who
do not wish to be photographed during the voyage must inform
QEI in writing prior to the voyage.