GRAND ANTARCTIC ODYSSEY

ANTARCTICA & SUB ANTARCTIC ISLANDS ODYSSEY

ABOARD M/V POLAR STAR

19 Days / 18 Nights, South Shetland Islands - Antarctica - South Georgia - Falkland Islands

JUST RELEASED SPECIAL OFFER*

Departure: PS89-09, February 24 - March 14, 2009

 A trip to Antarctica is not your average holiday. It is a life-changing experience into a new world that can never be

 forgotten, a chance to step outside the fast paced ways of modern living into a land where nature still reigns supreme.

 We invite you to join us as the M/V Polar Star weaves her way through magical landscapes of ice. While here we

 encounter huge tabular ice bergs, pristine glaciers, ice floes, jagged peaks and white expanses as far as the eye can

 see. There is a feeling of tranquility here and perfection – evident in amazing sunsets of all colors of the rainbow.

 The M/V Polar Star is the ideal vessel to carry you to this once unreachable region. We do not carry more than 100

 passengers on any of our expeditions to Antarctica, allowing all passengers to go ashore at once or Zodiac cruise

 together. This is combined with the powerful ice capability, on deck viewing areas and our unique open bridge policy.

 This expedition odyssey takes us first to the Antarctic where fledgling penguins begin to assert their independence

 and all wildlife prepares for the coming winter. This is an extremely good time of year for whale sightings. From the

 west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula we head for the little visited South Orkney Islands and then on to South Georgia

 and the Falklands. An amazing voyage of history, stunning scenery, magnificent ice and fascinating wildlife.

* SPECIAL OFFER:

 15% discount off the regular retail rates on PS89-09 (February 24 – March 14, 2009).  This offer is for new bookings

 only and expires on January 31, 2009. The US $ 500 per person, contribution to air will remain in effect and will be

 applied after the discount is calculated.
 

Day 1 USHUAIA

(Argentina) In bustling Ushuaia, embark M/V Polar Star to set off along the Beagle Channel.

Day 2 - 3 AT SEA

During these days at sea relax, attend lectures and spot wildlife from the bridge or deck.

Day 4 SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

Their volcanic origin provide black sands in contrast to the whiteness elsewhere. We plan landings at Half Moon Bay and Whalers Bay on Deception Island to look for penguin rookeries, seal haul out sites and countless seabirds.

Day 5 - 6 ANTARCTICA

Explore the peninsula area including part of the Weddell Sea to Zodiac cruise in the icy fjords and land at sites of historic and natural history interest. Penguins species to be seen include Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie and other species may also be found as well as seals and seabirds. Landing sites may include Paulet Island, Brown Bluff, Devil’s Island and Snow Hill Island.

Day 7 - 8 AT SEA - SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS

During these two days at sea, we continue our lecture series and also hope for a landing at the remote South Orkney Island, home to Weddell, Fur and Elephant seals as well as an important scientific research base.

Day 9 AT SEA

This short respite at sea is a time to relax, reflect, watch for marine life and attend lectures.

Day 10 - 13 SOUTH GEORGIA

The experience can seem a bit unreal – walking amongst thousands of King penguins set against a dramatic snowy and mountainous backdrop. There is a multitude of other wildlife including other penguin species, seals, seabirds and whales. Planned landings include Prion Island, Cooper Bay, Fortuna, Stromness, Salisbury Plain and Grytviken where Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.

Day 14 - 15 AT SEA

Education continues while at sea and the sensation of remoteness and peace is poignant, feeling never alone on the vast ocean as seabirds wheel overhead.

Day 16 - 17 FALKLAND ISLANDS

There are plans to land at New Island and West Point after a port call to Stanley to complete the overview of the history and wildlife of these remote yet populated islands.

Day 18 AT SEA

This final time at sea is just long enough for everyone to recap and gather thoughts and memories.

Day 19 DISEMBARK USHUAIA

The voyage concludes in Ushuaia with disembarkation after breakfast.

(Please note that this is our planned itinerary – actual execution is subject to weather and IAATO Ship Scheduler limitations. PSE reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as needed without recourse.)

 PS

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