Camp out in Antarctica – Wildlife Aplenty, No Skimping on Creature Comforts on Adventure of a Lifetime

USHUAIA, ARGENTINA — Looking for an interesting way of “roughing it easy”? How about camping out in Antarctica? Overnighting outdoors at the bottom of the planet presents an adventure that may top all others on a 13-day journey dubbed the “South Orkney Antarctic Odyssey.” It is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

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 one of the most successful trips offered by the Great Canadian Travel Company. This is from a company known for specializing in trips to such northern destinations as Iceland, Greenland, the Canadian Arctic-and even Siberia. Thus, a company best known for off-the-beaten-track vacations to the region it calls “The Top of the World” now has a highly popular trip to “The Bottom of the World.”

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.

From the first moment, you’ll be encouraged to be outside on the ship’s excellent viewing decks. You’ll watch for soaring black-browed albatross or perhaps, over the side of the ship, porpoising Magallenic penguins. You’ll bear eastwards down the Beagle Channel, heading for the rolling swell of the Drake Passage and the adventure of a lifetime. This infamous passage is known for challenging weather that confronted square-rigged ships of the sailin g era. You should expect an easier time as you head south toward the South Orkney Islands.

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 collectio n 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

August 31, 2009   Posted in: Uncategorized