Totality in Antarctica - SOLAR ECLIPSE 2021 with South Georgia - Alberta Viaggi
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SOLAR ECLIPSE 2021
Totality in Antarctica
with South Georgia
Quark Expeditions Makes History Again.
Contents 1 Overview 2 Itinerary 5 Arrival and Departure Details 7 Your Ship 9 Included Activities 10 Adventure Options 11 Dates & Rates 12 Inclusions & Exclusions 13 Your Expedition Team 14 Extend Your Trip 15 Meals on Board 16 Possible Excursions 20 Packing Checklist
Overview
Solar Eclipse 2021: Totality in Antarctica, with South Georgia
Total Solar Eclipses are rare in Antarctica, and in 2003 a group of Quark Expeditions
passengers became the first humans ever to witness a Total Solar Eclipse on the 7th
Continent. In 2021, we are reuniting some of the same eclipse experts who were on
our 2003 expedition for a new voyage: Solar Eclipse 2021: Totality in Antarctica, with
South Georgia. This voyage will be the perfect opportunity to be rendered awestruck
by the overwhelming enormity of Antarctica: towering icebergs, mammoth
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
glaciers and ice-covered mountains. You’ll hike pristine glaciers, relax on a Zodiac
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
cruise or enjoy comedic encounters with inquisitive penguins. Also, you’ll learn by ship, Zodiac and foot
about wildlife and polar history during onboard presentations by expedition team Learn about Antarctica’s unique
members, as well as two widely-respected eclipse experts who will prepare you geology, history and wildlife with
our onboard lecturers
for your total eclipse experience: award-winning National Geographic night-sky
Immerse yourself in the icy realm
photographer Babak Tafreshi, who participated in the 2003 voyage, and American of the Antarctic, with an optional
Eclipse author David Baron, who is featured in the popular TED Talk, “You owe it to paddling excursion
yourself to experience a total solar eclipse.” From Antarctica you’ll sail north, and on Witness a rare total solar eclipse
from the deck of World Explorer in the
December 4th you’ll become part of a select few to experience a Total Solar Eclipse Scotia Sea between the South Orkney
in Antarctica. To enhance your eclipse experience, you will receive a pair of eclipse Islands and South Georgia.
glasses, an invitation to a special celebratory toast to commemorate your Total Solar See South Georgia’s incredible
wildlife, including 30 breeding bird
Eclipse voyage. You will then complete your voyage by departing for South Georgia,
species and four penguin species
known as the “Galapagos of the South Seas,” where you’ll explore a region rich in Follow in the footsteps of Sir
wildlife and polar history. Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages
to South Georgia and pause for a
For more information, contact your preferred travel advisor or a Quark Expeditions moment at his grave site
Polar Travel Advisors.
1
Itinerary
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN USHUAIA, DAYS 3 & 4 | CROSSING THE
ARGENTINA DRAKE PASSAGE Santiago Buenos Aires
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a Your days at sea are filled with
ARGENTINA
small but bustling port at the tip of South presentations led by your Expedition
America. It’s the ideal gateway for you to Team who will prepare you for the
CHILE
explore the southern extent of Patagonia wildlife, glaciology and history that will Falkland Islands
while preparing for your adventure ahead. greet you upon your arrival. In between (Islas Malvinas) Atlantic
Ocean
Get active in the mountains or enjoy presentations, spend time on deck South
Georgia
handcrafted chocolate at a café in town. looking for wildlife or chatting with your Ushuaia
South
shipmates over a drink at the bar. Drake Passage Shetland
DAY 2 | EMBARKATION DAY Islands
Embarkation will occur in the late DAYS 5–7 | ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Anvers
EXTENT OF
TOTAL ECLIPSE
Island
afternoon, after which your vessel will sail The most common reaction upon Lemaire Channel
down the historic Beagle Channel, which reaching the White Continent is a sense of CIR
CLE
IC Weddell Sea
CT
transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago reverence and awe. The experience is hard AN
TA
R
Antarctic
Peninsula
in the extreme south of South America. to put into words, since few places are as
Expect an air of anticipation as you depart! untouched and enduring as Antarctica. SOLAR ECLIPSE 2021
Totality in Antarctica with South Georgia
On board the World Explorer
2
You will discover that Antarctica is a excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason DAY 10 | SOLAR ECLIPSE AT SEA
land of extremes. At one moment you’ll aside and jump into Antarctic waters for Early this morning, you will be summoned
be overcome with a feeling of complete the Polar Plunge! on deck to witness an extraordinary,
isolation and silence, and at the next much-awaited moment: a solar eclipse, the
DAYS 8 & 9 | AT SEA
moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a very brief period (1 minute, 40 seconds)
Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula,
calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue when the moon blocks the sun’s light,
as your next destination is the Scotia Sea,
sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect plunging the polar regions into darkness.
between the South Orkney Islands and
your footwear. Every guest will be provided with a pair
South Georgia, where you’ll witness a
of eclipse glasses before the momentous
Your Expedition Team will take care of rare natural phenomenon: a total eclipse
event. You’ll savor the stillness of this
you at each excursion, whether you are of the sun in Antarctica! Our Expedition
magical moment with your fellow
Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site Team will prepare you in advance
umbraphiles (eclipse chasers), knowing
or consorting with penguin colonies. with presentations and workshops on
you’re among the few to have witnessed
Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins astronomy, meteorology and other related
this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.
are found here, along with Weddell, topics to help prepare you for that once-
As with all eclipse sightings, visibility
fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep in-a-lifetime event: total solar eclipse
is influenced by the weather and cloud
a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as in Antarctica. Two world-renowned
conditions. Unique to this experience
minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each eclipse experts will also be onboard:
will be its location at sea, and the more
day and each excursion will present a new award-winning National Geographic
extreme latitude which places the eclipse
collection of creatures to delight you and night-sky photographer Babak Tafreshi
low on the horizon, making a successful
keep your camera busy. (who participated in the 2003 voyage) and
sighting that much more difficult, and
As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and American Eclipse author David Baron,
more rewarding should all the stars align
landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself who is featured in the hugely popular TED
for the eclipse to be visible. After the
to an extra-special Antarctic experience Talk, “You owe it to yourself to experience
eclipse concludes around breakfast time,
by partaking in an optional paddling a total solar eclipse.”
feel free to celebrate the unforgettable
3
moment or return to your bed. In One of the most significant sites you
addition to the eclipse glasses, guests will visit on the island is Grytviken.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT
will also receive an invitation to a special This settlement is one of the first whaling Embracing the unexpected is part
celebratory toast to commemorate their stations established in sub-Antarctic of the legacy—and excitement—of
special total eclipse voyage. waters. Many travelers find that this expedition travel. When traveling
place has a special appeal, as it is home to in extremely remote regions, your
DAYS 11–12 | SOUTH GEORGIA
the remains of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one Expedition Team must consider
South Georgia is one of the most fertile the sea, ice and weather to guide
of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
breeding grounds in the world for sub- the route and itinerary details. This
Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed DAYS 13–16 | AT SEA itinerary is a tentative outline of what
with penguins. It won’t take you long to After more than two weeks of unique you may experience on this voyage;
realize that you are in a bird paradise, as wildlife encounters and remarkable please be aware that no specific
burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels landscapes, your journey home begins. itinerary can be guaranteed. By the
can be seen in abundance. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds same token, wildlife encounters
and whales, enjoy presentations by your as described are expected, but
You’ll find that South Georgia, once a not guaranteed. Your Expedition
Expedition Team, or simply relax and
popular base for whalers and sealers, is Team will use their considerable
reminisce about your experiences.
also scattered with abandoned relics and experience to seek out wildlife in
evidence of human activity from centuries DAY 17 | DISEMBARKATION known habitats, but the presence
gone by. Your Expedition Team will help IN USHUAIA of any particular species of bird or
bring those days to life while you visit old You will arrive in Ushuaia in the marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
whaling stations and enjoy presentations morning, which allows for you to
on the South Georgia of then and now. continue your adventure onward
or catch your flights home.
4
Arrival & Departure Details
As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested in your arrival and
departure details. Since international air transportation is not included in the cost
of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to
extend your adventure beyond your polar expedition? On page 14, learn how to
add on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in your gateway city.
Arrival Day and Embarkation
ARRIVING IN USHUAIA
You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Ushuaia is a
destination worth exploring, so we do encourage you to arrive a day or two before
your expedition. Based on the arrival information you send us, we will arrange for
a transfer from the airport to your hotel.
A Quark Expeditions® representative will be available to answer your questions in
the lobby of your hotel in Ushuaia during your optional pre-departure briefing on
Day 1, at 6pm.
5
EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA
On the morning of Day 2, your luggage
Included Hotel Arrival and
will be collected from the lobby of your Accommodations Departure Transfers
hotel, transferred to the ship and stored Your included accommodation begins on USHUAIA AIRPORT TRANSFERS
in your cabin. Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific ARRIVAL: A group transfer in Ushuaia
hotel will be indicated on your final is included from the airport to your
Ship embarkation will occur on Day 2
voyage confirmation. If you are arriving included pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
of your itinerary, usually around 4pm.
prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are of your itinerary.
You and your shipmates will meet at a
staying after the disembarkation day
designated location near the pier, and DEPARTURE: A group departure transfer
and would like help booking a pre- or
board the waiting buses for transfer to is included from the ship to the airport
post-stay, please contact your preferred
the ship. Information about embarkation on the final day of your itinerary. If your
travel agent or Quark Expeditions® for
will be posted in your Ushuaia hotel and flight is later in the day, you may opt to
hotel options. As accommodation space
discussed during your optional pre- transfer to our luggage storage facility
is limited, you are encouraged to request
departure meeting on Day 1. instead and enjoy further activities in
any extra nights as early as possible.
Ushuaia on your own. Access to luggage
Final Day and Ushuaia accommodations range from storage is available until 6pm on the
hostels to mid- and high-range properties, disembarkation day only. You will need
Departure and hotel space is limited. Quark to arrange your own transfer to the
DISEMBARKATION IN Expeditions® endeavors to provide the airport if you do not take advantage of
USHUAIA AND ONWARD best possible accommodation within the included transfer or if you are leaving
Your ship is scheduled to arrive at the these parameters. A particular property Ushuaia after the disembarkation day.
pier in Ushuaia, usually between 7am cannot be guaranteed, but space is most In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that
and 8am. Once the ship has docked, often booked at Hotel Las Lengas, Hotel you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions®
you will bid farewell to your Expedition Los Acebos, and Albatros Hotel. at least 30 days prior to traveling.
Team and shipmates before completing
your disembarkation. The process takes
about an hour.
Weather conditions can always change
our arrival times, and airline schedule
changes have also been known to occur
in Argentina. Please book your flight
home from Ushuaia to depart as late
in the day as possible or at a date after
the end of your expedition. If you have
booked a flight that departs before 11am
on the date that your expedition ends,
you will be at risk of missing your flight.
Quark Expeditions® staff in Ushuaia will
reconfirm your domestic flight 48 hours
prior to disembarkation, provided you give
your information to our team ahead of time.
6
Your Ship
Quark Expeditions® boasts the largest
polar-class fleet of any polar operator,
and the ability to offer you this
incredible voyage on one of our ice
strengthened vessels.
The entire Quark Expeditions® fleet is
built for challenging polar environments,
allowing us to take you to places
ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t
dream of going.
7
WORLD EXPLORER
Much admired for its superb comfort and
amenities, the World Explorer—our first all-suites,
all-balcony ice-class ship—lets you discover
everything Antarctica has to offer, with the type
of service available only at premium hotels. The
World Explorer also provides plenty of areas, both
inside and out, to witness the incredible Antarctic
wildlife or simply watch the world go by. Enjoy
a spacious observation deck for taking in sights
outdoors, an observation lounge with panoramic
skyline views, a library for intimate relaxing and
reading, and the Explorer Lounge for a drink and
a chat. Presentations and discussions are held in
a dedicated lecture theater. Health and wellness
facilities feature an outdoor running track, small
gym and spa, plus a heated outdoor swimming
pool. With its new and environmentally sustainable
hybrid technology and state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce
engines and generators, the ship also boasts reduced
fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:
Staff & Crew: 125
Guests: 172
Lifeboats: 2, fully enclosed
Ice Class: 1B
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details.
8Included Activities
Ready for a little adventure beyond your PRESENTATIONS
ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage Enjoy daily chats with and presentations
offers a variety of recreational activities from our world-class onboard polar
to enhance your polar experience. experts—guides, scientists, naturalists,
historians and other special guests who
ZODIAC CRUISING
will introduce you to the fascinating
Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar
history, biology, ornithology, and
expeditions, taking you to places the
glaciology of the region, and much, much
ships can’t access, allowing you to reach
more.
remote shorelines, explore shallow
inlets and search for unique wildlife. POLAR PLUNGE
Expedition staff make stepping in and out This rite of passage, scheduled only once
of them safe and comfortable. per expedition, gives you the chance to
jump safely into the bracing Antarctic
HIKING
waters under the watchful eye of our
Hiking in Antarctica is free-form and
staff—and just about every single camera
supervised by our expert staff, who
on board!
set out a perimeter at each landing site
within which you are free to explore. PHOTOGRAPHY
While you hike, staff will be available to Documenting your voyage so you can
enhance your experience by answering take the memories home is a rewarding
questions about the wildlife, history experience. Our photography guides will
and geography of the area. Walking help you hone your skills to capture the
poles are provided at each landing for beauty of the polar regions.
your convenience. As there are a limited
More information about your Included Activities
number of poles available, please bring
and Adventure Options, including the necessary
your own if you require them on every experience, physical requirements and cost, is
landing, as some landing sites will offer available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser
more demanding options than others. or your travel professional.
9Adventure Options
SEA KAYAKING one-time paddle on our stable sit-on-
Imagine gliding across the surface of top kayaks—perfect for anyone with
a bay in the presence of icebergs and minimal or no kayaking experience.
glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is Rotating groups of passengers will
a great way to intimately explore your be taken out on calm days, with our
surroundings. A small group of kayakers expert guides always present to provide
will plan to go out multiple times per instruction and help connect you with
voyage as an alternative to shore landings the polar sea.
or Zodiac cruises.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
The number of opportunities to kayak Combining surfing with kayaking,
is weather dependent, and will be stand-up paddleboarding will give you a
conducted only during calm conditions. very personal and unique perspective on
Prior kayaking experience is required, Antarctica. Conducted in small groups—
and you must be able to do a wet exit in calm bays and harbors, in good
to participate. Beginners interested in weather conditions—and accompanied
kayaking should consider participating in by a safety Zodiac, one-time stand-
the Paddling Excursion. up paddleboarding excursions can be
PLEASE NOTE pre-booked in two consecutive priority
PADDLING EXCURSION
For all paid activities pre-booking groups. After the first two successful
If you’re interested in kayaking but
is required. We recommend outings, this activity will be offered
would like to try something a bit less
booking early as spaces fill quickly. via sign-up on board the ship on a
demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re
Please see your pre-departure first-come, first-served basis for any
the perfect candidate to sign up for a
book for a list of provided gear for subsequent outings.
each Adventure Option.
10Dates
Solar Eclipse 2021: Totality in Antarctica, with South Georgia
WORLD EXPLORER
Dates Days Start / End
ANTARCTIC 2021.22
NOV 26 – DEC 12, 2021 17 Ushuaia
11Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions Exclusions
ON ALL SHIPS, RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep DO NOT INCLUDE:
experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • International airfare
landings and other activities • A
ll miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Passport and applicable visa expenses
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the throughout the program • G
overnment arrival and departure taxes
daily program • All luggage handling aboard the ship not mentioned
• All shore landings as per the daily program • E
mergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers • Meals unless otherwise specified
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person • B
aggage, cancellation, interruption and medical
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • G
roup arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre- travel insurance—strongly recommended
throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any expedition hotel on Day 1 • Excess-baggage fees on international flights
dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • O
ne night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation • M
andatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing
Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of and cruising excursions, or any other gear not
kosher meals.) guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy mentioned
• Beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers • L
aundry, bar, massage services and other
cocoa available around the clock who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in personal charges, unless specified
• Formal and informal presentations by our standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not
• Phone and Internet charges
Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled be available.)
• V
oluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage
• A photographic journal documenting the expedition • Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
for expedition staff and shipboard crew
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Group
departure transfer upon disembarkation
• Additional overnight accommodation
landings and Zodiac cruising excursions in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage
• A
rrival and departure transfers, except
storage facility
where explicitly stated
• A
dventure Options not listed in
Included Activities
12Your Expedition Team
Special Guests
Our Expedition Leaders and their
teams bring diverse expertise in
subjects as varied as polar history,
marine biology, glaciology, ornithology
and photography. Their knowledge and
enthusiasm will greatly enhance your
immersion into the polar environment
and further deepen your connection to
the Antarctic.
With over 30 years of experience
bringing passengers to remote polar BABAK TAFRESHI DAVID BARON
regions and an industry leading staff- Award-winning science journalist- David Baron, author of “American
to-guest ratio, we know how to safely photographer Babak Tafreshi has Eclipse,” witnessed his first solar
handle the unexpected. Ensuring documented solar eclipses on seven eclipse in 1998. He experienced such
this hard earned experience is passed continents. He’s passionate about a visceral connection to the universe
on, our new expedition staff receive Earth and night sky photography, that it changed him forever. The
comprehensive training in Quark which he believes can act as a bridge veteran science journalist and radio
Academy, which provides hands-on between science, people and cultures broadcaster is also known for his
polar expedition training prior to any through their shared interest in hugely popular Ted Talk: “You owe
staff member’s first voyage as well as astronomy. Tafreshi is the night sky it to yourself to experience a total
ongoing training for experienced staff. photographer for National Geographic. solar eclipse.”
13Extend
Your Trip
PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION
TRIP EXTENSIONS
Since you’re traveling such a long way,
you may want to spend extra time in
Buenos Aires. We have a variety of pre-
and post-expedition packages in this
captivating city, known as the tango
capital of the world. Enjoy an extensive
city tour and take in a tango show
and breathtaking art. Savor Argentine
barbecue at a steakhouse, then stroll the
tree-lined boulevards and marvel at the
historic architecture. Take an extended
tour from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls,
and, if you’re daring, walk the catwalks
over the falls.
FROM TOP: Iguazú Falls; Recoleta Cemetery; Argentinean asado (barbecue)
14Meals on Board
If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily.
While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll
always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions
can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition.
Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are
served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing
our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive
top-quality meals during the course of your expedition.
Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open;
beer and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are
available around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits,
premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed
to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to
enjoy with your fellow shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.
15Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote regions, DANCO ISLAND
your Expedition Team must consider the Home to gentoo penguins, this small
sea, ice and weather to guide the route and dome-shaped island provides you with
itinerary details. The following sites are a a stunning view of the Errera Channel.
sample of what you may experience on your ENTERPRISE ISLAND
expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island
or shore landing. was once used by whalers. A Zodiac
cruise around the island passes a wrecked
Antarctic Peninsula whaling ship.
BROWN BLUFF HOPE BAY
A dormant volcano, Brown Bluff towers Three members of the Swedish Antarctic
2,225 feet (678 meters) over the rookeries Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in
of Adélie and gentoo penguins, which a hut on the shores of the bay. The hut
number in the thousands. These penguins is located close to the jetty of Esperanza
will create a symphony of background Station, an Argentine research station.
noise while you explore the bluff.
MELCHIOR ISLANDS
CIERVA COVE This group of low, glaciated islands
If one of your expedition goals is to in Dallmann Bay is where you may
witness incredible icebergs and sea see hauled-out male fur seals as they
ice, Cierva Cove is the place for you. A recuperate from their battles for
massive glacial face regularly calves into supremacy at the end of their
the bay, and the floating ice can be quite breeding season.
spectacular. Seals can be spotted on ice
floes, and later in the season, humpback
whales occasionally feed in the icy waters.
16MIKKELSEN HARBOR Paradise Bay, and was operated from 1951 queen of the Netherlands from 1890
Located on the south side of Trinity until it burned down in 1984. It has since to 1948. If you’re lucky, you may see
Island, Mikkelsen Harbor is a 1.86-mile been partially rebuilt and is used as a the humpbacks bubble-net feeding:
(3 km) wide bay surrounded by stunning summer research base. they exhale while swimming in circles,
ice cliffs. It was discovered by a Swedish trapping krill in a “net” of bubbles, and
PAULET ISLAND
Antarctic expedition in 1901–04, and is then swim straight up from below,
Located in the northwestern Weddell Sea,
surrounded by several reefs. Keep your mouths open, to engulf their prey.
Paulet Island is home to a large Adélie
camera close, as gentoo penguins and A truly astounding sight!
penguin rookery. With a volcanic cone
skuas, as well as Weddell, Antarctic fur,
that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), the island
leopard and crabeater seals, are often
reminds you that this was once a very South Shetland Islands
seen in the region.
active landscape. In addition to penguins, AITCHO ISLANDS
PARADISE BAY you may be interested in visiting a This group of small islands, some still
A wide bay and natural harbor on the historic hut built by members of unnamed, is situated in the northern
West Antarctic Peninsula, Paradise entrance of the English Strait. You can
the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of
Bay is also known as Paradise Harbor. often spot a great mix of wildlife in the
1901-04. A cross marks the grave site of
Mountains, glaciers and ice cliffs offer area, with gentoo and chinstrap penguins
Ole Wennersgaard, a member of the crew.
spectacular views. Icebergs regularly having established rookeries on the
calve from the glaciers, providing a place WILHELMINA BAY islands. Southern elephant and fur seals
for seals, penguins and seabirds to rest Humpback whales abound in “Whale- frequently haul out here, too.
and play. An Argentine research base, mina Bay,” as it’s nicknamed, and the
BAILY HEAD
Almirante Brown Base—named after scenery is spectacular. Sheer cliffs and
Also known as Rancho Point,
Admiral Guillermo Brown, father of glaciers surround the calm waters of the
Bailey Head is a rocky headland on
the Argentine Navy—is also located in protected bay, named after Wilhelmina,
the southeastern shore of Deception
17Island. Chinstrap penguins build nests PENDULUM COVE TELEFON BAY
on slopes leading to a high ridge that Geothermal waters are found along the Your Expedition Team will be happy
forms a natural amphitheater and shoreline of this Deception Island cove, to point out that this is where the most
provides a superb setting for landscape named for observations made on Earth’s recent evidence of volcanic eruption on
photography. gravity using pendulums in 1829 by a Deception Island can be seen.
British expedition. You may see steam TURRET POINT
HALF MOON ISLAND rising from the shore and “cooked” Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries
This crescent-shaped island was known krill floating on the surface due to the are found on this point, situated on the
to sealers as early as 1821. While they volcanically heated water. south coast of King George Island. The
tried to keep this productive location
PENGUIN ISLAND beaches here are often crowded with
secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore
Antarctica has two flowering plants, southern elephant, fur and Weddell seals
on this impressive island. Many Antarctic
both of which you can find on Penguin hauling out on the rocks.
birds breed here, including chinstrap
Island: Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia
penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, WHALER’S BAY
antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort
kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic To reach Whaler’s Bay, it is necessary
(Colobanthus quitensis). Chinstrap
terns and skuas. to sail through a narrow passage called
penguins, fur seals and southern elephant
HANNAH POINT Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used
seals can also be spotted here.
On the southern coast of Livingston by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part
Island at Hannah Point, you may see ROBERT POINT of a protected harbor created by the
chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, A beautiful spot for Zodiac cruising, this formation of the circular flooded caldera
along with the occasional breeding point was known to sealers as early as known as Deception Island. Along with
macaroni penguin. Due to the rather 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and waddling penguins and lounging seals,
congested area available to the nesting pintado petrels breed here, and whales you’ll see the rusting remains of whaling
penguins, we are able to visit here only may be seen in the surrounding waters. operations on the beach. Watch for steam
after January 10. along the shoreline from geothermic
activity when the tide is right.
18YANKEE HARBOUR overseas territory. Two of them are across the island in an attempt to find help
Gentoo penguins have established a curators of the South Georgia Museum, for their shipmates stranded on Elephant
rookery at this harbor, situated on the located in the former villa of the whaling Island. There is a small cemetery here,
southwest side of Greenwich Island. station manager. The local church, built with the graves of 14 whalers.
Here, you can see an abandoned for the whaling community, is the only
Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier building in Grytviken still used for its
that stretches along the east and north original purpose. Buried in the church
sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing cemetery is one of Antarctica’s most EXPEDITION SPIRIT
try pot is all that remains of the activity famous explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Embracing the unexpected is part
that brought men thousands of miles in at whose grave you can pay your respects. of the legacy—and excitement—of
tall ships to seek their fortune. expedition travel. When traveling
SALISBURY PLAIN
in extremely remote regions, your
One of the largest king penguin rookeries Expedition Team must consider
South Georgia on South Georgia is located on Salisbury the sea, ice and weather to guide
DRYGALSKI FJORD Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers the route and itinerary details. This
This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, flank the plain, creating a perfect itinerary is a tentative outline of what
with sharp and jagged peaks rising out of backdrop for photos. you may experience on this voyage;
the sea. Glaciation never reached the peaks, ST. ANDREW’S BAY please be aware that no specific
itinerary can be guaranteed. By the
giving Drygalski its unique landscape. Over 150,000 breeding pairs of king
same token, wildlife encounters
GOLD HARBOUR penguins nest at St. Andrew’s Bay—the
as described are expected, but
The backdrop to this harbor is the largest and fastest growing king penguin
not guaranteed. Your Expedition
hanging Bertrab Glacier. Thousands rookery on South Georgia, and a wildlife Team will use their considerable
of king and gentoo penguins call Gold spectacle to behold. experience to seek out wildlife in
Harbour home, as do rowdy elephant STROMNESS known habitats, but the presence
and fur seals. This abandoned whaling station was in of any particular species of bird or
full operation on the day in 1916 that Sir marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
GRYTVIKEN
Only a handful of people live, albeit Ernest Shackleton and his companions
temporarily, on South Georgia, a British staggered into it after a 36-hour trek
19Packing WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES
Polar weather is highly variable; temperatures may
hover around the freezing mark and winds can be
strong. The continuous daylight warms sheltered
Checklist
areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough
for t-shirts. However, you may also encounter snow
squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition so
you should be ready for any conditions.
WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the polar regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark
voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:
FOR ALL EXCURSIONS SUGGESTED ITEMS
Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
Mid-layer warm/fleece top Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge!)
Mid-layer warm/fleece pants Binoculars
Wool and synthetic socks (3 to 4 pairs) Camera with charger and extra batteries
Extra memory cards
Neck warmer or balaclava
Earplugs
Warm hat that covers ears
Eye masks for sleeping
Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride)
Moisturizer and lip balm (polar air can be drying)
Waterproof gloves and glove liners
Seasickness, indigestion, headache
Sunscreen
or other medicines as required
Sunglasses with UV protection
Voltage converters and plug adapters
Spare set of gloves (220V/European outlets)
Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
FOR ON BOARD
Comfortable casual clothing
(pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters)
Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm)
Comfortable non-slip close-toed unheeled shoes
(NOTE: Flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be
worn on board due to safety concerns)
20TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional PHOTO CREDITS: Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Grange Productions; Michelle Sole; Nicky Souness; EXPEDITION BROCHURE Samantha Crimmin, Sam Edmonds; Cindy Miller Hopkins; Rogelio Espinosa; Adobe Stock November 2019
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