Silver Explorer Encounters Rough Seas and Damage on Antarctic Voyage

Silversea Cruise Silver Explorer Encountered Rough Seas in Antarctic - She is seen here sailing in calmer waters.

 On 1/16 Silversea Cruises announced that thier Expedition ship, Silver Explorer encountered rough seas while sailing to South Georgia and Antarctic.

The ship did suffer damage, but the cruise line was not forthcoming with the extent of the damage. The ship is reportedly sailing under her own power. Her propulsion and steering system is functioning as well as the generators for lights and heat. The ship  is heading back to Ushuaia. Argentina and an exact arrival time has not been disclosed.

All of the 133 passengers and 113 crew are safe but 4 crew members were injured.Silversea has given passengers access to the internet to let family at home know they are safe.

The Silversea has stated that the next voyage for the Silver Explorer (scheduled to sail on 1/21) has been cancelled.
 
Unfortunately this part of the South Atlantic is know for its rough seas and numerous ships have sustained damage during the short season in these most southern waters.

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Quark Expeditions Announces Addition of the Ocean Diamond

Quark Expeditions announced a new addition to its fleet.

The 189-passenger polar expedition vessel will set sail in November 2012 for the Antarctic 2012-2013 season. Before commencing service with Quark, the ship, currently known as Le Diamant, will be renamed Ocean Diamond and undergo an extensive refurbishment.

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Hurtigruten Offers Discount on Antartic Cruises

Guests can enjoy early booking savings of up to 20% on five exciting Antarctic exploration voyages offered by award-winning cruise company, Hurtigruten, if booked by Dec. 31, 2011.

These once-in-a-lifetime voyages, aboard the purpose-built expedition ship MS Fram, explore the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest destination on earth. The size of the ship allows guest a more intimate experience – leaning on its rails as gleaming icebergs pass by, taking in blue whales and orcas feeding nearby, and standing near penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands. Reduced pricing for the 10- to 19-day, Nov. 2012 through Feb. 2013 sailings range from $5,567 to $13,719 per person, double, and includes accommodation in cabin or suite of choice; flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires; Ushuaia transfers; all meals onboard; expert guides and lecturers; wind and water-resistant coat; and numerous PolarCirkel boat landings.

· The 17-day “Christmas Expedition” celebrates the season with traditional carols, festive meals, Santa Claus visits and a New Year's gala as guests travel round-trip from Buenos Aires on a route that navigates the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and several ports in Antarctica. Prices for the Dec. 17 departure range from $8,257 to $13,719 with savings.

· The 13-day “Polar Circle Expedition” and the shorter 10-day “Classic Expedition” focus solely on Antarctica, sailing through the Drake Passage to landings that immerse guests in the remote landscape and exotic wildlife of The White Continent. The “Polar Circle Expedition” spends its extra days traveling as far south as the Antarctic Circle, departing Feb. 1, 2013 with discounted prices of $7,366 to $12,743. Reduced rates for the “Classic Expedition” range from $5,567 to $9,814 for five departures between Nov. 29 and Jan. 11.

· The 13-day “Weddell Sea Expedition” follows the path forged by British Captain James Weddell, who reached 74º latitude in 1823 - a first for explorations, and resulted in scientific discoveries that covered extensive ground in biology, zoology, geology, meteorology and magnetism. Priced with savings, the Jan. 20 sailing is $7,366 to $12,743.

· Guests on the 19-day “In the Realm of the Great Explorers” explore the same areas visited by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, a prominent figure during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. In addition to Antarctica, the voyage takes in the sub-Arctic eco-system of the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia, home to the largest king penguin colony in the world. The Feb. 22 departure date offers reduced prices from $5,940 to $11,618.

Hurtigruten’s MS Fram accommodates 318 guests (allowing no more than 200 for the Antarctica sailings) in suites and staterooms and features a restaurant, two bars, panoramic lounges library, an Internet café and conference rooms. The early-booking savings can be combined with discounts available in the 1893 Ambassador Program, Hurtigruten’s customer loyalty program, which includes 5% off Explorer Voyages to Antarctica in addition to exclusive discounts and recognition benefits for members.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway's coast and Europe in the spring and fall. The company’s fleet of 13 intimate ships, carrying 100 to 646 passengers, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.

Compagnie du Ponant Announces Flight Credits On Antarctica Itineraries

Compagnie du Ponant has announced flight credits of $700 per person ($1,400 per cabin) on seven of its 11- and 16-day Antarctica itineraries aboard the new 264-passenger twin mega-yachts: L’Austral and Le Boréal. The credit allows for substantial savings from the cost of flights to and from Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city, and jumping off point for Antarctica cruises. The round trip sailings, November 2011 through February 2012, take in the “White Continent’s” majestic landscape of glaciers and icebergs as well as exotic wildlife as the yachts travel through the famous Drake Passage, and make several Antarctica landings including Paradise Bay, Culverville, Deception Island and Neko Harbor – and, on the longer itinerary, South Georgia and the Falklands. Fares of $4,860 to $18,078 per person, double on the 11- and 16-day sailings are currently up to 20% below brochure fares ($6,075 to $24,103) on the shoulder season departures due to the company’s unique Ponant Bonus program -- the more in advance the booking, the greater the savings. Flight credits are good on new cruise bookings through December 31, 2011 when U.S. or Canadian origination flights are booked through the Miami reservations office.

The recent change in the rules governing Antarctica cruising now allows only environmental secure vessels to visit this remote scenic wonder and Compagnie du Ponant is leading the way. Making use of the world’s two newest mega-yachts, the 18-month-old Le Boréal and recently debuted L’Austral -- named “Best New Ship of the Year” by the European Cruiser Association – allows guests to go ashore in the rugged environment while still enjoying the comfort of luxurious surroundings. Adding to the depth of the experience is the accompaniment of notable lecturers and naturalists, including polar expedition guide Nicolas Dubreuil; Marco Favero, whose has a Doctorate on Antarctic seabird ecology; Louis Justin, who shares his knowledge of the history of exploration and the sciences that made geographical discoveries possible; and Sophie Favrolt, a historian of art and a lecturer approved by the French National Museums Union.

Each port reveals the breathtaking landscape and wildlife unique to this rarely visited region, from the flora and fauna of Tierra del Fuego National Park to the 20,000 Adelie penguin couples in Brown Bluff. Other possible ports in Antarctica include Paradise Bay, a haven for sea mammals such as seals, orcas, whales and sea elephants; Lemaire Channel, a narrow passageway surrounded by towering cliffs; and Deception Island, home to colonies of Chinstrap Penguins. The ship’s fleet of zodiacs allows travelers to get up-close-and-personal with these natural wonders as they navigate within feet of towering icebergs and into the heart of penguin colonies. In addition to these stops, guests on the 16-day voyage will get the chance to observe majestic King Penguins and other impressive birdlife for which South Georgia and the Falkland Islands are known.

Compagnie du Ponant’s dual vision of luxury travel and environmental consciousness allows for a multitude of top-of-the-line amenities while also enjoying the highly regarded “clean ship” label due to their numerous eco-friendly features: dynamic-positioning, advanced waste water treatment, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and underwater detection system, making them ideal sailing vessels for the highly-regulated Antarctica environment.

The 466-foot Le Boréal and L’Austral mega-yachts offer guests the feeling of sailing on their own private yacht as they explore off-the-beaten­-path destinations. Each ship boasts knowledgeable and friendly staff, two restaurants, several spacious lounges, theater, games area, two open-air bars, a swimming pool, library, fitness area, comprehensive spa in partnership with Paris’s Sothys (L’Austral) and Carita (Le Boreal) and a staff to guest ratio of greater than 1:2. The 132 well-appointed staterooms, 124 with private balconies, have king size or twin beds, desk, minibar, dressing table, marble baths with showers, L’Occitane products and all the latest technology, including flat screen satellite TVs and Wi-Fi.

Included in all sailings are all meals (wine, beer and soda during meals), entertainment, excursions, Captain’s welcome, farewell parties, 24-hour room service and all lectures, guides, naturalists and expedition leaders. Port charges/taxes, gratuities and transfers are additional.

Established in 1988, Compagnie du Ponant is a member of both La Charte Bleue d’Armateurs de France and IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators), all of Compagnie du Ponant’s cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna.

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Hurtigruten Offers 50% Off A Companion's Cruise Fare On "Shackelton's Holiday Voyage"

June 2010 -- Home to 90% of the world's ice and near as many penguins, Antarctica is as unique a destination as can be found to exchange gifts and celebrate the holidays -- with its pristine environment, sun-light polar nights, abundant wildlife, and glaciers that seem to go on forever. But Hurtigruten isn't waiting until then to deliver a gift to travelers -- offering a 50% discount on the cruise portion of the companion's fare on its 17-day "Shackleton's Holiday Voyage." Booking the December 17, 2010 departure by Sept. 15 saves the companion $4,254 to $9,182 (or in the spirit of the holiday - $2,127 to $4,591 per person in a shared cabin). The festive sailing follows much of the same path as Shackleton's original Endurance Expedition of 1914 -- considered one of history's greatest survival stories -- navigating the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands and visits whaling stations, beautiful Drygalski Fjord on South Georgia Island and the even more remote South Orkneys before heading to Antarctica.

Regular fares are $9,863 to $19,720 per person, double and include all meals onboard, the services of expert naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, round-trip air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia (air not included in the discount), PolarCirkel boat landings, and port fees. This savings offer is combinable with Hurtigruten's Repeater discount - 10% savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years. There are six other Antarctica itineraries (10 departures total) during the November - February season, ranging from 10 to 19 days.

Guests are treated to all of the holiday fanfare including traditional carols, Norwegian glogg (mulled wine), Santa Claus, and a special Christmas breakfast. Cocktails and appetizers set the stage for a New Year's Eve dinner followed by a festive midnight celebration. Of course, this is all mingled with the sight of blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the passenger's perch aboard the world's most deluxe exploration ship - the 318-berth, ice-rated MS Fram - and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands.

Travelers depart Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and sail to the Falklands, an archipelago consisting of more than 740 islands and a breeding ground for millions of seabirds, as well as home to King and other penguin species. In South Georgia, passengers disembark at the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken and visit the South Georgia Museum, a treasure trove of the island’s culture; Cooper Bay, known for its Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins; and the cemetery, where young Elephant seal pups, King and Gentoo penguins and timid Pintail ducks are likely to be spotted. The ship then takes guests by the Washington Strait and Coronation Island, the largest of the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea, before setting course towards Elephant Island and Antarctica.

June 2010 -- Home to 90% of the world's ice and near as many penguins, Antarctica is as unique a destination as can be found to exchange gifts and celebrate the holidays -- with its pristine environment, sun-light polar nights, abundant wildlife, and glaciers that seem to go on forever. But Hurtigruten isn't waiting until then to deliver a gift to travelers -- offering a 50% discount on the cruise portion of the companion's fare on its 17-day "Shackleton's Holiday Voyage." Booking the December 17, 2010 departure by Sept. 15 saves the companion $4,254 to $9,182 (or in the spirit of the holiday - $2,127 to $4,591 per person in a shared cabin). The festive sailing follows much of the same path as Shackleton's original Endurance Expedition of 1914 -- considered one of history's greatest survival stories -- navigating the western-most outposts of the Falkland Islands and visits whaling stations, beautiful Drygalski Fjord on South Georgia Island and the even more remote South Orkneys before heading to Antarctica.

Regular fares are $9,863 to $19,720 per person, double and include all meals onboard, the services of expert naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, round-trip air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia (air not included in the discount), PolarCirkel boat landings, and port fees. This savings offer is combinable with Hurtigruten's Repeater discount - 10% savings for passengers who sailed on any Hurtigruten ship in the past three years. There are six other Antarctica itineraries (10 departures total) during the November - February season, ranging from 10 to 19 days.

Guests are treated to all of the holiday fanfare including traditional carols, Norwegian glogg (mulled wine), Santa Claus, and a special Christmas breakfast. Cocktails and appetizers set the stage for a New Year's Eve dinner followed by a festive midnight celebration. Of course, this is all mingled with the sight of blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the passenger's perch aboard the world's most deluxe exploration ship - the 318-berth, ice-rated MS Fram - and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands.

Travelers depart Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and sail to the Falklands, an archipelago consisting of more than 740 islands and a breeding ground for millions of seabirds, as well as home to King and other penguin species. In South Georgia, passengers disembark at the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken and visit the South Georgia Museum, a treasure trove of the island’s culture; Cooper Bay, known for its Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins; and the cemetery, where young Elephant seal pups, King and Gentoo penguins and timid Pintail ducks are likely to be spotted. The ship then takes guests by the Washington Strait and Coronation Island, the largest of the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea, before setting course towards Elephant Island and Antarctica.

A broad range of landfall opportunities await in Antarctica – Half Moon Island, a rookery for Chinstrap penguins; Port Lockroy, where postcards postmarked "Antarctica" can be purchased; Whaler's Bay with its warm springs and black volcanic sand; Paradise Harbor and its stunning views of snowy peaks, ice cliffs and sculpted bergs; Lemaire Channel, one of Antarctica's most beautiful passages, where humpback and killer whales and Elephant seals are common sights; and numerous others. As the MS Fram sails through the Drake Passage, guests can enjoy a view of Cape Horn, South America’s southernmost point, while learning about the region from expert onboard lecturers. The ship disembarks at Ushuaia and guests fly onto Buenos Aires, where they are free to explore the city.

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Hurtigruten's Offers Christmas, New Years Cruise in Antartica

21-Day Cruise Visits Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, South Orkneys, Antarctica, Drake Passage And More

August 2009 -- Hurtigruten, an industry leader in expedition cruising known for its once-in-a-lifetime voyages, is offering an all-inclusive package with all of the trimmings for the Christmas season. Hurtigruten’s festive 21-Day Christmas and New Years - Antarctica cruise-tour, departing December 19, 2009 celebrates the holiday season with traditional Norwegian Christmas breakfasts and dinners, onboard musicians, Christmas carols and a Santa Claus laden with gifts -- all against a backdrop of stunning Antarctic landscapes. Prices for the trip start at $9,848 per person, double, and include round-trip airfare from JFK or Miami to Buenos Aires, all meals onboard, the services of expert naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers, PolarCirkel boat landings, pre- and post-cruise nights in Buenos Aires and port fees. This offer can be booked using Hurtigruten's interest-free "Layaway Getaway" monthly payment plan.

From the sight of blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the world's most deluxe exploration ship, MS Fram, and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands, to the sheer magnitude of the gleaming icebergs inhabiting the icy Antarctic waters, guests are given a rare view of the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent.

Travelers depart Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, aboard the 318-berth, ice-rated MS Fram and sail to the Falklands, an archipelago consisting of more than 740 islands and a breeding ground for millions of seabirds, as well as home to King and other penguin species. In South Georgia, passengers disembark at the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken and visit the South Georgia Museum, a treasure trove of the island’s culture; Cooper Bay, known for its Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins; and the cemetery, where young Elephant seal pups, King and Gentoo penguins and timid Pintail ducks are likely to be spotted. The ship then takes guests by the Washington Strait and Coronation Island, the largest of the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea, before setting course towards Elephant Island and Antarctica.

A broad range of landfall opportunities await in Antarctica – Cuverville Island, with the largest known colony of Gentoo penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula; Whaler's Bay with its warm springs and black volcanic sand; Paradise Harbor and its stunning views of snowy peaks, ice cliffs and sculpted bergs; the Antarctic Sound, where mile-long icebergs can be seen; Brown Bluff, frequented by Weddell seals; and just a few. As the MS Fram sails through the Drake Passage, guests can enjoy a view of Cape Horn, South America’s southernmost point, while learning about the region from expert onboard lecturers. The ship disembarks at Ushuaia and guests fly onto Buenos Aires, where they are free to go off on their own or take optional excursions such as the guided city tour, exploring popular areas from the designer boutiques of trendy Palermo to the cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses of the “Old Town.”

Air add-ons is available from dozens of North American gateways. Airline fuel surcharges and taxes, and gratuities are additional. For those interested in a similar cruise at a later date, Hurtigruten also offers the 22-Day Antarctica/ South Georgia Falklands & Malvinas cruise departing in February.

Luxury Operator Crystal Cruises Antartica Farewell

May 21, 2009 – This holiday season marks the last call for Crystal Cruises’ award-winning ships to Antarctica. Beginning in 2011, a proposed ban on the carriage of certain fuel oils on board will effectively prohibit the sailing of most passenger vessels in the Antarctic.

Crystal Symphony’s December 20 Christmas/New Year cruise is the only time Crystal will be cruising the region in 2009 and 2010. The 19-day journey departs from Buenos Aires to Valparaíso with visits to several ports in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, including the breathtaking Chilean Fjords and Cape Horn.

“There’s no more exciting destination to spend the holidays than Antarctica, among the snow and stunning wildlife,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Additionally, while Antarctica can offer a magical ‘white Christmas,’ it’s summer in South America, allowing guests to enjoy two beautiful seasons on the same itinerary.”

Ashore, adventurous guests have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly to King George Island and walk on Antarctica, take a helicopter to a humpback whale sanctuary, enjoy a 4 x 4 expedition to a King penguin colony, and trek the mountains of Chile.

The Antarctic Holiday cruise can be taken as part of a 62-day voyage, roundtrip from Miami that makes a complete circumference of South America, including an exploration of the Amazon. Guests can customize their vacation with an All Inclusive – As You Wish spending credit of up to $6,000 per couple.

Visit the line’s website, crystalcruises.com.

CruiseWest To Offer Luxury Antarctica Cruise in 2010

Continuing to add exciting new destinations to its global offerings, exploration cruise line Cruise West (http://www.cruisewest.com/) is pleased to announce that it is adding an exclusive, 19-night Antarctica expedition to its product line-up for 2010.

On board the 114-guest, all-suite Corinthian II, a very select group of guests will have the opportunity to explore the very best that the most remote continent on earth has to offer. Ports of calls and sites include the Falkland, South Georgia and Orkney Islands as well as the Antarctic Peninsula and the myriad of islands that dot its shore.

“Cruise West is making a conscientious effort to keep itinerary offerings fresh and intriguing, said President and CEO Dietmar R. Wertanzl. “We are seeking out destinations that complement our core products, create excitement for repeat guests and appeal to new guests – so introducing Antarctica was a natural progression. The Corinthian II is a sister ship to our Spirit of Oceanus, so we know our repeat guests will feel right at home.”

Diversity – in cultures, landscape and temperatures – will be one of the hallmarks of this maiden voyage as guests begin their adventure in luxury at the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Hotel in Buenos Aires before departing for the quaint, southernmost city in South America, Ushuaia. After boarding the Corinthian II, guests will gain fascinating insight on the flora, fauna, history and geology via presentations by an expert staff of eight naturalists. In the tradition of Cruise West’s up-close, casual and personal style, guests will have extraordinary opportunities to view Rockhopper penguins in the remote British outpost of the Falkland Islands; thousands of King penguins and nesting grounds of wandering albatross in South Georgia, while simultaneously admiring the water-loving larger species of whales, fur seals, elephant seals and the icebergs and glaciers that surround them.

Antarctica, owned by no country but managed under a 46-country scientific treaty, is the fifth largest continent on the planet while remaining the least populated. Its exotic remoteness combined with legendary stories of exploration and adventure spur on the fantasies of armchair travelers and documentary-watchers all over the globe; for 114 Cruise West guests, the fantasy has now become an attainable reality.

Cruise West’s 19-night maiden voyage to Antarctica will depart February 7, 2010. Prices start at $13,899 (US dollars); save $1,000/person, based on double occupancy, by booking and paying in full by May 1, 2009.