THE CHANCE TO VISIT ANTARCTICA THIS FALL

07-27-2009

 

Guest’s Save More Than $3,500, No Single Surcharge, and a $400 Onboard Credit for a Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Antarctic Voyage  

 

July 27, 2009 - Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ 5-star ship MS HANSEATIC, the world’s highest ranked expedition ship, according to the 2009 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, is offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to observe the gigantic colonies of birds, particularly penguins as they gather for the start of their summer in Antarctica.  Passengers meet the ship in Buenos Aires (port of embarkation) and disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina, where guest will be flown back to Buenos Aires to meet their flights home.  This 20-day cruise departs on November 11 and ends on December 1, 2009.  In addition to observing the massive bird colonies, guests will also have the opportunity to hike on the Falkland Islands, explore South Georgia, bath in the hot springs on Deception Island, observe the gleaming icebergs and whales in the Antarctic Sound and weather permitting take a zodiac landing on the legendary Cape Hoorn.  With the discounts now running, guests purchasing a category 1 outside cabin will get automatically upgraded to a category 3 or higher cabin, which is over $3,500 worth of savings, will receive a €300 credit (approx. $420) that can be used onboard, and single travelers pay no single cabin surcharge in cabin category 2-5.

November, the summer in Antarctica, is the ideal time to observe bird life close-up and in abundance.  By assembling in colonies, and huddling together, the penguins keep warm and help raise their young, who in only a few months will be alone during the perpetual darkness of the Antarctic winter, in March and April.

In addition to observing close-up encounters with the penguins and their young, guests will get to observe the fascinating fur seals. More than two million fur seals cavort on the flat coasts of South Georgia. Guests will marvel at the bulls, which surround themselves with a harem of four to five females. With a little bit of luck, guests will even see the female fur seals nursing their young during their Zodiac landings.

The HANSEATIC was created to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for a maximum of 184 guests.  Outer cabins measure 237 sq. ft. and suites measure a very comfortable 474 sq. ft.  Each cabin features a complimentary TV information network with private e-mail, movies on demand and radio and cruise information. Internet is available in the business center (at an additional charge). The culinary experience includes mouth-watering menus in the main restaurant and an exotic ethno dinner. The ship also has a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness center.  Also shallow drafts and high manoeuvrability allow the ships to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach. Guests explore the world’s best-kept secrets by making shore landings in Zodiacs (small motorized boats). Those 14 versatile Zodiacs, with only 10-12 guests per boat, allow passengers to navigate closely to natural habitats in complete safety. Onboard lecturers include a team of experienced scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings and offer guests the rare opportunity to observe plant and animal life up close. The lecturers also offer guests’ pre-and post excursion recaps, special onboard seminars with microscopes and individual meetings throughout the cruise.

Trip Logistics:

Dates: November 11, 2009 - December 1, 2009 (20 Days)

Embarkation: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Disembarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina

Rate: $13,325* per person based on double occupancy for a guaranteed outside cabin in category 3 ($17,030) or higher, at a category 1 rate

RATE INCLUDES: An outside cabin, full board, onboard credit of €300

(Approx. $420), flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, all tips on board, lectures by experienced experts, flat screen monitors in every room with email access, mini bar filled with soft drinks, all zodiac trips and ship fuel surcharge  

EXCLUDES: Airfare to/from Buenos Aires, transfers

For more information on other HANSEATIC’S ‘09 bilingual itineraries, visit www.hl-cruises.com.  

For bookings, inquiries or to request a brochure please contact: 

Air Travel Marketing Services, Inc. 1800- 888-0200

Euro Lloyd Travel Group, Inc.: 1800-782-3924

Kartagener Associates, Inc: 1-877-445-7447

 

*Rate based on availability

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