13-day Polar Circle Quest

Departures: Feb 1, 2011 & Feb 13, 2011

Welcome aboard this special Antarctic expedition to a rarely visited area of the Antarctic Peninsula on the MS Fram, a polar expedition vessel of unmatched sophistication. During your Antarctica expedition the ship will attempt to pass the Polar Circle and ply farther south into historic Marguerite Bay. This area is off-limits to most other ships and home to some of Antarctica's most pristine scenery. During your voyage you will learn about the history, biology, and geology of this mysterious land. Board PolarCirkel boat landings where you will enjoy close-up looks at research facilities, penguin colonies and historical sites. From the Fram's unique passenger bridge you will marvel at Antarctica's mountains and icebergs. All told this will be an unrivaled Antarctic expedition filled with exploration and discovery!

Depart Buenos Aires on your charter flight to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia for your 5 p.m. embarkation aboard the MS Fram. An evening departure that marks the beginning of your Antarctica expedition.

During this crossing of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands you will be immersed in Antarctica's history, environment, and wildlife through a number of informative lectures.

The "White Continent," more than half the size of North America, is an endless wilderness. Weather, wind, and ice conditions will determine the exact program and schedule, with a planned sail crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33' south to Marguerite Bay. Rarely visited even by Antarctic standards, the bay is dotted with ice-covered islands and surrounded by pristine mountains. It is also home to the only known breeding colony of Emperor penguins on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. There are several bases in Marguerite Bay, both old and new. Your journey may also include visits to some of the following places:

• Deception Island—One of the world's best natural harbors, this volcanic land is the home to Whaler's Bay, an abandoned whaling station.
• Half Moon Island—The cliffs house Chinstrap penguins, Antarctic terns, Kelp gulls, and other indigenous birds.
• Yankee Harbour—Home to around 4,000 breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins and rife with seals, photographic opportunities abound.
• Cuverville Island—This island boasts the largest known colony of Gentoos in Antarctica.
• Neko Harbour—This small bay is a favorite Minke whale feeding ground.
• Paradise Harbour—Named for its beauty it is home to Gentoos and Chinstraps as well as Argentine and Chilean bases.
• Lemaire Channel—Nicknamed "Kodak Gap", it is considered one of the most beautiful passages in Antarctica—with Humpback and Killer whales, Elephant seals and all types of penguins.
• Petermann Island—Only one ship at a time is allowed to enter this Island, favored by the southernmost Gentoo colony as well as Blue-eyed shags (Imperial cormorants) and Adelie penguins.

Other highlights of this portion of this Antarctica exploration include:

• Port Lockroy—where you can visit a museum run by the Antarctic Heritage Trust and mail postcards stamped and canceled with rare Antarctic stamps and frank.
• Wilhelmina Bay—scenic resting place of Norwegian whaling ship Guvernoren, which ran aground and burned here in 1915.
• Antarctic Sound—dubbed "Iceberg Alley," it's a startling assortment of floating ice, including mile-long tabular icebergs.
• Brown Bluff— a 2,450-foot-high cliff at the tip of the peninsula that draws Adelie and Gentoo penguins, Kelp gulls and Weddell seals.

This day will be filled with unforgettable images and memorable experiences as you cross the 600-mile-plus Drake Passage back to Ushuaia. During this journey there will be a number of lectures recapping your Antarctic experience.

Disembark at Ushuaia after breakfast. Transfer for your flight to Buenos Aires and enjoy a day of exploration on your own.

Voyage price includes 1 night hotel pre and post cruise as well as a roundtrip charter flight Buenos Aires - Ushuaia.

*Cabin category H is equipped for physically challenged guests.

*Cabin category H is equipped for physically challenged guests.

USD Air/Land/Sea Rates valid for North, Central and South American residents only. Early Booking Rates include air and hotel as noted, capacity controlled and subject to withdrawl without notice. Cruise fuel surcharge is additional and will be advised at time of booking.

Single supplement (cruise portion only). Separate single supplement appplies to land portion. 75%
Discount per person for 3 or 4 passengers in stateroom (cruise portion only) 15%
Child Discount (cruise portion only) 25%

Hurtigruten explorations, including an Antarctic expedition await. Request a brochure or contact a travel agent. Embark on a journey of exploration, adventure and luxury with Hurtigruten, authentic voyages to pristine lands.