Antarctica Each Antarctic spring, the curtains part to reveal
a gargantuan drama. As the sea ice melts, releasing the continent from
winter's frozen grip, millions upon millions of penguins, sea birds and
seals pour from the ocean to breed along the continent's shores. Pods
of whales move south to feed in the surrounding nutrient rich waters.
We are often asked what compels
us to return to Antarctica year after year. The answer is simple.
Ice-choked bays near the Antarctic Circle.
(Antarctica - Photo by Greg Mortimer)
Antarctica personifies nature bold and barefaced;
her power and beauty are at once humbling, confronting, exhilarating...
and totally intoxicating. Indeed Antarctica touches the soul like no other
place on earth. The pace can be as fast as an ice wall cracking and tumbling
into the sea or as slow as an advancing glacier.
A morning may find us at a
penguin rookery in dazzling sunshine, surrounded by hundreds of thousands
of breeding birds. Hours later we may be cruising in a Zodiac, mesmerized
by the electric blue depths of a magnificently sculpted iceberg. Evening
may find us sitting alone atop a snow-clad slope in an apricot twilight,
enveloped by potent silence.
Each voyage we make has the
thrill of discovery - the potential to unlock another closely held secret
of the world's most remote and least known continent. Join us on a voyage
that may well change the way you see the world. There are many exciting
places that we may visit on the Antarctic Peninsula. A sample of these
follows:
Hannah Point, Livingston Island A unique landing place on the Peninsula - a tiny
toe of land that is literally alive with wildlife. Here we will find two
species of penguins breeding, Chinstraps and Gentoo. Sometimes there are
a few vagrant Macaroni penguins nesting as well. It is not uncommon to
find wallows of elephant seals
Enjoying the spectacular scenery. (Antarctica
- Photo by Greg Mortimer)
that are 60 beasts strong. On the ridgeline, Giant Petrels
are nesting. The vegetation consists of mosses, lichens and the only grass species
that grows in Antarctica. All of this is set in a stunning position, underneath
long black scree slopes, at the foot of the mountains and glaciers of Livingston
Island.
Half Moon Island A wildlife-rich island, tucked into a neat bay
at the eastern end of Livingston Island. On a clear day the glaciers and
mountains of Livingston Island dominate the scene. There is a large Chinstrap
penguin rookery tucked in between basaltic turrets colored by yellow and
orange lichens. Gulls nest on the turrets, and fur seals and elephant
seals rest on the pebble beaches. At one extremity of the island, there
is a large colony of nesting Blue-eyed Shags. At the other, a small Argentine
scientific station conducts research on the penguin colony and ecology
of the surrounding waterways.
Deception Island Visiting Deception Island is like making a journey
to the moon. We enter the volcanic crater, on board the ship, through
the narrow opening of Neptune's Bellows. Inside is an unworldly scene,
virtually devoid of life. Glaciers flow down from the edge of the crater,
littered by black volcanic ash.
We can explore the lifeless remains of a derelict whaling
station and a vacant British base or climb to the rim of the crater. Steam
rises from the shore indicating that the water is actually warm enough
for a swim, for those who dare. Outside the crater, if conditions allow,
we will land at the enormous Chinstrap penguin rookery that was featured
in David Attenborough's "Life in the Freezer" series.
Paradise Harbour A protected bay surrounded by magnificent peaks and
spectacular glaciers. Rocky cliffs provide perfect nesting sites for Blue-eyed
Shags, terns and gulls. The serenity of Paradise Bay envelops us after the
sound of the anchor dropping fades. This is a haven for whales, and we sometimes
meet humpbacks and minkes as we explore the bay in Zodiacs. Imagine being
so close to a whale that your vision is momentarily blurred by the fishy spray
of his exhalation when he surfaces to blow. Words cannot describe the experience.
Lemaire Channel If the weather and ice conditions allow us to
travel this far south, one of the highlights of our voyage will be standing
on the bow of the Polar Pioneer as we quietly move through the narrow
Lemaire Channel. Cliffs tower 700 meters (2,300 feet) directly above the
ship. The water is so still that
perfect reflections are mirrored on the surface.
Gigantic icebergs often clog the channel, creating interesting navigation
challenges for the captain and crew and, at times, even obstructing our
passage.
Elephant Island If the weather is favorable, we will set course
for Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet
at the outer limits of the South Shetlands. After their ship, the Endurance,
was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, Ernest Shackleton and his
men climbed into three open boats and finally, on April 14, 1916, made
landfall on this tiny outcropping of rock and ice in the vastness of the
Southern Ocean. The men had not been on land for sixteen months! We may
sail past Cape Valentine to see the beach where the men first put ashore.
Weather conditions permitting, we will follow the coastline six miles
west to Point Wild to make a landing where the men eventually set up camp
under two of their upturned open boats and some old tents.
Paulet Island This tiny volcanic island forms the nesting grounds
of some 120,000 pairs of Adelie penguins, and the surrounding seas literally
seethe with penguins! There is also a Blue-eyed Shag colony,
Poking our nose into the Weddell Sea. (Weddell
Sea, Antarctica - Photo by Greg Mortimer)
situated at one end of Paulet's long beach front. Leopard
seals are often seen cruising offshore, hoping to pick up a penguin snack. Weddell
seals sometimes stretch out here for a quiet nap on the beach. Apart from its
teeming wildlife, Paulet is also rich in the history of Antarctic exploration.
Twenty-two men of Larsen's ship, the Antarctic, arrived here on February 28,
1903 after their ship had sunk. The men wintered on Paulet, living on penguins
and seals, until eventually Larsen and five of the men rowed across Erebus and
Terror Gulf to be reunited with members of Otto Nordenskjold's geological exploration
party.
View Point, Duse Bay View Point is one of the few places where we may
be able to set foot on the Antarctic continent proper. An old British
hut was built here in 1953 and an Argentine refuge hut was established
a few years later. In front of the old hut are the remains of crabeater
seal carcasses, which provided food for the sledge dogs used by the men.
Thanks to the cold conditions, the hut looks just as it did all those
years ago - a fascinating place to get a feeling for the old days of Antarctic
exploration.
Brown Bluff Situated on the eastern side of Tabarin Peninsula,
the spectacular 745 meter (2,450 foot) promontory of Brown Bluff towers
over some 20,000 nesting pairs of Adelie penguins and hundreds of Gentoos.
Kelp gulls screech overhead, while the upper slopes are inhabited by nesting
skuas, snow petrels and pintados. Brown Bluff's volcanic origins have
created some fantastically shaped boulders
that lie scattered across the ash beach and make colorful nesting sites
for some of the penguins. The unusual shapes of the boulders are sometimes
mirrored by sculpted offshore icebergs.
James Clark Ross Island Separated from Trinity Peninsula by Prince Gustav
Channel, the beaches and rocks of this mighty island are volcanic and
sedimentary and are an absolute paradise for anyone interested in geology.
The beaches are populated with kelp gulls while Antarctic terns and skuas
nest on the island's higher slopes. Many of the island's rocks are decorated
with bright red and orange lichens, presenting fantastic photographic
opportunities. Ice floes in the surrounding waters provide temporary floating
homes for Weddell and leopard seals. We may walk up to Hidden Lake, following
a stream rich in fossilized remains of deciduous trees, ferns and even
clam shells. If ice conditions and time permit, we may also circumnavigate
this fantastic island, a feat not often accomplished.
Devil Island This very rarely visited island was named for
its two striking peaks or 'horns' and is the nesting site for some 10,000
pairs of Adelie penguins. If weather conditions permit, we may walk up
a scree slope to the top of the island's western peak. A few hundred meters
in height, the summit provides superb views into Erebus and Terror Gulf.
On the upper slopes we may even see nesting snow petrels and Wilson's
storm petrels. For those who are less active, the comings and goings of
penguins on the beach and the attendant
skua population provide endless fascination. There are often large numbers
of grounded icebergs offshore, and we may visit some of them in our Zodiacs.
Larsen Ice Shelf Antarctica's most conspicuous geographical feature
is ice. Glaciers slowly make their way down to the sea from towering mountain
peaks and ridges. If conditions permit, we will attempt to make our way
south to cruise along parts of the spectacular Larsen Ice Shelf, which
runs continuously for some 800 km (approximately 500 miles) between Cape
Longing and Cape Mackintosh. In 1995 a massive iceberg measuring 37 km
x 36 km (approximately 23 miles x 22 miles) calved from the Larsen Ice
Shelf and drifted north. We may well see some reminders from this spectacular
event and perhaps even witness smaller pieces of ice splitting away.
Other Destinations Other possible destinations around the Antarctic
Peninsula are:
Petermann Island
Penola Strait
Neko Harbour, Andvoord Bay
Antarctic Sound
Scientific Bases of Arctowski (Polish), Ferraz
(Brazilian), Vernadsky (Ukrainian) and Port Lockroy (British).
South Georgia South Georgia is one of the most beautiful places
on the planet. On the north-eastern flanks of the island, the harbors
that once sheltered large fleets of whaling ships are now home to a staggering
variety and profusion of wildlife. In Stromness, Leith and Grytviken harbors,
the well-preserved remains of vast whaling factories sit quietly at the
base of 3,000 meter-high (10,000 feet-high)
Iceberg cruising. (Antarctica - Photo by Greg
Mortimer)
mountains. The nearby bays are home to literally
hundreds of thousands of King, Macaroni and Rockhopper penguins. Some
of the glorious destinations that we may visit in South Georgia are listed
below:
Grytviken Originally a Norwegian sealing and whaling station,
Grytviken was finally abandoned in 1965. Visitors must be careful to avoid
stepping on sleeping elephant seals while walking tentatively through
the ghostly remains of whale slips and blubber cookers. Abandoned ships
lie sunken by old wharves, while pitted concrete walls serve as reminders
of the more recent Falkland's War. Sir Ernest Shackleton was laid to rest
here, and it is well worth a pilgrimage to visit the cross above beautiful
Cumberland Bay that his men erected in his memory.
St. Andrews Bay The sandy black beach at St. Andrews Bay is the
resting place for hundreds of elephant seals that have recently given
birth to their pups. Behind the beach, we will be overwhelmed by the sight
and sound of tens of thousands of king penguins in different stages of
the breeding cycle. The glacial river that runs into the sea is generally
alive with penguin chicks and elephant seal pups testing their aquatic techniques. If we can lift our gaze
from the wildlife for just a moment, we will glimpse the snow-capped peaks
of some of the world's most spectacular mountains.
Undine Harbour Most likely we will only be able to cruise off
shore in our Zodiacs, held at bay by the male fur seals that aggressively
guard their terrain at Undine Harbour. There may not even be a single
unoccupied square inch of beach space left. Around our boat, fur seals
will dive and pop their heads out inquisitively, trying to assess the
intentions of their camera-toting visitors.
Stromness Bay At 4:00 p.m. on May 20, 1916, Ernest Shackleton
and two of his men arrived here after their arduous 27 km (17 mile) journey
across the mountains from King Haakon Bay. In addition to
Stromness Bay. (South Georgia Island, Argentina
- Photo by Sue Werner)
examining the ruins of the old whaling station,
we'll go to the manager's house to read the plaque that has been erected
there in Shackleton's honor. We'll also wander up to the mountains behind
the old whaling station to see the waterfall descent that formed the last
segment of Shackleton's epic journey.
Godthul Imagine indented bays lined with bleached whale
bones, teeming with fur seals and penguins just hanging about, and you
might have begun to envision the splendid isolation of Godthul. Here we
give you the opportunity to clamber through the tussock to a spectacular
plateau offering magnificent views across the island and the ocean beyond.
A careful descent from the plateau leads us to a magnificent Macaroni
penguin rookery.
Bay of Isles One of the highlights of our voyage will be a
visit to Albatross Island, where the serene wandering albatross can be
seen sitting proudly on its cute downy chicks. From close range, we can
watch these gentle birds perform their intimate courtship dances, feed
their young or clumsily launch themselves into the air, bound for a fishing
trip.
Other Destinations Other destinations we could choose would include:
A Polar Day Antarctic and Arctic summers are blessed with
18-24 hours of daylight, enabling us to maximize our time ashore as well
as aboard our Zodiacs. Our knowledge and experience enables us to
Early morning call after a night on the ice.
(Antarctica - Photo by Sue Werner)
work with opportunities as they arise, rather than
being servant to the clock, so one of our climbing parties might set off
at 6 p.m. to scale an unclimbed mountain. We sometimes go ashore for a midnight
bath in thermal springs, and if whales are spotted after dinner, we'll postpone
bedtime and board our Zodiacs for a closer look at these gentle giants.
Generally, however, our days are more routine, with
regular meals prepared by our on-board chefs who are wizards at their
craft. Our time at sea is filled with interesting lectures, bird spotting
and relaxation opportunities. Once we reach our destination, the Zodiacs
are launched for forays ashore to view wildlife or points of scientific
or historical interest. We use our Zodiacs as landing craft, which permits
us to get closer to icebergs and wildlife. Our expert polar naturalists
accompany us onshore in addition to sharing their knowledge through shipboard
lectures, videos and seminars.
The overall pattern of expedition cruising is a relaxed
one, punctuated by enthralling views and exciting excursions. You can
participate in the way that suits you best - some days you might like
to remain on board, or even stay in bed. A great place to relax is on
the ship's bridge, chatting with fellow passengers or sitting quietly
and watching the ever-changing scenery.
Please remember that we travel in remote and wild areas
with an unpredictable climate, albeit in comfort and safety. These are
expedition-style journeys that benefit from flexibility among staff and
passengers alike - in Antarctica a last-minute change of plan can mean
that we end up 100 miles from where we expected. This is the essence of
the adventure.
We take pride in our experience in Antarctica and the
Arctic and feel confident that you will gain the best possible value from
every day.
Protect
the Environment Our partner is a member of the International
Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).
Chinstrap penguin nesting. (Antarctica - Photo
by Sue Werner).
Although the association deals with all aspects
of Antarctic tourism, most important from our point of view is the fact
that responsible environmental policies are a key part of IAATO's charter.
Antarctic tourism is such a recent phenomenon that IAATO has been able
to avoid the mistakes made in other parts of the world by instigating
an appropriate environmental code from the outset.
All of our expeditioners are briefed not only on codes
of conduct, but also on the scientific reasons for these guidelines. Participants
learn, for example, how to enhance their visits to Antarctica by enjoying
wildlife encounters without being intrusive. These are skills which can
be taken back home and planted in our own backyards.
Bird Watching One of the great joys in travelling to Antarctica
and the subantarctic islands is the opportunity of getting to know our
feathered friends. Our naturalists are enthusiastic bird watchers and
can help you to identify the many different species we're likely to encounter.
Birding starts as soon as we cast off from the dock in Ushuaia where we
often see a number of albatross and petrels and, if we're lucky, Magellanic
penguins. The Southern Ocean is a very productive ecosystem whose high
nutrient content, low water temperature and strong currents foster the
growth of plankton, the base of the Antarctic food chain. These waters,
rich in krill, squid and fish, provide a home for large numbers of seabirds
that only go ashore to breed.
The birds skillfully turn the
persistent wind to their advantage, using it to glide and soar across
vast
Black browed albatross at New Island. (Falkland
Islands - Photo by Sue Werner)
tracts of ocean in search of food. As we set out
across Drake Passage, the really keen birders take up their positions on
the stern deck or flying bridge, while others prefer the warmth of the bridge.
Our naturalists are always on hand to answer questions and point out interesting
features. We can expect to see the majestic wandering albatross, whose wingspan
of up to 3.6 meters (12 feet) is the largest of any bird in the world, wheeling
around the ship and dipping into the ocean to feed. Further south, we will
be joined by diminutive Wilson's storm petrels, easily recognized by their
fluttering flight pattern. The Falkland Islands are a veritable oasis for
birders with 63 species breeding there, 23 species occurring as annual visitors
and another 79 recorded as vagrant species. It is delightful to stroll around
the islands or to sit quietly near one of the many lakes and observe the
diverse variety of birds, including penguins, petrels, shearwaters, ducks,
geese and albatrosses. Some species, such as the upland goose and the Falkland
flightless steamer duck are endemic to the islands. South Georgia is home
to some 80 different bird species, including six varieties of breeding penguin,
four varieties of breeding albatross and 11 breeding petrel species. The
South Georgia pipit - renowned as the world's most southerly songbird -
still occurs on the south coast offshore islands. South of the Antarctic
convergence, some 43 bird species can be seen. Penguins are the most obvious
and seemingly the most popular, providing endless fascination with their
antics both in the water and ashore.
Temperature/Weather Antarctica is the coldest continent. The air temperatures
in the Antarctic Peninsula range from +5°C to -5°C (41°F to
23°F) during the Antarctic summer months; however, the water is close
to freezing and, when combined with winds which sweep off the glaciers,
the wind chill can be severe. Antarctic temperatures are generally 50°F
colder than the Arctic. Antarctica is a continent 1.5 times the size of
the US and is 98% ice. With such a large body of ice the temperature is
generally quite low. These average temperatures apply to the areas that
we visit on the vessel and are not intended to be indicative of overall
mean temperatures.
Reading List In order to make the most of your trip
to Antarctica, the following reading lists will help you gain a better
understanding of the landscape, culture and people. Here you can also
purchase any books you might need for your Global Adrenaline trip!
Polar Pioneer Polar Pioneer is not a luxury ship. She was built
to be a working vessel and was later refitted to satisfy a comfortable
passenger standard. The mood on board is definitely casual. At sea we
are totally self-sufficient. The days flow by while we travel snugly in
our cocoon. A favorite pastime on board is to stand at the stern watching
for seabirds, including graceful Ivory Gulls, Kittiwakes, Puffins, Auks
and Guillemots. They will rise and fall skillfully, using the air currents
created by the ship to gain momentum.
Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1983 as an ice-strengthened
research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of
the USSR's northern coast. In 2000, she was refurbished in St. Petersburg
to provide comfortable accommodation for 54-56 passengers. There is a
combined bar/lounge and a dedicated lecture room/library area (stocked
with a good collection of polar books and videos).
This class of vessel has a
fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength,
Dinner alfresco on the stern deck. (Antarctica
- Photo by Sue Werner)
maneuverability and small number of cabins. All
cabins have outside portholes, plus ample storage space.
The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced
ice navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary. The spacious
bridge (always open to us) and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs
are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian waitstaff.
Polar Pioneer is our most popular ship for travel to
the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the
meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs
with outboard motors enables us to travel from ship to shore.
Triple Cabins: Triple
cabins have two lower berths and one upper berth, a desk, a small
washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers
and toilets are close at hand and are shared with other main deck
cabins.
Twin Share Cabins: Twin
share cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, a small washbasin, ample
storage and hanging space and portholes. The nearby showers and toilets
are shared with other main deck cabins.
Twin Private Cabins:Twin
private cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, windows, and a private
bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Two cabins have upper
and lower bunks.
Mini Suites:Mini
suites have a separate small bedroom with a three-quarter bed, a couch-bunk
in the main room, a desk, a video player and TV, windows and a private
bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
The Suite:The
suite features a large lounge area, a separate small bedroom with
double bed, a couch bed in the main room, a video player and TV, a
refrigerator, large forward and side facing windows, and a private
bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Why Travel with Us? The following are a few reasons you should travel
with us to the polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic:
Quality Journeys
Our ship was recently refurbished.
We run comfortable ship-based tours to Antarctica,
generally from Ushuaia in southern Argentina.
Our small group size (limited to 54-56 passengers)
allows us to enjoy the maximum time ashore. We aim to make two to
three landings per day, depending on weather and ice conditions.
We give you the freedom to enjoy this magnificent
continent in your own way. You can explore the coastline, hike up
a snow slope, or sit and observe the wildlife. Or, if you prefer,
you can simply take in the views from the ship's deck.
With 15 years' experience, our partner is a recognized
leader in the Antarctic field, the first company in the world to offer
camping, mountaineering, glacier walks, iceberg climbing, sea kayaking
and scuba diving on Antarctic ship-based expeditions.
Our Passengers
Antarctica attracts people from all walks of life
and all ages - our clients have varied in age from 6 to 92! You don't
have to be a hard-core adventurer to enjoy our voyages.
While the trips are not physically demanding, there's
plenty of opportunity for exercise ashore, including the thrilling
option of sea kayaking. Some of our passengers have camped for the
first times in their lives while in Antarctica.
The Best Ships and Crew
The best way to experience the grandeur of Antarctica
is to travel there on board special ice-strengthened ships.
We use Russian vessels and crew - the undisputed
masters of ice navigation. Russia's large fleet of powerful ships
has unlocked the secrets of the polar regions, and yet our vessels
are small enough to allow us to maneuver close to shore.
More Options and Flexible Itineraries
We offer exciting options such as sea kayaking,
climbing and diving. Our goal is to introduce an element of adventure
into every voyage.
Much of our success is due to our flexibility -
we make the most of our time, without rushing.
Our staff and crew's exploratory experience gives
us the expertise to set courses based on the prevailing weather and
ice conditions, tempered by our passengers' interests.
Travelling without a rigid timetable adds spice
to expedition cruising!
Expert Staff
Travelling to the polar regions is our life. Our
staff - at home and on board the ship - is our most valuable asset.
Their credentials, experience and enthusiasm are second to none.
Polar
Expeditions Q&A The following is a list of answers to the most
commonly asked questions about our polar expeditions:
How many people on the ship? On our Antarctic and Arctic voyages we take a
maximum of 54-56 people. We believe that you can best experience these
polar regions with small groups of people.
Are there private facilities in cabins? Deck 3 cabins have shared facilities. Deck 4 and
5 cabins have private facilities.
What is the berth configuration? All cabins have lower berths and a porthole or
window.
How much room is there for luggage? There is storage space for empty luggage in the
cabins. Alternatively we stow your baggage safely elsewhere on the ship.
There is ample space for your clothing in cupboards and drawers in your
cabin.
Does the crew speak English? The crew is largely Russian. They are undoubtedly
the ice-masters of the world. Some of them
Kayaking. (Arctic - Photo by Greg Mortimer)
speak English, but a number of them may not. It
is certainly a fascinating time in history to be in contact with Russian
citizens, and it is an exciting facet of our polar journeys.
Is the ship heated or air-conditioned?
What is the temperature? The ship is heated and air-conditioned and the
temperature ranges from 15° C to 25° C (59°F to 77°F).
We like to keep a good flow of fresh air flowing through the ship by keeping
some of the main doors open to the outer decks. You can control the temperature
in every cabin if you want it warmer or cooler to suit your personal taste.
How do we dry any wet clothing? Clothing dries very quickly inside your cabin.
The ship doesn't provide a passenger laundry for you to do your own washing,
but a laundry service is available. Costs are listed in your cabin. The
Russian waitstaff collects your washing and returns it to your cabin.
Can we get off the ship? We get off the ship as much as possible, usually
two or three times a day when cruising coastal
Chinstrap penguin. (Antarctica - Photo by Sue
Werner)
areas. We spend anywhere from two to six hours at
each location, depending on prevailing conditions. We come back to the ship
to sleep every night. In the height of the Antarctic and Arctic summers,
the days are long and we make the most of them. We divide passengers into
groups for walks of varying degrees of difficulty.
How much time do we have in Ushuaia
or Longyearbyen? The time available to you in Ushuaia or Longyearbyen
depends on your personal itinerary. Many people like to extend their stay
in South America or northern Europe. Our staff can assist you with extra
arrangements.
Can you give a few hints on how to protect
my skin from the cold? The Antarctic air is very dry! We recommend that
you take good moisturizer and sun-protection cream (SPF+30). A lip protection
stick is useful to carry in your pocket when outside. A scarf is a very
useful item for keeping the cold wind at bay. It is a good idea to put
sun screen on your face each time you go ashore.
How do I keep my cameras dry? When ashore, you won't find it difficult keeping
your cameras dry; however, when travelling from ship to shore, you should
be aware of the risk of water splashing from the sides of the Zodiac.
A
Orca whale. (Photo by Sue Werner)
camera bag or suitable plastic bag is highly recommended.
A small cloth or pack towel to dry your lens is also a handy item.
Should I take one camera or two? It is not a bad idea to take two cameras - particularly
between a couple. If one camera breaks down or gets wet, you will be happy
that you have a spare. The Antarctic and Arctic presents rare opportunities
for photography and you wouldn't want to miss out on any of them just
because your camera is broken. Bring plenty of film and extra batteries.
Tipping People often ask for our advice on tipping. Recognizing
that tipping is a very personal matter, we might recommend US$7.00 per
passenger per day aboard the ship. The crew prefers that any gratuities
be offered in US dollars cash.
Can I look at my video footage on a
monitor on the ship? There are TV monitors on board where you can view
your video footage. You will need to bring your own connections for your
particular brand of video camera.
How much film should I bring? The amount of film that you bring depends on your
photographic habits. But, as a rule of thumb, you are likely to use two
to three times more film than you do on your usual holiday. Professionals
commonly use 10 - 20 rolls per day! The average person will use one to
three rolls per day. Lower ASA film works better in high light environments
such as the polar regions. It is worth taking some faster film such as
200 ASA for shooting inside the ship. As for video cameras, we suggest
an average of 20 minutes of tape per day.
Will I have problems with sea sickness? Many people ask us if they will get sea sick. It is
a difficult question to answer because susceptibility varies so much from
individual to individual. Our experience is that a small percentage of people
will occasionally become sea sick on any trip, and most of those are fine
after a day or so at sea. If you feel that you are particularly susceptible
to sea-sickness, it would be a good idea to consult your physician before
embarking on the voyage. Those susceptible to sea-sickness should come armed
with motion sickness tablets. There will be a doctor on board, and the ship
is equipped with a small medical clinic. The waters around Spitsbergen and
the Antarctic Peninsula coastline are generally very calm.
What clothes do I take to wear on the
ship? Ship-board clothing is informal and casual. Jeans,
slacks, casual shirts and deck shoes or running shoes are the normal garb,
but you should remember that the temperature on board typically averages
20°C (68°F) and you should plan your wardrobe accordingly. Some
people like to take a good dress or coat and tie for the Captain's welcome
and farewell drinks, but formal clothing is by no means necessary.
How many pairs of gloves do I need? It is best to take at least two pairs of gloves.
It is important to have a spare pair of dry gloves in case one pair gets wet. Some people like to take rubber washing-up
gloves to keep their hands dry, particularly in the Zodiacs when going from
ship to shore. Light woollen or synthetic gloves in combination with heavier
ski-gloves or mittens also work very well.
Do I need to take a big jacket? You will need something along the lines of a padded
ski jacket or down parka. You will find this a useful item to wear while
standing out on the bow watching seals and walrus. On longer walks a day-pack
is useful.
What sort of electrical adapter should
I take for my battery charger, my razor or my hairdryer? The electrical supply on board is 220 volts 50
Hertz. You will need a European two (round pin) plug adapter, available
at duty free or electrical supply shops.
Global Adrenaline, Inc.
25 East Washington Street, Suite 1458
Chicago, Illinois 60602
USA
Tel: +1-866-884-5622 (toll free in USA)
Tel: +1-312-863-6300 (outside USA)
Fax: +1-312-873-4440
Email: info@GlobalAdrenaline.com
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