The most usual and cost-effective way is to visit Antarctica by ship. The minimum prices are quoted as follows: The smallest ships like the Professor Molchanov take 49 passengers, offers en suite and not en suite facilities which makes it the most economical on offer. The Professor Multanovskiy and the Akademik Shokalskiy are being used this season.
Jo halts the Icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov |
Le Boreal is chartered for 3 voyages per annum to Antarctica, or Antarctica, South Georgia and The Falklands by Abercrombie & Kent – a name which speaks for itself, takes 199 passengers, still within the limits of the IAATO constitution of which she is a member. She has been operating for 2 seasons and all reports from her South African passengers have been favourable.
She gives extremely good value for money with approximately a dozen lecturers on board, a parka, tips and drinks included in the voyage price. The standard is luxurious so why not see the White Continent in style?
The M/V Lyubov Orlova and The Clipper Adventurer are both equipped with ice strengthened hulls. Prices include a pre-voyage night in Ushuaia with a tour of the city and surroundings before boarding the ship next day. At present they only navigate the Antarctic Peninsula .
The icebreakers with helicopter fliteseeing like the Kapitan Khlebnikov (KK) at 10471 tons have the largest cabins available for Antarctic voyages (in Jo's experience), all en suite and outside with two lower berths.
The Polar Star, a new ice breaker with 98 Passengers is sailing to the Antarctic Peninsular with some unusual trips to the Weddell Sea (really thick pack ice) and crossing the Polar Circle. Operations suspended until a new buyer is found.
The Akademik loffe takes 110 Passengers in reasonable luxury and the Polar Pioneer with space for 56 Passengers offer camping, climbing, kayaking and diving activities. Some of these require previous experience and a supplement is usually payable in addition to the ship fare.
Please ask for details soon as they are available only on certain voyages and fill very quickly. |
Helicopter rides are offered on some Icebreakers |
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The National Geographic Explorer is run by Lindblad Expeditions, the originators of expedition cruising in the 1970's aboard the original Lindblad Explorer. The Endeavour's capacity is 110 passengers, ideal for Expedition Cruising in the Polar Regions. Enquire for details of their other expeditions to Antarctica and the Russian Arctic. |
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South Georgia |
Viewing King Penguins,
Macquarie Island. |
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M.S. Andrea: with 107 passenger capacity, sails to the Antarctic Peninsula, or Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands with regular departures from November to March. |
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Orion: with 106 passenger capacity is one of the ultimate ships offering cruising luxury. She was built in Germany in 2003. She occasionally visits the Antarctic Peninsula. |
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Voyages on M/V Icebreaker Polar Star - operations suspended |
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M/V Prince Albert, now called Silver Explorer, started its inaugural season as an Expedition ship in June 2008.
It is run by the big cruise line Silversea so this is a new departure for them. |
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The 30-sail Tall ships Sea Cloud and its sister ship sail the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Formerly designed for the tycoon’s wife Marjorie Merriweather Post in the 1920’s she is still one of the finest and most opulent sailing ships.
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The Majestic Line whose small ships sail remote parts of Scotland from 3 to 6 days. |
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Island hopping in the Indonesian archipelago. |
All prices quoted are per person sharing. Please enquire for further details and brochures. All the above are expedition cruses with specialist lecturers, pre-departure literature which covers clothing, photographic hints and suggested books to read. Dress is usually informal, with free seating at meal times and access to the bridge at all times except if the ship is docking or in bad weather. Some operators provide parkas and sometimes back packs and even cabin bags. A doctor and/or nurse will be on board but do not expect hairdressers, gym or sauna except on a few ships where these facilities are available.
Jo Meintjes Travel has a good connection in the U.K. with sailing on freighters worldwide. As you know there are sometimes variation in dates of arrival/departure and the cargo is the first priority. But it still remains a very flexible reasonable mode of travel if you have the time.
Leisure boats Jo Meintjes Travel can also assist with river cruises whether it is in Europe, Bay of Islands, New Zealand or a Catamaran charter in Walvis Bay, or Luderitz, Namibia or even at Hartbeespoort Dam or Knysna.
All the ships Jo Meintjes Travel recommend:
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are members of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) which make sure its members operate environmentally responsible expeditions. They adhere to a strict code of conduct for passengers when ashore, like not approaching wildlife too close. It is in your interest to ensure that you travel with such an organization and not one that is still earning its membership.
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provide pre-departure manuals; on board lecturers of world-renown; a post-expedition log book or DVD
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provide free parkas in some instances
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have a relaxed atmosphere and casual attire is expected unless you wish to dress for special occasions like the Captain's Welcome & Farewell.
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offer free seating in the dining room, so that you can change tables as you wish.
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permit access to the Bridge at all times, except if there is an emergencies or the ship is docking.
PRICES AND OUTLINE ITINERARIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE 2012 - 13 SEASON
It is advisable to book at least 9 months ahead to obtain the Expedition
you require in the cabin of your choice
PLEASE SEE THE ANTARCTIC SPECIALS ON
NEWS & SPECIALS PAGE
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