Antarctic adventures

Oceanstar are offering an opportunity to experience the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, glaciers, blue and white icebergs and rugged mountains of Antarctica on a high season January voyage on board the Hanse Explorer, a five-star ice-strengthened expedition cruise vessel, with just 12 passengers.

Guests on board will have the feeling they are travelling with a group of friends on their own luxury private yacht.

The 13-night voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina the southernmost town in the world – embarking on 31 January and disembarking on 13 February 2008.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most readily accessible part of the White Continent with some of the best wildlife and scenery and this incredible cruise will visit enormous rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins whilst also offering opportunities to land on beaches ruled by Antarctic Fur Seals and to observe wallowing Elephant Seals. There are more whales and dolphins in this area than almost anywhere else on earth … the ship may be accompanied by a school of boisterous hourglass dolphins, follow a pod of killer whales as they hunt among the ice floes, or watch humpback whales breaching in front of a wilderness of icebergs.

The voyage highlights may include:
- sailing into the flooded caldera of Deception Island, where passengers have the opportunity to take a dip in the warm thermal waters inside
- Paradise Harbour, filled with a mind-boggling vista of icebergs
- Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, unbelievably beautiful waterways choked with ice, between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers
- Port Lockroy with thriving colonies of penguins and a former British base now restored and serving as one of the most isolated museums in the world
- Petermann Island with Adélie and Gentoo Penguins, Skuas and Blue-eyed Shags

Departure date: 31 January to 13 February 2008
Prices: £6050 pp sharing a twin cabin includes everything onboard the ship for the 13-night voyage including meals with wine, guided shore and zodiac excursions, and transfers.

THE VESSEL

Built in 2006 in Germany by the owner of a large, successful cargo shipping company, the Hanse Explorer will carry a full complement of experienced crew whilst offering on board training to a small group of officers, engineers and hotel staff. All six interior-designed guest cabins are luxuriously and tastefully fitted and come complete with powerful rain shower systems in the en-suite bathrooms.

The cabins are also equipped with the latest technology including satellite phone and a large flat screen - ideal for photographers to work on their digital photographs. Operating an ‘open ship’ policy – guests are welcome everywhere from the bridge to the galley - the atmosphere onboard the vessel is relaxed and informal.

The vessel carries two zodiacs used for landings and cruising around small bays and islands, as well as amongst the magnificent icebergs of Antarctica.

For more information and bookings, visit Oceanstar.de.