Aurora Expeditions Reaches Commonwealth Bay, 100 Years After Sir Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions Reaches Commonwealth Bay, 100 Years After Sir Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions' Akademik Shokalskiy has become the first ship to sail into Commonwealth Bay this Antarctic season, making it within 10 nautical miles of Mawson's Hut to commemorate Sir Douglas Mawson's arrival 100 years ago. The ship sailed into the bay on the evening of 10 January 2012, just two days after the estimated centenary of Mawson's landing in 1912. Access to the region has until now been block by fast ice and a 150 kilometre iceberg, known as B9B. Other highlights of the commemorative Antarctic expedition so far have included a three kilometre walk out over the fast ice to a grounded, cavernous iceberg, Zodiac cruising around the enormous, 150 kilometre long, 30 metre high, walls of the B9B iceberg, and watching hundreds of inquisitive and charismatic Adelie penguins playing on the ice. Aurora Expeditions is an Australian-owned and operated expedition cruise company who have been operating expeditions to Antarctica for two decades. This season they will run three commemorative voyages to East Antarctica to celebrate the Mawson Centenary, as well as 10 voyages exploring the Antarctic Peninsula from Argentina. Their 2012/13 Antarctic brochure is now available online at www.auroraexpeditions.com.au In the UK visit the expedition crusing specialists. The Cruise Line

Silver Explorer sails into 2013 at the bottom of the Earth

The luxury expedition ship Silver Explorer sails into 2013 at the bottom of the Earth, offering a series of cruises to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Spring and Summer are highlighted by adventures along the west coast of Africa, Western Europe, the British Isles, and Svalbard's frozen Arctic landscapes. First-ever expedition voyages in Canada's Hudson Bay highlight August. In September, Silver Explorer heads south to offer a series of Caribbean and Central America explorations before arriving in Ushuaia in November to conclude the year with Antarctic expeditions.

For more information or to book a Silversea cruise, call 0844 251 0833, or visit www.silversea.com. Terms and conditions apply.

Kakyaking at Both Ends of the Planet and Between with Aurora

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh any adventurer’s soul. From the icy waters of Antarctica and the European Arctic, to the remote, forgotten shores of Russia, and the tropical fjords of Papua New Guinea, Aurora Expeditions’ kayaking journeys bring you up close to a maze of wildlife and nature.

Exploring the fascinating, wildlife-rich waters of our world’s most untouched continent – Antarctica - is an experience hard to beat. We glide silently past ice floes topped with sleeping seals and pondering penguins. Seabirds soar above us, while curious leopard seals and agile Adele penguins play around our small crafts as we paddle the pristine bays and hidden channels. Cracking ice falls from glaciers and small waves rock our kayaks gently as we sit patiently to witness a whale blow.

Paddling the subantarctic islands of South Georgia is a rare privilege and a wildlife lover’s dream. Kayak amongst thousands of breeding king penguins, and lively fur seals. We journey deep into glacial bays as black-browed and wandering albatross, prions, terns and petrels soar overhead, and elephant seals loll on beaches watched over by multitudes of macaroni and rock hopper penguins.

The icy waters of Greenland and Spitsbergen are a maze of massive sculpted icebergs, ice-choked fjords and sheltered bays. As we paddle the pack ice we keep watch for polar bears, walrus, whales and narwhale. We float beneath souring sea stacks filled with nesting seabirds, and on land we spot wildlife such as musk oxen, reindeer and Arctic fox.

From gazing at sea-life through crystal-clear waters, to paddling among uninhabited tropical islands, sea kayaking around Papua New Guinea is an unparalleled experience. Discover hidden waterways and the quiet of this tropical paradise. We come face-to-face and paddle with locals who live daily on the water with paddle in hand.

All Aurora Expeditions kayaking expeditions are led by experienced guides. Paddling in small groups of no more than 12 provides us with the opportunity to gain intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations. Kayaking prices are not included in the voyage price and start from US$850 in Antarctica, AU$995 in the European Arctic, US$995 in Russia and AU$995 in Papua New Guinea.

Prices include use of kayaks and paddles, dry suites and guide. Intermediate experience is required. Advice on gaining kayaking experience can be provided for you to practice your techniques prior to your voyage.

For more information or to order a brochure visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au, email info@auroraexpeditions.com.au

Aurora Expeditions doubles capacity to Antarctica in 2012/2013 Plus, 10% Early Bird discount!

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, has released their exciting new 2012/13 Antarctica program. With 20 voyages encompassing the highlights of Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, this season is set to be their biggest ever.

The 2012/13 season has a variety of new features, including a choice of two ships, with the addition of Akademik Shokalskiy to the Antarctic Peninsula program. The increased capacity also allows for a greater variety of voyage lengths (8 to 20 days), and more opportunities for adventure activities with kayaking offered on 16 voyages. 

With successful uptake of the Fly & Sail options in 2011/12, Aurora Expeditions have increased their Fly & Sail options in 2012/13, allowing passengers to see more in a shorter amount of time, and cutting out one sea crossing. These voyages will include either a flight in from Santiago or Punta Arenas in Chile, or a flight out from King George Island or Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

Prices for the 2012/13 Antarctic season start from US$6365 per person based on a triple cabin for an 8 day cruise. Bookings made before 31 December 2011 will receive a 10% early bird offer. Valid on the first 15 bookings on each voyage only. Direct bookings only and not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

For more information, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or Polar adventure cruise experts The Cruise Line.

FROM THE WORLD’S LARGEST YET LEAST VISITED NATIONAL PARK TO A TRANSATLANTIC CROSSING

Hurtigruten lines up new voyages for 2012/13

Fancy exploring the rarely visited North East Greenland National Park, the largest in the world and yet the least visited with approximately 500 visitors each year? Or how about exploring Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated town in Greenland? Or why not experience an Equator Baptism by King Neptune on a cross-hemispheric journey from the Canary Islands to Buenos Aires? All this and much more is possible with Hurtigruten whose latest dedicated programme of ‘Explorer’ voyages for 2012/13 in Spitsbergen, Greenland, Antarctica and Europe features new itineraries, experiences and the chance to visit some of the most remote places in the world.

New itineraries introduced, all on board MS Fram, include:

National Park Expedition- This voyage takes in three Arctic islands - Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. Seven days are spent within the North East Greenland National Park, which is the largest in the world and the least visited with approximately 500 visitors each year. It is one of the most isolated places on earth and hikes, small boat trips, lectures and briefings can all be enjoyed. A day is spent at Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated town in Greenland and the trappers living here are the only ones allowed to hunt within the National Park. The 14 day voyage from Spitsbergen to Greenland and then onto Iceland departs on 6 September 2012 in the Arctic autumn and before the winter closes in and makes this corner of the planet uninhabitable. Prices are from £4535pp full board, cruise only.

Trans-Atlantic Crossing – This is a completely different, cross-hemispheric offering from Hurtigruten and the first time it has been offered travelling south. This is the main leg of MS Fram’s winter repositioning journey from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands to Buenos Aires. With the famous Equator Baptism by King Neptune and his wife for those crossing the Equator for the first time and BBQ’s on deck this voyage is all about enjoying life on the ocean wave in a relaxed atmosphere with the ships crew. The19 day voyage departs on 14 October 2012 and is priced from £1292 pp full board, cruise only. Just £68 per day.

Autumn Adventure – This new eight-day North Atlantic Islands voyage begins in Reykjavik, Iceland and sets off across the North Sea toward Torshavn on one of the 18 Faroe Islands and one of the smallest capitals in the world. Next stop is Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, by far the northernmost town in Scotland and Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands with a population of just 8,500. The voyage also calls at Leith/Edinburgh before crossing the North Sea to Bergen. Departing on 19 September 2012 costs from £872pp full board, cruise only.

Hurtigruten has also doubled the number of departures on its most popular Antarctica voyage, ‘The Classic Expedition’. For 2012/13 there are now six departures. New International Maritime Authority (IMA) fuel rules ban the use of heavy fuel oils from use and carriage from 1 August 2011. MS Fram uses Marine Gas Oil (MGO) rather than the heavy fuel oils used by some other ships. A 10 day Classic Expedition costs from £3443pp including flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and back, full board.

For more information call Hurtigruten on 020 8846 2666 or http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/

Charity Auction on The Polar Seas

Guests on board Hurtigruten voyages in Spitsbergen, Greenland and Antarctica this season will be offered the opportunity to raise money in support of the areas of the Arctic and Antarctic they have just sailed through. At the end of every expedition voyage a charity auction will now takes place with all funds raised being donated to local preservation organisations.

Trialed last year, these auctions have now become a permanent fixture on MS Fram expedition voyages. The usual beneficiaries are institutions that look after the preservation and further development of areas visited such as the Antarctica South Georgia Heritage Trust, Birdlife International or the Ocean Foundation. However, the auctions can also help local people such as Greenland’s children who also receive support from the money raised.

“We want to give something back to the regions we have visited.” Said Expedition Team Leader Karin Strand. “Our guests respond very positively to the auctions. They too recognise the privilege of being able to travel to these remote areas and they like to say thank you by giving something back.”

Items coming under the hammer include the sea chart for the voyage in question, expedition team jackets and donated items from the research stations and localities visited during the voyage. On one voyage alone last year, the operator raised 6000 euro.

For more information visit Hurtigruten http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ or The Cruise Line.

This picture is taken at Deception Island in the South Shetlands, Antarctica. The Island is actualy the crater rim of an active voclano where the sea has broken through. Therefore the water is warmer inside the caldera than the surrounding Antarctic Ocean . Note the small yachts that have sailed across Drakes Passage!!

IT’S ALL ABOVE BOARD FOR GAP ADVENTURES’ POLAR CRUISES

Whilst the fuel ban will take the wind out of the sails of larger cruise ships, Gap Adventures’ owned and operated vessel the M/S Expedition will continue to cruise the Antarctic waters.

The ban on the use of heavy fuel oil in the Antarctic becomes law on 1 August 2011, meaning larger cruise liners will no longer be able to ply the waters, leaving the seas and breathtaking scenery to smaller ships such as Gap Adventures’ M/S Expedition and its travellers.

From 1 August 2011, large ships that offer cruise-only trips, carry heavy fuel and more than 500 passengers will no longer be able to sail in Antarctica’s waters. Gap Adventures’ ship uses marine fuel instead of heavy diesel, and its zodiacs have 4-stroke engines rather than 2-stroke, which create fewer emissions and noise that could disturb wildlife.

Not only is Gap Adventures’ recently renovated M/S Expedition committed to responsible environmental practices, it also boasts one of the largest average cabin sizes in her class and several spacious public areas, providing an exceptionally safe and comfortable expedition experience for all her guests. Alongside a highly experienced crew, the M/S Expedition offers an impressive ratio of one expert expedition team member for every 10 guests.

The world’s largest independently-owned adventure travel company launched camping and kayaking in its 2010/2011 Antarctic itineraries, enabling holidaymakers to encounter the intimacy and power of the polar regions in ways very few people have ever experienced before.

Take a look at some of Gap Adventures’ Antarctic tours:

Antarctica Classic in Depth

Price: Was £4619 now £3969pp (save £650 on selected dates)

Duration: 13 days Departure date: Mon, 7 Nov, 2011

Price includes: 11 nights on board the M/S Expedition, 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia, all meals on ship, Zodiac excursions with expedition team, lecture and educational programme, waterproof boots, Antarctica destination guide book and Canada Goose expedition jacket for guests who pay for a Category 5 suite.

Spirit of Shackleton Price: £7409pp Duration: 20 days

Departure date: Wed, 11 Jan, 2012

Trip code: XVSHSXPrice includes: 18 nights on board the M/S Expedition, 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia, all meals on ship, Zodiac cruises and shore landings with expedition team, lecture and educational programs, waterproof boots, Antarctica destination guide book and Canada Goose expedition jacket for guests who pay for a Category 5 suite.

For more information, visit http://www.gapadventures.co.uk/

Getting worried in Antarctica

This is the one time in Antarctica I got really worried. The wind had picked up and was pushing the ice towards the ship and had we stayed where we were we would have been trapped between it and the shore.

You can see how much of the ice is below the water.  I had gone there with Hurtigruten in a modern, 5 star ice strengthened ship but the captain decided we had to get out of the Weddell Sea PDQ. It brings home to you how frail we really are as a species when nature decides to take over.

Antarctica with Aurora

Aurora Expeditions voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula for next season are filling fast, buoyed by the popularity of their brand-new fly-sail options to Antarctica and South Georgia. Departing South America, they have been designed to reduce sea time and increase time at the destination. Also popular are their voyages with exciting adventure activities, including sea kayaking, camping, photography, climbing and scuba diving.

Next season, the Australian adventure cruise company will also celebrate the centenary of renowned Australian explorer Sir Douglas Mawson and his first Australasian Antarctic Expedition. A milestone in Australian Antarctic history, this special occasion is being marked with three 'Mawson Centenary Celebration' voyages to Mawson Huts and Commonwealth Bay, departing both Australia and New Zealand.

Aurora Expeditions, the pioneers of ship-based adventures in this part of the world, are committed to small, low-impact groups keen to experience the Antarctic in many ways, whether by walking, scuba diving, kayaking or just sitting quietly and absorbing the surrounding magnificence.The 2011/12 itineraries reflect this commitment. Voyages start from $5,900, with trips to East Antarctica from $6,500.

For more info, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

FOLLOW IN THE HEROIC FOOTSTEPS OF CAPTAIN ROBERT FALCON SCOTT IN THE CENTENARY YEAR OF HIS DEATH

A recent BBC documentary, “The Secret of Scott’s Hut”, saw Ben Fogle join an expedition across Antarctica to find Captain Scott’s Hut, frozen in time for a century. The hut was built to support Scott’s 1911 attempt to be the first to the South Pole and was later abandoned together with 10,000 personal, everyday and scientific items.In January of this year, Orion Expedition Cruises, the leading operator of five-star expedition cruising in the Australasian region, voyaged to Captain Scott’s hut from which he left for the South Pole never to return. The 106 guests onboard were all lucky enough to enter the hut which is a perfectly preserved time capsule of Edwardian England with all the tins of provisions in place and the men’s personal items where they left them.

In January 2012, Orion Expedition Cruises will once again offer guests the opportunity to join a Scott & Shackleton’s Centenary voyage which will cover some of the polar regions famously charted during the first race to the South Pole by pioneering explorers Scott and Shackleton. The Ross Sea coast extends from the ice shelf northwards until it reaches the very tip of Victoria Land and Cape Adare. While in the Ross Sea Region a variety of opportunistic landings we will be attempted subject to weather conditions.

Joining guests and the specialist Expedition Team onboard Orion will be renowned scientist and media presenter Dr Karl Kruszelnicki. While onboard, Dr Karl will share his wealth of knowledge with guests through a series of fabulously entertaining and witty talks presented in his inimitable style.

Orion Expedition Cruises’ 20-night Scott & Shackleton’s Antarctica departs 21st January 2012 from Bluff, New Zealand and visits Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island, the Ross Sea Region, Campbell Island and Snares Islands before arriving back into Bluff. Prices from £14,625 per person including 20 nights onboard Orion, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes.

For further information visit www.orionexpeditions.com or The Cruise Line.

Chinstrap penguins

These chinstrap penguins are on Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands. They and me were freezing cold even though it was summer! The wind had picked up and the snow had come with it. Have great day now.

Landing on the Antarctic mainland

There are some times in life when you feel so chuffed with your self you can't help crowing about it. Here we are landing on the Antarctic Continent. It does feel good to know that you are one of very few people on the planet to have done that. Have a great day now wherever you are.



Albatross Across the Drake Passage.

Not quite in focus but this Wandering Albatross was such a sight I don't really mind.  It flew alongside the ship as we crossed the Drake Passage on our way to Antarctica. Some one once wrote " I have joined a higher cult of men becuase I have seen the albatross." I know exactly what he means. Have a great day now.