PremiumSuite

Well Premium Suite I am afraid Jaffa is 100% correct in his thoughts on how to travel to Antarctica and of course an Expedition Ship is the only sensible way to do it. You have had to book two back to back cruises, however many days that is, to try to ensure around ten days in the Antarctic, ignoring passages from the Falklands and the Drake passage. You will have limited access to the shore because of the time restriction and large number of passengers. I have travelled on both the Quest , which is a great cruise liner, and the Silver explorer which is built for the conditions.If you want to swan around the Caribbean in luxury go with The Quest , but I am sure ,the Silver Explorer and ships of a similar type are miles better in the Antarctica.

Daniel19 I really wish you would have looked at the detailed itineraries before posting such negativity which serves noone with mis-information. Neither voyages are ignoring the Drake Passage nor the Falklands or as we prefer to call them "Las Malvinas" as someone who owns a home in Buenos Aires. There will be no restrictions to shore...you are incorrect again in posting this mis-information unless you have cruised Antarctica personally and/or on Silverseas Expedition. I for one have been to Antarctica and thank you very much but you can keep Silverseas for the "shi shi poo poo" crowd.

Oh l see!

 

A very logical, experienced, intelligent and thoughtfull contribution to this thread is pontificating. Well excuse me!

 

Perhaps this has more to do with the fact that l am not communicating what you want to hear. My intention was certainly not to burst your bubble

 

Regardless of this,

 

Luxury put to one side.

 

"There are no other ships in the 400 passenger range out there in 6 star luxury market that's why it has never been done before to answer your question"

 

My response

Any ship of this size and passenger load not designed for the location or conditions with all the limitations that come with it, should be viewed with some skeptisism and concern.

It has nothing to do with the 6 star luxury market at all.

 

No other ship full stop, with this passenger load and location rules does this type of landing cruise to this location because it is totally impractical. Thats why it has not been done before.

Making it 6 stars does not change that at all.

 

But if this "luxury" is so important to you, there are other equal luxury choices of landing cruises that are much more practical, sensible and value for money without having to sacrifice your perks.

 

 

"Secondly, the itrinerary will only be confirmed one year out after Seabourn bids on which islands, inlets etc. they would like to make landings. This is governed by the Antarctica Treaty for Tourism Guidelines. Once they have received the successfull bids, they will be communicatinng with each the guest the confirmed itinerary to re-confirm that the guests are still interested in going on these (3) 21 day cruises and the 24 day cruise over Christmas and New Years."

 

My response,

These Seabourn cruises will still be spending the same amount of time on location that the other smaller expedition cruises already do.

Except the Quest will have 400 people to land at a maximum of 100 per event.

Seabourn is not staying longer to accommodate all these extra passengers for landings.

 

Yet the smaller ships can in most cases land there entire passenger load at one time in one location giving maximum "on ice" time to each and every passenger for every landing.

This is something that the Quest will not be able to do, no matter how you spin it.

 

When you take into consideration the high cost of Seabourns plans against it's luxury compeditors for what you get. We come back to my original question.

 

Why would you do it Seabourns way?

 

It cannot be for value, or on ice/landing time.

 

It really does not matter when Seabourn releases or confirms or whatever.

It is the time spent at location that is important to make this work for Seabourn.

 

If Seabourn was spending 7 or 8 days min and the weather was perfect then l would agree with you.

But they only plan to spend the same time as other cruises already do but with far more landed passengers to satisfy for more money.

 

There are much better ways to do this for a far better experience for the same or less money.

 

One final question,

The copious no of posts you have made on this thread with glossy photo's and lots of links to Seabourn and internal conversations, begs the question are you connected to Seabourn, Carnival their agents or affiliates or marketing organisations ect.

Yeah I'm a mole...pllleeeaasse!:rolleyes: My only connection to Seabourn and the Office is that I am a shareholder and a devout loyal Seabourn cruiser.

The fact is Seabourn is spending 7 days in Antartica on the Dec 11/13 24 cruise if you would have read the itineraries you would have picked up on that, hence why we booked two b2b Antarctica Cruises. Secondly, no way am I going to put myself on a floating 6 star sardine can like Silversea's Expedition and spend another $8000.00 per peson on top of what we are paying with Seabourn...Silversea is out of their rabbit a** mind charging what they are but if there are fools out willing to pay it all the power to the Manfredi's is all I can say.

I'd rather discuss FACTS then pontificate about something that neither be released from the Company. Once the landing information is released, then I believe that things can be better discussed.

Seabourn Adds Seventh Continent on “Ultimate Antarctica & Patagonia” Voyages

September 10th, 2012

Combines Popular South American Itinerary with Landings on the White Continent

Cruise the Farthest Place on Earth on the World’s Highest-Rated Small Ship Cruise Line

More than 20 years after the company pioneered an entirely new style of small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising, Seabourn plans to extend its repertoire of highly desirablecruising destinations to include Antarctica for the first time in 2013. Seabourn Quest, the newest ship in Seabourn’s award-winning fleet, will begin a series of four 21- to 24-day voyages sailing between Valparaíso, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina starting in November of 2013.

“Seabourn is already renowned for our extensive portfolio of worldwide itineraries,” noted Seabourn’s president Richard Meadows. “Antarctica was the only continent that Seabourn did not feature in our itineraries. This expands our global reach to all seven continents and builds on our already impressive list of exotic destinations. Seabourn is very proud to be bringing our highly rated ultra-luxury cruise experience to Antarctica.”

The all-suite ship will cruise the Chilean coast, including visits to Puerto Montt for the Chilean Lakes District, Castro on the huge island of Chiloé, and Puerto Chacabuco for the Rio Simpson Valley and Coyhaique, as well as Punta Arenas, from where guests can tour the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. Then the intimate ship will thread the glaciers, peaks and channels of the Chilean Fjords, culminating in a transit of the Beagle Channel and its spectacular Glacier Alley. Weather permitting, following a call at Ushuaia in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, Seabourn Quest will cruise by Cape Horn bound for the Southern Ocean. Guests on board will experience five days in Antarctica, including scenic cruising of highlights such as the breathtaking Lemaire Channel, picturesque Paradise Bay and the Gerlache Strait. An experienced Antarctic expedition staff will ensure that guests enjoy the best of the hundreds of available sites for landings and cruising in smaller inflatable boats, based on real-time weather and wildlife reports during their Antarctic adventures. Scientists, naturalists and other lecturers in a number of disciplines will speak on board and accompany guests ashore to add insights to their once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

During the South Atlantic portion of the voyage, guests will enjoy visits to Port Stanley, in the Falkland Islands, and Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, en route to or from Buenos Aires.

A 24-day Holiday version will include two days exploring the sub-Antarctic wildlife Eden of South Georgia Island, renowned for its beauty and its vast, teeming rookeries of king penguins and other seabirds, as well as breeding elephant and fur seals.

For more information or reservations, contact a travel professional or visit www.seabourn.com.

The reality is,

 

That 400 people paying a minimum of $17000.00 USD per person thats $34000.00 per couple are all going to want to land on the great southern continent as often as they can.

And who would blame them!

 

For that sort of money you are going to want to maximise every opportunity you can.

Both times l have been, people were jumping out of their skins to land. Because of weather and sea's many were dissapointed that they did not get to land as often or for as long as they would have liked, and this was on vessels that carried less than 140 people.

 

I just cannot see why you would do this with this size ship, when you can take a smaller or purposefully designed vessel with a much higher chance of landing more often and for longer periods for the same or less dollars.

 

If you want to keep the luxury then there are vessels eg Silver Explorer and the likes that offer the perks. The size of the Quest will restrict the landing sites on offer as well, so squeezing in here and there between the ice won't be an option like on the smaller or ice designed vessels.

 

Itins on all vessels move and change depending on opportunitys, weather and sightings.

So there might only be one chance for a short time to see your fav seal or bird or whale or whatever.

With this amount of people l can only see dissapointment and regret of missed chances.

 

This is for most a real "once in a lifetime" cruise.

 

Why would you do it this way?

 

When there are far better ways for a much better experience, for in many cases less money with the same luxury.

 

I'm sorry, but l don't see any common sense to this at all.

 

If there was common sense to this, other vessels of this type and size would already be doing it.

The reality is, they are not and thats got to be telling you something.

Although I respect your opinion I certainly don't share it.

We have been to Antarctica before on Princess on the larger ship, Star Princess 3 times for "Scenic Cruising" in Antarctica and I did do a separate landing in Antarctica flying on a chartered flight for a one day excursion from Punta Arenas, Chile. Yes, the weather in Antarctica is unpredictable and can change ona dime. There are no other ships in the 400 passenger range out there in 6 star luxury market that's why it has never been done before to answer your question.

Secondly, the itrinerary will only be confirmed one year out after Seabourn bids on which islands, inlets etc. they would like to make landings. This is governed by the Antarctica Treaty for Tourism Guidelines. Once they have received the successfull bids, they will be communicatinng with each the guest the confirmed itinerary to re-confirm that the guests are still interested in going on these (3) 21 day cruises and the 24 day cruise over Christmas and New Years. Because weather can be unpredictable, people will be advised in advance of the possibilities of re-scheduling of times etc. We have assured ourselves of trying to maximize our time in Antarctica by booking the Nov 20/13 21 day cruise b2b with the Dec 11/13 24 day cruise.

I really think that all this pontificating that you posted above really serves no purpose until such time that Seabourn posts and/or communicates more details of these itineraries with their booked guests. This won't happen until well into the New Year of 2013.

We just disembarked from Odyssey and they were taking bookings onboard for the Antarctica cruises. They are a bit more pricey than the average SB cruise. About $1000 p/p per day for a V5.

I am sure they are selling these itineraries on all 6 ships like "Hot Cakes".

My final payment is due in October, so I would appreciate a referal voucher. I don't have any on-board credits I know of, but what if the TA gives us some credit at a later date? :confused:

If the Onboard Credit comes directly from the TA (your TA purchased it, then yes it's still combineable with the referral coupon). If it's coming thru your TA from a consortium such as Signature, Virtuoso or Ensemble then no it's not combineable with the Referral Coupon.

Please post your email and I will mail you out a coupon if this works for you.

I understand the sentiment - Quest is not an expedition vessel.

 

Just a couple of points of clarification:

 

Seabourn ships do not have propulsion pods.

 

The new Seabourn ships cruise at 19 knots, the Silver Explorer at 14. This makes for a much faster transit of Drakes Passage (in good weather conditions).

 

Also, can anyone tell me if the restriction of 400 passengers for ships doing landings in Antarctica still applies?

I remember the old Marco Polo used to restrict passenger numbers on its sailings.

cans good points you bring up about the Quest's propulsion and absence of pods and cruising speed.

Yes, according to the Antarctica Treaty, Seabourn will have to limit the number of passengers (excluding crew/expedition contractors) to no more than 400 paxs instead of sailing at capacity which would be 452 (with all quads and triples used). Perhaps this is yet another reason why the per person a day rates are almost double than normal Seabourn cruises currently in terms of pricing.

Great clear pictures of the Pride. She looks in great shape for her age all things considered baychilla.

Once back at the ship I decided to wander along the squeaky clean port area. It was a nice bit of seafront property filled with restaurants and tacky touristy ships (where is my postcard?) and even a mini market. There was also this odd thing

It seems the British were going to scrap it when a German entrepreneur decided he could move it to Germany and make a museum of it.

While window shopping I saw an inviting ice cream place. Looking up at their menu I knew what I wanted and ordered it. It was delicious. Then I looked down. DRAT. I should've checked what else they had. I missed out on Smurf infused ice cream!

After finishing my not smurf flavored treat I wandered among the food trailers. One in particular smelled very nice. They were doing waffle treats and currywurst. Currywurst? Yes please. Having heard about this dish (essentially a brat covered in curried ketchup and the dusted with curry powder) but never sampled it I had to avail myself of this opportunity (sorry no pictures and honestly it did resemble a gloppy mess). It was great. The sausage anyways. It tasted porkier, smokier and fresher than what I've been able to get locally in the US. The ketchup was oddly sweet (more like a sweet and sour sauce in a Chinese restaurant where they left out the sour but added extra sugar and cornstarch) and the curry was lacking. Ah well, perhaps in the future I'll find a better currywurst stand.

 

Back at the ship I was just in time to grab a seat for sail away.

These cliffs were supposed to be similar to those in Dover

It was a rather sad sail away. After this it was just some sea time, going through the Kiel canal again and then Amsterdam and the end of the cruise.

The "bluffs" look more like a flat pancake too me...nice pictures btw, especially of the gelato!

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Before I booked, I would be asking Seabourn how they intend to conduct their shore landings in compliance with the 100 person Treaty provision. The answer could be enlightening.

hello kiawahdon...I just posted a bunch of info on the landings and the logistics of the proposed landings although we still won't know for some time which islands/locations these landings will take place. I also posted the parts pertaining to the Antarctica Treaty for Tourism.

21-DAY ULTIMATE ANTARCTICA AND PATAGONIA on QUEST

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• To begin, please select a port belowNov 20 Buenos Aires, Argentina Nov 21 Montevideo, Uruguay Nov 22 At Sea Nov 23 At Sea Nov 24 Pt. Stanley, Falkland Islands Nov 25 At Sea Nov 26 The SBN Antarctic Experience (Day 1) Nov 27 The SBN Antarctic Experience (Day 2) Nov 28 The SBN Antarctic Experience (Day 3) Nov 29 The SBN Antarctic Experience (Day 4) Nov 30 The SBN Antarctic Experience (Day 5) Dec 01 At Sea Dec 02 Ushuaia, Argentina Dec 03 Scenic Cruising Beagle Channel Dec 03 Scenic Cruising Glacier Alley Dec 04 Cockburn Channel Dec 04 Punta Arenas, Chile Dec 04 Strait of Magellan Dec 05 Scenic Cruising Canal Sarmiento Dec 05 Amalia Glacier Dec 06 Chilean Fjords Dec 07 Puerto Chacabuco, Chile Dec 08 Scenic Cruising Gulf of Corcovado Dec 08 Castro, Isla Chiloe, Chile Dec 09 Puerto Montt, Chile Dec 09 Scenic Cruising Reloncavi Sound Dec 10 At Sea Dec 11 Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile
   
  

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Mon.-Fri 6 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sat. 7 a.m.-12 p.m. (Pacific Time).

I went to Anarctica on the MS Fram a few years ago and don't worry about the size of the ship.

 

I think it is better because you can have more amenities, better food, and not get bored.

 

Landings: 2 a day 1 hour ashore by law.

100 paxs onshore by law.

 

On the way back you usually do a scenic cruise in your zodiac (up close for photographing icebergs, wildlife, swimming seals & penguins, etc).

This is about 30 minutes.

This is also the time when you will be icy cold that hits your bones due to the moving zodiac.

Ashore was hot!

 

By the time you reach your ship and change out of your snow waterproof clothes it is about 2 hours.

On landing days (mostly everyday) this is your routine TWICE a day.

 

The Routine is quite hectic and 1 hour is more than enough time onshore.

 

Breakfast

landing lecture

Landing- 2 hours

Nap

Lunch

Landing lecture

Landing- 2 hours

Tea Time

Nap or hang out

Dinner

Drinks at the bar and making new friends

Sleep or watch TV in your room

 

The groups are called in shifts. You first stop in the changing room to get into your wellies and put on your gloves, hats, etc, before hopping on the zodiac.

 

It is NOT chaotic at all. The turns change as well. If your group was called last then you will be first next time.

 

The groups are per zodiac and if I remember correctly there were 7 groups. (I might have this wrong). I just read the Fram holds 230 paxs.

Only your small group (however many fit in the zodiac) are allowed in the wet room.

 

On the way back you board the Zodiac. At your leisure.

 

We made all of our landings and I was on the on the last cruise of the season.

I timed it with Carnavale in Brazil. I believe 2009.

 

There were loads of penguins and the weather was hot.

I post this because you read a lot of things on the Internet that are not true.

 

For those that are wheelchair bound I will include this.

 

There was a lady that broke her leg before her trip but came along with her husband.

She wore a cast and was in a wheel chair.

 

She boarded the zodiac for all her landings (she was in my zodiac group), but physically could not go ashore as most of the beachfront is jagged rocks, slippery, and wet kinda like a riverbank.

 

They took her on cruises along the shoreline instead and she was happy.

Many penguins swimming and showing off, anyways.

 

I believe the easiest landing was the one with the old whaling station. Is this Deception

Island? I think she made it to the Argentine Base.

 

I hope this helps get a sense of big ship cruising in Antarctica.

 

p.s. My favorite was Neko Harbor and the scenery in general.

The snow is high and makes a slide where you can come down on your bum.

The penguins slide next to you on their bellies.

Too cute!

They also follow you everywhere and mimic what you are doing.

Very curious little darlings.

Wanderlust Living....can I ask you when you did your Expedition Cruise to Antarctica what was the average age group/demographic of the passengers that were onboard and also if they had to be physically fit or somewhat to do the landings and zodiac rides?

There is no way in the wide world would l consider landing on the last frontier with 500 passengers, each wanting there $16 to $40 grands worth.

 

Even the 100 max cap landings are a nightmare for crew and naturalists.

The great 6th continent does not deserve nor can it cope with that level of impact.

Nor should it have to try.

 

Seabourn really needs to reconsider this until it gets hold of an appropriate sized and designed vessel. The Quest is totally inappropriate.

If they do go ahead with this sized vessel it will be a great enviromental insensitvity

that l know for sure Australia, NZ and Argentina will object to and protest. We have in the past and we are sure to again.

I am already preparing to write to Seabourn.

 

 

Below Is the Seatrade news release from yesterday.

 

 

 

SEABOURN TO CHART ANTARCTICA FOR THE FIRST TIME

 

Seabourn plans to visit the White Continent for the first time in its 20-year history. In November 2013, Seabourn Quest will begin a series of four 21- to 24-day voyages sailing between Valparaíso, Chile, and Buenos Aires.

 

‘Antarctica was the only continent that Seabourn did not feature in our itineraries. This expands our global reach to all seven continents and builds on our already impressive list of exotic destinations,’ said Seabourn president Rick Meadows.

 

The all-suite ship will cruise the Chilean coast, including visits to Puerto Montt for the Lake District, Castro on the huge island of Chiloé, and Puerto Chacabuco, a gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Then Seabourn Quest will thread the glaciers, peaks and channels of the Chilean Fjords, culminating in a transit of the Beagle Channel and its Glacier Alley. Weather permitting, following a call at Ushuaia in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego, the ship will cruise by Cape Horn bound for the Southern Ocean.

 

Passengers will experience five days in Antarctica, including scenic cruising of highlights such as the Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay and Gerlache Strait. Seabourn said an experienced Antarctic expedition staff will be on hand to guide landings and exploration by Zodiacs. Scientists, naturalists and other lecturers in a number of disciplines will speak on board and accompany shore visits to add their insights.

 

During the South Atlantic portion of the voyage, Seabourn Quest will visit Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and Montevideo, Uruguay, en route to or from Buenos Aires.

 

A 24-day holiday version will include two days exploring the sub-Antarctic wildlife Eden of South Georgia Island, renowned for its rookeries of king penguins and other seabirds, as well as breeding elephant and fur seals.

 

Seabourn's new ‘Ultimate Antarctica & Patagonia’ sailings open for sale on Sept. 4.

 

................................

 

This is such a stupid idea

Someone at Seabourn has got rocks in their head

Jaffa

I posted above some but not all of the Guidelines that Tourism Organizations must follow while in Antarctica which are pretty stringent to say the least.

6) Obtain a permit, where required by national law, from the competent national authority of t

appropriate Party or Parties, should they have a reason to enter such areas, or a monitoring site

(CEMP Site) designated under CCAMLR.

7) Ensure that activities are fully self-sufficient and do not require assistance from Parties unless

arrangements for it have been agreed in advance.

8) Ensure that they employ experienced and trained personnel, including a sufficient number of

guides.

9) Arrange to use equipment, vehicles, vessels, and aircraft appropriate to Antarctic operations.

10) Be fully conversant with applicable communications, navigation, air traffic control and

emergency procedures.

11) Obtain the best available maps and hydrographic charts, recognising that many areas are not

fully or accurately surveyed.

12) Consider the question of insurance (subject to requirements of national law).

13) Design and conduct information and education programmes to ensure that all personnel and

visitors are aware of relevant provisions of the Antarctic Treaty system.

14) Provide visitors with a copy of the Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic.

B) When in the Antarctic Treaty Area

Organisers and operators should:

1) Comply with all requirements of the Antarctic Treaty system and relevant national laws, and

ensure that visitors are aware of requirements that are relevant to them.

2) Reconfirm arrangements to visit stations 24-72 hours before their arrival and ensure that

visitors are aware of any conditions or restrictions established by the station.

3) Ensure that visitors are supervised by a sufficient number of guides who have adequate

experience and training in Antarctic conditions and knowledge of the Antarctic Treaty system

requirements.

4) Monitor environmental impacts of their activities, if appropriate, and advise the competent

national authorities of the appropriate Party or Parties of any adverse or cumulative impacts

resulting from an activity, but which were not foreseen by their environmental impact

assessment.

5) Operate ships, yachts, small boats, aircraft, hovercraft, and all other means of transport safely

and according to appropriate procedures, including those set out in the Antarctic Flight

Information Manual (AFIM).

6) Dispose of waste materials in accordance with Annex III and IV of the Protocol. These

annexes prohibit, among other things, the discharge of plastics, oil and noxious substances

into the Antarctic Treaty Area; regulate the discharge of sewage and food waste; and, require

the removal of most wastes from the area.

7) Co-operate fully with observers designated by Consultative Parties to conduct inspections of

stations, ships, aircraft and equipment under Article VII of the Antarctic Treaty, and those to

be designated under Article 14 of the Environmental Protocol.

8) Co-operate in monitoring programmes undertaken in accordance with Article 3(2)(d) of the

Protocol.

9) Maintain a careful and complete record of their activities conducted.

C) On completion of the activities

Within three months of the end of the activity, organisers and operators should report on the

conduct of it to the appropriate national authority in accordance with national laws and

procedures. Reports should include the name, details and state of registration of each vessel or

aircraft used and the name of their captain or commander; actual itinerary; the number of visitors

engaged in the activity; places, dates and purposes of landings and the number of visitors landed

on each occasion; any meteorological observations made, including those made as part of the

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Voluntary Observing Ships Scheme; any significant

changes in activities and their impacts from those predicted before the visit was conducted; and

action taken in case of emergency.

D) Antarctic Treaty System Documents and Information

Most Antarctic Treaty Parties can provide, through their national contact points, copies of

relevant provisions of the Antarctic Treaty system and information about national laws and

procedures, including:

· The Antarctic Treaty (1959)

· Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972)

· Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980)

· Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991)

· Recommendations and other measures adopted under the Antarctic Treaty

· Final Reports of Consultative Meetings

· Handbook of the Antarctic Treaty System (1994)

· Handbook of the Antarctic Treaty System (in Spanish, 1991 edition)

ATTACHMENT A

INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED IN ADVANCE NOTICE

Organisers should provide the following information to the appropriate national authorities in the

format requested.

1) name, nationality, and contact details of the organiser;

2) where relevant, registered name and national registration and type of any vessel or aircraft to

be used (including name of the captain or commander, call-sign, radio frequency,

INMARSAT number);

3) intended itinerary including the date of departure and places to be visited in the Antarctic

Treaty Area;

4) activities to be undertaken and purpose;

5) number and qualifications of crew and accompanying guides and expedition staff;

6) estimated number of visitors to be carried;

7) carrying capacity of vessel;

8) intended use of vessel;

9) intended use and type of aircraft;

10) number and type of other vessels, including small boats, to be used in the Antarctic Treaty

Area;

11) information about insurance coverage;

12) details of equipment to be used, including for safety purposes, and arrangements for

self-sufficiency;

13) and other matters required by national laws.

XVI-13 Tourism and non-governmental Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area

The Representatives,

Bearing in mind that the XVth Consultative Meeting agreed that a comprehensive review of

tourism and non-governmental activities was required;

Noting that the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty and its Annexes

apply to tourist and non-governmental activities in Antarctica;

Recalling that the XIth Special Consultative Meeting asked the XVIth Consultative Meeting to

address the issue of tourism and non-governmental activities;

Acknowledging that the Protocol constitutes the framework for further progress in Antarctic

environmental protection;

Concerned about the possible effect of increased tourism and non-governmental activities in

Antarctica;

Conscious of the need to ensure that the presence of tourists and other visitors in Antarctica be

regulated so as to limit adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment;

Recommend to their Governments that:

1. An informal meeting of the Parties be convened with a view to making proposals to the XVIIth

Consultative Meeting on the question of a comprehensive regulation of tourist and nongovernmental

activities in Antarctica in accordance with the Protocol and taking into account

the proposals made at the present XVIth Consultative Meeting, including proposals for a future

Annex to the Protocol on Environmental Protection;

2. Prior to the convening of that meeting and in order to ensure due preparation of its work,

proposals should be prepared by them taking into account the list of issues stated below, which

meeting should, inter alia, primarily address:

a) environmental issues

· implementation of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

and its Annexes

· number of tourists / carrying capacity

· homologation of standards relating to vessels

· permanent infrastructure for tourists

· concentration / dispersal of tourist activities

· access to unexplored areas

b) operational issues

· notification and expansion of information to be exchanged

· system for granting permission to visit stations

· self-sufficiency

· insurance, including search and rescue insurance

· information obligation of Parties

· preparation

About two weeks ago I booked my first Seabourn cruise - 14 nights in the Med next year. With over 200 cruise days on Princess, Cunard, Holland America (and soon to add Celebrity), I am not new to cruising, but I am very excited to finally be able to try Seabourn.

 

Having made my first Seabourn cruise commitment, I am now completely intrigued by the Antartica cruises in 2013/14. Wow, they are not cheap, but what an opportunity! I am going to seriously consider one of the three cruises on offer. I will need to do some more homework, but a quick look at the Silversea Expedition options showed that Seabourn is considerably cheaper. I know it is not "apples with apples" because the ships are very different, but it has only added to my interest in finding out more.

 

We cruised around Cape Horn in early 2011 and the sea was like glass. I know that weather is highly variable, particularly in that part of the world, and the 5 days in Antartica could be terrible weather-wise. Still.......I am off to do some research!

 

Anyone else interested?

CruisingKirby

Just my opinion nut I think the the following itinerary is the best since it incorporates the most time spent in Antarctica and South Georgia Island which the other 3 cruises do not provide.

24-day Holiday Antarctica, Patagonia & South Georgia Island

VALPARAíSO (SANTIAGO), CHILE

At Sea (Pacific Ocean)

Scenic cruising Reloncaví Sound

Puerto Montt, Chile

Castro, Isla Chiloé, Chile

Scenic cruising Gulf of Corcovado

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Scenic cruising Chilean Fjords

Scenic cruising Amalia Glacier

Scenic cruising Canal Sarmiento

Scenic cruising Strait of Magellan

Punta Arenas, Chile

Scenic cruising Cockburn Channel

Scenic cruising Glacier Alley

Scenic cruising Beagle Channel

Ushuaia, Argentina

Passing Cape Horn

The SBN Antarctic Experience (day 1)

The SBN Antarctic Experience (day 2)

The SBN Antarctic Experience (day 3)

The SBN Antarctic Experience (day 4)

The SBN Antarctic Experience (day 5)

At Sea

At Sea

Grytviken, South Georgia

Grytviken, South Georgia

At Sea (Atlantic Ocean)

At Sea

At Sea

Montevideo, Uruguay

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

I went to Anarctica on the MS Fram a few years ago and don't worry about the size of the ship.

 

I think it is better because you can have more amenities, better food, and not get bored.

 

Landings: 2 a day 1 hour ashore by law.

100 paxs onshore by law.

 

On the way back you usually do a scenic cruise in your zodiac (up close for photographing icebergs, wildlife, swimming seals & penguins, etc).

This is about 30 minutes.

This is also the time when you will be icy cold that hits your bones due to the moving zodiac.

Ashore was hot!

 

By the time you reach your ship and change out of your snow waterproof clothes it is about 2 hours.

On landing days (mostly everyday) this is your routine TWICE a day.

 

The Routine is quite hectic and 1 hour is more than enough time onshore.

 

Breakfast

landing lecture

Landing- 2 hours

Nap

Lunch

Landing lecture

Landing- 2 hours

Tea Time

Nap or hang out

Dinner

Drinks at the bar and making new friends

Sleep or watch TV in your room

 

The groups are called in shifts. You first stop in the changing room to get into your wellies and put on your gloves, hats, etc, before hopping on the zodiac.

 

It is NOT chaotic at all. The turns change as well. If your group was called last then you will be first next time.

 

The groups are per zodiac and if I remember correctly there were 7 groups. (I might have this wrong). I just read the Fram holds 230 paxs.

Only your small group (however many fit in the zodiac) are allowed in the wet room.

 

On the way back you board the Zodiac. At your leisure.

 

We made all of our landings and I was on the on the last cruise of the season.

I timed it with Carnavale in Brazil. I believe 2009.

 

There were loads of penguins and the weather was hot.

I post this because you read a lot of things on the Internet that are not true.

 

For those that are wheelchair bound I will include this.

 

There was a lady that broke her leg before her trip but came along with her husband.

She wore a cast and was in a wheel chair.

 

She boarded the zodiac for all her landings (she was in my zodiac group), but physically could not go ashore as most of the beachfront is jagged rocks, slippery, and wet kinda like a riverbank.

 

They took her on cruises along the shoreline instead and she was happy.

Many penguins swimming and showing off, anyways.

 

I believe the easiest landing was the one with the old whaling station. Is this Deception

Island? I think she made it to the Argentine Base.

 

I hope this helps get a sense of big ship cruising in Antarctica.

 

p.s. My favorite was Neko Harbor and the scenery in general.

The snow is high and makes a slide where you can come down on your bum.

The penguins slide next to you on their bellies.

Too cute!

They also follow you everywhere and mimic what you are doing.

Very curious little darlings.

WanderLust Living...I was looking at your daily routine above and I would be exhausted as well and in bed by 8:00pm.

About two weeks ago I booked my first Seabourn cruise - 14 nights in the Med next year. With over 200 cruise days on Princess, Cunard, Holland America (and soon to add Celebrity), I am not new to cruising, but I am very excited to finally be able to try Seabourn.

 

Having made my first Seabourn cruise commitment, I am now completely intrigued by the Antartica cruises in 2013/14. Wow, they are not cheap, but what an opportunity! I am going to seriously consider one of the three cruises on offer. I will need to do some more homework, but a quick look at the Silversea Expedition options showed that Seabourn is considerably cheaper. I know it is not "apples with apples" because the ships are very different, but it has only added to my interest in finding out more.

 

We cruised around Cape Horn in early 2011 and the sea was like glass. I know that weather is highly variable, particularly in that part of the world, and the 5 days in Antartica could be terrible weather-wise. Still.......I am off to do some research!

 

Anyone else interested?

Hello Cruising Kirby.

Just an FYI, the website now has all of the itineraries published online for you to look at and compare each sailing from Nov 20th, 2013 to Jan 24, 2014. I think many people will be booking these cruises and quickly as it is a "one of kind" type of experience to be doing this on a 6 star cruiseline and in the Antarctic for a once in a lifetime experience. My hunch is they will not have to do price reductions at all on these 4 cruises unless god forbid the economy takes another nose dive again.

As to the weather, people should be forewarned that Antarctica is totally weather dependant and if the weather cooperates it's like nothing else on earth to experince. The weather in Antarctica can change very quickly and within less than an hour or on a dime as I would say so you should keep that all in mind as well.

PS - Where are you getting your info that there will be landings? And how many landings will there be?

freddie

I had posted this as well one the first page of this thread the actual email I got from the Office and also the detailed itineraries for each votyage. Where it says SBN Antarctic Experience during those 5 consecutive days in Antarctica, the landings will take place between pre-set times.

I have re-posted below the original email for your from the Office regarding the explanation given on the "landings" which I will admit is very limited in terms of content and explanations.

I hope this all helps answer some of your questions/concerns. Also you can now go on the Seabourn Website to see each voyage in greater detail with sail times and additional information that is provided.

I think we will all know much more as time goes by and certainly by years end or in the begining of the new year.

I for one am very positive and upbeat about these voyages going smoothly and without a glitch.

I can well imagine all the planning and logistics that must have to go into a voyage such as these four in Antarctica and certianly they have well over 15 months to plan ahead and make sure everything is in place. I am sure they will encounter problems at some point on one of the earlier voyages as they will have nothing previously to base themselves and be totally dependant on these hired contractors for providing the Expedition part of the cruise.

As I said, let's see but I think it all can be accomplished and done in true Seabourn style and with no doubt many "Seabourn Moments" to take away.

We are have now opened the Quest voyages for the remainder of 2013-first quarter 2014 to our guests holding future cruise bookings. We will open these voyages up to the general public by end of the day Monday.

The holiday sailing on the Quest will embark on Wednesday December 11, 2013 and will sail through Saturday January 4, 2014 for a 24 day South America and Antarctica experience. I have pasted the itinerary being offered below. As with all expedition cruising, cruise operators are not be able to bid on islands for possible landings until 2013 so we will not publish the islands we will attempt to visit. All landings are subject to weather and sea conditions regardless of schedule. More information will be available on this when as we get it.

PS - Where are you getting your info that there will be landings? And how many landings will there be?

 

 

 

I will admit my bias that Antarctica is best visited on a dedicated expedition ship. We had the great fortune to visit South Georgia and Antarctica for several weeks on the luxury expedition ship, Hanseatic. The skipper on that ship had, as of our sailing, more than 14 years of navigating in Antarctica. All things considered, I would prefer a skipper who had experienced the waters of Antarctica hundreds of times rather than a SB skipper who had never been in those waters.

 

 

In your post above, you cite a number of other cruises that are "sail by" cruises, rather than ones with landings. How is that a comparison to the SB cruises that you have mentioned?

 

 

Have your SB sources indicated how they plan to do 100-pax maximum landings with 400-plux passengers? That will not likely allow two landings per day for each passenger, as is standard on expedition vessels. It might even be a stretch to allow one short landing per day for each passenger.

 

 

SB is a wonderful luxury product; but this attempt to become a quasi-expedition product seems a bit misguided and certainly cannot compare to a proper expedition experience in Antarctica. Cheers, Fred

Fred, I mentionned the other cruiselines to show how many major cruiselines are going. None of them provide a landing other than Princess on the Star Princess has a one day excursion which I have done from Punta Arenas to King Fisher Island for the day by plane and you atr on the ground for approx. 5 hours ...only yours for $2200.00 and this was 3 years ago.

On a separate note regarding teh experience of the Captain on Seabourn, surely one of the Captain's on Seabourn has extensive sea ice experience probaby in the previous years as Master of a cargo ship or similar vessel. I am not concerned really with Seabourn providing an experienced Captain for those waters as I am sure they will no doubt.

The 100 person landings as I have been told by the Office will be on a 1 hour visit basis ashore; in other words they will have continuous service going ashore in groups at various times throughout the day. Based on the 5 days being there on average 100 paxs per day everyone will have the chance to at least experience it once if not twice as I am sure many people will sign up but due to mobility issues perhaps with some, many will opt out to stay onboard and not go in a zodiac. I did the zodiac run while in King Fisher Island to Amelia Island by zodiac and you need be somewhat physically fit and on your toes.

My own personal view, is that Seabourn is not trying to offer so much an "expedition cruise" but rather a new frontier for those that "have been there and done that" more than anything. Remember they are outsourcing all of this expertise by contractors for these four sailings, to run the landings part, naturalists, geologists, scientist, guest speakers etc. I think this will be a first in the Luxury Market and we will soon see next year how it goes. We should also know by year end which islands/ports they will be doing the landings at once they bid on the permits according to the Antarctica Treaty.

Interesting enough, Seabourn in 2013 late fall and early 2014 will not be doing the typical 14 day "around the Horn" cruises from either Valparaiso or Buenos Aires...not even one. Instead, they are replacing those voyages with these 4 Antarctica Cruises 21-24 days which seems too me to be a lot of capacity for Antarctica from one single cruiseline. Princess usually only goes twice in a season with the Star Princess, Crystal Symphony is only going once next year Dec 21st for 18 days, Holland America is going twice as they do always, next year will be on the Zaandam. I guess Seabourn really believes they can fill up the Quest with 1800 paxs over those 3 months paying a very high premium fare on average of $650-$895 per person per day depending on the sailing.