“It falls to the lot of few men to view land not previously seen by human eyes. It was with a feeling of keen curiosity and awe that we gazed ahead.”
Lincoln Ellsworth
Hands-on exploration
Antarctica
Venture off the beaten path to walk in the footsteps of trail blazers like Shackleton and Scott to discover, the magic of Antarctica. Be thrilled by colossal glaciers and icebergs and remarkable wildlife - penguins, albatrosses, seals, orcas, humpback whales and more.
M/V Minerva (formerly Explorer II) is the finest vessel for A&K adventurers, offering hands-on exploration in nature’s last and remote stronghold. A&K has been working in Antarctica for over a decade and continues to control Expedition operations onboard. Journey direct to Antarctica or take a longer cruise and visit the wildlife sanctuarys of the Fawkland Islands and South Georgia.
Note: Prices are per person twin share. A&K Air Supplement: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires charter flight USD600 per person. Taxes not included. Early Booking Discount: Book by 31 May 2008 on the 21 November 2008 Antarctica, South Georgia, Falkland Islands & South Atlantic cruise (MIN081122) and save US$500 per person (full adult fare). This late spring-time cruise offers some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets and also features a photo enrichment program.
The A&K Advantage
- Double hulled Ice Class vessel with an ice rating (Italian RINA Class 1-D) that exceeds the requirement for operating safely in Antarctica.
- Equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, including a GMDSS emergency communication system and a satellite weather system, receiving real-GMDSS, receiving real-time satellite images of weather and ice conditions.
- Lifeboats are enclosed and equipped with survival gear, blankets, food and water.
- Chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as "the world's best expedition ship".
Alaska, The Russian Far East and the Bering Sea
Just 55 miles of the Bering Sea seperate Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska from Cape Deshnev, Siberia, yet this narrow passage enabled the human migration that ultimately populated the continent. But for generations, politics and culture clashes increased the distance immeasurably. With the end of the Cold War the gap narrowed once again. Travel on A&K's MV 'Clipper Odyssey' across the International Dateline to the amazing world of Siberian Russia.
Explore the remote wild of Kamchatka, Siberian Russia, the Bering Sea islands and small ports, coves, and fjords along Alaska's coast and Inside Passage.
Onboard Minerva, A&K features respected naturalists, zoologists, geologists, historians and ornithologists who accompany each expedition and share their expertise to create both an educational and entertaining environment. Onboard you may meet Dr. Ralph Eshelman, a research associate at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, and former museum director. Specialising in maritime history and Antarctic exploration, he has served as geologist and historian on many Antarctic voyages.
Exclusive Philanthropy Mission Trip
Our Dec 7-20, 2009 departure will be operated as an A&K Philanthropy Mission trip. On this voyage, our Mission trip leader will be Doctor Jim McClintock (Scientist from University Alabama-Birmingham) and funding through A&K Philanthropy and Friends of Conservation will go to the acquisition of wind meter equipment necessary for Climate Change research. Our passengers will be part of a welcoming ceremony at the US Palmer Station in Antarctica where the equipment will be delivered and presented to the station director and staff.
An amazing and exlusive opportunity - contact your A&K travel specialist for further details. Inclusions onboard the MV Minerva can be found in each itinerary.
M/V Minerva
This expeditionary cruise ship carries a maximum of 199 passengers, though equipped to carry over 300. Her speed, ice-strengthened hull, stabilisers and bow thrusters give power, stability and agility to ensure a safe, smooth passage. The vessel is stylish and comfortable with spacious, outward facing cabins and the highest staff to client ratio in Antarctica.
