Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Style on the Ultimate 'Flight-Seeing' Trip to Antarctica



Take off on the ultimate New Year's Eve adventure this year aboard Antarctica Flights' specially chartered Qantas 747 to one of the world's most difficult to reach destinations.

Antarctica Flights has announced bookings are now open for its unique all inclusive trip, which gives guests the opportunity to take in the vast expanse and breathtaking beauty of this frozen wilderness in just one day.

Only accessible to Australians, this special day flight over the pristine white landscape of the Earth's southernmost continent takes in the icebergs, coastal cliffs, glaciers and spectacular mountain ranges for which Antarctica is renowned.

Quality celebratory drinks plus dinner and a live on board jazz band add to the once in a lifetime excitement of the New Years Eve “Midnight Sun” flight, while expert Antarctic expeditioners are also on board to talk about the polar environment and life on the ground.

For 21 years, Antarctica Flights has taken more than 45,000 travellers on 125 flights across the Antarctic and, according to Phil Asker, Founder and Director of Antarctica Flights, the New Years Eve flight continues to attract the most interest:

“People are always looking for new and exciting ways to celebrate the New Year. Here in Australia, our close proximity means that we can actually fly to Antarctica and back in just one day. It's a once-in a lifetime experience. And what a phenomenal experience it is. Guests tell us that there is something quite special about being one of the first people in the world to welcome the New Year in daylight.

“Unlike cruises, there are no long sailing times, the cost is not prohibitive and because you are viewing Antarctica by air you get to experience its full majesty and gain an appreciation for its size. It's a great feeling to know that through our Antarctica Flights we enable more people to fulfil what is often a lifelong dream, to see this stunning continent in all its glory.”

Antarctica Flights' New Year's Eve itinerary takes approximately four hours to reach the South Magnetic Pole, descending over spectacular sea ice and icebergs and crossing the Antarctic coast near the French research base at Dumont d'Urville.

From there the aircraft flies over magnificent glaciers and ice fields before continuing to Cape Hudson and Cape Washington and the astounding Trans Antarctic Range.

Up to 19 different routes are available to take advantage of the clearest weather conditions of the day, ensuring the best possible views of the Antarctic landscape.

The 2015/16 Antarctica Flight program comprises three departures:
  • 31 December 2015 - Melbourne;
  • 7 February 2016 - Sydney; and
  • 14 February 2016 - Melbourne
There is also a flight on sale for Australia Day 2017 from Perth.

Prices begin at $1,199 for Economy Class Centre and range to $7,999 for Ice Class.

See www.antarcticaflights.com.au for further information or call Antarctica Flights on 1300 633 449.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Antarctic Cruises with Silversea Expeditions

#expeditioncruising

Venture into Antarctica with Silversea Expeditions

Explore the seldom-seen continent of Antarctica aboard Silversea Expedition's luxurious vessel, Silver Explorer, as she navigates through an array of spectacular natural wonders from sculpted icebergs and calving glaciers to native wildlife on a 10-day roundtrip voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Departing on 12 December 2015, Silver Explorer cruises through the legendary Drake Passage before continuing her breathtaking adventure through the Antarctic Peninsula, where guests can expect to be in awe of the natural beauty.  Guests can watch as seabirds glide through the air currents, seals sunbathe on slow-moving ice floes and humpback and orca whales breach the surface.  With Silversea Expeditions all shore and Zodiac excursions are included enabling guests to step ashore Antarctica's vast white wilderness, walk amongst a variety of penguin rookeries and perhaps visit scientific research stations.  All of these activities are guided by an expert expedition team of naturalists, ecologists and biologists.

If weather conditions permit, itineraries comprise of a number of Antarctic islands including: Aitcho Island, home to Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins; Paradise Island, renowned for its stunning scenery and Petermann Island, a geological masterpiece.  Silver Explorer then returns to Ushuaia with guests disembarking 22 December 2015.

Prices are per person starting from AU$15,110 in a View Suite based on double occupancy.  Silversea Expeditions' fares include: all shore and Zodiac excursions hosted by an expedition leader; all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet meals with menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits served throughout the ship; an outstanding expedition team of expert guides and lecturers; and all gratuities.

This voyage is subject to availability.  Terms and conditions apply.  For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com/expeditions.


Thursday, July 2, 2015

Save A$1500 Per Couple and Stay Two Nights For Free on Extended Antarctic Expedition



Australian polar travel specialist, Active Travel, is offering an international flight saving of A$1500 per couple as well as two free nights in Ushuaia for bookings on an 18-night voyage by ice-strengthened expedition ship to Antarctica this October.

This special offer, valid until sold out, applies for an October 23, 2015 departure and includes a A$1500 flight saving per couple, complimentary polar gear and two free nights' accommodation at Ushuaia, including breakfasts, before travellers embark on the 18-night 'Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica' round-trip cruise from Ushuaia - the most southern city in the world - aboard the expedition ship, Akademic Ioffe.

The in-depth expedition is the longest Antarctic itinerary offered by Active Travel, and guests will be accompanied by Active Travel founders, Robert Fletcher and Christine Pearson, who will share their love for the great white continent. The voyage will take passengers to the Falklands, home to a profusion of seabirds and migratory birds, and then the remote island of South Georgia where thousands of king penguins cake the shores. The itinerary includes a visit to old whaling stations and the grave of history's most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The voyage continues south through the rugged South Shetland and South Orkney islands before reaching the coast of Antarctica where four days are spent exploring the great white continent and visiting scientific research stations and historic huts during daily excursions by the ship's zodiacs. The opportunity to spend a night camped on the ice may also be possible, weather permitting.

Including onboard lectures, meals and zodiac excursions, the 20-night package is available from US$14,495 per person, twin-share. Bookings will include two free nights' accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia prior to the cruise and a flight credit of A$750 per person flight credit to be used towards international flights to Ushuaia booked in conjunction with the cruise through Active Travel.

Other pre/post cruise accommodation and touring around South America can also booked through Active Travel.

Active Travel offers one of the most extensive range of Antarctic and Arctic adventures available to Australians in partnership with long-standing polar travel specialists, One Ocean Expeditions, which Active Travel pioneered in the Australian market in 2008.

For details, visit www.activetravel.com.au or call 1300 783 188.