Affordable Antarctica

The closest thing we have on Earth to another planet, amazing Antarctica is a continent where penguins waddle across gleaming pack-ice, whales breach and albatrosses soar. Yet this astonishing environment was virtually closed to tourism until about 15 years ago.

The main reason was simply cost. The only way of reaching Antarctica was by small expedition ships, which carried few passengers and had to charge very high fares to cover the cost of mounting the trip. Even now, all the people who have actually set foot on Antarctica would fit into a large football stadium.

A fantastic way to visit Antarctica and explore it in four-star comfort at a reasonable price is offered in the Australian market. The sleek and spacious eight-deck cruise liner Discovery is heading to the Great White Continent later this year. Discovery is operated by Voyages of Discovery, voted ‘Favourite Niche Cruise Line’ at the British Travel Awards in 2007. Over two months from the start of December 2008, Discovery will offer no fewer than five sailings to Antarctica – including a Christmas Voyage and a New Year Cruise. You can celebrate New Year while cruising through the Strait of Magellan and Glacier Avenue!

Prices for these cruises start at just $4195, twin-share per-person. Availability is limited so you should call now to reserve your cabin. As an incentive, passengers booking and paying in full by the end of this month, July 2008, can save up to $1500 on Discovery’s top three grades of cabin, and up to $1000 on the others.

The cruise you choose will see you land by Zodiac craft in sheltered waters on the Antarctic continent, visiting penguin colonies and scientific research bases. With expedition leader Dr Peter Carey and his team, you’ll gain a privileged insight into the habits and habitats of the wildlife that populate these remote shores. Dr Carey is a director of the Sub-Antarctic Foundation for Eco-systems Research (SAFER) and a regular visitor to Antarctica. When landings are not possible, the Voyages of Discovery team will try to take you out on the water so you can get as close as possible to the region’s unique birds and animals.

There are plenty of extras. As well as Antarctica, cruises visit destinations such as Ushuaia on the fringes of Tierra del Fuego, Lemaire Channel (where no photographer is disappointed) and remote Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

All itineraries include a hotel stay, with sightseeing, either in Argentina’s exciting capital, Buenos Aires, or in Santiago de Chile, with the Andes glimmering in the distance. Most itineraries include sightseeing in both those cities. Your cruise will include all meals and entertainment; informative talks by Antarctica experts and guest speakers; use of sauna, gym, jacuzzis and pools; Captain’s cocktail parties and gala dinners; all port taxes and government fees; gratuities and an expedition Parka.

Discovery offers three restaurants, six bars, gymnasium, theatre, health and beauty centre, two swimming pools, 24-hour information desk, show lounge and internet centre. This spacious ship will carry no more than 500 passengers on each of these cruises. That means a crew-to-passenger ratio greater than one crewmember for every two passengers, ensuring great and attentive service.

Discovery’s moderate size (169 metres long) allows it to sail where larger ships cannot go. Proven, sturdy construction and a deep draft makes Discovery perfectly at home sailing Antarctica’s waters during the summer months. The cruise even generates Qantas frequent flyer points.

For more information see your Cruiseco agent, call (02) 9959 1380 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.net.au

A Report by The Mole