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Antarctic Holiday 2009/10

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20 Day Voyage from £5,128

Start your cruise at Buenos Aires - the capital of Argentina, enjoying a night in this intriguing city before setting sail for Montevideo, Puerto Madryn and the Falkland Islands. Then enjoy 5 days cruising through Drake Passage and the spectacular Antarctica, before heading back to Ushuaia and cruising the Chilean Fjords.

 

 

Itinerary

20 - 21 Dec 2009 : Buenos Aires, Argentina

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of "favourable winds," is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance. Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village.

 

However, it has now prospered into one of Latin America's most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million. Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the "Paris of the Southern Hemisphere," due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture.

 

Embark PM on 20 December, overnight in Buenos Aires. The ship departs 17:00 on 21 December.

 

22 December : Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, South America's second-smallest country. Beyond urban limits, 90% of Uruguay's land is devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, as Montevideo is this nation's largest city. Legend tells us that its name originated from the words monte vide eu meaning "I see a mountain," exclaimed by an eager lookout when Magellan's fleet first arrived in 1520.

 

Set in a picturesque location along the River Plate's shores, Montevideo evokes all the flavour of Spain with the massive masonry, hidden patios and palm-shaded plazas that are so reminiscent of that country. Attractions abound. Stroll wide boulevards and leafy parks, view imposing statuary or experience the thrill of an estancia visit.

 

Arrival time : 08:00 ; Departure time : 17:00

 

23 December : Cruising the South Atlantic Ocean

Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along the 360° Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with an engaging lecture series; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop the luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of the tranquil pools.

 

From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal's own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or the action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.

 

24 December : Puerto Madryn, Argentina

December 26 : Falkland Islands/Port Stanley

The Falkland Islands are situated some 350 miles east of Tierra del Fuego, 1,000 miles north of Antarctica and, as the locals claim, a mere 8,000 miles from Britain. Port Stanley is home to the majority of the island's residents - 1,990 out of a total population of 2,490. These 700 islands have long been of historical importance to scientists and seamen alike. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, they offered safe anchorage and provisions for sailing vessels as they headed around Cape Horn.

 

Today, maritime interests center mostly on the British Royal Navy, fishing fleets from a variety of nations and scientific expeditions to Antarctica. In 1982, world attention was riveted on these islands when Argentine and British forces fought fiercely for the right to call them their own. A number of vessels, numerous aircraft, thousands of troops and many local residents were involved in the conflict. After heavy combat, the will of Britain, supported by the island people, prevailed and the Falkland Islands remain British to this day.

 

Arrival time : 07:00 ; Departure time : 18:00

 

December 27 : Cruising the Drake Passage

The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that float in the air currents of our ship's wake. Varieties like the Black-browed albatross, Sooty shearwaters and White-chinned petrels.

 

December 28 - 31 : Cruising Antarctica

Spend four days cruising the Antarctic, enjoying wonderful vistas of the spectacular scenery, from the deck of the ship. Relax in the observation lounge or on deck and watch this vast, unblemished continent glide by. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that float in the air currents of the ship's wake. Varieties like the Black-browed albatross, Sooty shearwaters and White-chinned petrels.

 

Awesome glaciers flecked with pink algae greet you as you approach Elephant Island - so named for its abundance of Elephant seals. When Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, the crew was stranded here for 105 days in 1916. Elephant Island is home to several Chinstrap penguin rookeries, as well as 2,000-year old moss colonies. Weddell seals, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins can also be found on the spit of land Shackleton’s men named 'Point Wild'. Witness the dramatic beauty of spectacular iceberg sculptures, marvel at calving glaciers and experience up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for Humpback, Minke and Orca whales surfacing from below the frigid waters.

 

Navigating your return through the Drake Passage, you have the chance to spot seabirds and wildlife you may have missed on the first trip. Please note that on this voyage, the ship does not make any stops in Antarctica and you will not have the opportunity to go ashore.

 

January 1 - 2 : Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town, lies on the triangular-shaped island of Tierra del Fuego. While Ferdinand Magellan was exploring the straits between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in 1520, he was amazed by the smoke and fires which seemed to appear at every turn. These fires, which were kept continuously alight by the Yaghan and Ona Indians, became the inspiration for the name "Tierra del Fuego," Land of Fire.

 

Little has changed since the days of those intrepid first explorers. The abundant wildlife, scenic beauty and mysterious history of this rugged frontier land still retain an irresistible fascination.

 

Arrive 18:00 on 1st January, overnight in Ushuaia. The ship departs 14:00 on 2nd January.

 

January 3 : Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) is the only city situated on the Strait of Magellan, the 300-mile waterway which cuts a swath between the mainland and the island of Tierra del Fuego. This remote center is Chile's southernmost city and capital of Magallanes Province. Since it was founded in 1848, Punta Arenas prospered as a busy coaling station until the building of the Panama Canal. Today it boasts a population of 100,000, of which approximately one-quarter are descendants of Croatian immigrants. It is also the bustling center of one of the world's largest sheep farming areas, with major exports of wool and mutton.

 

Punta Arenas is your gateway to a wealth of sightseeing options. Take a thrilling private air charter over Antarctica, explore museums which bring the events of yesteryear alive, or delve deep into Patagonia's frontier regions.

 

January 4 - 5 : Cruising the Chilean Fjords

Spend two days cruising the Chilean Fjords from Punta Arenas up to Puerto Montt. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery or take advantage of the many facilities and entertainment on board.

 

January 6 : Puerto Montt, Chile

Puerto Montt was founded in 1853, at the head of the Pacific inlet known as Reloncavi Sound. Since then it has become the gateway to the Bavarian-flavoured Chilean Lake District, a region graced with some of the world's most inspiring scenery. Virgin forests, picturesque towns, snow-mantled mountains and translucent lakes adorn this idyllic setting. A wonderland of scenic splendour awaits - the towering volcano of Mount Osorno, the tranquil Lake Llanquihue, the rushing rapids of Petrohue and the serenity of Lake Todos los Santos.

 

Keen shoppers won't want to miss the great buys at the Angelmó-Handicraft Market, adjacent to the main port gate.

 

Arrival time : 08:00 ; Departure time : 17:00

 

January 7 : Cruising the South Pacific Ocean

 

Nearby lies flower-bedecked Viña del Mar, where the wealthy and powerful come to play in the sun and at the casino. And just 20 minutes from Valparaíso, this beach resort city, also popularly known as the "Garden City," boasts white-sand beaches, notable museums and a variety of carefully designed parks and beautiful public spaces.

 

Farther afield, the churches, colonial grandeur and sophistication of Santiago beckon for exploration and discovery.

 

Arrival time : 08:00

 

 

 

DEPARTURE DATE :

 

2009 : 20 December.

 

 

 

Antarctic Holiday- CRUISE ONLY PRICES : 2009

 

All above fares are in £s per person based on two people travelling together and sharing a double stateroom. Port, security and handling charges need to be added to all fares. Gratuities and airfares are NOT included.

* Single occupancy of double staterooms is available on a limited basis, subject to availability at the time of reservation. Single guests pay a percentage of the regular cruise fare as shown above. Single fares are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time.

 

A limited number of staterooms on each ship are designated for triple occupancy. Crystal Cruises discourage the use of the third berth for adults due to the size of the sofa bed.

 

A third person age 12 and over may travel in a triple occupancy stateroom (subject to space availability) at the minimum fare for that cruise. Children age 11 and under travelling as a third berth guest are charged 50% of the minimum fare for that cruise. A third berth waiver is required in all instances.

 

 

YOUR VOYAGE PRICE INCLUDES:

• Voyage in cabin grade of your choice including full board.
• Non-alcoholic beverages on board.

NOT INCLUDED :

• Airfares. See FLIGHT PACKAGE below
• Transfers
• Shore Excursions
• Port, security and handling charges.
• Sightseeing or meals ashore.
• Taxes
• Gratuities
• Liquor or wines
• Laundry or valet services.
• Telephone or internet and email communications
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling

 

 

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FLIGHT PACKAGES	Economy
UK to Buenos Aires prices from
London	2,260

 

YOUR FLIGHT PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Return economy class flights from UK, including applicable taxes.
• 1 night hotel stay pre-cruise.
• Applicable transfers.

All above prices are in £s per person.

 

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