LATIN AMERICA antarctic dreaM announces polar circle crossing
Antarctic Dream is launching a new program—Antarctic Polar Circle Crossing—departing from Ushuaia January 6 and returning to Ushuaia on January 19, 2012, with the main goal to cross the Polar Circle at 66°33’44”S (subject to weather and ice conditions). The expedition will be visiting places seldom seen by human beings, a true firsthand experience with nature and its spectacular fauna. The company will extend its Antarctic Dream Expedition Program of 11 days to 14 days in order to achieve this destination, “to cross the Polar Circle.” Prices will be the same as the classic program during shoulder season. This new program replaces two Fly & Sail departures (January 6 and 13), the remaining four departures with one way by flight. The trip is thrilling and chilling. The moment of crossing the famous Drake Passage and the initial glimpse of the White Continent with penguins swimming among shimmering icebergs, zodiac trips to visit impressive ice formations and spot nesting colonies of sea mammals, sailing across the narrow Lemaire Channel whose high cliffs and narrow waterway make it one of the most beautiful passages in the world, and a celebratory glass of champagne on reaching Petermann and Yalour islands, Antarctica’s “inner circle.” The exact itinerary is, of course, governed by existing weather and ice conditions, so flexibility is key. Besides magnificent mountains, snow and ice, in Antarctica one can expect to see a wide variety of native birds such as Antarctic cormorants, Kelp gulls, Cape, giant and Wilson’s storm petrels, Skuas, snowy sheathbills and Antarctic terns. Marine mammals— killer whales, humpback and minke whales, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals may be seen, even elephant seals at close range. At Enterprise Island there may be a zodiac cruise to an old whaler wreckage. And sailing North to Deception Island, the largest active volcano in the northwestern side of the Peninsula will appear. There will be an attempt to disembark in Whaler’s Bay and Pendulum Cove where adventurers can swim in the unique waters. The 14-day spectacular sailing starts at $6,900. Its detailed itinerary is available online, along with a list of MV Antarctic Dream’s exclusive safety and comfort features. antarctic dream, www.antarcticdream.com 26 • septeMBer 2011
luxury retreats acquires apartMents Ba to offer luxury rentals in argentina Luxury Retreats has acquired the Buenos Aires-based outfit Apartments BA to begin offering high-end apartments for rent and for sale in the South American capital. Units of varying sizes are available in all the top neighborhoods, including Recoleta, Palermo Soho, Barrio Norte and San Telmo. The company is making the affordable destination even more attractive by offering frequent rental promotions such as “Stay for 7 nights, pay for 6,” so their accommodations are growing in popularity with families, in addition to couples and groups of friends. Luxury Retreats is the world’s largest specialist in luxury villa rentals, offering almost 2,000 elite properties in over 70 worldwide destinations. apartments Ba by luxury retreats, ben@apartmentsba.com, www.apartmentsba.com; luxury retreats, www.luxuryretreats.com
galapagos savings aBoard the Beluga with enchanted expeditions Enchanted Expeditions, pioneer cruise and tour operators on smaller boats in the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador, will put together the perfect itinerary for clients. Founder Judy Carvalhal and her three partners have collectively over 125 years of experience as tour guides, researchers, conservationists and community tourism advocates in Ecuador. Their ready-made and custom active travel vacations are designed for the active, curious and conservation-minded seeking value, authenticity and genuine connections with communities and wildlife while they leave a ‘small footprint.’ Booking a tour in the Galapagos Islands aboard their Smart Voyager-certified motor/yacht Beluga now at incredibly reduced rates on prescheduled departures will save more than $1,000 over published rates. This is a great opportunity for single travelers, families and smaller groups seeking a great adventure and long-lasting emotions. The Beluga accommodates 16 passengers in eight double cabins (four lower/lower twin berths, two matrimonial beds and two with lower/lower twins that can be joined to create matrimonial options). Cabin 1 has three beds (two lower and one upper bed), each with private bathrooms with showers, fully air-conditioned, social areas with the comfort and facilities of a superior yacht, and panoramic windows in the salon/dining area. The itinerary consists of daily excursions ashore the islands, snorkeling and swimming in this unique ecosystem. Travelers will enjoy time on the vessel’s spacious sun deck or relaxing in the shade on the top deck while cruising between islands. Reservations and additional information on tours are available by contacting sales staff Monse or Wendy at the Quito office. enchanted expeditions, monse@enchantedexpeditions.com, wendy@enchantedexpeditions.com, www.galapagosenchantedexpeditions.com, www.belugagalapagos.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News