They are two of the world\u2019s revered cruise destinations \u2013 the vast, stunning beauty of Antarctica, and the warm waters of the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador \u2013 and both are two of nature\u2019s richest havens.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you talk of the Antarctic, and of the Galapagos Islands, you are speaking of the two destinations in the world where the true wonder of nature can be experienced right before your eyes \u2013 they are fascinating places that leave such a strong impact on visitors,\u201d MyPlanet general manager Sandy Greenwood said.<\/p>\n
In its latest brochure \u2018Antarctica & South America 2009\u2019 MyPlanet has highlighted these two specific regions which are both in strong demand from the Australian market, and introduced three styles of travel to suit individual budgets \u2013 comfortable expedition, superior expedition and luxury expedition.<\/p>\n
New for 2009 is the luxury Orion Expedition Cruises which will operate \u2018luxury expeditions\u2019 from Hobart to New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic Islands and deep into the Antarctic. The luxury ship, with a choice Staterooms and Suites spread over six decks, includes 24 hour room service, all meals, landings by zodiac boats, lectures, and complimentary expedition parkas.<\/p>\n
Its 14 day \u2018New Zealand & Sub Antarctic Islands\u2019, priced from $10,160, visits Macquarie Island renowned for its Royal, King, Gentoo and Rock Hopper penguins, the volcanic Campbell Island with its crested penguins, albatross and black browed mollyhawks, the Auckland Islands with their Hooker seal lion colonies and rare yellow eyed penguins, then on to Stewart Island and the stunning Fjordland of New Zealand.<\/p>\n
New also is Orion\u2019s 21 day \u2018Scott & Shackleton\u2019s Ross Sea Antarctic\u2019, priced from $20, 795, which crosses the Antarctic Circle to journey deep into the vast Antarctic waters. From Hobart its crosses the Ross Sea with landings at such remote locations as Cape Hallett with its giant glaciers and mountains, Cape Terra Nova Bay discovered by the Scott Expedition, the massive David Glacier and the bleak Inexpressable Island visiting Scott\u2019s Hut built in 1911, and Shackleton\u2019s Hut – both still preserved by their freezing environment. It is then onto the remote Possession Islands where the 1899 British Expedition\u2019s Borchgrevink hut still, remarkably, stands. From there it is back to Invercargill in New Zealand via Snares Island. <\/p>\n
Then there is the popular \u2018Superior Expedition\u2019 cruises aboard the Hurtigruten ship MS Fram with accommodation ranging from \u2018Inside Cabin\u2019 through to \u2018Outside Cabin\u2019, \u2018Mini Suites\u2019, \u2018Suites\u2019 and \u2018Grand Suites\u2019. \u201cThis is a very comfortable eight deck cruise ship,\u201d Greenwood said. All rooms have private facilities, all meals are included, landings are by Polar Cirkel boats, there is a complimentary expedition parka, specialist lectures onboard plus a tour of Buenos Aires. Flights from BA to Ushuaia are included.<\/p>\n
Cruises include the 12 day \u2018Antarctic Peninsula\u2019 priced from $7650, \u2018An Emperor\u2019s Antarctica\u2019 priced from $10,150 for 16 days and \u2018Shackleton\u2019s Antarctica\u2019 -21 days from $9860.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Comfortable Expeditions\u2019 are aboard the Quark ships Akademik Shokalskiy and the Ocean Nova.<\/p>\n
These expedition style ships have shared, private, superior and suite accommodation all with private facilities, all meals, Zodiac boat landings, an expedition parka and lectures.<\/p>\n
New in this category for 2009 is the 20 day \u2018Antarctic Quest via The Falklands & South Georgia. Priced from $17,389 it explores all the extremes of the south \u2013 the icebergs, waterways, glaciers, mountains and rich wildlife in what is an incredible journey.<\/p>\n
Also memorable is the 12 day \u2018Antarctic Voyage\u2019 through the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula – visually stunning with icebergs, pods of whales, glaciers and remote icy bays and inlets. It is priced from $9756.<\/p>\n
And then there are the famed Galapagos! These are the 74 islands 1000km off the Ecuadorian mainland that inspired Charles Darwin\u2019s \u2018Origin of the Species\u2019 and helped map the world\u2019s evolution.<\/p>\n
The 6 day \u2018Quito & the Galapagos Islands\u2019 cruise, priced from $3680, is aboard a superior class ship with all meals and sightseeing plus return flights ex Quito included. Aboard the yacht MV Galapagos Legend visitors explore the second largest marine land in the world come into contact with a melting pot of unique species including marine iguanas, giant tortoises and seals.<\/p>\n
\u2018Galapagos in Depth\u2019 is a six day adventure\/scientific expedition that is described as \u201cthe ultimate\u201d Galapagos experience. The cruise, priced from $4595, visits Rabida Island with its sea lions, flamingos, marine iguanas, birds and fur seals, the lunar landscape of Bartomele Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station, the wildlife of Punta Suarez, the volcanic sands of Floriana and renowned Black Turtle Cove with its green turtles and golden rays.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the Galapagos you really commune with nature; it is all around you \u2013the wildlife, and the beauty of the islands, is unforgettable,\u201d Greenwood said.<\/p>\n