But there's strong steel beneath the graceful exterior. 'Explorer II is well equipped to handle the open-water cruising and icy channels of Antarctic seas. Her speed, ice-strengthened hull, stabilizers and bow thrusters give her the power, stability and agility necessary to ensure a safe, smooth passage for all on board. Without sacrificing an iota of strength, 'Explorer II sets new standards of style in expeditionary cruising.
Designed For Your Comfort. 'Explorer II is a ship in a class of its own: elegant, yet unpretentious; stylish, yet stalwart. The delightful Lounge is a passenger favorite, a place to compare notes before the day's Zodiac excursion, listen to a lively talk by an on-board naturalist, or join friends for after-dinner coffee. Two open bars-the Shackleton and the South Cape- provide additional corners in which to relax.
An exceptional Library offers a wide range of titles, fact or fiction, as well as newspapers, games and puzzles. There's an Exercise Room for the dedicated fitness enthusiast, and a Gift Shop for remembrances of your expedition.
Accommodations. 'Explorer II boasts guest quarters that are among the most comfortable in Antarctica. After days of invigorating exploration on the White Continent, your warm, welcoming cabin-many offer private balconies-will offer ample room to stretch out and relax, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Click here for more details on the cabins.
Warm, Personal Service. To ensure the highest quality of service, 'Explorer II carries a staff and crew of 146 to accommodate just 198 passengers. Laundry service is available on board.
International Cuisine. Dining on board is a sophisticated pleasure. 'Explorer II offers two dining rooms, both with simultaneous open seatings. In the main Dining Room or the casual Verandah, you'll be seated where and with whom you please, ready to enjoy a leisurely meal selected from imaginative, international menus with a gourmet touch. There is always a selection of light fare and vegetarian dishes, and special diets can be accommodated with sufficient advance notice.
Click here for Public Rooms and Dining Information.
Cheers! All bar drinks and house wines on board are included in your fare cost.
24-Hour Open Bridge. If you've ever wondered what gets entered into a ship's log, or whether mariners still use a sextant, just visit the Bridge and ask the officer on duty. Aboard 'Explorer II, the Bridge is open to passengers all day, every day, for a fascinating glimpse of the art and craft of blue-water navigation.
Zodiac and Ship Attire. While you'll want to change out of your day clothes for dinner, you won't need a wardrobe any dressier than "smart casual" wear.
Click here for more details on the Zodiac and ship attire.
Amenities. A day at sea can be as busy, or as relaxing, as you wish. Enjoy a guide's presentation in the lounge or auditorium. View the awe-inspiring scenery from the ship's Promenade deck, where you can circumnavigate the ship on an easy walk or jog. Undertake an invigorating workout in the gymnasium. Unwind in the sauna. Enjoy a massage in the ship's full-service beauty salon. Or browse the onboard shops and take in a movie in the cinema. With so many options, you can set your own pace aboard 'Explorer II.'
Zodiac Exploration. Zodiacs are the workhorses of any well-planned Antarctica adventure, and 'Explorer II' carries a large fleet of these fast, safe, stable rubber rafts. Easy to launch and to land, Zodiacs make it possible for passengers to explore remote Antarctic shores where there are no piers or other formal docking arrangements.
They also function as exploratory vessels, specializing in "up front and personal" encounters. You'll never forget your first Zodiac circumnavigation of a 100-foot-high, aquamarine-tinted iceberg, followed by the placid gazes of the dozen sleek seals camped out on its slopes.
Click here for details on landings in South Georgia or
Antarctica
Smoking. Explorer II respects the needs of both smokers and non-smokers. While smoking is not permitted in most areas of the ship (for reasons of courtesy and safety), the ship has a dedicated Smoking Room on the Bridge Deck, in addition to designated areas on the outer decks.
Temperature: Every trip will be different. We experienced snow, wind, rain, sunshine, and absolute calm. The temperature hovered around 35 to 40 degrees most of the time. It was cold on the zodiacs but once ashore it was usually fine. In fact, we were so bundled up that we often were very hot.
The Drake Passage: Yes, you have to cross the Drake Passage. This is a notoriously rough stretch of water. Both our crossings on our first trip were considered normal. It was rough and some people did not fare well; however, there is no other way to get there. However, on our trip in 2007 we experienced the Drake Lake, it was not rough. There were some white caps but nothing significant. Everyone I talked to that had experienced motion sickness said it was worth it to have the experience of Antarctica and South Georgia. Of the entire trip, it was only two days crossing the Drake Passage. If you are concerned, I would suggest getting the patch. Several people who normally do not wear a patch did so and I think it is good insurance. I can honestly say it did not affect me at all.
Days at Sea: The expedition ships do a fantastic job of filling the days at sea. Each day they have lectures, all of which are really interesting. The lecturers are top notch and provide a wonderful combination of expertise and people skills.
Naturalists: The cruise will have naturalists and an expedition leader. The credentials of these people were really quite amazing. On every landing they were there to greet you, show you where to go and answer any and all questions about the animals and surroundings. By the time you leave, you feel like they will be your friends forever and the knowledge you gain is very insightful and interesting.
The Flights: The round trip charter flight from Santiago to Ushuaia will be on a jet aircraft. Normally there is a tour of Ushuaia upon arrival; it is a beautiful little town surrounded by mountains.
The Wildlife: Penguins: King Penguin, (South Georgia only) Gentoo Penguin, Chinstrap Penguin, Adelie Penguin, Magellanic Penguin, Rockhopper Penguin. Sea Lions and Fur Seals: Antarctic Fur Seal, Falkland Island Fur Seal, South American Fur Seal, Southern Sea Lion.
True Seals: Crabeater Seal, Weddell Seal, Leopard Seal, Southern Elephant Seal. Whales: Fin Whale, Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Southern Right Whale. Dolphins: Peale’s Dolphin, Commerson’s Dolphin. Birds: Way too many to mention. The key birds were the huge Wandering Albatross and other varieties of Albatross.
Repeat Passengers: Repeat Passengers: Repeat Passengers: Repeat Passengers: Repeat Passengers: Repeat Passengers: Repeat Passengers: Repeat Passengers: Repeat Passengers: My image of this trip is that it would be a once in a lifetime experience and once you have done this trip, you would not need to go back. It is surprising how many people were repeaters. Since the weather can change the mood and look of this region, I think each trip would be a completely different experience. One of my favorite days was cloudy, overcast and misty; it suited the environment.
Personal Note: I really had to drag my husband on this trip and he came along to please me. On our return I think he was even more excited about the prospect of going back than I was. It is truly a unique experience, it is not just a cruise. The beauty of nature here is overwhelming. I hope you decide to take this trip, as I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed
Outstanding Expedition Team:
You'll be accompanied by a team of eminent naturalists, geologists, zoologists, historians and ornithologists, experts whose education, field research and personal accomplishments make them ideal companions for Antarctica. Every day you'll meet for briefings or wrap-ups, and as one of the limited number of guests on board, you'll find it easy to exchange ideas with these friendly and enthusiastic educators.
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