Antarctic
& Arctic
in search of the
emperor penguin
trip highligh­­­ts
The most wildlife‑rich part of Antarctica ‑
penguins, whales, seals, sea birds
Narrow sheltered waterways and fjords
Spectacular mountains rising directly out of the sea
Historic sites
Active scientific stations
Great variety of terrain over short distances
Icebergs and active glaciers
Hiking excursions with snowshoes
Trip Duration11 days
Trip Code: OSG
GradeDiscovery and Cruising
ActivitiesCruising, Wildlife Viewing
Summary11 day voyage, 10 nights aboard Ortelius
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for enquiring about our In search of the Emperor Penguin
voyage. It’s one of an ensemble of small group voyages to the
Polar Regions of Antarctica and the high Arctic, offered by World
Expeditions. Travelling to such delicate eco‑systems requires a
responsible approach from the outset and choosing to travel on an
ice strengthened ship that carries no more than 100 passengers is
the ideal way to minimize your impact. Small group voyages also
help to maximize your time on shore and create a more personal and
interactive mood while on the ship. Our zodiacs transfer us from ship
to shore each day while the sea‑kayaking option is available on many
of our voyages and ideal for those seeking more activity during their
Polar experience. If you prefer to stay on the boat, then the spacious
observation lounge (with bar) and large open deck spaces, giving
excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife, will always
keep you occupied, in between informative lectures from experienced
naturalists and polar guides. We hope you will join us for a life
changing experience!
1 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/7/2017 4:18:02 PM
why travel with World Expeditions?
We offer unique, small‑group expedition cruises that allow you to
enjoy the natural wildlife and scenery of some of the world’s most
spectacular and pristine shorelines. The size, capacity and capability of
our ice‑strengthened vessels have proven to be a successful formula for
many years.
in search of the
emperor penguin
A voyage of exploration in the Weddell Sea and Antarctic
Peninsula in search of Emperor Penguins
Weddell Sea
Antarctic
Peninsula
South Orkney
Islands
Adelaide Is
Anta
rctic
Elephant Is
South Shetland
Islands
Dr
ak
Circle
e
Passage
Falkland
Islands
Ushuaia
South America
trip cost
Joining Ushuaia Quadruple:USD$11400
All prices are per person
options & supplements
Triple with Porthole:
USD$12300
Twin Private with Porthole:
USD$13200
Twin Private with Window:
USD$13700
Superior:
USD$14400
Suite:
USD$15200
World Expeditions does not require single travellers
pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange
for you to share a cabin with another traveller
of the same gender. If you prefer not to share a
single supplement is payable to guarantee single
occupancy of the cabin, ask us for pricing details.
For competitive airfares and stopover ideas
to join this adventure, contact our expert staff
today to receive a detailed quote.
the trip
Journey south to the incomparable Antarctic Peninsula, home to a vast array of wildlife and a
dramatic landscape which never fails to astound. During our voyage we hope to catch sight of
the majestic Emperor Penguin, and our itinerary will be built around this objective. Our voyage
will take us beyond the fringes of the peninsula, venturing into the Weddell Sea where tabular
icebergs stretch to the horizon. We’ll visit Paulet Island, home to millions of Adelie penguins
and set foot on the continent at Brown Bluff before visits to Half Moon Bay and Deception
Island. With regular shore excursions to walk among the many penguins and other wildlife
along with a fascinating and informative lecture program presented by our expert expedition
crew, the wonder of the Antarctic is yours to discover.
our partners
World Expeditions have enjoyed a long‑standing relationship with Oceanwide Expeditions
and share a similar operational philosophy of a low impact, small group travel approach. The
voyages are operated with these very principles in mind. Primarily, these voyages are staffed
by Oceanwide Expeditions personnel whose credentials, experience and enthusiasm will
ensure a fulfilling and memorable experience.
at a glance
DAY 1EMBARK USHUAIA
DAYS 2-3DRAKE PASSAGE
DAY 4WEDDELL SEA
DAYS 5-6WEDDELL SEA
DAY 7WEDDELL SEA
DAY 8HALF MOON AND DECEPTION ISLAND
DAYS 9-10AT SEA
DAY 11DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA
additional deposits required
A deposit of 25% of the per person cabin cost is required to confirm your berth. This deposit
is non‑refundable and we recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
what’s included
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
Specialist expedition staff
All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
Medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board)
Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
Pre‑departure information
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Embark Ushuaia
You will be warmly greeted by the crew and expedition staff as you embark Ortelius in the afternoon.
Sailing down the Beagle Channel, we will settle into shipboard life and enjoy our first meal on board,
as the crew set our course for Bismark Strait and the Lemaire Channel.
meals: D
2 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/7/2017 4:18:02 PM
in search of the
emperor penguin
A voyage of exploration in the Weddell Sea and Antarctic
Peninsula in search of Emperor Penguins
trip dates
2018
18Nov - 28Nov 1
important notes
1 - Voyages include the use of helicopters for ship to
shore transfers, subject to weather conditions.
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Antarctica
Visas:
Please check visa requirements with
your reservations consultant*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Private Groups:
Private group options are
available for this trip*
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
Brochure Reference:
Polar
*Ask our staff for more information.
DAYS 2-3Drake Passage
Some of us will approach this historic crossing with more than a little trepidation. But despite its
reputation, there are many times when the Drake Passage resembles a lake, with lazy Southern
Ocean swells rolling under the keel. On the other hand, we sometimes encounter rough crossings
with large waves. The size of the waves and the force of the gale will take on gigantic proportions
when related around the fire back home. The mood on board is definitely casual. A favourite pastime
is to stand at the stern deck watching the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant
petrels, following in our wake, skillfully using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we will arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In
this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses,
Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue
Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, excitement reaches fever pitch with
everyone on the bridge watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective
once we are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first
big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you forever.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 4Weddell Sea
A typical itinerary in the Weddell Sea could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will
be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.
We will sail into the Weddell Sea and if the Antarctic Sound is accessible and the ice does not
prevent us to sail further, we might see the huge tabular icebergs that announce our arrival to the
eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. We plan to visit Paulet Island with a million pairs of Adelie
Penguins. In the afternoon we visit Snow Hill with the remains of the Nordenskiöld expedition.
meals: B,L,D
DAYS 5-6Weddell Sea
Between Snow Hill Island and James Ross Island we will make our first attempt to observe Emperor
Penguins on the ice-edge making their way to open water. We might also visit Seymour Island,
where many fossils can be found, and the Argentinean station Esperanza on the Antarctic Continent
(if this is not possible due to weather conditions, we will try again on day 7), where we can observe
Adelie Penguins, Cape Petrels, Pale-faced Sheathbills, Skuas, Kelp Gulls and Antarctic Terns. The use
of helicopters has a great advantage and can support us in our goal to reach the Emperor penguin
colony, but the itinerary is ruled by the forces of nature, ice and weather conditions. If the conditions
are favourable, we intend to spend days 5 and 6 in the Emperor Penguin rookery. The helicopter
operation will take a full day and the flight duration takes approximately 15 minutes in a helicopter
accommodating six people. The landing point of the helicopters will be carefully chosen and we
will make sure that the Emperors are not disturbed or stressed by helicopter noise. Therefore, after
arrival, we will continue our expedition on foot. After a walk of around 45 minutes we will experience
a magical moment - a rendezvous with the magnificent Emperor Penguins. Keep in mind that we
are in the world’s most remote area and there are no guarantees, including a specific amount of
helicopter time. Conditions may change rapidly, having its impact on the helicopter operation so
we need to understand and accept this. Safety is our greatest concern and no compromises can be
made.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 7Weddell Sea
If the ice allows us to go further into the Weddell Sea area we will visit Devil Island and Vega Island
with a large colony of Adelie Penguins and a magnificent view for those hikers who can make it
3 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/7/2017 4:18:02 PM
in search of the
emperor penguin
A voyage of exploration in the Weddell Sea and Antarctic
Peninsula in search of Emperor Penguins
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to
minimise the impact of our presence. World
Expeditions were the proud recipients of
the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This
detailed guide to responsible and sustainable
travel is provided to all World Expeditions
clients before they travel. Please ask your
consultant if you have not received your copy
of our award winning book. Alternatively,
you may like to download a copy from our
website www.worldexpeditions.com
trip grading
Discovery and Cruising
Although there is no commitment to
extended walking on this journey we
nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on
the active’. We therefore advise that any
physical training you complete before
undertaking the trip will be to good effect.
Snowshoeing Option: Especially on early
departures at the beginning of the season
there are still snow covered hills and
mountains further inland. During voyages
to the Antarctic we are planning on
offering hiking excursions with snowshoes.
Snowshoe walking is easy and does not
require any technical skills. With the use
of snowshoes it is easier and safer to
walk on snow surfaces. Snowshoes will
be provided to everyone on board. Those
will fit all boot sizes and can be used in
combination with the rubber boots provided.
Snowshoe hiking is free of charge.
to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes provides spectacular waterfall from the cliffs close to
point ‘Well-Met’. If we have not reached the Emperor penguin colony in the previous days we will try
again, offering ship to shore helicopter flights to Snow hill island.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 8Half Moon and Deception Island
In the morning we have planned to visit Half Moon Island where we can see Chinstrap and Gentoo
Penguins, various other bird-species and Southern Elephant Seals and Weddell seals. Early in the
afternoon we will sail to Deception where we have the last landing of our voyage at Pendulum cove.
meals: B,L,D
DAYS 9-10At Sea
While at sea there is ample opportunity to observe the sea birds that follow the ship, or just relax
and read a favourite book. This is a time for reflection and discussion about our many experiences
with shipboard friends.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 11Disembark in Ushuaia
We will arrive in the morning in Ushuaia where our trip concludes.
meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
boat cruise
The ice‑strengthened vessel “Ortelius” is an excellent vessel for Polar expedition cruises in
the Arctic and Antarctica, providing us with possibilities to adventure remote locations such
as the Ross Sea and Franz Josef Land. “Ortelius” was built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, was
named “Marina Svetaeva”, and served as a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy
of Science. The vessel is re‑flagged and renamed “Ortelius”. As Plancius, Ortelius was a
Dutch / Flemish cartographer. Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598) published the first modern
world atlas, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theatre of the World in 1570. At that time, the
atlas was the most expensive book ever printed. The vessel has the highest ice‑class notation
(UL1 equivalent to 1A) and is therefore very suitable to navigate in solid one‑year sea ice and
loose multi‑year pack ice. “Ortelius” is a great expedition vessel for 116 passengers with
lots of open‑deck spaces and a very large bridge which is accessible to the passengers.
The vessel is manned by 20 highly experienced international nautical crew, 19 international
catering staff, including stewardesses, 7 expedition staff in Antarctica (1 expedition leader
and 6 guides/lecturers), for the Arctic we will have 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader
and 7 guides/lecturers) and 1 doctor. The vessel offers basic but comfortable cabins and
public spaces. The cabin lay‑out is as follows: 4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds (these
can also be used as triple or twin cabins), 2 triple porthole cabins with bunk beds (these can
also be used as quads or twin cabins), 27 twin porthole cabin with 2 single lower berths, 12
twin cabins with windows and 2 single lower berths, 2 twin deluxe cabins with windows and
2 single lower berths, 6 superior cabins with double beds. All cabins are spacious outside
cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin and all cabins have private
shower and toilet. ”Ortelius” offers a comfortable hotel standard, with two restaurants, a
4 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/7/2017 4:18:02 PM
in search of the
emperor penguin
A voyage of exploration in the Weddell Sea and Antarctic
Peninsula in search of Emperor Penguins
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that
you are flexible, positive and eager to
take on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant or travel agent.
important note
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary, and
may supersede any information in the
current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. The itinerary
should be seen as a guide only. This
itinerary may change at any time due to
inclement weather, forces of nature and
other circumstances beyond our control.
bar/lecture room. Our voyages are primarily developed to offer our passengers a quality
exploratory wildlife program, trying to spend as much time ashore as possible. As the number
of passengers is limited to approximately 116 on the “Ortelius”, flexibility assures maximum
wildlife opportunities.
suggested extensions
Paine and Fitz Roy Trek
Patagonia Adventure
Torres del Paine Circuit
We have a range of Patagonia options including short customised itineraries and
group departures. Ask our office for details.
We also have a range of options to Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and more
Refer to our website, www.worldexpeditions.com for more details
climate
The climate in Antarctic is characterized by a long winter and a relatively short summer.
We visit the Peninsula during the summer (November to March) when temperatures hover
between –15 and +2 degrees Celsius during the day. Wind chill can cause this temperature
to drop below –15 degrees Celsius. The Antarctic continent is considered to be the coldest
desert in the world. Precipitation can occur during the summer on the Peninsula however it is
unlikely to persist for longer than a few hours.
a typical day
Because of the exploratory nature of these voyages we do not have a set itinerary. The
final decisions on our daily program will make best use of local ice and weather conditions,
spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. These notes are designed to give you a good idea
of our intentions.Because of the exploratory nature of these voyages we do not have a set
itinerary. The final decisions on our daily program will make best use of local ice and weather
conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. These notes are designed to give you
a good idea of our intentions. Our trips generally include the use of zodiacs for transfers
ashore which is the case on these voyages. Additionally, we will operate our two helicopters
in the event the zodiacs cannot be used. In true expedition style, we are ruled by the forces
of nature which are at their strongest here, in one of the most remote regions on earth.
Conditions can change rapidly which may have bearing on the helicopter operation ‑ no
compromises on safety will be made. In the event one helicopter is inoperable, we will not
operate the other due to the need to have a second aircraft as support. Helicopters are a
great advantage, giving us the ability to reach otherwise inaccessible landing sites and add a
unique dimension to the voyage.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist
with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance to determine whether we can cater on your chosen
adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in remote locations or alternatives
may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special
requirements may need to provide their own food. Passengers must travel with all necessary
medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
equipment required
A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information supplied on booking.
5 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/7/2017 4:18:02 PM
in search of the
emperor penguin
A voyage of exploration in the Weddell Sea and Antarctic
Peninsula in search of Emperor Penguins
protecting the environment
Antarctica is the largest wilderness region on earth and deserves special protection. The
International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) was formed in 1991 to
promote environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic. World Expeditions is committed
to responsible travel and true sustainability and we are proud to be an Associate Member
of IAATO. Participants on our voyages are briefed on the environmental codes of conduct &
the scientific explanations behind them to help maximize the enjoyment of their visit without
compromising the pristine environment.
non exclusive trips
Please note that this trip is not exclusive to World Expeditions clients and you will be joining a
group of 100 adventurers from around the world.
wildlife
Apart from the deep sea, Antarctica is the oldest and largest self‑contained ecosystem in the
world. The animal world is very closely linked with the sea and is consequently to be found
mainly on the periphery of the continent. With the exception of a few insects, all forms of life
capitulate in the face of the increasingly harsh climatic conditions further inland. The coastal
regions are populated by sea birds such as petrels, albatrosses, skuas and penguins as well
as marine mammals like the crabeater seal, leopard seal, Ross seal, Weddell seal, fin and right
whale, and sea lions. The Antarctic sea regions contain the greatest quantities of animal protein
on Earth.
Antarctica’s marine food chain
The most common Antarctic shrimp, krill, uses its front legs to catch microscopic unicellular
algae known as diatoms. The word krill comes from the Norwegian and means “food of the
whale”. All living creatures consume 90% of their food for their everyday activities and thus
convert only 10% into body weight, meaning that nutritional value declines exponentially as one
progresses through the food chain. The whale jumps these links in the chain by preying directly
on krill rather than on fish or sea birds. A fin whale requires about 2‑3 tonnes of krill per day to
reach an impressive length of 24 metres and a weight of up to 80 tonnes.
Antarctic birds
Penguins represent half of the Antarctic bird population, nine‑tenths of its biomass. These birds
depend on the sea for their food. They eat about 4.7 million tons of food each month, mainly
crustaceans and fish, but also squid. While penguins dominate the bird biomass, tube‑nosed
petrels constitute the majority of the breeding species. Other groups include cormorants, skuas,
gulls, and terns.
It takes a tough bird to overcome Antarctica’s notorious inclemency. One might infer from the
enormous concentrations of sea birds that do occur that the populations are invincible. They are
not. The long isolation of Antarctic birds has produced an extraordinarily innocent and docile
avifauna ‑ a quality attractive to both scientific study and tourism, but one that leaves these
highly vulnerable birds open to harm from human presence or mismanagement.
Natural factors such as storms or abnormally extensive sea ice can cause extremely high
mortality in nesting areas. But Antarctic bird species have evolved to overcome these
adversities. Human activity is another matter. On the evolutionary time scale, people and their
machines have just entered the Antarctic scene. The birds have had little time to adjust. Studies
have shown that even casual or occasional contacts with Antarctic bird colonies can adversely
affect breeding success. After visits are ended or controlled, bird populations have been
observed to return to former levels.
Today, much is known about some of these birds at breeding sites, but virtually nothing about
the longer time they spend at sea.
6 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Rachel Imber 4/7/2017 4:18:02 PM
in search of the
emperor penguin
A voyage of exploration in the Weddell Sea and Antarctic
Peninsula in search of Emperor Penguins
flora
Infertile and wasteland are two words one often hears in connection with the polar regions.
Yet over 800 species of flowering plant flourish in the Arctic, though by contrast there are only
two species of flowering plants on the Antarctic mainland since it is a long way from the next
continent, a fact which reduces the chances of new plant species becoming established. The
major part of Antarctica is also covered by eternal ice and the climate is much harsher than
in most parts of the Arctic. In the few places where plants can grow, mosses and lichens play
a bigger role than flowering plants. Some lichens even grow in the polar desert areas in the
interior of Antarctica where the conditions are truly extreme. Arctic plants have to be very small
to survive. A tall plant would be helplessly exposed to the sharp ice crystals with which the wind
would constantly batter it.
what’s not included
Air transport and airport transfers before and after the cruise to/from Ushuaia
Passport and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and airport departure taxes
Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of
a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
Emergency evacuation charges
Customary end of voyage tips
visas
Whilst visa’s are not required to visit Antarctica many passport holders may require visa’s for
countries they transit en‑route to the voyage. Please check with your reservations consultant or
travel agent to determine if visa’s are required for your journey.
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These
special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced
and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or
register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to
register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
private groups
The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for
many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can
organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even
work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from
itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.
subscribe to our e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and
adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our
website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There
are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space
on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure
services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The
7 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 6/6/2017 2:50:33 PM
in search of the
emperor penguin
A voyage of exploration in the Weddell Sea and Antarctic
Peninsula in search of Emperor Penguins
demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non
refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or
if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your
booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also
help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get
you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that
you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.
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