NCV Antarctic Expedition Adds New Ports in 2005 - South Georgia, Falkland Islands and Buenos Aires

A 21-day NCV Expedition Voyage of the MS Nordnorge to Antarctica will call at South Georgia Island, the Falkland Islands and Buenos Aires for the first time on a special departure scheduled February 23, 2005. The soft-adventure cruise in the austral summer showcases the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife of the White Continent and the South Atlantic islands. Icebergs, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rugged cliffs, beaches and bays are the setting for viewing gentoo and five other penguin species, humpback and killer whales, and large colonies of elephant and fur seals, and wandering and black-browed albatrosses. The isolated islands are breeding grounds for millions of migrating seabirds.

The 464-berth Nordnorge, limited to 350 passengers and rated Ice Class C, sails on the 18-day expedition from Ushuaia, Argentina, across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, through the narrow Lemaire and Neumayer Channels, stopping at Cuverville and Half Moon islands, and then continues northward to South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and finally Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina.

Sights include the historic whaling station of Grytviken, the grave of explorer Sir Earnest Shackleton in South Georgia and Stanley, the world’s smallest, most remote capital, in the Falklands. Naturalist guides lead shore excursions with Zodiac landings. Aboard ship noted guest lecturers discuss the regions’ history, wildlife and botany. Four days are spent exploring Antarctica and two each at South Georgia and the Falklands.

Cruise rates of $5,010 to $6,225 per person, double occupancy, for cabins and $7,410 to $7,965 for suites include round-trip Lan Chile flights from New York to Buenos Aires, an intra-regional flight, five-star hotel with breakfast in Buenos Aires, three meals daily and selected cabin category aboard ship, services of naturalist guides, some shore excursions, port charges and transfers. AARP members save $150 per cabin. Air taxes of $100 and add-on air from other gateways are not included. Extra hotel nights are available in Buenos Aires.

A contemporary ship built in 1997 the Nordnorge has works by leading Norwegian artists in the public areas and adds a distinctive Latin flavor with South American cuisine, Chilean wines and drinks like pisco sours. Top officers are Norwegian and the crew is Chilean; the primary languages spoken on board are English and Spanish.

Reservations can be obtained from Norwegian Coastal Voyage at (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; for Antarctica brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; for detailed itineraries, www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc./Bergen Line Services
405 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022