AN EPIC VOYAGE: SEMI-CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF ANTARCTICA
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AN EPIC VOYAGE:
SEMI-CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF ANTARCTICA
An Extraordinary Expedition From the Antarctic Peninsula
to the Ross Sea and New Zealand
Aboard the New 152 – Guest Minerva
February 6 – March 13, 2022
EARLY BOOKING
BONUS
Book by June 18
and pay only $399
per person for the airfare
to Buenos Aires, and
the return airfare
from Dunedin.
This represents a savings
of over $2,500 per person.
The $399 airfare
is applicable
from major US gateways.
Dear National Trust Traveler,
Make history by participating in a journey that is rarely available – an epic
voyage that semi-circumnavigates Antarctica. This extraordinary expedition
will start in Argentina’s Ushuaia, located at the southernmost tip of South
America, and will end in Dunedin, New Zealand. Covering a distance of some
7,000 nautical miles, we will first visit the Antarctic Peninsula, a mountainous
range lined with islands that are important habitats of penguins and other
wildlife. We will then cross the Antarctic Circle to explore the shores of western
Antarctica that face the Bellingshausen, Amundsen and Ross Seas, places
that very few travelers have visited, following the routes and the footsteps of
the legendary explorers of the 19th century. Before we reach our final
destination in New Zealand, we will also stop at the subantarctic islands of Exploring by Zodiac
Australia and New Zealand, with their incredibly rich flora and fauna, much
of it endemic to the islands, that includes huge colonies of royal penguins.
Operating during the Austral summer, when the days are long stretching to
midnight and beyond, our daily itinerary will be flexible to take into account
the prevailing weather, sea and ice conditions. We expect to explore the area
around the Ross Ice Shelf, the world’s largest, which at places rises 200 feet
above the sea level, and make several landings, including at Roosevelt Island,
where Roald Amundsen began the first successful journey to the South Pole,
arriving on December 14,1911; Hut Point, on Ross Island, site of the US
McMurdo Research Station; and New Zealand’s Scott Station, where, on the
slopes of Mount Erebus, we will visit the cabin of the great explorer Robert
Scott.
There are not many ships that can undertake such an epic voyage. The
Minerva, launching in October 2021, is designed specifically for Polar
exploration. With its PC5 Category A ice-strengthened hull, other structural,
mechanical and technological features, and meeting the latest requirements
of the Polar Code, Minerva is capable of operating in the world’s remotest King and Royal Penguins, Macquarie Island, Australia
regions in safety and comfort. Even though the ship’s size is large enough to
accommodate around 250 passengers, in fact, Minerva has only 76 superb
staterooms and suites for a maximum of 152 guests.
It’s not often that such a singularly unique and historic voyage is made
available. We hope we will have the pleasure of welcoming you aboard the
new expedition cruise ship Minerva on this extraordinary adventure.
To reserve your space, please return the reservation form or contact us
at 888-484-8785
Best regards,
Meg Annacone-Poretz, MTA
Director, National Trust Tours
Cover: Adelie penguins on sea ice
Iceberg, Ross Sea
FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL NATIONAL TRUST TOURS AT 888-484-8785 or info@nationaltrusttours.com
Monday, February 14 – Saturday, February 19
ANTARCTICA ALONG THE BELLINGSHAUSEN
SEA
As the ship sails through this vast frozen
wilderness, keep an eye out for wildlife. Cross the
Polar Circle at 66 degrees south and experience
the midnight sun. Take in the magnitude of
Antarctic Peninsula translucent icebergs floating silently on crystal-
clear seas. Aboard Zodiacs, and depending on
Weddell Sea
weather and sea conditions, landings may
Ushuaia include two of the largest islands in the Antarctic,
Alexander and Thurston Islands; and Peter I,
claimed by Norway and home to elephant seals,
Bellingshausen cape pigeons and southern fulmars.
Sea
Sunday, February 20 – Friday, February 25
ANTARCTICA ALONG THE AMUNDSEN SEA
Amundsen One of the most remote areas of Antarctica,
Sea
Amundsen Sea is named for the legendary
Ross
Sea
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who led
the first team to reach the South Pole. Marie
Byrd Land in Antarctica’s western coast is the
largest single unclaimed territory on earth.
Chinstrap penguins and skuas inhabit the
ice-capped Shepard Island. Spouting orca
and minke whales frequent these icy waters.
Macquarie Island
(AUSTRALIA) Emperor penguins and seals rest on the ice
floes, while fulmar petrels guard the skies.
Auckland Islands
(N.Z.)
Saturday, February 26 – Wednesday, March 2
Dunedin
South Island
ANTARCTICA ALONG THE ROSS SEA
Exploring Antarctica’s shore along the Ross Sea,
we approach the Bay of Whales. Located on the
eastern side of the Ross Ice Shelf, the world’s
largest, which, at places soars over 200 feet.
ITINERARY Wednesday, February 9
AT SEA
Sunday, February 6, 2022 Attend lectures and enjoy the ship’s facilities as
DEPART THE US the Minerva sails through the Drake Passage to
Depart the United States for Buenos Aires, the Antarctic Peninsula. Look for albatross,
Cape petrels and whales that may accompany
Argentina.
the ship on its passage.
Monday, February 7
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina Thursday, February 10 – Sunday, February 13
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Chin-Strap penguins
Arrive in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.
Transfer to the Hilton Buenos Aires (or similar). Explore the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic
Meet fellow travelers in the evening at a Peninsula and its surrounding islands. As the
cocktail reception. Minerva sails through scenic waterways,
witness a breathtaking panorama of icebergs,
Tuesday, February 8 blue glaciers and jagged snow-capped
BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA/ EMBARKATION mountains. Aboard the ship’s Zodiacs, cruise
ON MINERVA among ice flows and explore penguin rockeries.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ushuaia. We plan to land Paulet Island and Brown Bluff,
Claimed to be the world’s southernmost city, where we meet thousands of Adelie penguins;
Ushuaia is located in Argentina’s Tiera del Petermann Island, the habitat of Gentoo
Fuego, between the famed Beagle Channel and and Adelie penguins; and Paradise Harbor,
the mountains. On arrival, transfer to the pier to where humpback and minke whales are often
embark on the Minerva. As the ship sails the sighted ashore. We also plan to sail through
Beagle Channel, enjoy a spectacular vista of the scenic ice-filled Garlache Strait and
glaciers and misted mountains. Lemaire Channel. Crabeater seals on ice floe
FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL NATIONAL TRUST TOURS AT 888-484-8785 or info@nationaltrusttours.com
Ross Sea Red pohutukawa flowers, Auckland Islands, New Zealand
We will attempt to land on the shelf, where, on Macquarie is also the base for an Australian Saturday, March 12
Roosevelt Island, Roald Amundsen began the Antarctica research station. DUNEDIN, New Zealand
first ever successful journey to the South Pole, Arrive in the morning in Dunedin, on New
arriving on December 14, 1911. Other landings Tuesday, March 8 Zealand’s South Island. Set along the shores of
we will attempt to make include Hut Point on AT SEA an attractive bay and backed by green hills, this
Ross Island, the site of the US McMurdo Spend the day cruising toward New Zealand’s attractive port city is known as the “Edinburgh
Research Station, and New Zealand’s Scott subantarctic islands. of New Zealand” on account of its Victorian and
Base. We will follow in the footsteps of Robert Edwardian architecture and its proud Celtic
Scott, the great British explorer, to his cabin on Wednesday, March 9 connections. Our tour of the city will focus on
the slopes of Mount Erebus, from where he set AUCKLAND ISLANDS, New Zealand Dunedin’s most important landmark sites, its
off for the South Pole, reaching it on January Arrive in New Zealand’s Auckland Islands, picturesque alleyways, the Otago Museum, and
17, 1912, five weeks after Amundsen. places of great spiritual significance to the the Dunedin Garden. Overnight aboard docked
native Maori who are renowned for their in Dunedin.
Wednesday, March 3 – Sunday, March 6 seafaring traditions. Land at Port Ross, on the
AT SEA northern end of the main island in the group, Sunday, March 13
As Minerva crosses the South Pacific Ocean, which is a breeding site for southern right DUNEDIN/USA
attend lectures, discussions and presentations whales. The island is also inhabited by sea Disembark in the morning and transfer to the
conducted by the ship’s expert resident lions and some of the world’s rarest birds, airport for the return flight home.
expedition leaders and naturalists. The ship’s including yellow-eyed penguins, white-capped
spacious observation decks provide a mollymawk, and Gibson’s wandering albatross.
panorama of the passing ocean.
Thursday, March 10
Monday, March 7 ENDERBY ISLAND
MACQUARIE ISLAND, Australia Enderby, one of the smallest islands in the
Arrive in Australia’s southernmost territory, the group, is an ornithological and floral paradise.
isolated Macquarie Island. “Macca,” as it is Birds include the Auckland Island snipe and
called, is a small island, but it is enormously teal, southern royal and light-mantled sooty
important because its ecosystem supports a albatrosses, among others. Incredibly, growing
unique flora and fauna that has earned it the in this remote tiny island is an exceptionally
distinction of being designated a UNESCO rich flora of some 200 native species that
World Heritage site. Discovered by sealers in include pink gentian, red rata blossoms, white
1810, the island is home to large colonies of tree daisies, and megaherbs such as the
four species of penguins, including royal, king, Campbell Island carrot.
Gentoo and southern rockhoppers, albatross,
petrels and southern elephant seals. The Friday, March 11
island’s tundra ecosystem supports a large AT SEA
variety of plant species, many of them endemic. Cruising toward New Zealand’s South Island. Minke whale
FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL NATIONAL TRUST TOURS AT 888-484-8785 or info@nationaltrusttours.com
Arch-shaped iceberg
EXPLORE WITH A TEAM OF EXPEDITION LEADERS & NATURALISTS
Our activities in Antarctica are planned and conducted by a team of resident expedition leaders and naturalists who are among the most
experienced in the field, leading small-ship cruise expeditions to this incredible region of the world. Members of the team comprise a truly
astonishing assortment of expertise and intellect. Onboard, ashore, and in our Zodiac boats, through talks and presentations they will
create a comprehensive understanding of the flora and fauna, sea life, geology, glaciology, effects of climate change, history of exploration,
and other topics that relate to Antarctica. The experience we will provide is not just one of awe-inspiring sightseeing, but a complete
learning adventure as well.
FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL NATIONAL TRUST TOURS AT 888-484-8785 or info@nationaltrusttours.com
THE NEW EXPEDITION
CRUISE SHIP
MINERVA
Oceanview Stateroom Balcony Suite
Observation Lounge Sauna
Club Café/Bar with swimming pool
Swan Hellenic’s Minerva is a new-generation Technologically advanced hybrid engines and a Wi-Fi and USB connections as well as other
expedition cruise ship. Although at 10,500 tons the system of powerful batteries make it possible for the amenities. Of the ship’s 76 staterooms, 60 have
ship is large enough to accommodate more than 250 ship to cruise in ecologically sensitive areas, leaving balconies. Public areas include a spacious
passengers, Minerva will accommodate a maximum minimal footprint, while a computer-controlled observation lounge that is equipped with state-of-
of 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and balcony Dynamic Positioning System allows the ship to the-art facilities for lectures and presentations; a club
suites. The low guest density results in one of the maintain position without anchoring. Operated by lounge; a restaurant that accommodates all guests at
most generous indoor and outdoor space-to-guest a complement of 120 experienced European officers one seating; an outdoor café/bar that surrounds the
ratios among cruise ships. and international crew members, Minerva will carry heated swimming pool; a wellness area with gym, spa
a fleet of Zodiacs, versatile landing boats, kayaks, and and sauna that includes an adjoining outdoor jacuzzi;
Minerva has been designed to meet the stringent a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that will reveal library; beauty salon; a “mud room” with lockers for
requirements of the new Polar Code for ships marine life in the deep. Powerful stabilizers provide storing expedition gear; and an infirmary that is
navigating in Polar regions. Its high PC5 Category a smooth ride. attended by a full-time doctor. The ship also features
A ice-strengthened hull, and other technical and expansive open-deck areas. Two elevators connect all
mechanical features allow the ship to cruise the All staterooms and suites face outside and are decks. Attentive service is provided on a 24-hour
world’s remote regions in safety and utmost comfort. equipped with private facilities, climate control, TV, basis.
Deck Plan
GYM
LIFT LIFT
BRIDGE
STARGAZING DECK
SAUNA SPA
JACUZZI
DECK 8 DECK 9
D SWIMMING
POOL
POOL BAR
& GRILL
LIFT
LIFT LIFT
LIFT
SHOP
BAR
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
DECK 7
E
CLUB LOUNGE
C 628 626 622 620 618
LIFT LIFT
616 614 612 610 608 606 604 602
SWAN’S
NEST
K 629 627 625 623 621 619 617 615 613 611 609 607 605 603 601 DECK 6
LIFEBOAT
532 530 528 526 522 520 518 516 514 512 510 508 506 504 502
LIFT LIFT
P 533 531 529 527 525 523 521 519 517
LIFEBOAT
515 513 511 509 507 505 503 501
DECK 5
L ENTRANCE
416 414 412 410 408 406 404 402
A
LIFT LIFT
RECEPTION
LAUNDERETTE
DECK 4
WATER SWAN RESTAURANT
STATION
N
415 413 411 409 407 405 403 401
ENTRANCE
ZODIAC
B0ARDING
CLINIC
LIBRARY
MUD
ROOM LIFT LIFT
LIFT LIFT
BEAUTY
SALON
DECK 3
MARINA
MUD
ROOM
EXPEDITION LAB
ZODIAC
B0ARDING
RATES
All accommodations aboard Minerva are spacious staterooms and balcony suites. They are elegantly decorated, face
outside, affording sea views, and include a queen-size bed that can be arranged as two twin beds, a luxurious spacious
bathroom, mini-refrigerator, safe, ample closet space, climate control, telephone, TV, Wi-Fi and USB connections as well
as other amenities. EARLY BOOKING
BONUS
CATEGORY DESCRIPTION PER PERSON
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Book by June 18th
E Oceanview staterooms with two large oval portholes. and pay only $399
per person for the airfare
Deck 4. 206 sq. ft. Staterooms 401 – 416. $ 35,900
to Buenos Aires, and
D Suites with balcony & living room area. 300 sq. ft. the return airfare
Deck 5. Suites 501 – 504, 530 – 533. $ 39,900 from Dunedin.
C Suites with balcony & living room area. 300 sq. ft. This represents a savings
Deck 5. Suites 505 – 514, 517 – 529. $ 42,630 of over $2,500 per person.
B Suites with balcony and living room area. 300 sq. ft.
$ 45,090
The $399 airfare
Deck 6. Suites 601 – 614, 617 – 627.
is applicable
A Suites with large balcony, separate bedroom & living room. from major US gateways.
440 sq. ft. Suites 515, 516, 615 & 616. $ 52,990
A limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy
FOR SINGLE AT NO ADDITIONAL RATE SUPPLEMENT.
TRAVELERS The per person double occupancy rate will apply for single travelers
(The normal single rate is 170% of the double occupancy per person rate, which is waived).
RATES ARE
All–INCLUSIVE
The rates are all-inclusive. There are no hidden
costs and no additional charges such as
embarkation and port charges. Other than the
international airfare and expenses of a
personal nature, all else is included.
Specifically, the rates include the following:
■ One night at the Hilton Buenos Aires
(or similar), with full breakfast.
■ Cocktail reception at the hotel.
■ Flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
■ Cruise aboard the Minerva, as described
in the itinerary.
■ Airport/hotel/pier transfers and handling
of luggage.
■ Complete program of shore landings and
activities in Antarctica organized by the
expedition leaders and naturalists.
■ All meals aboard the ship, with a selection
of wines, beer and soft drinks during lunch
and dinner.
■ Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions
aboard the ship hosted by the captain. Gentoo penguins
■ Open bar with select alcoholic beverages.
■ Coffee, including espresso and cappuccino,
tea and soft drinks throughout the day G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
and night. PAYMENT SCHEDULE: A deposit of $3,000 per person is required to reserve your space on the cruise. An additional payment of
$15,000 per person is due on July 15, 2021. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment can be made by personal
■ 24-hour room service.
check or charged to a credit card.
■ Gratuities to the ship's crew, guides, porters CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations are subject to a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received
and drivers. 61-90 days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations
■ Basic Wi-Fi aboard the ship. received within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. Requests for cancellations must be made in
■ The services of an experienced trip director. writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate.
INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses
■ All local taxes and service charges,
in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must
including port and embarkation taxes. cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement.
■ Lectures by the guest lecturer, expedition ITINERARY: The itinerary, accommodations and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Thalassa Journeys.
leaders and naturalists. RESPONSIBILITY: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable
■ Expedition parka yours to keep. agreements between the traveler and Thalassa Journeys. Thalassa Journeys acts solely as agents for the traveler with respect
to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the
■ Use of rubber boots for shore landings. traveler’s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage,
■ Complete pre departure material. loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach,
carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the traveler or in affecting these tours. We are
NOT INCLUDED: International airfare; travel not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other
insurance; expenses of a personal nature; services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or
suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses
any items not mentioned in the itinerary or must be borne by the traveler, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay
the above inclusions. or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the traveler shall have the option of accepting in
lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of
as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able to recover on the traveler’s behalf from carriers, third-party tour
vendors, etc., but, we shall not have any obligation or liability to the traveler beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make
alterations to the tour’s itinerary and to substitute hotels, transportation methods, or lecturers if this is required. We reserve the
FOR RESERVATIONS right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes
AND INFORMATION, beyond our control, the traveler shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund
shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding their deposit(s), the traveler certifies that he/she and/or their
PLEASE CALL dependents, minors or others covered thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create
a hazard for them or other travelers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as a member of
NATIONAL TRUST TOURS any tour should such person’s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the welfare or safety of other travelers or
impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the traveler’s risk entirely,
AT 888-484-8785 and, we shall bear no liability or responsibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder
shall be affected exclusively in the state or federal courts presiding in Florida, pursuant to applicable Florida law.
Or RATES: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything possible to maintain the
info@nationaltrusttours.com listed prices, they are subject to change.
CST 2138603-50
ST 42048
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