Antarctica is the most remote region in the world, 600 miles from the nearest civilisation, separated from the mainland of Ushuaia, in Argentina, by the infamous Drake Passage.
The Great White Continent is also the coldest region in the world – and the least visited: in 2016 there were 40,000 visitors, compared with around one million sailing in Alaska.
The lucky few guests who visit Antarctica no longer have to choose between expedition or scenic cruises – they can combine the two on Seabourn Quest, enjoying a choice of restaurants, a spa, entertainment and luxurious suites, as well as watching whales break the icy silence.
Onboard experts include geologists, scientists, naturalists, climatologists and marine biologists. Photographers and videographers give lectures and workshops on editing and assist guests with photography tips while watching wildlife.
On the 21-day Antarctica & Patagonia cruise, six days are spent in Antarctica and all guests enjoy a complimentary Zodiac landing daily.
To ensure Seabourn’s guests experience the very best of the region, expedition operations and planning manager Robin West has created itineraries for the Ventures by Seabourn programme.
Robin said: “Our guests do not have to give up comfort to explore Antarctica. We off er kayaking tours from the ship and guests often witness the most incredible wildlife.
“Last year, we were kayaking at Waterboat Point, near Paradise Bay, amid hundreds of high peaks and glaciers, when we saw a Weddell seal and a Crabeater seal, before a Leopard seal came alongside us, playing with the guests.
“We also saw fur seals – four types of seal in one trip – it was incredible.
“I said ‘All we need now is a humpback whale to come along’ and 10 minutes later, as we came out of the harbour, a humpback came towards us and dived under our kayaks.
“We could see it as it went down and he gave us a wave with his big tail fluke.
“It doesn’t happen often but the guests were so excited. To be at water level is such a different experience to viewing these mammals from a ship.”
Robin added: “From Yankee Harbour, between Glacier Bluff and Spit Point, we were kayaking near a glacier when a humpback popped up between the kayaks.
“One of the guests filmed it next to her because with no engine noise the seals and mammals will come near to the kayaks.
“We find kayaking extends and enhances the excitement of visiting Antarctica.”
Price from £9,999pp for the 21-night Ultimate Antarctica & Patagonia cruise departing November 29, 2017 on Seabourn Quest. For details visit seabourn.co.uk
Sell to clients who wish to enjoy authentic nature experiences in ultra-luxury surroundings.
They may not have cruised before – but tell them that Seabourn is the ultimate way to see glaciers and wildlife up close. Seabourn’s Antarctica is almost all-inclusive. However, guests are encouraged to book incredible excursions or “Ventures” to make the most of the experience. Kayak tours are available at an extra cost 2018 Antarctica itineraries are already on sale – with pre-select air rates
To learn more visit seabournacademy.co.uk for online training (at your own pace) or email salessupport@seabourn.co.uk