Antarctic Peninsula In The Height of Summer.

Cruise dates: Jan 26 – Feb 05, 2010.

TERRA AUSTRALIS INCOGNITA, the Unknown Southern Land, lies at the bottom of the world surrounded by the Antarctic Ocean. It is a place of profound beauty, isolation, and wilderness - a world blanketed with ice at times 15,000 feet thick and 60,000 years old.

Fathom is proud to offer this custom Antarctic cruise that allows guests a complete and thorough examination Antarctica and the amazing surrounding islands. The hand-picked lecture and guide team is made up of 10 experts who have worked in Antarctica for decades. The cruise’s exceptional guide to guest ratio means excellent interpretation on land and at sea along with bonus landings and additional quality time on shore. Our ice-rated polar expedition ship carries just 86 guests and is purpose built specifically for the Polar Regions. She has the experience and ice strength to carry us in complete comfort exploring some of the planet’s most majestic scenery. We have sailed on her over a dozen times before with great success.

Each day, guests and guides will use the fleet of landing boats to their fullest potential landing on isolated beaches and cruising glacier faces and photographing icebergs. Once again, we offer optional hikes at these remote destinations venturing inland from the beaches and unnamed islands to explore for fossils and hike to stunning views.

The whales have arrived in the far south at this time of year and guests look forward to cruising with resident populations along the Danco coast. Three species of penguins will be in full chick rearing mode with curious youngsters blanketing beaches and rocky shores. The comfortable ship carries just 86 and allows everybody to go ashore at one time where guides lead smaller groups for custom activities relating to photography, wildlife, hiking, iceberg/whale cruising and historical walks.

Throughout the journey, expert lecturers leads an informal presentation series, engaging us with tales of exploration history, whales, penguins, photography and adventure while providing insight into the surrounding environment. A strong historic Shackleton theme will pervade the trip. Of course, there are also culinary delights and fine wines to ensure warmth and smiles at the end of the day.

Whether your goal is to simply step upon the Antarctic continent or relax with penguins or hike up volcanoes for high point views, this trip is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime journey - an ideal balance of relaxation and exploration, adventure and comfort, education and experience.

Space is limited, so please give us a call for details on this lifetime trip, or to simply chat about your interest in Antarctica or the Arctic. Our field experts are standing by to share their enthusiasm. Rates start at US $6590 per person based on double occupancy. Call for full details or a brochure.