Important Notes for all Programs
Travel Routes
All published itineraries shall apply to the general and rough orientation. The programs vary depending on the local ice and weather conditions, as well as the ad hoc decisions of the expedition leaders, who take opportunities to observe animals. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Landings are always dependent on the weather, the availability of landing sites and environmental requirements (IAATO). Last but not least, the implementation of the roadmap is dependent on the efficiency of the vessel and the discretion of the captain. In the face of high fuel prices. It is assumed that the captain reserves the right to reduce the speed of the motors, unless this significantly affects the character of the planned trip and endanger the safety of the vessel, its crew, staff and guests.
All published itineraries shall apply to the general and rough orientation. The programs vary depending on the local ice and weather conditions, as well as the ad hoc decisions of the expedition leaders, who take opportunities to observe animals. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Landings are always dependent on the weather, the availability of landing sites and environmental requirements (IAATO). Last but not least, the implementation of the roadmap is dependent on the efficiency of the vessel and the discretion of the captain. In the face of high fuel prices. It is assumed that the captain reserves the right to reduce the speed of the motors, unless this significantly affects the character of the planned trip and endanger the safety of the vessel, its crew, staff and guests.
Bilingual Cruises : English/German oder English/French (marked as B= Bilingual)
English is the general language onboard. German expedition staff accompanies the bilingual, English - German voyages. Welcome, and briefings, loudspeaker announcements, and daily briefings, where the agenda will be announced and recaps, will be bilingual in English and German...
English and German lectures can vary in terms of content. Simultaneous translation of the lectures will be avoided, but a summary in the second language can be at the end of a lecture
.
Division into groups, requirements
The management of the activities on land depends on the group that each passenger assigns himself according to his own physical skills and discretion. The passengers are divided into three groups: a group for more demanding hikes, a group for moderate hikes with more time for photography, etc., and a cozy group for easy hikes.
German-speaking staff will not necessarily be for each group. Also the zodiac drivers are not necessarily bilingual.
English is the general language onboard. German expedition staff accompanies the bilingual, English - German voyages. Welcome, and briefings, loudspeaker announcements, and daily briefings, where the agenda will be announced and recaps, will be bilingual in English and German...
English and German lectures can vary in terms of content. Simultaneous translation of the lectures will be avoided, but a summary in the second language can be at the end of a lecture
.
Division into groups, requirements
The management of the activities on land depends on the group that each passenger assigns himself according to his own physical skills and discretion. The passengers are divided into three groups: a group for more demanding hikes, a group for moderate hikes with more time for photography, etc., and a cozy group for easy hikes.
German-speaking staff will not necessarily be for each group. Also the zodiac drivers are not necessarily bilingual.
Special Programs
On selected voyages we offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program.
Camping (C)
On some trips we offer an exciting 'open air' camping experience at an intense experience of the Antarctic. Special equipment will be made available: tents, wind, and waterproof bivy bags (lightweight alternative to the tent system). Polar sleeping bags and sleeping mats provide comfort during the night. The maximum number of participants for this camping experience is 30 participants per night. An expedition Guide serves the camping ashore..
On some trips we offer an exciting 'open air' camping experience at an intense experience of the Antarctic. Special equipment will be made available: tents, wind, and waterproof bivy bags (lightweight alternative to the tent system). Polar sleeping bags and sleeping mats provide comfort during the night. The maximum number of participants for this camping experience is 30 participants per night. An expedition Guide serves the camping ashore..
Snowshoeing/hiking (S)
At the beginning of the season, there are still snow-covered hills and mountains in the Interior of the country. We offer excursions with snowshoes during our travels in Antarctica. Snowshoeing is easy and requires no technical knowledge. With the use of snow shoes you can move faster and safer on the snow surface. Snow shoes will fit at all shoe sizes. They can be used in combination with also available hiking rubber boots. Snowshoeing is free of charge. More information in the detailed programmes and the tender.
At the beginning of the season, there are still snow-covered hills and mountains in the Interior of the country. We offer excursions with snowshoes during our travels in Antarctica. Snowshoeing is easy and requires no technical knowledge. With the use of snow shoes you can move faster and safer on the snow surface. Snow shoes will fit at all shoe sizes. They can be used in combination with also available hiking rubber boots. Snowshoeing is free of charge. More information in the detailed programmes and the tender.
Hiking (H for hiking)
Usually we offer 3 possibilities to be active on land: there are three groupings: light, medium, and more demanding hikes in the area of landing. Thus we can offer a suitable hike to all participants. The landings last approximately 2 - 3 hours (and sometimes more) per landingt (one in the morning and in the afternoon). The final decision where and in what form the walks take place, is determined by the expedition leader on board. For the long walks we recommend ankle-high hiking boots and leggings. Snow shoes, suitable for all shoe sizes and hiking boots, can be rented aboard. Walking is free.
Usually we offer 3 possibilities to be active on land: there are three groupings: light, medium, and more demanding hikes in the area of landing. Thus we can offer a suitable hike to all participants. The landings last approximately 2 - 3 hours (and sometimes more) per landingt (one in the morning and in the afternoon). The final decision where and in what form the walks take place, is determined by the expedition leader on board. For the long walks we recommend ankle-high hiking boots and leggings. Snow shoes, suitable for all shoe sizes and hiking boots, can be rented aboard. Walking is free.
Mountaineering, M for Mountaineering)
Passengers are led by certified guides tp elevated viewpoints and challenging peaks. You go in teams in pathless terrain, mostly over glacier terrain. Physical fitness, mountaineering experience is desirable but absolutely not necessary.. Specific equipment, ropes, carabiners, crampons, etc. will be provided.. The participants bring crampons and mountain boots...
Passengers are led by certified guides tp elevated viewpoints and challenging peaks. You go in teams in pathless terrain, mostly over glacier terrain. Physical fitness, mountaineering experience is desirable but absolutely not necessary.. Specific equipment, ropes, carabiners, crampons, etc. will be provided.. The participants bring crampons and mountain boots...
Kayaking (K)
Usually at least 4 kayak tours are being offered during one cruise. Knowledge and a good physical condition are required to participate. The kayak program offered, runs parallel to all other excursions during the mornings and afternoons. The final decision where and in what form the kayak tours take place, is left to the expedition leader on board. Kayaks and wetsuits are being provided.. The kayak program depends on the prevailing weather - and ice conditions. Participation is subject to a charge.
Usually at least 4 kayak tours are being offered during one cruise. Knowledge and a good physical condition are required to participate. The kayak program offered, runs parallel to all other excursions during the mornings and afternoons. The final decision where and in what form the kayak tours take place, is left to the expedition leader on board. Kayaks and wetsuits are being provided.. The kayak program depends on the prevailing weather - and ice conditions. Participation is subject to a charge.
Photo workshop ("P" for photo)
Some dates and "Basecamp Plancius" offer photo workshops for beginners and advanced photographers, which are guided and supervised by photo experts on board. Everyone can participate, previous experience is not required. The photo group (approximately 20 participants per photo guide per landing, is accompanied by our photo experts on land. Photo interested participants bring their own photographic equipment. During the days at sea, special photographic expertise (subject choice, exposure and composition, etc) is taught in lectures and workshops. Involves camera types, handling, improvement of basic skills and photographic expertise, to achieve better photo results. Photographers can participate in any other activities. The photo workshop is free of charge at base camp travels, subject to a surcharge for other.
Some dates and "Basecamp Plancius" offer photo workshops for beginners and advanced photographers, which are guided and supervised by photo experts on board. Everyone can participate, previous experience is not required. The photo group (approximately 20 participants per photo guide per landing, is accompanied by our photo experts on land. Photo interested participants bring their own photographic equipment. During the days at sea, special photographic expertise (subject choice, exposure and composition, etc) is taught in lectures and workshops. Involves camera types, handling, improvement of basic skills and photographic expertise, to achieve better photo results. Photographers can participate in any other activities. The photo workshop is free of charge at base camp travels, subject to a surcharge for other.
Diving ("D" for diving)
Divers must be experienced and must have experience of diving with dry suits in cold waters. We hope at least for 1-2 dives per day, parallel to all other program points during the mornings and afternoons. The diving programme is based on the prevailing weather - and ice conditions. The final decision where and in what form the dives take place, is left to the expedition leader on board, supported by a dive masters and instructors in all aspects of security. The basic equipment: tanks, compressors, weights and other diving items are being provided.. Divers bring personal equipment and dry suits. Participation is subject to a charge.
Divers must be experienced and must have experience of diving with dry suits in cold waters. We hope at least for 1-2 dives per day, parallel to all other program points during the mornings and afternoons. The diving programme is based on the prevailing weather - and ice conditions. The final decision where and in what form the dives take place, is left to the expedition leader on board, supported by a dive masters and instructors in all aspects of security. The basic equipment: tanks, compressors, weights and other diving items are being provided.. Divers bring personal equipment and dry suits. Participation is subject to a charge.
Ski trekking (T) – Shackleton Crossing
A group of 12 ski touring enthusiasts pull their own sled (20-30 kg) with personal and group equipment (cooker, food, fuel) partly across mountainous terrain. Ski trekking includes elements of mountaineering (glacier ascents), and winter camping. Good condition and experience for mountaineering and ski touring is a requirement to participate in this physically demanding expedition in alpine terrain with some extreme weather conditions.
A group of 12 ski touring enthusiasts pull their own sled (20-30 kg) with personal and group equipment (cooker, food, fuel) partly across mountainous terrain. Ski trekking includes elements of mountaineering (glacier ascents), and winter camping. Good condition and experience for mountaineering and ski touring is a requirement to participate in this physically demanding expedition in alpine terrain with some extreme weather conditions.
BasecampCDHKMP
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts.
The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passengers as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for wide ranging activities: mountaineers to climb mountain ranges (soft climbing), hikers to participate in long walks, photographers to explore photo opportunities, campers (on Antarctica only) to enjoy life at shore base camps, kayakers and zodiac passengers to explore near shores where the ship cannot go.
Passengers who do not wish to become physically active will enjoy our zodiac excursions and follow the normal shore program and land excursions (easy to moderate walks and hikes with focus on wildlife).
“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts.
The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passengers as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for wide ranging activities: mountaineers to climb mountain ranges (soft climbing), hikers to participate in long walks, photographers to explore photo opportunities, campers (on Antarctica only) to enjoy life at shore base camps, kayakers and zodiac passengers to explore near shores where the ship cannot go.
Passengers who do not wish to become physically active will enjoy our zodiac excursions and follow the normal shore program and land excursions (easy to moderate walks and hikes with focus on wildlife).