Wild Earth Polar Cruises 2020/21

2020/21 WORLDWIDE

ANTARCTIC

CRUISES

Journeys to the ends of the earth

Welcome to the World of Wild Earth Travel

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Antarctic House 53B Montreal Street | PO Box 7218, Christchurch, 8240, New Zealand

0800 945 3327(within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 1800 107 715 (within Australia) info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.com

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Subantarctic Islands – p12

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Antarctic Peninsula – p4 Falklands, South Georgia – p9

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THE POLAR

Regions

ANTARCTICA Antarctica is considered by many to be the ultimate travel destination. It certainly lives up to the superlatives that have been applied by explorers and travellers. Around its icy shores countless penguins, seals and whales thrive in the bountiful waters that surround and protect Antarctica. Combined with the region’s breathtaking scenery of towering peaks, tumultuous glaciers and ice strewn waters, an expedition to the Antarctic remains one of the most exciting and memorable experiences anywhere.

Most travellers sail to the Antarctic from South America. Here the crossing to Antarctica is short, the coast ice free for an extended period of time, the wildlife prolific and the scenery staggeringly beautiful. In addition to the Antarctic Peninsula, there is also the opportunity to join expeditions which combine the rugged icy shores of Antarctica with the wildlife rich Subantarctic Islands. Expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby Subantarctic Islands depart between November and March. Early in the season you will encounter a landscape dominated by snow and ice with the penguins and wildlife just starting their breeding season. From mid-December until the end of January you will enjoy the height of the Antarctic summer when penguin chicks become increasingly independent, whale numbers increase and you will have the longest polar days.

In February and March the weather progressively cools but you can expect some of the best whale encounters and beautiful sunsets.

For the intrepid polar explorer we have expeditions which depart from Australia and New Zealand to remote East Antarctica and the Ross Sea. Here you will discover some of the most remote and spectacular shores on the planet, where you can walk in the footsteps of Scott, Shackleton, Mawson and Amundsen.

THE SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS Often overlooked alongside the dazzling spectre of Antarctica, the islands that surround the continent require effort and patience to fully appreciate, but for those willing, the rewards are immense. It is on these isolated natural reserves such as South Georgia and Macquarie Islands that you will find the highest concentrations of wildlife, the greatest diversity of penguins and albatross, all backed by a unique and beautifully windswept tapestry. Visits to these islands can be combined with expeditions to Antarctica, or they can be explored separately on special expeditions which allow more time to fully appreciate these wonderful islands.

ARCTIC The Arctic is vast, diverse and spectacular. For the very best experiences timing is everything with the seasons changing quickly and the wildlife concentrations moving just as fast. From voyages in search of polar bears on the ice of the Arctic Ocean to the welcoming Inuit communities, or the spectacular fall colours of autumn in the Arctic, there is something for everyone.

There are three main gateways for Arctic expeditions with access very much controlled by the summer ice-free periods. The summer voyages begin in Svalbard in early May as ice strengthened expedition vessels sail northwards into the ice to witness polar bears in their natural environment. Additionally, you will find many bird species at the height of their breeding season and a truly polar landscape of glaciers and fjords. In mid-July as the pack ice clears, ships are able to venture further afield circumnavigating Svalbard and also exploring the shores of Greenland and Canada. Finally in August the historical waters of the Northwest Passage become safe for navigation. Here you travel through the Canadian Archipelago in the footsteps of the early explorers exploring subtly beautiful landscapes and visiting isolated Inuit communities to learn about survival in an Arctic environment, as well as appreciate their renowned artistic talents. At the same time the waters of the Bering Strait clear, allowing access to the remote refuge of Wrangel Island with its abundant polar bears and walrus.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCE Wild Earth Travel are the experts in polar travel and that is not something that we say lightly. Our expertise is the result of many years actively organising and leading expeditions to the Antarctic and Arctic. General Manager Aaron Russ has spent over two decades leading and organising voyages to the most remote corners of the globe. Having experienced first-hand the benefits of polar expedition travel, he became convinced that it was perfectly suited to adventurous travellers. By working in partnership with a hand picked collection of ships around the world, we have built a portfolio of unique, memorable experiences and a reputation for impartial advice and product knowledge that is second to none. Our team have genuinely ‘been there, done that’ and they can’t wait to share their experiences and suggestions with you. We will tell you the best time of year and place to see wildlife and equally importantly, we will ensure that you are aboard the best ship for you. We have access to 50 passenger expedition ships to larger, more luxurious vessels.

“Working with us gives you access to all the best polar ships and itineraries plus the benefit of our extensive experience at no additional cost”.

EXPEDITION SHIPS To visit the polar regions requires a special type of ship, purpose built to withstand the rigours of polar travel. The more isolated and ice-filled the waters travelled, the stronger the ship must be, to not only be comfortable, but also to safely reach its destination. Icebreakers and ice-strengthened ships are built with these requirements in mind. Icebreakers are the ultimate machines for travelling through the thickest ice to the most remote shores. Ice-strengthened ships are still very capable in ice and are able to offer higher comfort levels and are the current favourite for polar exploration. We have an extensive range of ice capable expedition ships that range from comfortable and practical to ultra-luxurious.

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BEST SELLER

CLASSIC ANTARCTIC – WILDLIFE EXPEDITION STYLE ABOARD: National Geographic Orion/ National Geographic Explorer/ National Geographic Endurance/ Plancius/ Ushuaia/ Island Sky/ Hebridean Sky/Ortelius/ Ocean Diamond/ Sea Spirit/ Ocean Endeavour/ Hondius/ Ocean Atlantic/ Ocean Nova/ Ocean Adventurer/ RCGS Resolute/ Greg Mortimer/ Midnastol/ World Explorer/ Expedition PRICES: Lowest price point option: US$6,820 pp – US$20,070 pp Highest price point option: AU$20,370 pp – AU$40,190 pp DEPARTS: November – March 2020

The Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast offers limitless wildlife opportunities with ice-clad peaks towering over a maze of protected channels. From spring to fall, stunning polar landscapes become furious with life as penguins, seals, petrels, and whales arrive to feed and breed. Combine continental landings with visits to historic sites and add to your adventure by kayaking through ice floes whilst looking onto pristine landscapes.

DAY 1: Ushuaia, Argentina Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego is located at the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains giving you a unique landscape of mountains, sea, glaciers and forests. Embark on board and enjoy the views from the deck of your expedition ship.

DAY 2: Drake Passage Commence the Drake Passage crossing. Your expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and start the lecture program covering topics of Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels.

DAY 3: Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, everyone converges on one of the observation decks in excitement, watching

for the first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a long time. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

DAY 4 – 8: Antarctica Peninsula Over the next few days a host of choices are open to us, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. Your experienced expedition team, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day. Generally the team will aim for two landings or Zodiac excursions each day; cruising along spectacular ice cliffs; following whales that are feeding near the surface; and landing on the continent and its off-shore islands to visit penguin rookeries, seal haul outs, historic huts, and a few of our other favourite spots along the peninsula.

- Lemaire Channel- If ice conditions allow, standing on the observation deck as the ship sails along the narrow Lemaire Channel could certainly be one of the highlights of our voyage.

- Zodiac cruising amongst icebergs searching for wildlife.

DAY 9 – 10: Drake Passage Today, our landings come to an end as we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to Ushuaia. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life.

DAY 11: Disembark Ushuaia During the early morning, we sail along the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we begin disembarkation.

A sample of some of the types of places and experiences we may cruise through include: - Beautiful protected bays around the Antarctic Peninsula surrounded by magnificent peaks and spectacular glaciers, areas that are heavens for whales as we keep our eyes open for marine wildlife.

- Wildlife- rich islands where Weddell seals are hauled out on protected snow beds and noisy chinstrap penguins raise their families on rocky platforms.

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CLASSIC ANTARCTICA – LUXURY EXPEDITION STYLE ABOARD: Le Soleal / Le Lyrial / Le Boreal / L’Austral / Silver Explorer / Silver Cloud PRICES: AU$18,240 pp – AU$45,450 pp DEPARTS: November – March 2020

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day voyage and succumb to the enchantment of the breath-taking landscapes inhabited by astonishing wildlife. The start of your cruise will be marked by the crossing of the mythical Drake Passage, during which you will probably be escorted by several albatrosses and Cape petrels, the sentinels of these often-choppy waters. Your ship will then reach the White Continent, realm of the unexpected, enjoy sharing a toast of champagne with your new friends. Weather and ice conditions permitting, this extreme environment where nature reigns supreme will reveal to you its most beautiful secrets through numerous discoveries.

DAY 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina’s northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.

DAY 2 – 3: Embarkation/ Crossing the Drake Passage Embark on board and use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic.

The Expedition Leader will first brief you about the planned landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the Zodiac®

outings. As well as gastronomic food spaces, services and facilities that are also available to use over this time include a beauty spa, fitness gym and sauna.

DAY 4 – 8: Antarctic Peninsula Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other.

To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife.

Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas.

Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest Zodiac® outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

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DAY 9 – 10: Crossing the Drake Passage It is time to farewell this pristine, white continent as the ship turns around to make its way back to Ushuaia. Drake Passage is the convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, this ocean highway harbours very diverse marine fauna and wildlife that you’ll be able to spot on your way back to Ushuaia. Or, take advantage of the ships amenities and get a rejuvenating massage at the beauty spa. While on deck, don’t forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

DAY 11: Disembark Ushuaia Be greeted by the early morning arriving in Ushuaia and after one last breakfast get ready to farewell your crew and your new friends.

CHARTER FLIGHTS AVAILABLE FROM BUENOS AIRES OR SANTIAGO TO USHUAIA FOR SOME ITINERARIES.

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ACROSS THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE ABOARD: RCGS Resolute / Ushuaia / Plancius / Ortelius / Ocean Diamond / Ocean Endeavour / Ocean Adventurer / Greg Mortimer / Expedition / Island Sky / L’Austral / Le Soleal / Le Lyrial PRICES: US$9,430 pp – US$42,608 pp DEPARTS: 8, 15, 16, 17 January, 3, 10, 14, 16, 17, 26 February, 1, 18 March, 20 December 2020; 6, 8, 22, 27, 29, 31 January, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25 February, 1 March 2021

Celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66° 33’ South in the wake of hallowed explorers including the first to do so, Captain James Cook. In this frozen area of extraordinary beauty, powerful orcas and leopard seals patrol while aerial snow petrels grace the skies against a background of bristling mountains and surreal icebergs.

DAY 1: Ushuaia Set sail in the late afternoon and begin the voyage south.

DAY 2 – 3: Drake Passage Crossing the Drake Passage, there is much excitement in the air as the ship travels closer to the white continent. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere onboard and prepare for your Antarctic adventures with presentations from Polar Experts on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species.

DAY 4 – 10: Antarctic Peninsula In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Depending on the ice conditions, the first goal will be to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and into Marguerite Bay.

Given favourable ice conditions, explore even further southward, looking for historic and wildlife sites. From the most southerly point reached (south of the Antarctic Circle), travel north along the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, the Lemaire Channel, the Neumeyer Channel and the Gerlache Strait will all feature in this itinerary. Landing sites may include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Petermann Island and the Yalours to observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adelie penguin. Plan on walking ashore on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour, if conditions allow.

DAY 11 – 12: Drake Passage As the ship leaves this magical place and makes its way north, across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days.

DAY 13: Ushuaia Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark. *Indicative itinerary, contact us for more information and detailed itineraries.

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WILD EARTH OPTIONS

CHILEAN FJORDS

DISCOVERY

ABOARD: Stella Australis / Ventus Australis PRICES: US$1,590 pp - $US4,750 pp DEPARTS: Weekly September – April Exploring the Chilean Fjords by sea allows you to enjoy the stunning, natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Our comfortable ship combined with expert crew and guides ensure your Patagonia expedition voyage is extraordinary. This trip is highlighted by spending a day touring the Pia Glacier and Glacier Alley, as well as the opportunity to tour Cape Horn National Park during the cruise.

A perfect addition to any Antarctic expedition.

FJORDS OF TIERRA DEL FUEGO DAY 1 Punta Arenas DAY 2 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islet DAY 3 Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley DAY 4 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay DAY 5 Ushuaia PATAGONIAN EXPLORER DAY 1 Ushuaia DAY 2 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay DAY 3 Pia Glacier – Garibaldi Glacier DAY 4 Agostini Sound & Aguila Glacier DAY 5 Magdalena Island – Punta Arenas

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ANTARCTICA FLY & CRUISE ABOARD: Ocean Adventurer / World Explorer / Hebridean Sky / Magellan Explorer / Ocean Nova PRICES: US$13,995 pp – US$26,995 pp DEPARTS: Weekly January - February 2020; weekly December 2020 - February 2021

A short, comfortable flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica has you with boots on the ground in no time, overtaken by the sheer magnitude of the 7th continent. Immersed in the Antarctic environment, you’ll experience a roller coaster of emotions, from excitement to exquisite solitude to incredible gratitude for the wonder of it all.

You may go in search of whales and find yourself bearing witness to a glacier calving.

Or you may plan to climb one more peak for a better vantage point and find yourself in a rookery of curious penguins.

DAY 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia.

Early afternoon, a representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

DAY 2: Fly to George Island and Embarkation Fly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs with a walk to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

DAY 3 – 6: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily excursions.

Walking on a beach dotted with penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and opportunities. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and killer whales in action, you’ll welcome each day with a sense of adventure.

DAY 7: Disembarkation and fly to Punta Arenas After your week of exploration, say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end.

DAY 8: Depart Punta Arenas After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or transfer to the Punta Arenas airport.

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WILD EARTH LAND OPTIONS

PATAGONIA

CAMP

PRICES: From US$2,400 pp DATES: September – May 2020 Combine your exploration of Antarctica with an unforgettable stay in the Patagonian wilderness.

South America’s first luxury camp combines a respect for nature with warm hospitality and excellent service. The fully equipped yurts, with views of Lake Toro and Torres del Paine, at this deluxe eco-camp provide you with a luxurious and eco-friendly base to explore the spectacular scenery of Chilean Patagonia. Your program can be amended to suit your needs but it possible to spend your days hiking, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding or cruising glacier filled lakes.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Punta Arenas – Camp Patagonia Torres del Paine Torres del Paine Torres del Paine Camp Patagonia – Punta Arenas

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UNIQUE EXPEDITION

Polar Solar Eclipse & South Georgia ABOARD: Plancius An

PRICES: US$19,800 pp – US$23,700 pp

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DEPARTS: 23 Nov 2021

What’s better than seeing the total solar eclipse, a cosmic phenomenon that occurs only about once every 18 months? Seeing it in Antarctica – a place most people are lucky to see once in a lifetime. The solar eclipse voyage gives you the chance to catch this moving celestial event in one of the most amazing locations on Earth. But that’s not all you’ll enjoy on this epic polar voyage.

DAY 1: Ushuaia Your voyage begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet.

DAY 2: Day at Sea Several species of albatross, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels follow the vessel.

DAY 3: The Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands offer an abundance of wildlife.

These islands are largely unknown gems, and see various species of birds, and both Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins in the surrounding waters.

You may visit Carcass Island a rodent-free island, where breeding Magellanic penguins and gentoos as well as numerous waders and passerine birds live. Or visit Saunders Island, where you can see the black-browed albatross, along with breeding imperial shags and rockhopper penguins. King penguins, Magellanic penguins, and gentoos are also found here.

DAY 4: Port Stanley The capital of the Falklands and center of its culture, Port Stanley offers a Victorian-era charm.

You can see several century-old clipper ships nearby. The small but interesting museum is also worth a visit, covering the early days of settlement up to the Falklands War. DAY 5 – 6: Days at Sea On the way to South Georgia, cross the Antarctic Convergence.

DAY 7 – 10: South Georgia You may visit the following sites over the next few days: Fortuna Bay – beaches inhabited by various penguins and seals, you have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton’s route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall.

Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites house the three largest king penguin rookeries in South Georgia, and also three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for southern elephant seals.

Grytviken – In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place. Here you might visit the South Georgia Museum and Shackleton’s grave.

Cooper Bay – A Zodiac cruise in Cooper Bay offers a great opportunity to see macaroni penguins.

Numerous fur and elephant seals are found on the 8

beach, while albatrosses can be seen gracefully gliding above.

DAY 11: Day at Sea DAY 12: Total Solar Eclipse The ship positions itself in the centre of the shadow of the moon, and if possible, some distance into the Scotia Sea drift ice.

DAY 13 – 14: Day at Sea Enormous icebergs and a fair chance of fin whale sightings ensure there’s never a dull moment.

DAY 15 – 17: Antarctica If the ice conditions permit, you now sail into the Weddell Sea. Here colossal tabular icebergs herald your arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Paulet Island, with its large population of Adélie penguins, is a possible stop. You might also visit Brown Bluff, located in the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound, where you could get the chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent itself.

Your last activities before venturing into the Drake Passage are likely to find you around the northern Gerlache Strait. One option is Cierva Cove and the rugged, ice-gripped mountains of the Davis Coast.

Mikkelsen Harbour on the south coast of Trinity Island is another alternative, here you may enjoy a gentoo penguin rookery.

DAY 18 – 19: Days at Sea Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re greeted by a vast array of seabirds.

DAY 20: Ushuaia It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia.

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FEATURED

TRIP

The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica ABOARD: National Geographic Explorer / National Geographic Orion / National Geographic Endurance / Hondius / Plancius / Ortelius / Ushuaia / Silver Explorer / Island Sky / Sea Spirit / Ocean Endeavour / Ocean Adventurer / World Explorer / Ocean Diamond / Fram / Le Soleal / L’Austral / Expedition / RCGS Resolute / Greg Mortimer PRICES: US$15,500 pp – US$75, 800 pp DEPARTS: October – March 2020

On this expedition you will see three distinct regions, each offering wonderful experiences and sights. The Falkland Islands are not only home to resilient people with a long and fascinating history, but also some great wildlife encounters.

South Georgia is one of the world’s premier wildlife spectacles. All who visit are enthralled by the abundance of life.

Steeped in whaling lore and tales from Ernest Shackleton’s heroic exploits, the island is covered mostly in glaciers and explodes with life. Then there is Antarctica, with its tabular icebergs, abundant wildlife and a fascinating history of exploration and discovery.

DAY 1: Ushuaia, Argentina In the afternoon board your expedition vessel and sail down the Beagle Channel.

DAY 2: Towards the Falklands A day at sea en route to the Falkland Islands.

Today is an excellent opportunity to watch for birdlife and become familiar with the vessel.

DAY 3 – 4: Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands have a long and turbulent history, but today it is the wildlife that dominates. Landings at islands such as New Island give excellent opportunities for up close

views of nesting albatross and penguins. Many other species of birds can also be seen during walks ashore. A visit to the capital Stanley provides an insight into the modern Falkland Islands and its traditional culture.

DAY 5 – 6: The Southern Ocean Your expedition ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, while wandering albatross circle the ship and a sharp watch is kept for icebergs.

DAY 7 – 10: South Georgia The splendour of South Georgia is hard to describe, as stunning mountain landscapes rise from shores crowded with thousands of king penguins. These wild shores are also home to elephant and fur seals, light-mantled sooty albatross and countless seabirds. Witness the remains of a history of whaling, walk in Shackleton’s footsteps and visit his grave in Grytviken.

DAY 11 – 12: The Southern Ocean Sail towards the Antarctic, following the course taken by Shackleton and New Zealander Frank Worsley. The onboard experts prepare you for arrival in Antarctica with lectures and presentations.

DAY 13: Elephant Island Your first landfall in Antarctica will be Elephant Island; it was here on Point Wild that Shackleton’s men were stranded for 135 days beneath towering ice cliffs.

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DAY 14: South Shetland Islands The spectacular South Shetland Islands are home to prolific wildlife, with large colonies of chinstrap and gentoo penguins. On Deception Island the steaming black sands entice the intrepid adventurer to swim in Antarctic waters.

DAY 15 – 16: Antarctic Peninsula Explore the Antarctic Peninsula with continental and island landings, as well as Zodiac cruises to see gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins.

Watch for crabeater, Weddell and leopard seals lounging on ice. While cruising the ice filled waters keep a close watch for humpback and minke whales. Visits are planned to destinations such as Port Lockroy and Paradise Bay along with many other landings that give you the greatest Antarctic experience possible.

DAY 17 – 18: The Drake Passage Cruise north towards Ushuaia with ample opportunities to relive experiences and learn more from the expert lecture team.

DAY 19: Ushuaia, Argentina Return early morning to Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast. *Indicative itinerary.

EXPERT ADVICE TALK TO OUR SPECIALISTS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE AND EXPERIENCED THIS VOYAGE.

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EPIC ANTARCTICA: CROSSING THE CIRCLE VIA THE FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA ABOARD: Ocean Diamond / Ocean Endeavour / Le Soleal / Le Lyrial / L’Austral

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PRICES: US$16,808 pp – US$37,734 pp DEPARTS: 3, 9, 15 February, 18 December 2020; 17, 19 February, 18 December 2021 DAY 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina Arrive in Buenos Aires and make your way to the hotel.

DAY 2: Ushuaia, Argentina and Embarkation After breakfast at the hotel, board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Ship embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, and then get ready to sail down the historic Beagle Channel.

DAY 3: Day at Sea Take advantage of the library of books available on your ship, hang out at the bar chatting to other travellers or spend time out on deck, admiring the sea. Your Expedition Team will also conduct a series of presentations to prepare you for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

DAY 4 – 5: Falkland Islands The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands, East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. With your camera at hand, our wildlife sightings in the Falklands should include at least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species—Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck.

DAY 6 – 7: Day at Sea Enroute to South Georgia you’ll cross the invisible boundary unique to Antarctica – the Antarctic Convergence. This meeting of oceans is what creates the abundance of krill and marine life that attract large cetaceans such as humpback whales.

DAY 8 – 11: South Georgia Evidence of the old whaling and sealing heydays

is still present. You’ll be surprised to learn that whale and seal populations were once decimated here, as of today their populations are strong, with massive rookeries to be seen. One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. This is a day for reflecting on what it must have been like to be one of the first explorers to this unforgiving, yet beautiful environment.

Often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of the Poles,’ South Georgia contains exceptional wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a 100 thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day we may visit another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals.

DAY 12 – 13: Day at Sea While you’re at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team, who will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.

DAY 14 – 16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula The most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, the next you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin. Glacier hikes, visits to research bases 10

and, of course, conversing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day.

Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.

DAY 17 – 18: The Antarctic Circle Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south. Take pride in this whilst taking in raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, with the potential for fantastic iceberg sightings.

DAY 19 – 20: Northbound along the Peninsula If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage.

DAY 21 – 22: Crossing the Drake Passage After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins.

Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.

DAY 23: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, we will taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before we transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires. *Itineraries may vary on selected dates.

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CLASSIC EXPEDITION

In the Footsteps of Scott and Shackleton ABOARD: Spirit of Enderby / Akademik Shokalskiy PRICES: US$23,000 pp – US$32,000 pp DEPARTS: 8, 10 January, 8 February 2020; 13 January, 11 February 2021 Disembarkation points may vary.

The Ross Sea region of Antarctica is one of the most remote and fascinating places on Earth. With shipping restricted by impenetrable pack ice to just two brief months each austral summer, few people have ever visited this isolated and beautiful territory. There is much to do and see, from exploring historic huts to visiting penguin rookeries and marvelling at glacial ice tongues and ice shelves.

DAY 1: Invercargill, New Zealand Arrive in Invercargill, New Zealand’s southern most city, rich in Scottish history.

DAY 2: Port of Bluff Explore the local attractions before heading to the Port of Bluff where you will embark your ship.

DAY 3: The Snares The Snares Islands are home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles put together.

Zodiac cruising the coast learn how the islands got their name and in the sheltered bays we should see the endemic Snares crested penguin, the Cape petrel and Buller’s albatross nesting on the imposing cliffs.

DAY 4 – 5: Auckland Islands Characterised by towering cliffs and rugged sea stacks, these islands have borne witness to many shipwrecks in the days gone by. We spend the day ashore on Enderby Island which is perhaps the most beautiful of all the

Subantarctic Islands. Here we find parakeets flitting above carpets of red, white and yellow wild flowers and on the beaches beyond, the rare Hooker’s, or New Zealand, sea lion. We land in Carnley Harbour and if conditions are suitable, climb to a shy albatross colony, otherwise we will explore sites within the harbour.

DAY 6: Day at Sea DAY 7 – 8: Macquarie Island This remote, rocky outpost which endures roaring westerly winds supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Four species of penguin; king, royal, rockhopper and gentoo breed here. We will meet the Park Rangers, visit the Australian Antarctic Base and observe the hundreds of southern elephant seals along the beaches.

DAY 9 – 12: Day at Sea Soaring albatross and petrels circle the vessel as we steam south through the Southern Ocean.

Listen to lectures on the Ross Sea region.

DAY 13 – 23: Antarctica’s Ross Sea Region In the Ross Sea we intend to visit Ross Island, and the famous locations which played such an important role in the dramatic British expeditions of the last century such as Cape Royds and Cape Evans from where Sir Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott set forth for the South Pole. Watching over McMurdo Sound are the spectacular peaks of Mt Erebus and Mt Terror. At the southern extremity of the 11

Ross Sea are America’s McMurdo Station and New Zealand’s Scott Base which we will also attempt to visit. Further north visit the beautiful Terra Nova Bay and marvel at the Trans Antarctic Mountains while landing amongst thousands of Adelie penguins at Cape Hallet and Cape Adare.

DAY 24 – 27: Day at Sea Take time to rest and enjoy shipboard life in the bar or library after the excitement and long daylight hours of the Antarctic.

DAY 28: Campbell Island We drop anchor in Perseverance Harbour, an occasional refuge for southern right whales who come here to calve. Walk to the nesting site of the southern royal albatross and see the strange and beautiful megaherbs growing on the hills.

These huge wild flowers that have adapted to the harsh conditions have unusual colourings and weirdly-shaped leaves. We also seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island shags, light-mantled sooty albatross and sea lions.

DAY 29: Day at Sea Relax and reflect on a remarkable journey.

DAY 30: Invercargill, New Zealand We disembark in Bluff. After fond farewells we transfer you to central city hotels or the airport.

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SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS: GALAPAGOS OF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN ABOARD: Spirit of Enderby PRICES: US$8,300 pp – US$10,600 pp DEPARTS: 30 November, 11 December 2020

This is without doubt one of the most inspirational and informative journeys into the Southern Ocean ecosystem that one can make. Long recognised for their rich biodiversity, the Subantarctic Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site. This places them in a select group of only 180 natural sites that have been designated as ‘the most important and significant natural habitats’ on the planet. They are also afforded the highest conservation status and protection by the Australian and New Zealand governments. On this expedition we offer you the unique chance to explore, photograph and understand these wonderful places in the company of some of the most knowledgeable and passionate guides.

DAY 1: Invercargill Meet your fellow voyagers and expedition staff for an informal get-together over dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2: Port of Bluff You will be transferred to Port of Bluff where the staff will welcome you on board the Spirit of Enderby.

DAY 3: North East Island, The Snares North East Island is the largest of The Snares and staggeringly, this one island is claimed by some to be home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. Zodiac cruising the rugged coastline we learn how the islands got their name

and encounter Snares crested penguins, Cape petrel’s and the Buller’s albatross on the imposing cliffs.

DAY 4: Enderby Island, Auckland Islands Named from the same distinguished shipping family as our own vessel and one of the most beautiful islands in the group, this is a great birding location and a chance to see everything from the famous Southern royal albatross and northern giant petrel to parakeets.

DAY 5: Carnley Harbour These islands are loaded in human history, they harbour tales of castaways, bullion and coastwatchers through to today’s scientific visitors.

You’ll land in Carnley Harbour and, if weather permits, visit the shy mollymawk colony at South West Cape.

DAY 6: At Sea The Spirit of Enderby will make its way through an area known as the furious fifties in the tumultuous Southern Ocean, we will learn more about the flora and fauna as we prepare for our arrival at Macquarie Island. Take advantage of the great birding opportunities which may include the wandering albatross, royal albatross, black-browed albatross, light-mantled sooty albatross, Salvin’s albatross, and grey-headed Albatross.

DAYS 7- 8: Macquarie Island Described by one Australian explorer as “one of the wonder spots of the world” this is the only place in the world where the beautiful royal penguin breeds.

You will never forget your first experience of a noisy ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show 12

no fear of their strange visitors and where you will be immersed in a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks; territorial disputes; petty pilfering and courtship displays.

DAY 9: At Sea Head north from Macquarie Island through waters rich in seabirds towards Campbell Island. We invite you to join the captain on the bridge, to keep a keen lookout for birds and for whales. There will also be briefings and lectures on Campbell Island in preparation for our visit there.

DAYS 10- 11: Perseverance Harbour, Campbell Island We spend two days exploring the island by foot taking in the panorama of rocky islets and sea stacks; once the lonely preserve of settlers and seal hunters and now returned to nature. Enjoy an easy walk to the nesting site of the southern royal albatross at Col Lyall or walk across the hills to Northwest Bay and see the strange and beautiful megaherbs on the hills.

DAY 12: At Sea En route back to the Port of Bluff, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on an amazing experience. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as we complete the last few miles of our journey.

DAY 13: Disembarkation, Invercargill We arrive at the Port of Bluff early in the morning. After breakfast, disembark and board our complimentary coach transfer to downtown Invercargill or Invercargill Airport.

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BAFFIN BAY SECRETS ABOARD: L’Austral PRICES: AU$23,820 pp – AU$62,710 pp DEPARTS: 16, 29 July 2020, 17, 30 July 2021

Witness majestic icebergs, colourful villages and breath-taking mountains throughout Greenland. Meet the local population and learn about Greenland Inuit culture. Reaching further north into the Baffin Bay will reveal the remains of ancient Inuit civilisations and the opportunity to discover Savissivik, the largest ‘iceberg graveyard’ in Greenland.

DAY 1: Kangerlussuaq In Kangerlussuaq, admire the superb landscapes of tundra, where Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes and reindeer live.

DAY 2: Sismiut This small town is typical of Greenland, colourful stilt houses dotting the undulating landscape, the small fishing port stands as the gateway to an icy realm.

DAY 3: Paul- Émile Victor Base Camp, Eqi Glacier The Paul-Emile Victor Base Camp is a land of towering ice formations calved by the giant glaciers of the polar ice cap. The Eqi Glacier is one of the areas most impressive sights.

DAY 4-5: Disko Bay Disko Bay, scattered with countless icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire these ice giants as they slowly drift across the dark waters.

DAY 6: Upernavik Fjord The glacier that calves in the majestic Upernavik Fjord is extremely active. Sail between the gigantic icebergs drifting in this large bay, scattered with tiny islands and home to a number of marine mammals such as the beluga and the narwhal.

DAY 7: Kullorsuaq Well beyond the Arctic Circle, in Greenland’s north-west, you will find Kullorsuaq, the last of Greenland’s traditional hunters. Here find Greenland’s true character, vast mineral expanses, mountains, glaciers and the local population living off fishing, seal and bear hunting. Discover these friendly people who are talented craftsmen.

DAY 8: Savissivik Savissivik, is considered to be the largest iceberg graveyard in Greenland. Hike to a viewpoint from which to enjoy breath-taking views over this site.

DAY 9: Qaanaaq (Thule) Qaanaaq is Greenland’s northernmost town.

Qaanaaq perfectly illustrates the quintessence of Inuit culture. The Inuit, who at the time lived some one hundred kilometres further south, were forced to settle here after an American air base was created in their home village.

DAY 10: Pond Inlet, Nunavut On Baffin Island, located in northern Canada at the mouth of the famous North-west Passage, there is a small Inuit settlement. To get there, cross the Arctic Circle. Snow-capped mountains, fjords and glaciers combine in a dazzling natural environment that fills space and expands time.

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DAY 11: Sam Ford Fjord, Nunavat Located only a few kilometres away from the Inuit community of Clyde River, this fjord has the kind of world’s end appearance that only the Arctic can offer. From your ship, be dazzled by the series of vertiginous cliffs plunging into the waters of the fjord.

DAY 12: Isabella Bay, Ninginganiq Wildlife Area Welcome to the kingdom of the cetaceans!

Isabella Bay is part of the Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area, one of the finest places to observe bowhead whales, also home to ringed seals, narwhals, polar bears, king eiders, little auks and northern fulmars.

DAY 13: Kivitoo, Nunavut Kivitoo is a calm and unsettling place. A former Inuit camp was abandoned in 1923, see a brokendown cabin surrounded by metal tanks that stored whale oil at the time when hunting was in full swing. See walrus skulls and the graves of Inuits.

DAY 14: Itilleq Itilleq is a tiny island lying within the Arctic Circle, 45 km south of Sisimiut. Home to barely 100 people, they mainly earn a living from fishing and hunting in their typical Greenlandic village.

DAY 15: Kangerlussuaq Arrive back in Kangerlussuaq and disembark. *Indicative itinerary

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UNIQUE EXPEDITION

THE NORTHEAST PASSAGE ABOARD: National Geographic Endurance / Silver Explorer / Spirit of Enderby PRICES: AU$31,900 pp – AU$79,500 pp DEPARTS: 17, 27 Jul, 9, 22, 23 Aug 2020; 21 Jul 2021

Remote, extreme and starkly beautiful, join us on our historic voyage across the NorthEast Passage. Experience the fascinating local culture, the unbelievable plethora of wildlife and the sheer magnitude of nature.

DAY 1 – 2: Nome, Alaska and date line Learn about the areas amazing history dating back 10,000 years to Inupiaq Eskimo subsistence living.

Lose a day as we sail across the date line.

DAY 7: Cape Waring and Ostrov Gerald Cape Waring a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ice floes are a great spot for wildlife as Ostrov Gerald and Wrangel Island are part of the Russian’s Wrangel Island Wildlife Preserve.

DAY 19: Cape Zhelaniya to Ostrov Oranskiye The cape is the physical point of reference that marks the boundary between the Barents Sea and the Kara Sea. Located a few nautical miles north of Cape Zhelaniya lies tiny Ostrov Oranskiye.

DAY 8: Ushakova Cape and Cape Florens Ushakova Cape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest amount of polar bears. There are possible whale and reindeer sightings. On Cape Florens take a tundra nature walk.

DAY 20: Cape Tegetthof, Hall Island Cape Tegetthoff in the south of Hall Island is almost totally covered by glaciers.

DAY 21: Champ Island to Hooker Island Champ Island is best-known for its rounded stone geodes, partly stuck in the crumbling rock faces.

DAY 9: Day at Sea DAY 3: Provideniya, Russia On Hooker Island encounter dramatic bird cliffs DAY 10: Ayon Island Provideniya is a former Soviet military port at the Visit a school museum to see taxidermied animals hosting brunnich’s guillemots and kittiwakes, polar southern limit of the Arctic ice pack. The town has and Eskimo artifacts. Visit the Russian polar station, bears also wander the island’s shores. a fascinating museum with exhibits displaying the one of the few meteorological stations still in use.

DAY 22 – 24: Bell Island & at Sea natural history and wildlife of the region.

Sparsely vegetated by Arctic vegetation, Bell Island DAY 11 – 12: Medvezhiy Islands & at Sea DAY 4: Cape Dezhnev and Uelen Village can be home to polar bears, the Arctic fox, and Visitors may observe herds of reindeer, as well as Cape Dezhnev, the easternmost mainland point seabird species nesting. The beautifully stark the remains of human habitation. of Eurasia. Ashore can be found one of Russia’s landscape is dominated by 300 m Bell Mountain. most famous lighthouses. Uelen is the furthest east DAY 13: Ostrov Bennetta DAY 25: Murmansk settlement in Eurasia. The village is near the Uelen Mount De Long dominates Bennett Island and is Lagoon and is known as “Land’s End.” the highest point in the archipelago topping 426 m. Murmansk is an important ice-free shipping port.

DAY 26: Gjesvarstappan Islands, Norway DAY 5: Kolyuchin Island DAY 14 – 15: Ice Edge Cruising & at Sea The Gjesvarstappan Nature Reserve, is one of Kolyuchin Island has steep, dramatic bird cliffs DAY 16: Akhmatov Gulf (Severnia Zemlia) Europe’s largest nesting areas for Atlantic seabirds teeming with pelagic cormorants, thick-billed Akhmatov Gulf is a glacially carved arm running and home to one of the most significant Atlantic murres, kittiwakes and puffins. You may also see the almost mid-way through Bolshevik Island. puffin colonies in North Norway. walrus herds.

DAY 17: Ostrov Isachenko DAY 27: Tromsø DAY 6: Krasin Bay, Wrangel Island Isachenko is a thriving intertidal zone where clams, Disembark and choose to stay here or transfer.

Krasin Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with sea stars, lobsters and annelid worms thrive.

Arctic vistas. See the remains of ancient inhabitants *Spirit of Enderby itinerary finishes in of Wrangel Island, at a 3,400 year old Paleo-Eskimo DAY 18: Ostrov Uyedineniya Murmansk.

Ice floes are commonly found here and in 1993, camp. Wildlife sightings may include walrus, musk Ostrov Uyedineniya became part of the Great Arctic Indicative Itinerary oxen, and polar bears.

State Nature Reserve.

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BEST SELLER

POLAR BEAR QUEST ABOARD: Sea Spirit / Hondius / Ortelius / Plancius / Quest / Stockholm / Sjoveien / Ocean Adventurer / World Explorer / G Expedition / MS Spitsbergen PRICES: US$7,400 pp – US$27,935 pp DEPARTS: Weekly June – August 2020

The circumnavigation of Spitsbergen reveals the diversity of this island archipelago and takes us into the kingdom of the polar bear.

We explore the coastline, with no open sea crossings, against a backdrop of spectacular glacier-covered peaks. We discover deep fjords in the west, mysterious, fossil-rich desert plains in the east and best of all, seals and whales in the Arctic pack ice. This voyage offers the best chance for seeing reindeer and polar bears and features wildflower walks across sweeping tundra, trapper camps and the historical remains of whaling stations.

DAY 3: Andøya & Monaco Glacier On the tundra island of Andøya many common eiders and pink-footed geese nest along with the rare king eider. Sailing into Liefdefjorden, we will cruise near the face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes and occasionally polar bears are seen on the glacier.

DAY 7: Freemansundet & Edgeøya In Freemansundet we visit an old trapper’s hut and then take a walk across the tundra in search of Spitsbergen reindeer and barnacle geese. Later we can climb to the rim of a narrow gully which is inhabited by thousands of kitttiwakes, together with black guillemots and piratical glaucous gulls.

During the breeding season, the base of the cliffs is patrolled by Arctic foxes and polar bears.

DAY 4: Phippsøya & Nordaustlandet Today we reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, along with ivory gulls.

DAY 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and polar museum are well worth visiting. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.

DAY 5: Laagøya & Sorg Fjord We will visit Laagøya today, a low island with a big lagoon where large herds of walrus tend to congregate. Sabine’s gulls also nest on the island. At Sorg Fjord we may find another herd of walrus not far from the graves of 17th century whalers.

DAY 8: Hornsund We start the day quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, enjoying the scenery of towering mountain peaks. Hornsundtind rises to 1,431m.

There are also 14 magnificent glaciers in the area and very good chances of encounters with seals and polar bears.

DAY 2: Krossfjorden & Ny Ålesund In Krossfjorden, we board the Zodiacs for a cruise along the sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier. On the green slopes near the glacier, a colourful variety of flowers bloom, while large numbers of Kittiwakes nest on the nearby cliffs. In the afternoon we sail to Ny Ålesund, the world’s most northerly settlement; from here Amundsen and Nobile departed on their airship flights to the North Pole.

DAY 6: Alkefjellet & Augustabukta Today we sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals and polar bears.

We’ll explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we’ll attempt a landing at Augustabukta, home to pink-footed geese, as well as walrus. Near Torrelneset, we will explore the world’s third largest ice cap, which meets the sea nearby.

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DAY 9: Van Keulenfjorden Today we land on Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden. Piles of beluga skeletons on the shores are yet another reminder of the consequences of thoughtless exploitation.

Thankfully there is a good chance that we may come across a pod as we sail.

DAY 10: Disembark in Longyearbyen Arrive in Longyearbyen for morning transfers to the airport and the flight to Oslo and onwards.

Indicative itinerary.

EXPERT ADVICE TALK TO OUR SPECIALISTS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE AND EXPERIENCED THIS JOURNEY.

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Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard ABOARD: National Geographic Endurance PRICES: AU$24,760 pp – AU$48,530 DEPARTS: 1, 30* May 2020 *itinerary runs in reverse

Follow Norway’s fjord-carved coast, from the charming town of Bergen, past the North Cape to the ice and wilderness of the Svalbard archipelago, for a perfect balance between the charmingly scenic and the spectacularly wild. Explore Tromso and Bear Island on the way to Svalbard in the high arctic, where polar bears prowl and walruses haul out on rocky shores. “The land divides us, the sea unites” Norwegians have said for centuries. The sea here carves a 1,100-mile-long coastline (longer than the U.S. west coast) and on this expedition we’ll explore almost the full-length of its varied contours–from the jaw-droppingly lovely Norwegian fjordlands to the heartpounding icescapes of Svalbard.

DAY 1: Bergen, Norway Arrive in the Hanseatic town of Bergen, the gateway to the Norwegian fjords. Stroll historic Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before embarkation.

DAY 2: Nordfjord Today enter the lovely Nordfjord, the “gateway to the glaciers”. Spend the morning at the end of the fjord, be transported up the Loen Valley via coach through some incredibly beautiful scenes: a turquoise-coloured lake and be surrounded by mountains. A number of relatively flat trails lead

along valleys shaped by massive glaciers, walk to the tongue of the large Kjenndal Glacier.

DAY 3 – 5: Fjords of Norway The coast of central Norway is rugged with mountainous islands and steep-walled fjords.

Zodiac along vertical rock faces, paddle serenely in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for a hike with our naturalist staff. Over the years, we’ve discovered a number of special places, including Melfjord. This narrow channel is surrounded by high granite cliffs polished smooth by massive glaciers, and is one of the most spectacular spots on our voyage.

DAY 6: Lofoten Islands The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. By Zodiac, view nesting seabirds: Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Go ashore on the island of Vaeroy, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy. Be on deck to cruise into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway’s mythical beings: trolls.

DAY 7: Tysfjorden Today explore places along the Norwegian coastline that showcases some of Norway’s most beautiful landscape. Enter Tysfjorden, where mile after mile of vertical walls surround us and only a few small villages cling the rocky shores. Zodiac along steep-walled fjords, and find inspiration in the birch forests and tumbling waterfalls. The u-shaped valley of Hellemobotn cuts nearly to Sweden and has a trail to hike almost to the border.

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DAY 9: Tromso Tromso is known as the “gateway to the Arctic” because so many Arctic expeditions originated here. Visit the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral, where the unique architecture evokes snow and icebergs.

DAY 9: Bear Island Zodiac around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

DAY 10 – 14: Svalbard Svalbard lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the summer midnight sun never sets. In true expedition style, we let nature dictate our movements, this is one of the great attractions of this expedition. Our flexible itinerary and years of experience allows us to take advantage of ice and weather conditions.

Join our spotters on the bridge, scanning the ice and islands for huge walrus, bearded and ringed seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, some of the largest whales on Earth — and polar bears. Depending on conditions, we may land on Edgeøya to hike the tundra, abloom with summer wildflowers. We often sail deep into Hornsund. We may venture to the stunning Monacobreen glacier, or get close-up views of the iconic creatures of the ice by Zodiac.

DAY 15: Longyearbyen to Oslo Disembark in Longyearbyen and visit the Svalbard Art Gallery and Museum. Then, proceed to the airport for our charter flight to Oslo.

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CLASSIC EXPEDITION

THROUGH the Nw Passage

ABOARD: Ocean Endeavour / RCGS Resolute / Fram PRICES: US$10,995 pp – US$25,095 pp DATES: 14, 18*, 22*, 30, 31 Aug, 2, 7 Sep 2020 *itinerary runs in reverse

Venture through the famed Northwest Passage! The epic quest for a northern route west to Asia occupied some of the best minds of European civilization for half a millennium. Until recently the icechoked waters of the passage provided extreme challenges to navigators; it still remains an elusive route that few have had the privilege of travelling.

DAY 1: Kugluktuk (Coppermine River), Canada Embark at Kugluktuk, the western most community in Nunavut and the start of your voyage.

DAY 2: Kitlineq (Victoria Island) The eighth largest island in the world, Victoria Island is found on the border between Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

DAY 3: Gjoa Haven In 1903, explorer Roald Amundsen sailed through James Ross Strait to Gjoa Haven. Unable to proceed due to sea ice, he spent the winters of 1903-05 exploring and learning from local Inuit.

DAY 4: Bellot Strait Bellot Strait marks the first meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific tides.

DAY 5: Fort Ross Fort Ross is an uninhabited former trading post.

Founded in 1937 it was the last trading post to be established by the Hudson’s Bay Company.

DAY 6: Prince Leopold Island The tall cliffs of Prince Leopold Island are one of

the top bird sites in the high Arctic both during the breeding and summering seasons. Sir James Clark Ross, perhaps the greatest polar explorer of the 19th century, was based nearby from 1848-49.

DAY 7: Beechey Island In 1845 Sir John Franklin took his expedition of 129 men into the Wellington Channel from Beechey Channel. Not a soul returned from the fateful expedition.

DAY 8: Devon Island The largest uninhabited island in the world supports significant concentrations of wildlife, including 26 species of seabirds and 11 species of marine mammals.

DAY 9: Aujuittuq (Grise Fjord) Aujuittuq means ‘place that never thaws’.

Spend time with the 165 members of Canada’s northernmost civilian community.

DAY 10: Smith Sound Only 48-72 km wide and 88 km long, Smith Sound is often packed with ice and provides favourable conditions for wildlife viewing.

DAY 13: Melville Bay Melville Bay’s Kalaallisut named, Qimusseriarsuaq, means “the great dog sledding place”.

DAY 14: Karrat Fjord Cruise one of Greenland’s most spectacular fjords.

During ice breakup, narwhals and seals use the long leads created by high winds in this region to hunt the rich waters of the fjord.

DAY 15: Ilulissat Ilulissat translates literally into “iceberg”. Our visit will include time in the colourful town and a chance to hike out to an elevated viewpoint where we can observe the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord.

DAY 16: Sisimiut The west Greenland coastline is a rich mixture of fishing communities and beautiful scenery. Here we will be making a stop to explore the Greenlandic landscape.

DAY 17: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland Your journey ends in Kangerlussuaq.

Indicative itinerary.

DAY 11: Qaanaaq, Greenland Artistic talent runs high in this most northern community, and visitors are often in search of the distinct art pieces that are created here.

ALTERNATE ITINERARIES

DAY 12: Kap York The rugged coastal environment at Kap York is rich in wildlife, boasting the largest seabird population in northwest Greenland. Hike the tundra and enjoy magnificent vistas.

CHARTER FLIGHTS

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FOR LONG AND LUXURY CRUISES AVAILABLE

ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS EXPEDITION

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UNIQUE EXPEDITION

Across the Top of the World ABOARD: Spirit of Enderby PRICES: US$10,000 pp – US$13,300 pp DEPARTS: 3, 17 August 2020

This unique expedition crosses the Arctic Circle and includes the isolated and pristine Wrangel and Herald Islands. It is a journey only made possible in recent years by the thawing in the politics of the region and the retreat of summer pack ice in the Chukchi Sea. DAY 1: Anadyr, Russia All expedition members will arrive in Anadyr and board the Spirit of Enderby.

DAY 2: Anadyrskiy Bay Late this afternoon we Zodiac cruise the spectacular bird cliffs in Preobrazheniya Bay. DAY 3: Yttygran, Nuneangan & Arakamchechen Islands Here whalebones stretch along the beach for nearly half a kilometre. Gray whales are frequently seen in the surrounding waters.

DAY 6 – 10: Wrangel & Herald Islands We will spend the next few days on Wrangel Island and nearby Herald Island. Polar bears will be high on our list of animals to see and with a little patience we should be rewarded with a number of encounters. Wrangel Island is a Russian Federal Nature Reserve of international importance. Each summer, thousands of birds migrate here to breed including snowy owls, snow geese, arctic terns and more.

CHARTER FLIGHT AVAILABLE NOME TO ANADYR RETURN FROM US$2,000 pp WILD EARTH OPTIONS

FIRE AND ICE

IN THE ARCTIC

DAY 11: North Siberian Coast We will be on the lookout for whales, walrus and other wildlife. We will see Chukchi villages whose residents survive in an unforgiving climate, hunting seals and whales just as their ancestors did.

DAY 12: Kolyuchin Inlet It is a wild, desolate landscape that is strangely beautiful. Gray whales frequent the area and are sometimes spotted feeding only metres offshore.

DAY 4: Cape Dezhnev & Uelen Village We will land at Cape Dezhnev early this morning. The eastern most point of the Eurasian continent, it is sometimes possible to see the coast of America from this remote and lonely outpost. A few nautical miles to the west of Cape Dezhnev we visit Uelen Village the most eastern village in Russia.

DAY 13: Bering Strait & Chukotka Coast Here Russia and America are separated by only 2.3 nautical miles of ocean. Later we make an expedition landing on the Chukotka coast, our last chance to enjoy the wildlife and tundra landscape.

DAY 5: Kolyuchin Island Near the derelict research station are some of the most spectacular bird cliffs in the Arctic where puffins, guillemots and gulls can be observed and photographed up close.

DAY 15: Anadyr, Russia After breakfast it will be time to say our farewells.

DAY 14: At Sea Relax as we sail towards Anadyr.

ABOARD: Le Boreal PRICES: AU$18,650 pp – AU$50,800 pp DEPARTS: 21 September 2021 Embark aboard Le Boréal for an unforgettable expedition cruise to discover the wonders of the Arctic. Over 15 days, cruise between Russia and the United States from Nome to Seward, you will have the chance to sail in the Bering Strait and discover extraordinary landscapes combining ice, volcanoes, and tundra dotted with the ephemeral flowers that bloom during the Arctic summer.

BONUS

Fare include outbound domestic flight Seattle / ANCHORAGE + transfers

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Magnificent Volcanoes of the Aleutian Islands ABOARD: Le Soleal PRICES: AU$18,700 pp – AU$42,300 pp DATES: 10 July 2020

Be captivated by the beauty of the Aleutian Islands. Board your ship in Petropavlovsk, the oldest city in the Russian Far East, before heading eastward. Surrounded by nutrient rich waters, the string of Aleutian Islands is home to incredible fauna including whales, orcas and seabirds. In Alaska witness spectacular glaciers, old-growth forests, unique vegetation and superb bays where grizzlies roam.

DAY 1: Petropavlovsk, Kamtchatski, Russia Visit the Military Glory Museum, the most important in eastern Russia. And visit the nearby picturesque Petrovskaya Hill.

After the Japanese attacked Unalaska and seized Attu and Kiska, the U.S. Government evacuated Atka and burned the town to the ground to prevent Japanese forces from using it. The community was rebuilt after the War. DAY 6: Yunaska Island to Chuginadak Island Yunaska Island is the largest of the Islands of the Four Mountains group in southwestern Alaska.

It offers a stunning volcanic landscape as the island is formed by two volcanic mountains. Visit, Chuginadak Island, also located in the Islands of Four Mountains. The western part of the island is dominated by Mount Cleveland.

DAY 7: Dutch Harbour, Unalaska Island Discover the exceptional site of Unalaska Island and its port, Dutch Harbour. The island offers unique landscapes of volcanic summits swept DAY 2: Day at Sea by the wind and surrounded by the sea and lush DAY 3: Attu Island, Aleutian Islands Located at the western edge of the Aleutian Islands, green valleys. Unalaska is also rich in history, where ancient indigenous cultures and remains Attu Island, belongs to the Near Islands group. from World War II can be seen.

Sitting between the Bering Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, it contends with frequent storms and DAY 8: Chankliut Island From mountainous terrain to valleys covered in violent winds. sea lyme-grass, Chankliut Island, offers a unique DAY 4: Kiska Island to Amchitka Island charm. During a walk around a lake, cross a Kiska Island and Amchitka Island both lie within meadow where beautiful aconite and willow herb the Rat Islands group to the west of the Aleutian Islands. They are tectonically active volcanic islands. flourish. The active can choose to venture to the neighbouring valley and its ancient calderas to Amchitka Island is part of the Alaska Maritime admire the scenery.

National Wildlife Refuge and it’s recognised for its wilderness.

DAY 5: Atka Island In the northeast of Atka Island you can find the Korovin volcano, with an elevation of 1530 metres.

DAY 9: Geographic Harbour to Hidden Harbour, Kinak Bay In Geographic Harbour, the rocky cliffs are covered in the remains of ash deposits from a past 19

volcanic eruption. Along the sandy beach, grizzly bears hunt for fish and clams. In the heart of the stunning Katmai nature reserve, discover Hidden Harbour. Keep a look out for brown bears and their cubs as they wander along the coast hoping to catch a salmon.

DAY 10: Day at Sea DAY 11: Tsaa Fjord, Icy Bay Formed by the retreat of the Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall glaciers over the past 100 years, Icy Bay is one of those places where silence reigns supreme.

Let yourself be enthralled by landscapes of breathtaking beauty, enhanced by magnificent views of the Saint Elias Mountains. The bay, is often scattered with icebergs floating in clear waters.

DAY 12: Inian Islands to Elfin Cove Located in the heart of the Icy Strait, between Chicagof Island and the Glacier Bay National Park, the Inian Islands are remote and covered in spectacular flora an fauna. Elfin Cove in the Alexander Archipelago, includes a quaint fishing community, only accessed by sea.

DAY 13: Juneau In 1880, gold diggers flocked here, and it didn’t take long before Juneau was singled out to become the capital of Alaska.

CHARTER FLIGHT INCLUDED SEOUL TO PETROPAVLOVSK, JUNEAU TO SEATTLE

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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDURANCE

WORLD EXPLORER

VESSEL TYPE

Luxury Expedition

VESSEL TYPE

Luxury Expedition

VESSEL TYPE

Luxury Expedition

LENGTH

150 metres

LENGTH

124.4 metres

LENGTH

126 metres

BEAM

28 metres

BEAM

21 metres

BEAM

19 metres

SPEED (AVERAGE)

12 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

14.5 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

15 knots

BUILT / REFURBISHED 2020

BUILT / REFURBISHED 2020

BUILT / REFURBISHED 2019

CAPACITY 270

CAPACITY 126

CAPACITY 176

REGISTRY France

REGISTRY Bahamas

REGISTRY Portugal

Stateroom

Suite

Infinity Suite

Dining Room

Lounge

Restaurant 20

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HANSEATIC NATURE / INSPIRATION

Silver CLOUD

VESSEL TYPE

HEBRIDEAN SKY / SEA SPIRIT

VESSEL TYPE

Luxury Expedition

VESSEL TYPE

Luxury Expedition

LENGTH 138

LENGTH

156 metres

LENGTH

90.6 metres

BEAM 22

BEAM

21.5 metres

BEAM

15.3 metres

SPEED (AVERAGE)

SPEED (AVERAGE)

15 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

12 knots

Luxury Expedition

12 knots

BUILT / REFURBISHED 2017

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1994 / 2017

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1992 / 2016

CAPACITY 230

CAPACITY

CAPACITY 108

REGISTRY Norway

REGISTRY Bahamas

200 / 296

REGISTRY Bahamas

Outside Cabin

Veranda Suite

Veranda Suite

Nature Restaurant

La Terrazza Restaurant

Library

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SILVER EXPLORER

GREG MORTIMER

National Geographic Explorer

VESSEL TYPE

Luxury Expedition

VESSEL TYPE Expedition

VESSEL TYPE

Luxury Expedition

LENGTH

108 metres

LENGTH

104 metres

LENGTH

108 metres

BEAM

15 metres

BEAM

18.2 metres

BEAM

16.5 metres

SPEED (AVERAGE)

15 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

12 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

14 knots

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1989 / 2018

BUILT / REFURBISHED 2018

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1982 / 2008

CAPACITY 173

CAPACITY

CAPACITY 148

REGISTRY Bahamas

REGISTRY Bahamas

160 (120 in Polar Regions)

REGISTRY Bahamas

Grand Suite

Balcony Suite

Category 3 cabin

Dining Room

Observation Lounge Deck

Lounge

22

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MAGELLAN EXPLORER

FRAM

HONDIUS

VESSEL TYPE

Luxury Expedition

VESSEL TYPE Expedition

VESSEL TYPE Expedition

LENGTH

90.7 metres

LENGTH

114 metres

LENGTH

107.6 metres

BEAM

16.2 metres

BEAM

20.2 metres

BEAM

17.6 metres

SPEED (AVERAGE)

14 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

13 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

15 knots

BUILT / REFURBISHED 2020

BUILT / REFURBISHED 2007 / 2020

BUILT / REFURBISHED 2019

CAPACITY 75

CAPACITY 318

CAPACITY 174

REGISTRY Bahamas

REGISTRY Italy

REGISTRY

Port Hole Cabin

Suite

Standard Cabin

Dining Room

Explorer Bar

Observation Lounge 23

The Netherlands

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OCEAN ENDEAVOUR / Ocean atlantic

OCEAN ADVENTURER

PLANCIUS

VESSEL TYPE Expedition

VESSEL TYPE Expedition

VESSEL TYPE Expedition

LENGTH

137 metres

LENGTH

101.1 metres

LENGTH

89 metres

BEAM

21 metres

BEAM

16.2 metres

BEAM

14.5 metres

SPEED (AVERAGE)

13 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

12 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

10.5 knots

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1982 / 2014

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1975 / 2017

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1976 / 2004

CAPACITY 198

CAPACITY 128

CAPACITY 116

REGISTRY

REGISTRY Bahamas

REGISTRY

Marshall Islands

Twin Cabin

Suite

Superior Cabin

Pool Deck

Dining Room

Dining Room 24

The Netherlands

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Spirit of Enderby

OCEAN NOVA / QUEST

Ushuaia

VESSEL TYPE Expedition

VESSEL TYPE Expedition

VESSEL TYPE Expedition

LENGTH

72 metres

LENGTH

49.6 metres

LENGTH

84.7 metres

BEAM

13 metres

BEAM

11.1 metres

BEAM

15.5 metres

SPEED (AVERAGE)

10 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

12 knots

SPEED (AVERAGE)

12 knots

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1984 / 2018

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1992 / 2004

BUILT / REFURBISHED 1970 / 2000

CAPACITY 50

CAPACITY 53

CAPACITY

84

REGISTRY Russia

REGISTRY Bahamas

REGISTRY

Union of Comoros

Superior Plus Cabin

Category F Cabin

Superior Cabin

Bar / Lounge

Dining Room

Dining Room 25

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Russian Far East

8

23

28

33

34

39

43

49

55

North America

The Galapagos Islands & The Amazon

Central America

South America

Southeast Asia

South Pacific

The Kimberley & Northern Australia

Indian Ocean

Alaska 20

Mediterranean 14

Northern Europe

Spitsbergen 15

13

Canadian Arctic & Greenland

11

Ross Sea Region

11

8

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

The Subantarctic Islands

4

Antarctic Peninsula

CRUISE CALENDAR

POLAR

WORLDWIDE

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terms & conditions 1. Confirmation / Deposit Upon receipt of your booking, we will endeavour to book the tours or travel services requested by you as soon as possible and will then send you a Confirmation Invoice.

You must then send us a deposit of 25% of the invoiced amount within 7 days. If bookings are made within 120 days of your date of travel, full payment must be sent immediately, and certainly within 7 days of Invoice date.

fees will apply for clients not utilising any travel arrangements, or for any no-shows – ie. No refunds will be available for any unused services. In some cases, clients may be able to transfer their booking to another departure date, but this will depend on availability, the nearness of the date of travel and on the conditions of our operators & suppliers. An administration fee may be charged in such circumstances.

Notes: These deadlines may be brought forward/ increased depending on conditions of our operators or service suppliers. You must forward any medical questionnaires & contracts required by our operators & suppliers along with your deposit payment. Payment of the required deposit is considered your acceptance of our standard Terms and Conditions.

6. Price changes Wild Earth Travel reserves the right to increase prices up to 20 days before the date of travel due to surcharges in supplier tariffs, transportation costs, fuel prices, currency fluctuations, local government rates & taxes. If the resultant price increase is 10% or greater, the client may cancel the booking within 14 days of our written notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund.

2. Residual Payment Full payment must be received by Wild Earth Travel for all bookings no later than 120 days prior to the commencement of travel (eg. the tour start date). If full payment has not been received by these due dates, then Wild Earth Travel reserves the right to cancel all travel services for the booking in question without further notice to the client. Provided full payment is received by this time, Wild Earth Travel shall take all steps necessary to reconfirm and verify all reservations in advance of the date of travel, as may be required by our operators & service suppliers.

3. Late & Minimum Bookings If bookings are made 15 days or less prior to the date of travel, then a Late Booking Fee of NZ$250 per file will be charged to offset administration costs. If the total invoiced amount of a client’s booking is less than NZ$300, then a Minimum Booking Fee of NZ$50 per file will be charged to offset administration costs.

4. Amendments (prior to date of travel) Within 60 days of date of travel, amendments to confirmed reservations will be handled on a request basis. An amendment fee of NZ$100 will be charged per amendment, plus any fees imposed by our operators & service suppliers. No amendments are permitted within 15 days of date of travel, or cancellation fees will apply.

5. Cancellations Cancellations must be notified in writing to Wild Earth Travel. Subsequent to cancellation, Wild Earth Travel will acknowledge to the client when all reservations have been cancelled and will refund monies to the client, less the following cancellation charges; Any cancellation received outside 120 days prior to date of travel, cancellation fee will be the deposit, plus any fees charged by our operators & service suppliers and a service charge of NZ$500 per file. Subsequent fees will be charged as follows; less than 120 days - 100% of invoice total.

The above figures are given as a guideline. Actual cancellation fees may vary due to the level of charges passed on by our operators & suppliers, and due to irregular business conditions (eg. High Season special rates / cancellation rules). Any special conditions should be advised at time of booking.

Note: Upon commencement of travel, 100% cancellation

7. Insurance It is the responsibility of all booked clients to obtain travel insurance to cover personal injury, medical expenses, third party risk, baggage loss / damage, and the cancellation / curtailment of travel. It is also recommended that insurance coverage be extended to include medical evacuation and / or repatriation. (On some tours this is compulsory). The cost of these can be high, especially from remote locations and will in no way be the responsibility of Wild Earth Travel. When obtaining insurance from a source other than Wild Earth Travel, the Client must ensure that the insurer is aware of the type of travel to be undertaken.

8. Travel Documents It is the responsibility of all booked clients to be in possession of all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport, visas, health / vaccination certificates and import licences. Clients should also make themselves aware of any official travel advice regarding their destination. Wild Earth Travel will not be responsible for any loss, of travel or otherwise, due to the client’s lack of information on restrictions / prohibitions imposed by governments, airlines or any other official organisation.

9. Health It is the responsibility of all booked clients to advise Wild Earth Travel of any health impairments, medical conditions or disabilities that might affect their ability to proceed with their travel. In certain cases, clients may be required to complete a medical questionnaire for Wild Earth Travel or any of its suppliers. We reserve the right to decline any client should their health, actions or behaviour affect the operation of tours or harm the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other clients.

10. Responsibility All services advertised by Wild Earth Travel are organised by us or our appointed suppliers. Wild Earth Travel, its affiliated companies and/or associated agents shall not be held responsible for any liability of property loss or damage and/or any damages resulting from illness, personal injuries or death which may be sustained for reason of, or while engaged on any tour, whether due to the ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any aircraft, vehicle, vessel or otherwise or whether caused by failure or delay or by any transportation company, due to any cause whatsoever including any acts or omissions occurring during a tour under

which the means of transportation or other service provided thereby is offered or supplied by its owners, operators or public carriers for whom Wild Earth Travel acts only as an agent. Wild Earth Travel shall not be held responsible for any injury resulting to a person (whether or not resulting in death) or damage to property arising out of any act of war, insurrection, revolt or other civil uprising or other military action, Acts of God, weather or any other circumstances over which Wild Earth Travel has no control, occurring in either the country of origin, destination or through passage.

The transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not onboard their carriers or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies and the purchasers of these expeditions and/or passengers. If our suppliers/agents are able to exclude or limit liability by virtue of any international convention we will claim the benefit of that exclusion or limitation.

11. Data Protection Wild Earth Travel will store and use the personal data supplied by clients on their booking forms for the purposes of fulfilling the contract between us. We will never pass on your information to third parties, other than to fulfil the contract between us, without your written permission. We will also use the information to keep you informed of our services and any special deals which we think may be of interest to you. Please inform us at the time of booking if you do not wish us to use your information in such ways.

12. Successors and Assigns These terms and conditions shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Wild Earth Travel and the Client and their respective heirs, legal personal representatives, successors and assigns.

13. Errors and Omissions Although Wild Earth Travel has made a concerted attempt to verify the accuracy of statements made herein, it cannot be held responsible for any error, omission or unintentional misrepresentation that may appear in its brochures.

14. Claims and Complaints If dissatisfied with the travel services being provided, clients should immediately advise Wild Earth Travel or its local representative, preferably in writing. In such circumstances, we / they will do our / their utmost to rectify the matter. If an immediate solution cannot be found, clients should obtain written reports or other evidence to support their complaint and present these to the agent who booked their trip, who will then contact Wild Earth Travel. Such complaints must be made within 30 days of the end of the tour. Wild Earth Travel will not accept any liability for claims received after this period.

15. Applicable Law and Choice of Forum This agreement shall be governed by New Zealand Law. Each party hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand Courts in respect of any action or proceeding relating in any way to this agreement.

IMAGE CREDIT: Covers images: Polar ©Lindblad/Ralph Lee Hopkins Worldwide ©Studio PONANT/Laurence Fischer. ©Lindblad/Michael S Nolan, ©Lindblad /Stewart Cohen ©Studio PONANT/ Olivier Blaud ©Studio PONANT/ Lorraine Turci Studio ©PONANT/ Nathalie Michel ©Studio PONANT / Laure Patricot ©Studio PONANT / Laurence Fischer ©Studio PONANT /Laurence Fischer ©PONANT ©Dietmar Denger ©Ralph Lee Hopkins ©Heritage Expeditions/ Suzanne Noakes ©Heritage Expeditions/ Katya Ovsyanikova ©Aaron Russ ©Quark/Rogelio Espinosa/ Samantha Crimmin ©Antarctic 21 ©Silverseas Expeditions/ Richard Sidey ©Shutterstock: Janossy Gergely ©Aranui 5: Lionel Gouverneur / Danee Hazama ©Quark Expeditions ©Noble Caledonia ©Hurtigruten ©Starclippers ©Kompass ©SeaDream ©Variety Cruises ©Uncruise ©Alaskan Dream ©American Cruise Lines ©Blount Small Ship Adventures ©Tip Top ©Haugan Cruises ©Delfin ©Shutterstock ©Hapag Lloyd ©Lotus Cruises ©Pandaw ©SeaTrek ©Aqua Expeditions ©Silverseas ©Coral Expeditions ©Kimberley Quest ©Ponant ©Sacha Lodge ©Antapply Expeditions ©Poseidon ©Polar Quest ©50 North ©Remota Patogonia Lodge All Dates and Rates correct at the time of going to print, but are subject to change at operator’s discretion at any time.

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