SILVERSEA - THE PRINCE ALBERT II
Silversea - The Prince Albert II - Luxury Travel Magazine
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Ice Magic | |||||
| By: Megan Cuthbert, Issue 36 – Spring 2008 | |||||
| (Silversea - The Prince Albert II) | |||||
| YEARNING TO VISIT THE ANTARCTIC? SILVERSEA OFFERS THE CHANCE TO CRUISE STYLISHLY ON THE PRINCE ALBERT II. | |||||
| Ushuaia, Argentina, the capital city of Tierra del Fuego, is often referred to as the end of the world. It is the southernmost city, but it’s just the first stop in the trip of a lifetime. Freezing temperatures, biting winds, the stealthy but potentially deadly passing ice floes. While not initially tempting, Antarctica represents the last frontier for many seasoned travellers. It has long been the domain of explorers and scientists, but for travellers who have seen one too many tourist stops on the beach, Antarctica represents pure, unfettered beauty. But that doesn’t mean travellers are willing to sacrifice comfort. Enter HMH Prince Albert II. The ship was acquired by luxury cruise line Silversea, who christened the vessel after Monaco’s crown Prince Albert who they believed epitomised the Silversea vision: conservation, exploration, respect for nature, and of course, majesty. After extensive refurbishment, the A1A ice-rated Prince Albert II was upgraded to Silversea standards, with an emphasis on space and comfort. After a chartered flight from Buenos Aires, travellers arrive in Ushuaia, to be greeted by the stately and slightly intimidating vessel that will be their base for an incredible 11 days. Once onboard, guests will discover accommodation not usually associated with such expeditions. Each of the 66 state rooms has ocean views, a necessity given the epic scenery and wildlife to be taken in, coupled with the opportunity of enjoying it from underneath a warm doona. While the Prince Albert II glides through the icy cold polar water, you can instead opt for a warm bath inside your private marble bathroom. These aren’t extras, but standard amenities. For added luxury, the 20 premium suites have even more space – their sizes range from 351 to 675 square feet, as well as offering other extra amenities, like butler services. A minke whale breaches, the calm of the ice cold waters broken – Silversea isn’t the sole source of grandeur on this trip. They are responsible, however, for the army of experts who enrich the Antarctic experience by sharing their knowledge with relevant and informative lectures. With an increased global awareness of environmental issues and the realisation of the scarcity of such sights, these glimpses of majestic wildlife become all the more precious. It may seem a small task to learn the differences between the Adelie and Rockhopper penguin, but the heart of conservation effort is spreading knowledge and increasing awareness. The lectures are presented on the latest audio-visual screens, accompanied by the knowledge of onboard staff and visiting experts. In the evenings the shipboard lounges provide live entertainment, perfect for a cocktail and animated conversation, or for enjoying fine cigars and cognac. Onboard there’s also a library with internet café, or a shopping boutique for some retail therapy. All the personal comforts are available, including a fitness centre, a sauna, two top-deck whirlpools, and a full-service spa and beauty salon. The maiden Explorer Antarctic voyage is a 17-day journey, departing November 14th, 2008. A full six days more than the Classic Antarctic, which will run for the rest of the southern Summer, so there’s time to stop at some of the remote islands on the way. Two days will be spent exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands. There are plenty of photographic opportunities with a stop at South Georgia Island and its high concentration of wildlife, and where you can visit the grave of legendary Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. At the South Orkney Islands, you can view the masses of penguins (where a knowledge of Adelie, Chinstraps, and Gentoos varieties will come in handy). Elephant Island was named for the large congregations of Elephant seals that amass there. After visiting the islands, the Prince Albert II continues through the turbulent Drake passage and on to the main event: the Antarctic Peninsula. A full three days are dedicated to the Peninsula. Time onboard is cut drastically short with the fleet of eight inflatable zodiac boats, which allow passengers to explore what is inaccessible from onboard such a large vessel. More than just far-off observers, passengers can have first hand experience of the wild beauties of Antarctica. Life in the Antarctic is subject to the weather, and two daily Zodiac trips are planned for this part of the voyage. Visits to penguin rookeries and some of the scientific stations are also planned, but are likewise dependent on weather conditions. After three days and countless experiences, it is time to return the way you came, re-visiting the icebergs and the orca whales on your return to Ushuaia. There are still breathtaking sights, but this time they are viewed with the knowledgeable eyes of someone who has been to the last frontier, and returned, in comfort. | |||||
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| Ushuaia, Argentina | |||||
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