ANTARCTICATHE WEDDELL SEA & EMPEROR PENGUINS24th November - 5th December 2014

ANTARCTICA,SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS5th - 25th November 2014

ABOUT POLARQUESTEstablished in 1999, PolarQuest specialises in small ship expedition

cruises to the Polar Regions. We take you to some of the most remote

and exciting destinations on the planet. When travelling with us you will

experience a unique expedition and our aim is that each passenger will

have the trip of a lifetime! Our trips offer close encounters with wild

animals and magnificent nature, whilst travelling in comfort and enjoying

delicious food. You do not have to be a polar explorer or an athlete to join

one of our adventures.

BOOKINGOur enthusiastic travel consultants have personal experience from the

Polar Regions and can answer all of your questions in regards to the

trips. According to Swedish law, PolarQuest places all revenue in a bond

with the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency until the

completion of your expedition.

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS As we sail from Puerto Madryn,

we will have the opportunity to visit some of the remote islands on the

Falklands. These islands are isolated and windswept but very scenic, and

have a spectacular wildlife. The island offer white sandy beaches, tussock

grass and yellow fields of gorse and we can find the residents - gentoo,

Magellan and rockhopper penguins, all over the islands. Higher up on the

islands, different species of albatross are nesting and along the coastline we

can often see dolphins.

ANTARCTICA The world’s most remote continent leaves even

the most experienced world traveler in awe. For centuries, Antarctica’s

remoteness has attracted explorers. Here we encounter a whole new world

of grandeur and tranquility. Seals and penguins thrive in this majestic

landscape of giant glaciers and icebergs and in the nutritional waters

we often spot whales. We visit the area in the beginning of summer,

when there is full activity as the penguins are busy preparing their nests.

During our stay here we have a chance to see several species of seals

such as Weddell, fur and leopard seal but also several different penguin

species such as gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguin.

SOUTH GEORGIA invites its visitors to some of the world’s most

magnificent sceneries. We arrive in the beginning of summer when there

are few ships in the vicinity. The peaks of the almost 3000 meter high

mountain ranges are still snow-covered and the landscape is covered by

a thin blanket of sparkling snow. Everywhere, on the beaches and rocks,

in the water and the air, the wildlife is teeming. The sound of hundreds of

thousands of king penguins is overwhelming! It is an incredible experience

to stand among all these charming and often very curious individuals. At

this time of year, we also have the privilege to see the impressive fights

when the bravest of the male elephant seals challenge the ruling harem

king. The male elephant seal can weigh as much as four tons and have

over 200 females in his harem! We will also try to make a landing on Prion

Island, only open to visitors in the beginning of the Antarctic season. This

island is the only place in South Georgia where you can see the nesting

Wandering albatrosses. We will spend four exciting days on this remarkable

paradise island!

M/V ORTELIUS M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened expedition ship with the highest ice class and is very suitable

for navigation in the Polar Regions. She was built in Poland in 1989 to serve as a special purpose

vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. M/V Ortelius takes 106 passengers in 48 spacious

cabins, all with private facilities, windows or portholes. In your cabin you can find a desk with a

chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment. The quadruple cabins have two bunk

beds and the triple cabins have two lower beds and a top bunk. All other cabins have lower beds.

The superior cabins have a double bed, a single bed and a separate day room with a sofa and TV.

In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and from the

large windows in the observation lounge you can enjoy the surrounding landscape. Here you

also find the bar.

Our knowledgeable guides hold interesting lectures on the area’s flora, fauna and history in

the lecture room and in the observation lounge. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around

the clock and there is always something to see or search for out on the spacious decks. There is

a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers a

greater focus on the destination than is the case with larger vessels.

THE ZODIACS One of the keys behind a successful expedition cruise

is the Zodiacs. With these safe and sturdy rubber

boats we navigate among icebergs, cruise along

glaciers and are able to get ashore to get unique

nature experiences. On board M/V Ortelius there are

eleven Zodiacs.

Twin cabin with port holes. Restaurant.

AN EXPEDITION CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS ON BOARD M/V ORTELIUS

Day 1: Puerto Madryn, ArgentinaThe expedition starts in Puerto Madryn in beautiful Patagonia, where we stay the night at a centrally located hotel.Day 2: Peninsula Valdés, ArgentinaToday we visit Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peninsula is a significant maritime habitat and home to elephant seals, sea lions and Magellanic penguins. During a boat excursion we have the opportunity to see the world’s largest population of the magnificent southern right whale that congregates here every year during their birthing season. It’s an amazing experience! In the afternoon we embark the M/V Ortelius and sail southeast towards the Falkland Islands.Day 3 - 4: At SeaWe spend a couple of days at sea followed by

a range of sea birds such as pintado petrels, fulmars and albatrosses that gracefully follow our ship. Whales and dolphins may also be seen in the surrounding waters. Our guides educate us on the wildlife and history of the Falkland Islands.Day 5 - 6: The Falkland IslandsThe west islands of the archipelago are isolated and windswept but are a great haven for wildlife. Wandering across beautiful yellow gorse fields we meet gentoo, Magellanic or rockhopper penguins. Higher up on the islands we see nesting albatrosses and in the surrounding waters we may see dolphins. We also visit Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands’ charming capital, which cultural heritage is reflected by the British architecture. During a visit to the museum we learn about the Falkland War and by strolling around the streets, we can feel the history that still dwells here.

Day 7 - 8: Southern OceanWe make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. Ship board presentations will continue, featuring the exciting history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia.Day 9 - 12: South GeorgiaIn the afternoon we reach this paradise island that boasts of impressive mountain chains, mighty glaciers and beaches full of penguins. We arrive early summer when parts of the island are still beautifully covered by snow. If you are interested in wildlife, South Georgia is a true oasis. Thousands of penguins greet us at places like St. Andrew’s Bay, Gold Harbour and Salisbury Plain. Huge elephant seals lounge on sandy beaches and this time of the year we may see the dramatic fights for the position as the

The cruise starts in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Followed by sea birds we sail to the Falkland Islands, home to many charming penguins and graceful albatrosses. Our next stop is South Georgia, a haven for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. The island offers stunning nature with wild, snow-covered mountains and enormous glaciers. The lush coastline is home to seals, albatrosses and hundreds of thousands of king penguins. We continue south towards the world’s most remote continent, Antarctica, with its dramatic landscapes, gigantic icebergs, scenic channels and penguins galore. In the surrounding waters we search for whales and seals. Join us on our comfortable expedition ship M/V Ortelius and sail into this fairytale!

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Antarctic Peninsula

Falkland Islands

South Georgia

South Shetland Islands

ARGENTINACHILE

Tierra del FuegoUshuaia

South Orkney Islands

Circle

Peninsula Valdés

Puerto Madryn

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king of the harem. The island is also home to several species of penguin such as Magellanic, gentoo, macaroni and rockhopper penguin, but also to wild reindeer and fur seals. On Prion Island we hope to witness the huge wandering albatrosses breeding. South Georgia played a significant role in Shackleton’s epic adventure. After his ship Endurance sank, he crossed the furious ocean in an open lifeboat to reach the island. At Fortuna Bay, we will try to follow in his footsteps and hike over to Stømness Bay. Here, we find an abandoned whaling village, where king penguins now walk the streets and seals have taken over the buildings. We visit Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken, once an active whaling station, which now house a charming small museum. We also hope to explore the magnificent Drygalski Fjord with its beautiful glacier fronts.Day 13: At sea Our guides entertain us with lectures on the continent’s biology and history. Out on deck we watch the many sea birds that faithfully accompany us on our adventure. Day 14: The South Orkney IslandsHalfway between South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula lies the South Orkney Islands. The archipelago offers a spectacular landscape and is to 85 % glaciated. Here we plan to go ashore and visit the Argentinean research station, Base Orcadas, to learn about the work carried out here.Day 15: At seaWe continue our expedition towards Antarctica and keep our eyes open for beautiful iceberg, which may appear on the horizon at anytime! Day 16 - 18: The Antarctic PeninsulaOur exact route around the peninsula is subject to weather and ice conditions. Below are examples of places we may visit. Please keep in mind that the Captain and Expedition Leader will always strive to maximise your experience. Huge icebergs welcome us to the eastern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. We strive to make a landing at Paulet Island, where we find remains from Otto Nordenskjöld’s Antarctic expedition in 1901-1903. It was here the crew, after many days of walking across the ice, managed to get ashore and set camp after the ship Antarctic sank on the 12th of February 1903. The island is also home to hundreds of thousands of Adélie penguins. If possible we will also make a landing at Brown Bluff. Below this volcanic rock, on the one and a half kilometer long beach, Adélie penguins, gentoo penguins and petrels are breeding. On our way we sail through the Antarctic Sound, also known as “The Iceberg Alley”. The sound is

named by Nordenskjöld’s expedition, when their ship Antarctic became the first ship to navigate this breathtaking sound. Half Moon Island in the South Shetland Islands is a popular haunt for chinstrap penguins, Weddell and fur seals, as well as different species of birds such as the blue-eyed shag and Antarctic tern. Another island belonging to the South Shetland Islands is Deception Island, an active volcano where we in good weather conditions literally can sail into the flooded crater. Here, we find hot springs and an abandoned whaling station and we also have a chance of seeing birds such as Cape petrels, kelp gulls and South Polar skuas. We continue and sail south along the Antarctic Peninsula, where pack ice still covers large parts of the bays, and we watch the experienced officers navigate our ice-strengthened ship. We cruise through labyrinths of icebergs and on some of them we might see a few penguins, looking curiously at their visitors. Hopefully we will be able to sail through scenic passages such as the Lemair Channel or the Neumayer Channel and we constantly keep our eyes peeled for whales and seals. We also aim to land at the British research station Port Lockroy to make a visit to the museum and the post office. In addition we have a chance of meeting the colonies of gentoo penguins that breed next to the buildings.Day: 19 - 20 : Drake’s PassageOn our way north, we are once more guided by sea birds such as the magnificent wandering albatross.Day 21: Ushuaia, ArgentinaToday we arrive in Ushuaia, disembark and continue home. Or join our post cruise arrangements in Buenos Aires!

Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Duration: 21 days.Dates: 5th - 25th November 2014.Group Size: Maximum 106 passengers. Accommodation: Hotel, cabin on board M/V Ortelius.Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs.Price: From EUR 9 290 per person.

RATE INCLUDES: 19 nights on board M/V Ortelius . 1 night in twin room in Puerto Madryn . All meals including snacks, coffee and tea . An experienced expedition leader and knowledgeable naturalist guides . A tour leader from PolarQuest . Loan of rubber boots . Lectures . All excursions and activities by Zodiac . Landing fees and port taxes . Comprehensive pre-departure material . A detailed post expedition log book

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to Puerto Madryn and from Ushuaia, Argentina . Transfers . Airport taxes . Travel and cancellation insurance . The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew . Any personal expenses such as bar and shop charges

DATES & PRICES ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

PRE AND POST CRUISE EXTENSION IN BUENOS AIRES AND USHUAIA. For those of you who want to experience the highlights of Buenos Aires we offer a pre and post cruise extension. You travel independently to Buenos Aires and meet up with the group and your PolarQuest tour leader at a designated four star hotel. In the evening we enjoy a delicious dinner and a spectacular tango show. The following day we explore this lively capital together with a PolarQuest tour leader and a local guide. We also visit the ship Uruguay, which brought Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld and his team safely out of Antarctica after the sinking of their own ship. After an Argentinean lunch we fly to Puerto Madryn and join the program as described in this brochure. When we return to Ushuaia after the expedition cruise we will explore this quaint little town or visit the national park Tierra del Fuego, depending on time, before continue by air to Buenos Aires, where we enjoy a last dinner with our new friends. Here, we stay the night at a four star hotel. The following day you continue home independently. Contact us for a more detailed program.

THE EXPEDITION TEAM. A key to a successful expedition is knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. On this expedition you will meet guides with extensive experience of the Polar Regions. The language on board is English. The expedition team consists of one expedition leader, six guides and one tour leader from PolarQuest.

Quadruple cabin (portholes & upper/lower berth) 9 290

Triple cabin (portholes & upper/lower berth) 10 190

Twin cabin (portholes & 2 twin beds) 10 790

Twin cabin (windows & 2 twin beds) 11 590

Double cabin Superior (windows & double bed) 13 190

Suite (windows & double bed) 15 190

Cabin category Price per person in EUR

Deck 5

Deck 4

Deck 3

Restaurant

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE NOBLE EMPEROR PENGUINS

Day 1: Ushuaia, ArgentinaOur adventure starts in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where we stay at a charming and centrally located hotel. Day 2: The expedition cruise beginsUshuaia is situated on the northern shore of the Beagle Channel, beautifully framed by the snow capped mountains of the Andes. In the morning we will have time to explore this charming little town on our own. We meet up for lunch before boarding our comfortable vessel M/V Ortelius and head out on our expedition. In the evening we sail

through the Beagle Channel and enjoy the views. Day 3 - 4: At sea During the following days we will experience the mythical waters of the Drake Passage and our knowledgeable guides educate us on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica. Heading south we will be accompanied by petrels, Northern fulmars and the majestic wandering albatross that graciously follow the ship.Day 5: The Weddell Sea We enter the Weddell Sea through the Antarctic Sound, also known as “The Iceberg Alley”.

The sound is named after Otto Nordenskjöld’s expedition in 1901-1903, when the ship Antarctic became the first ship to navigate this breathtaking sound. Huge icebergs announce our arrival to the eastern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Rounded hills, often still partly covered by ice and large glaciers, form together with volcanic islands and huge icebergs, the spectacular scenery on this part of the peninsula. We plan to make our first landing on this remote continent, at Brown Bluff. Below this volcanic rock, on the one and a half kilometer long beach, Adélie penguins, gentoo penguins and petrels are breeding. The site is also a popular haul out for Weddell seals and leopard seals are often seen in the surrounding water. Day 6 - 7: Emperor penguin colony, Snow Hill IslandThe Emperor penguins are unique as they only breed on the remote ice covered Antarctic continent and are therefore very difficult to encounter, but by using helicopter we have a good chance to fulfill our goal. Wind and weather permitting we plan to spend two days visiting the Emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island. This is also the island where Nordenskjöld

600 miles south of Cape Horn you will find the world’s most isolated and remote wilderness – Antarctica. This impressive continent has lured explorers such as Shackleton, Nordenskjöld and Amundsen into its enticing web for centuries. Antarctica offers dramatic sceneries with impressive glaciers, snow-covered mountains and huge icebergs. It is also home to many of the world’s whales, seals and penguins. PolarQuest is proud to offer an expedition to the Weddell Sea, where we have the chance to visit the remote and magnificent Emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island.

ANTARCTICA - THE WEDDELL SEA & EMPEROR PENGUINS

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stayed during the winter 1902-1903, on the first Swedish expedition to the Antarctic. The landing point will be carefully chosen to make sure that the penguins are not disturbed or stressed by the helicopter. The helicopter flight takes approximately 15 minutes. We will continue the last bit on foot and after a 45 minutes walk we will meet the magnificent Emperor penguin – a truly unique moment that very few people get a chance to experience.Day 8: Devil Island, Vega Island or Hope Bay If we have not reached the Emperor penguin colony during any of the previous days we will try again on this day. If we have successfully visited the Emperor penguin colony, we might visit Devil Island, Vega Island or Hope Bay instead. Devil Island is home to a colony of thousands of breeding Adélie penguins. Vega Island is an archeological important site due to the amount of million years old fossils that have been found here. It was in Hope Bay that three of Nordenskjöld’s men were forced to set camp on their way to Snow Hill Island in 1903.

Day 9: Half Moon Island & Deception Island, the South Shetland IslandsIn the morning we plan to visit Half Moon Island, where we hope to see chinstrap penguins, Weddell and fur seals, as well as various bird species such as the blue-eyed shag and Antarctic tern. Early afternoon we will sail to Deception Island, an active volcano, where we in good conditions literally can sail into the flooded crater. Here we will make our last landing, and perhaps a couple of brave souls will take the chance to go for a polar swim? Then it is time to say goodbye to Antarctica for now. Day 10 - 11: At seaOn our way north our lecturers continue their talks about the interesting subjects on the area and from the spacious observation decks we keep our eyes peeled for the sea birds that are faithfully following us. Day 12: Arrival in Ushuaia We reach Ushuaia early morning. After breakfast we bid the Captain and his crew, the guides and new friendships farewell and begin our journey home.

Please note: Our exact route is subject to ice and weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter. We are travelling in the world’s most remote area and there are no guarantees that we will manage to visit the Emperor penguin colony or to get a certain amount of time in the helicopter. Conditions may change rapidly, affecting the helicopter operation, something all expedition members must be aware of. Safety is our greatest concern and no compromises will be made. The Captain and Expedition Leader always strive to maximise your experience. Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

ANTARCTICA - THE WEDDELL SEA & EMPEROR PENGUINS

Duration: 12 days.Dates: 24th November - 5th December 2014.Group Size: Maximum 106 passengers. Accommodation: Hotel, cabin on board M/V Ortelius.Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs, helicopter.Price: From EUR 8 990 per person.

RATE INCLUDES: 10 nights on board M/V Ortelius . 1 night in twin

room in Ushuaia . All meals on board the ship

including snacks, coffee and tea . An experienced

expedition leader and knowledgeable naturalist

guides . Loan of rubber boots . Lectures . All

excursions and activities by Zodiac . Ship-to-shore

helicopter transfers (with no specific amount of

helicopter time guaranteed) . Service taxes and port

charges . Comprehensive pre-departure material . A

detailed post expedition log book

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to and from Ushuaia, Argentina . Transfers .

Airport taxes . Travel and cancellation insurance . The

customary gratuity to the ship’s crew . Any personal

expenses such as bar and shop charges

DATES & PRICES ANTARCTICA - THE WEDDELL SEA & EMPEROR PENGUINS

Quadruple cabin (portholes & upper/lower berth) 8 990

Triple cabin (portholes & upper/lower berth) 9 590

Twin cabin (portholes & 2 twin beds) 10 390

Twin cabin (windows & 2 twin beds) 11 090

Double cabin Superior (windows & double bed) 12 490

Suite (windows & double bed) 13 690

Cabin category Price per person in EUR

THE EXPEDITION TEAM The key to a successful expedition is knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. On this expedition you will meet guides with extensive experience of the Polar Regions. The language on board is English. The expedition team consists of one expedition leader and six guides. If the PolarQuest group consists of ten travellers or more, a tour leader from PolarQuest will accompany the group.

Deck 5

Deck 4

Deck 3

Restaurant

ARGENTINACHILE

Antarctic Peninsula ANTARCTICA

Antarctic Circle

Tierra del FuegoUshuaia

South Shetland Islands

Min 12 mm hög

P.O. Box 180SE- 401 23 Göteborg, SwedenPhone: +46 31 333 17 30Fax: +46 31 333 17 31 E-mail: info@polar-quest.comwww.polar-quest.com

BRUTUS ÖSTLING (P. 7 UPPER NO. 2), ELKE LINDNER (P. 3 BACKGROUND), ERIK EDVARDSSON (FRONT COVER

UPPER, BACK COVER, P. 2 MIDDLE RIGHT, P. 4 BACKGROUND & UPPER NO. 3, P. 5 UPPER NO. 3), ERWIN

VERMEULEN (P. 4 UPPER NO. 4, P. 6 UPPER NO. 3), HANS MURRE (P. 3 UPPER, P.7 MIDDLE LEFT), INGMAR

SKOGAR (P. 2 LOWER), JAN VEEN (P. 4 UPPER NO. 2) JOHANNA VAKKILA (P. 6, UPPER NO. 2), OLLE CARLSSON

(P. 2 MIDDLE LEFT, P. 5 UPPER NO. 1), PÅL HERMANSEN (FRONT COVER LOWER, P. 6 BACKGROUND & UPPER

NO. 1, P. 7 MIDDLE LEFT, UPPER NO. 1, 3 & 4), MARIA NORDVALL (P. 4 UPPER NO. 1, P. 5 UPPER NO. 2 & 4),

MONICA SALMANG (S 3 MIDDLE LEFT & MIDDLE RIGHT), RICK TOMLINSON (P. 6 UPPER NO. 4, P. 7 LOWER

RIGHT), RINIE VAN MEURS (P. 2 UPPER)

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