Adventure Associates
Crossing the Circle

Crossing the Circle

Dates and Cost

Season 2008/09

Ocean Nova - 15 days
OCN090209 9 to 23 Feb 2009 kayakcamping
TRIPLETWIN L/LDEDICATED SINGLE
US$8,100US$11,500US$16,300
Kayaking OptionUS$695
Ice Camping Option-
Note: Twin cabins with private or shared facilities are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin price.
All Departures (Season 2008/09): Fuel surcharge applicable per person US$754.

As covered in major newspaper headlines this past year, the price of oil has increased dramatically. In the same way, the price of marine fuel has recently reached historic highs. Fuel represents a significant portion of the operating costs of Antarctica expeditions. The ships load fuel in remote locations where there are only a few suppliers and they are unable to contract fuel rates in advance. Because of this, Quark Expeditions cannot hedge against such fuel increases. The company has contingencies in place for unforeseen situations such as this, but what they face today is an extraordinary case. Please call us for any clarification or assistance that you may require. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these extraordinary times.

New Season 2009/10

Shokalskiy - 15 days
SHO291209 29 Dec 2009 to 12 Jan 2010 kayakcamping
shared facilitiesprivate facilities
TRIPLETWINTWIN SHARESUPERIORA. SUITE
US$8,990US$10,990US$12,690US$14,290US$15,590
Ocean Nova - 15 days
OCN090110 9 to 23 Jan 2010 kayakcamping
Ocean Nova - 15 days
OCN090210 9 to 23 Feb 2010 kayakcamping
TRIPLETWIN L/LDEDICATED SINGLE
US$$9,190US$12,990US$18,290
Kayaking OptionUS$795
Ice Camping OptionUS$195

What's included

The voyage rate includes most everything you'll need along the way, plus a lot more that we're certain you'll appreciate.

  • One night pre-expedition with breakfast at our conveniently located hotel in Ushuaia (The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travellers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel).
  • Transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation - plus all baggage handling aboard ship.
  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage. (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
  • A glass of wine with dinner on Kapitan Khlebnikov and the Adventure Ships.
  • All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program.
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
  • A pair of rubber expedition boots on loan for shore landings. (So you don't have to pack any.)
  • Hair dryer in every cabin.
  • An expedition parka to keep, on Icebreaker and Adventure Ship expeditions.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the cruise program.
  • Expedition Log DVD, a wonderful memento of your experience (This will be mailed to your home address after the conclusion of the cruise).

What's not included

Airfare/Air Ticket taxes to or from the gateway city, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the hotel in Buenos Aires or Santiago and at the host hotel and our traditional Argentine asado lunch before embarking from Ushuaia; baggage, cancellation and travel insurance (please note that emergency medical insurance is mandatory - see Terms and Conditions); excess baggage charges; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges; telecommunications charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel (guidelines will be provided). On Icebreaker expeditions, any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced on board.

How to Book

To initiate your reservation, please contact us as soon as possible to place an option on the voyage and cabin grade of your choice. The Booking Form is to be signed, completed and returned to Adventure Associates along with your deposit. Reservations are established only when you receive written confirmation and acceptance of the deposit payment and Booking Form.

 US$AU$
Deposit required:US$1,000$1,500
Cruise balance due:90 days prior to departure
If booking within
89 days of departure:
full payment must be made.

All cruise balances must be made in US Dollars (US$) by US$ Bank Draft or US$ cheque made payable to “Adventure Associates”. Your local bank will be able to arrange a US$ Bank Draft for you. Please contact us for our account details should you wish to pay by telegraphic transfer.

Cruise deposits only may also be made in Australian Dollars - these will be converted to US$ at the applicable exchange rate. Payment by credit card will be accepted on direct bookings for the above US$ Cruise Deposit Payments Only.

Cancellations and Refunds

Written instructions only will be accepted by Adventure Associates to cancel a reservation. Cancellation charges are subject to regulations or airlines, cruise companies, coach and tour operators, hotels and any other Principals involved. If it is necessary to cancel your arrangements, the following non-refundable provisions will apply.

Until 180 days prior to departureRefund of deposit less a fee of US$750 per person
Between 179 and 90 days prior to departureFull loss of cruise deposit
On or within 89 days prior to departureAll deposits and tariffs forfeited*

*If cancellation occurs within the 89 day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately.

kayaking

Loyal Travellers Program

Many of our travellers return for further Quark Polar Adventure Expeditions, and we truly appreciate their loyalty. If you have travelled with us on a Quark Polar cruise, you are eligible for a discount of 5% off any future Quark Expedition cruise.

Back-to-Back Discount Program

If you opt to travel on two (or more) consecutive expeditions - for instance, linking two voyages - you will be eligible for a 6% discount off the second expedition (and any additional consecutive expeditions).
Zodiac

Shipboard policies

Our ships are smoke-free with the exception of some outside decks and designated areas. Smoking is not permitted in the cabins. You are welcome to visit the Bridge as often as maritime regulations and the safety of the ship permit.

request Share Program

If you are a solo traveller, you can realise significant savings by taking advantage of our Request-Share Program, which matches travellers of the same gender so that they can share the same twin cabin. While we'll do our best to fulfill your request, if we cannot find a match, you will pay only the twin rate. Limited triple request share may be also available.

Kayak Option: Sea-kayaking.
Camping Option: Camping.

Group tour costs shown are per person, quoted in US Dollars and are subject to change due to exchange rate variations and other factors. Please check with us at the time of booking.