Ross Sea Centennial
Aboard the mighty Icebreaker
Kapitan Khlebnikov
- 29 days 9 November - 7 December 2011
Day 1
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
One hundred years ago, on a map of Antarctica exploration in the 1911 edition of Encyclopedia Britannica two solid lines ran from Lyttelton to the Ross Sea. Both were labeled - Shackleton. One represented his route in 1908 and the other his return in 1909. We know that 'the Boss' stayed in Christchurch before he embarked for Antarctica. You will do the same.
Day 2
EMBARKATION DAY
Like Shackleton, Robert Falcon Scott boarded a ship in Lyttelton when he began his journey to the South Pole. As this voyage celebrates the 100th anniversary of his departure and Amundsen's success, it is appropriate that you will embark Kapitan Khlebnikov in Lyttelton.
Day 3
AT SEA
In addition to commemorating the most significant year in Antarctic history, we will be celebrating the End of an Era. This will be the penultimate voyage as an expedition vessel for the legendary Kapitan Khlebnikov. While at sea, the Expedition Team will reminisce about the discovery of Emperor Penguin rookeries, the first visit to the Dry Valleys, and all the other firsts made possible by this icebreaker.
Special guest Nigel Watson, Director of Antarctic Heritage Trust (NZ), cares for the expedition bases left by Scott, Shackleton and Borchgrevink in the Ross Sea Region of Antarctica. He will provide insight into the current efforts to save the historic bases for current and future generations.
Day 4
THE SNARES
You will cruise in Zodiacs along the shoreline of one of the New Zealand subantarctic islands designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Snares is an archipelago without terrestrial mammals, making it a superb environment for birds and seals. Five million Sooty Shearwaters populate The Snares in the austral summer months. Three species of Albatross breed on the islands, including the Buller's Mollymawk. If we are particularly fortunate while cruising, we will observe an endemic species of penguin - the Snares Crested Penguin. Pack binoculars.
Day
AUCKLAND ISLANDS
The Auckland Islands are included in the UNESCO designated New Zealand subantarctic islands. Enderby, the largest island of the archipelago, is one of two of the islands on which visitors are permitted to explore. The islands are extinct volcanoes that have eroded and dissected. The rare Yellow-eyed Penguin breeds here, as do the endemic Auckland shags. A wildlife watch will be established. You can volunteer to participate.
Day 7
CAMPBELL ISLAND
The third and final New Zealand subantarctic island you will visit during this expedition is Campbell Island. The Quark Expeditions parka that you will receive will come in handy, as rain falls 325 days a year, mainly as light showers or drizzle. However, the total annual accumulation is astounding - 1450 mm.
New Zealand declared Campbell Island a nature reserve in 1954. Vigorous eradication of introduced species has resulted in the successful recovery of native vegetation and invertebrates, and the return of seabirds. The rarest duck in the world, the Campbell Island Teal, has been reintroduced successfully. Perhaps you will spot one during your visit?
You could increase your penguin life list by sightings of an additional two species - Erect-crested Penguins and Eastern Rockhopper Penguins. Campbell Island is a birder's delight.
Days 8-9
AT SEA
How will you know when Kapitan Khlebnikov reaches Antarctica: When the icebreaker crosses the Antarctic Convergence aka the Antarctic Polar Front. This biological boundary is unique to Antarctica. Encircling the continent, it is an irregular, invisible curve where the cold, northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. The zone is about 32 to 48 km (20 to 30 miles) wide, somewhere between 48° and 61° S.
While at sea, you will learn about the distinctive marine life and climates that are associated with the Polar Front and the area just to the north of it. The Expedition Team will encourage you to go on deck to watch for seabirds, and other wildlife that can be seen near the Convergence.
Day 10
CAPE ADARE
When you step ashore at Cape Adare, you will be stepping into Antarctic history. The first confirmed landing on the Antarctic continent by human beings occurred here. Ten men overwintered no Cape Adare, by spring only nine were still alive, thus the first burial also occurred. An Adelie Penguin rookery has over run the historic hut that still stands on the Cape. Special guest Nigel Watson will provide an insider's insight into the hut's preservation.
Days 11-21
THE ROSS SEA
From Cape Adare, Kapitan Khlebnikov will negotiate the ice of the Ross Sea, steaming southward into the historic heart of Antarctic exploration. You will visit Emperor Penguin rookeries. There are three on the coast of Victoria Land. You will visit research stations, where scientists are changing our understanding of the universe. You'll visit Historic Huts erected by Scott and Shackleton to house their expedition team members through the endless darkness of an Antarctic winter. If conditions permit, you'll participate in a farewell flight to the Dry Valleys, accessible only by helicopter. We plan to visit McMurdo Station and Scott Base, the contemporary legacy of the explorations of a century ago. Kapitan Khlebnikov's farewell voyage to the Ross Sea is not to be missed!
Days 22-23
BALLENY ISLANDS
The uninhabited Balleny Islands straddle the Antarctic Circle. The chain formed by the islands stretches across the Southern Ocean for 160 km (99 miles) from southeast to northwest. Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins breed on the islands formed by volcanic activity. You will go ashore and cruise in Zodiacs past ice tongues in the channels and bays.
Day 24
AT SEA
During the day, you will bid Antarctica farewell, as the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence once more. You will have a choice of activities - birding on the deck, attending illustrated presentations and recaps, or just lazing in your cabin, while you complete your journal.
Days 25-26
MACQUARIE ISLAND
You will visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its unique geological features. Four species of penguin - Royal, King, Gentoo and Rockhopper breed on the island. Significantly, Macquarie is the only place on Earth where the white-chinned Royal Penguin is found. Elephant and fur seals laze about on the beaches. Australian researchers have been conducting studies on the island for half a century. The island has wonderful boardwalks laid down for visitors. However, the number of visitors to the island is highly restricted to protect the wildlife. We will ask permission to land, but must be prepared to be disappointed.
Days 27-28
AT SEA
Throughout the expedition you will have enjoyed fabulous dinners, not the least will be the Captain's farewell dinner, made even more momentous by the fact that the icebreaker will never return to Antarctica as an expedition vessel.
Day 29
HOBART, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
After breakfast on board the ship, you will be transferred to the airport for a homeward flight.
