Amazing savings on Antarctica 2010 cruise

Cruise West Cruises

ONLY 1 DEPARTURE... ONLY 114 GUESTS Book and pay in full by July 10, 2009 and receive $2,000 savings* per cabin. Departure Date: February 8, 2010 Cruise From: $12,899** per person Dear Explorer, Cruise West’s newly announced voyage to one of the coldest destinations on earth just got hotter. Our exclusive, most comprehensive 18-night Antarctica expedition – departing in February 2010 – now features a visit to Palmer Station, one of the three United States research stations located in Antarctica. Cruise West passengers will enjoy a rare opportunity to speak with the scientists about research into the ecology of Antarctica. And famed oceanographer Dr. Don Walsh – named one of the world's great explorers by Life magazine – will lead onboard lectures and discussions concerning the state of Antarctica, and the importance of its many ongoing research projects. Cruise West is always looking for new places to explore. Places where our small ships and up-close, casual and personal style can offer guests a more intimate and meaningful cruise experience. That's just what we've found with our newest cruise itinerary to Antarctica, the Falklands and South Georgia. I'm excited to invite you to be part of our new 18-night maiden voyage to Antarctica departing February 8, 2010. Our 18-night itinerary gives you a total Antarctic experience and time to fully explore this region, from the Falkland Islands and South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula. And our immersive style of cruising and Compass, our onboard enrichment program, ensure that you'll visit the most interesting places and get answers to the dozens of your questions from Dr. Walsh and our expert Exploration Staff. There are sights here in the world's most remote wilderness that you won't find anywhere else. Millions of penguins and sea birds come here to raise their young; five species of seal crowd the beaches and ice floes; whales and dolphins thrive on the rich plankton and marine life below the surface. Giant albatross performing their elaborate once-in-a-lifetime mating dance, 11-foot wingspan extended. Peacock-blue icebergs floating by with missile-headed leopard seals snaking their necks to get a better view. Few humans venture here, but those who do find a place that is both savage and beautiful, teeming with wildlife and glowing in the 24-hour daylight of the austral summer. And while the scenery is as raw and wild as it can be, you'll enjoy the comforts of our all-suite yacht, the Corinthian II, with all ocean-view staterooms and a full range of amenities. Exotic. Awe-inspiring. Surreal. Antarctica is waiting to be explored. Be one of the few to join our expedition. But you must act fast to reserve your place and save $2,000 per cabin when you pay in full by July 10, 2009. Richard G. West Chairman & Managing Director

Enrichment Our itineraries and included shore excursions take you to the most intriguing places, and both onboard and off you’ll be accompanied by your resident Exploration Leaders, John Frick and Trevor Potts. These two seasoned veterans are intimately familiar with Antarctica and can’t wait to share their wonders with you. This will be John Frick’s sixth season leading expedition cruises to Antarctica, and he has a total of 15 years of experience leading travelers to remote places including the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. Trevor Potts is a member of the U.K.’s Shackleton Society and lectures worldwide on the Endurance expedition and Antarctic history. His understanding of Shackleton goes far deeper than most historians. While living in Scotland, he planned and constructed an unmotorized sailing boat the size of the Endurance’s lifeboat and then sailed the route from Elephant Island to South Georgia Island on it with three other crew members. In the company of these noted experts you’ll visit many landmarks from Ernest Shackleton’s early expeditions including infamous Elephant Island. You’ll learn about the family life of penguins as you watch fluffy chicks call for their supper. You’ll witness giant elephant seal bulls defending their harems and turn-of-the-century whaling stations surrendering to time and the elements. And you’ll continue your Antarctic education onboard through formal lectures and casual one-on-one conversations with your Exploration Leaders and other guest naturalists and scientists. Special Guest Special Guest Lecturer, Don Walsh, PhD, has worked in deep oceans, polar regions and spacecraft. In 1960 he and co-pilot Jacques Piccard dove Trieste into the deepest place in the World Ocean, a depth of nearly seven miles. In the past 50 years, no one has ever repeated that exploration. Dr. Walsh first went with the Navy to the Arctic in 1955 and Antarctic in 1971. He has worked at both the North and South Poles, having made 25 expeditions to the Arctic, and 26 to the Antarctic. Walsh’s 40 years of work with deep ocean design, engineering and operations were recognized by his election to the US National Academy of Engineering in 2001. Among other awards he has received are the Explorers Club’s Explorers Medal and their Lowell Thomas Award.

* Early Final Payment Savings: Save $1,000/person when you pay in full by 7/10/2009. Savings are based on double occupancy. Additional restrictions may apply. Call for full details. All prices are in USD. ** Cruise Price includes Early Final Payment savings. Savings are based on double occupancy. Additional restrictions may apply. Call for full details. All prices are in USD. Cruise West mailing address: 2301 5th Avenue, Suite 401, Seattle, WA 98121.