Holland America Line Spotlights Antarctica

Jason · May 23, 2005

SEATTLE -- First Major Line to Cruise the White Continent Returns on Three Cruises in 2005/2006

The cruise line that brought premium cruising to Antarctica returns for another series of adventures. Three 20-day South America & Antarctica departures showcase the largest wilderness on earth as ms Rotterdam sails through a fantasyland of ancient icebergs, towering mountains, chattering penguins and breaching whales. Antarctic Explorer Holiday cruises are scheduled for departure on December 22 in both 2005 and 2006 and an Antarctic Experience itinerary is slated for January 11, 2006.

"Guests on South America/Antarctica cruises experience the same sense of adventure that thrilled Cook, Scott, Amundsen, Shackleton and other polar explorers," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "But they also enjoy Dutch high tea, beautiful fresh flowers, wi-fi Internet connections, world-class entertainment and every modern comfort. It's the most elegant way to experience the wildest place on earth."

20-day South America & Antarctica cruises The Antarctic experience unfolds as ms Rotterdam sails south of the 60th parallel to the bottom of the world. Rimmed by vast ice shelves, the White Continent reveals soaring 15,000-foot peaks, volcanic calderas, thermal hot springs, teeming wildlife, and remote research stations.

Guests sail past Elephant Island where Ernest Shackleton's crew touched land for the first time after their ship, the Endurance, was trapped by ice and destroyed in the Weddell Sea. Scenic cruising also features the penguin colonies on Paulet and Petermann Islands; the volcanic crater of Deception Island; and the ice-choked Errera, Neumayer and LeMaire Channels.

Cruising between Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Valparaiso, Chile, guests experience Cape Horn, the Strait of Magellan, the Chilean fjords and port visits in Uruguay, Argentina, and Tierra del Fuego.

Extreme Ecology

On a recent Holland America Line Antarctica sailing, travel writer Hugh A. Mulligan described the extremes to which the company goes to protect Antarctica's delicate environment. "The ship's fog horn did not bellow out the noon hour. No bells clanged the crew watches. Smoking was banned on deck and no meals were served outdoors, lest paper napkins blow overboard. Tennis and volleyball courts were roped off, though a dozen brave souls swam in the heated outdoor pool," he wrote. "The environmental officer prowled the ship, making sure deck chairs and blankets were tied down, reminding passengers not to feed passing penguins or seals or throw garbage overboard."

Cruise fares for the 20-day Antarctic Explorer cruise start at USD $3,469 per person, based on double occupancy.