MT Sobek: Antarctica Basecamp Adventure Cruising

Day: 1, duration: 12
m/v Ortelius

The Ortelius has the highest ice-class rating and a broad, heavy design. It offers a collection of comfortable and spacious 190 square-foot cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms. Extensive open-deck space maximizes wildlife viewing, The ship offers a wide range of adventure activities, including hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and scuba diving. It also offers a helicopter pad used on select Weddell & Ross Seas voyages.

Day: 1, duration: 12
m/v Plancius

Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a comfortable passenger vessel in 2009. The Plancius accommodates 108 passengers. The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room and spacious observation lounge with large windows, offering a full panoramic view. Its large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), provide excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

Day: 1, duration: 12
m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd's Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. The vessel offers high-quality accommodation for 170 passengers with one deck consisting of a large observation lounge and separate lecture room. Though elegantly designed in stylish decor, this vessel holds true to Oceanwide's distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere. The vessel employs a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that enable efficient access to shore and near-shore activities. Kayaks are also available.

MT Sobek: Antarctica Basecamp Adventure Cruising

Celine Clement
Celine was born in southwest France, in the vineyard region of Bordeaux. She grew up with a passion for travel, the natural world, ocean wildlife…and wine! Celine started out as a Research Manager at the Department of Geography of the University of Bergen, before various contracts for France's national scientific research center led her to participate as a cartographer for scientific missions in the Arctic and Antarctic Peninsula. This work was primarily conducted as part of research programs funded by the French Polar Institute and focused on the adaptations of polar seabirds to changes in their environment. It was during this time that Celine got a taste for sharing her knowledge through science outreach programs, which led her to becoming a Polar guide. 





Marijke de Boer
Marijke grew up in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany before completing an MSc in Marine Ecology and a PhD in Marine Mammal Ecology. Marijke is fascinated by cetaceans and has worked with a variety of whales, from Minkes in Scotland to Belugas in Canada. She has also participated in various ocean-crossing surveys, including the Davis Strait, Indian Ocean, South China Sea, Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Whilst she very much enjoys the academic side of her career, her first love is sharing her knowledge in the field. She has worked as a wildlife guide during multiple oceanic expeditions and is always happy to return to the ocean. 





Martin Berg
Martin’s passion for birds and mammals has taken him all over the world in his search for rare species. He has always been drawn to adventure, and has participated in many bird conservation projects in the Amazon, Arctic, Caucasus, and Himalayas. He has also spent several seasons studying seabirds in the North Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica. Martin holds a degree in Biology and an MA in Marine Biology, and he currently lives in Stockholm, Sweden. But most of his time is currently spent either in the Arctic or Antarctica, where he guides and gives lectures on a wide range of topics related to natural history. 

MT Sobek: Antarctica Basecamp Adventure Cruising

Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
Pricing based on double occupancy in a Porthole Cabin
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage

Exclusions
International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses

MT Sobek: Antarctica Basecamp Adventure Cruising

Reason #01
Offering polar voyages since the mid-'90s, MT Sobek has built strong relationships with Polar outfitters and ships that cruise the 7th continent—we include in-house expertise to assist you every step of the way.Reason #02
Using the ship as a base for adventure, this trip spends a full week in Antarctica, with chances to explore by kayak and snowshoe, camp or go mountaineering all included in the cost.Reason #03
You'll be accompanied by a team of expert international guides, some of whom are scientists, who will share their experience and knowledge on excursions and in briefings and evening lectures.Activities
Guests have the choice of going on standard Zodiac and shore excursions or, if conditions allow, kayak, snowshoe, go mountaineering, or camp overnight. You choose how strenuous an activity you are up for with your expert guide team.Lodging
Ice-strengthened and well-appointed polar expedition ships offer a comfortable and safe way to explore Antarctica. Enjoy healthy cuisine and wellness services onboard.Climate
In Antarctica there may be days of warm sunshine, but be prepared for wind, rain, and possible snow. Daytime temperatures are usually 20°- 40°F.Is prior experience required for activities like kayaking, mountaineering, and snowshoe hiking?
No prior experience is necessary for most activities. Your experienced guides provide thorough instruction and supervision to ensure your safety and enjoyment.What kind of equipment is provided for camping and outdoor activities?
The ship staff provides all necessary camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. For outdoor activities like kayaking and snowshoe hiking, they also supply the appropriate equipment such as kayaks, paddles, and snowshoes.Are there age restrictions for participating in certain activities?
While many activities are suitable for participants of all ages, some may have age restrictions due to safety concerns. Please check with our team for specific age requirements for each activity.What happens if the weather conditions are unfavorable for outdoor activities?
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible, allowing us to adapt to changing weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather, our experienced expedition leaders will work to find alternative activities or locations to ensure you still have a memorable Antarctic experience.