Antarctica

A slow cruise through Antarctica's Lemaire Channel, surrounded by a forest of icebergs and escorted, perhaps, by a pod of humpback whales, is an indescribable and awe-inspiring experience. The Antarctic simply has no equal as a destination for the traveler who appreciates unique landscapes, unusual environments and fascinating wildlife.

Antarctica, The Falklands Islands & South Georgia - Departs November 6, 2002…19 days
from $7,450

Port Stanley, Falklands to Ushuaia, Argentina - Departs December 6, 2002…17 days
from $6,450

Port Stanley, Falklands to Ushuaia, Argentina - Departs December 21, 2002…16 days
from $7,995

Ushuaia, Argentina round-trip to Antarctica - Departs February 1, 2003…14 days
from $6,950

Ushuaia, Argentina round-trip to Antarctica
- Departs February 11, 2003…16 days
from $7,995

Ushuaia, Argentina to Port Stanley, Falklands - Departs February 23, 2003…20 days from $9,250

Imagine… exploring our world's last wilderness… now dedicated to scientific research… penguins galore…

South America & Caribbean

The 'Explorer's' South America journeys encompass the continent's most pristine, remote and spectacular landscapes, as well as the fascinating history that shaped these destinations.

Falkland Islands, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords examines the unique wildlife and harsh beauty of these remote lands at the tip of the continent. With towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, massive glaciers, crystal clear lakes and verdant forests, the southern tip of South America offers some of the world's most impressive landscapes - best explored by A&K's agile 'Explorer'.

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands to San Antonio, Chile - Departs March 11, 2003…19 days
from $6,995

Chile, Peru and Ecuador shows us contrasting climates, from fjordland to desert to wetlands, the varied landscapes of northern Chile and Peru are also marked by the ruins of civilizations and the Spaniards who conquered them, forever changing the face of these nations. Highlights include the Atacama Desert, the most arid desert in the world; the mysterious Nazca Lines; the Humbolt Penguin Nature Reserve.

Imagine… the colonial splendor of Lima, Peru… magnificent vistas… the desert city of Trujillo…. very curious indeed…

Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean. In the 16th century, the northern coast of South America was controlled by the Spanish. They left behind colonial cities, strategic ports and trade centers but could not touch the incredible natural wonders of the area, including native jungle, wildlife-rich islands, white-sand beaches and arid dunes. Highlights include a Panama Canal transit; Darien jungle; San Blas Islands; Aruba and Bonaire.

Balboa, Panama to Willemstad, Curacao - Departs April 14, 2003…10 days
from $3,495

Castaway Islands. The history is fascinating, with 17th century pirates, castaway convicts and Spanish conquistadors. The setting is spectacular embracing jungle rainforests, tidy pastel-painted row houses, sugar plantations, crystal waters and wild flamingos.

Imagine… Devil's Island… oohh, the notorious convict settlement… if those walls could only talk….

The Amazon

The River Sea. On this comprehensive journey to one of the world's most exotic and important ecosystems, you'll meet Bora and Huitoto Indians, spot toucans and sleeping sloths and, if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of rare rose-colored dolphins native only to the Amazon.

Belem, Brazil to Iquitos, Peru - Departs May 5, 2003…18 days
from $6,995

Iquitos, Peru to Belem, Brazil - Departs May 20, 2003… 19 days
from $6,995

'Explorer' extensions are available to Machu Picchu, Tambopata Jungle Camp, Chilean Wine Country, Torres del Paine. Contact The Travel Goddess for complete details.

The North Atlantic

A&K dedicates its North Atlantic Explorer cruises to the great explorers who led the way for the 21st-century adventurers who sail aboard the 'Explorer' today. Now, as then, there are new horizons to be crossed, and new shores to be explored.

Scottish Isles and Artic Shores. On this unusual itinerary you experience all aspects of Northern European life: from the early Celtic archaeological remains of Orkney and Shetland, through the dramatic settling of the Vikings on the spectacular shores of the Norwegian fjords, to the wild high Arctic where hunters and miners have tried to carve a living in the harsh albeit beautiful island of Svalbard - home of the polar bear and walrus.

Dundee, Scotland to Longyearbyen, Svalbard - Departs July 1, 2003…18 days
from $6,395

White Nights. On this unique itinerary you cross the Arctic Circle to the islands of Svalbard, a base for Polar explorers, to get a glimpse of polar bears riding ice floes; cliffs crowded with sea birds; and the endless panorama of glacier-coated mountains and magnificent fjords. As you enter Russia's White Sea wilderness, you view the relics of the Soviet era, centers for shipbuilding and logging, and the fortress-like monastery in the Solovetsky Islands, which became a place of exile and imprisonment.

Viking Shores. This is a journey filled with the sights that symbolize 'Northern Europe' to all the world; The Midnight Sun, the Arctic Circle, Viking longboats, puffin colonies, old trading posts and some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery on the globe.

Tromso, Norway to Dundee, Scotland - Departs July 30, 2003…13 days
from $4,450

Imagine… exploring one of Stalin's gulags… beautiful Norwegian fjords… scenic harbors… so breathtaking…

Atlantic

British Isles and Ireland. This expedition explores Ireland and the rugged islands of England and Scotland, tracing the history of early inhabitants to these remote regions. Towering cliffs, rolling green hills, peat bogs, quiet lakes, ancient Christian crosses, ruined castles, and charming villages provide a warm welcome to this region of dramatic scenery. This is a specially priced Family Departure.

Portland, England to Dundee, Scotland - Departs June 19, 2003…16 days
from $5,795

Maritime Britain. This journey explores the all-pervasive influence of the sea on the history and culture of Britain, as 'Explorer' visits England, the Isles of Scilly and Scotland's Orkneys, Shetlands and Inner and Outer Hebrides.

Dundee, Scotland to Portland, England - Departs August 8, 2003…15 days
from $5,395

British Isles and Celtic Shores. With prehistoric monuments and medieval castles, spectacular florals and unique wildlife, caves and cliffs, this journey encompasses the true spirit of North Atlantic discovery. Journey from England's southwest shores to coastal Ireland, Scotland's Inner Hebrides, and The Isle of Man in search of adventure.

Imagine… rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, deep sea inlets… mysterious standing stones… hmm, very strange…

Coastal Europe and the Channel Islands. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the coastal ports of France, Spain and Portugal prospered, and the wealth that was generated fueled and explosion of fine arts and good living, still visible in the great cities, gilded villages and world-famous wine centers seen on this cruise itinerary.

Portland, England to Lisbon, Portugal - Departs September 18, 2003…15 days
from $5,325

Imagine… Monet's inspirational Giverny… Bilbao's famed Guggenheim museum… sampling port wine… yum, yum…

Lost Islands of the Atlantic. On the map, they're no more than a handful of tiny islands, isolated by mile upon nautical mile of Atlantic seas. In the history books, they've been the scenes of shipwreck, exile and struggle between man and nature. Aboard 'Explorer' they offer a one-of-a-kind adventure impossible to experience by any means other than an expedition ship.

Lisbon, Portugal to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands - Departs September 30, 2003…40 days
from $7,125

Imagine… exploring St. Helena Island, where Napoleon died… birds galore… quaint Port Stanley… how marvelous..

All of the stated fares are per person, based on double occupancy. Tour fare includes accommodation on board 'Explorer' in the category of cabin chosen and hotel accommodations as noted in individual itineraries; full board on 'Explorer' and all bar drinks and house wines while on the ship (except Lost Islands); sightseeing as noted in itinerary and shore excursions; services of on-board lecturers; group transfers; hotel taxes; entrance fees; gratuities for shipboard personnel.

T.G. says - oh my Intrepid Travel Darlings…these voyages are so alluring and bewitching… destinations so off the beaten path… but well worn by travelers of ages ago… these 'Explorer' journeys are so intellectually appealing… hmmm, yes, yes, please!

Contact The Travel Goddess for brochures, itinerary details, destination insights, fares and what is included, and any other enquiries you may have about these fantastic voyages to the ends of the earth. By the way, A&K has specially priced airfares that are generally lower than those published by the airlines, particularly in Business Class (oh yes please). Ask The Travel Goddess for details.

"Go to heaven for the climate,
Hell for the company"
Mark Twain