Abercrombie & Kent Expands Antarctica and Arctic Cruises

le borealCelebrating 25 years of Antarctic cruises, Abercrombie & Kent has announced that next season guests travelling to Antarctica will sail aboard the new, all-balcony Le Lyrial. Sister ship Le Boreal will head north to the Arctic to follow the route of the Vikings and offer solo travellers a savings of up to $7,295. 

Additionally, Abercrombie & Kent is offering new themed departures of the company's most-requested journeys, including a Family New Year Antarctic cruise and a Photography Expedition to the Arctic.

On these exclusively-chartered voyages, A&K limits capacity to 199 guests, guaranteeing a private balcony and Category 1 status in Antarctica, meaning no limit to the number of shore landings. 

A&K’s Expedition Team includes award-winning research scientists, habitat conservationists, wildlife photographers and historians. Guests can expect lectures and guidance from a minimum of 16 expedition staff, plus Zodiac drivers who are field naturalists, providing expert commentary.

In the Arctic, A&K has developed two expeditions timed to coincide with the midnight sun:

Iceland & Greenland: In the Wake of the Vikings (August 16-27, 2016) – New for next season, this itinerary aims to capture the contrasts between the geological treasures of Iceland’s Westmann Islands and Greenland’s iceberg-stacked Skjoldungen Fjord as guests retrace the route of the Vikings between Prince Christian Sound and Eriksfjord. A focus on photography includes lectures and workshops from A&K’s resident Photo Enrichment Coach and a Nikon ambassador.

12 days from $10,495 (when booked by December 31, 2015). A&K has waived the single supplement for select cabin categories, saving solo travellers up to $7,245.

Arctic Cruise Adventure: Norway, Greenland & Iceland (August 2-16, 2016) – Rare wildlife, including an impressive population of polar bears, along with geological wonders and history are on offer on this voyage from Norway and Spitsbergen to the Arctic’s more remote islands. 15 days from $13,495. (when booked by December 31, 2015).

In Antarctica, A&K is offering two voyages with special departures during the spring and summer seasons. 

Classic Antarctica – Guests ravel from Argentina across the Drake Passage before landing in Antarctica, which they explore for five days. A&K’s Expedition Team points out humpback whales, leopard seals and penguins. 12 days, from $10,995 (when booked by March 31, 2016).

Two special departures of Classic Antarctica are available:

Family New Year (December 28, 2016-January 8, 2017) - Designed especially for ages 7 to 18, family departures include two Young Explorers Guides and distinct groups for younger and older children to ensure engaging and age appropriate fun.

Understanding Climate Change (January 7-18, 2017) - Led by Dr. James McClintock, noted Antarctic researcher and climate change expert, guests enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit to the U.S. Palmer Research Station (weather permitting) to deliver new scientific equipment from A&K Philanthropy.

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands – This itinerary explores  wildlife-rich South Georgia and the unspoiled terrain of the Falklands – spying the regal king penguin, Southern elephant seals and wandering albatross unique to the Southern Ocean – before cruising south to the White Continent. 17 days from $16,995 (when booked by March 31, 2016).

Two special departures on this itinerary are also available: A Family Holiday journey (December 13-29, 2016) and a Photography Expedition (January 17 - February 2, 2017). 

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