Expedition team embarks on the 25th Antarctic expedition

China's 25th Antarctic Expedition set off on a six-month scientific research mission from the port of Shanghai. During this period, team members will build China's first research station on Dome A, the highest point on the Antarctic Inland. This accomplishment will signify that the Antarctic expedition of China achieved the leapfrog development from the rim of the Antarctic continent to the key areas of the interior.

On the morning of October 20th, a short and warm farewell ceremony was held at the domestic base of Arctic and Antarctic expeditions in Pudong and 204 members of the expedition team boarded the vessel, Snow Dragon, to embark on the 25th Antarctic expedition.

According to sources, the expedition team is the largest one since China started its first Antarctic expeditions in 1984. The major task is to build Kunlun, the first inland scientific research station, on Dome A, the highest point on the Antarctic inland icecap. This is the third Chinese Antarctic research station after two previous installments named The Great Wall and Zhongshan.

Yang Huigen, chief scientist and captain of the 25th Antarctic expedition of China, said, "We will carry out scientific exploration of the deep ice core at the newly-built base, focusing on recovering meteorological evidence of the earth's history from 700,000 years ago. We believe we will find high-resolution records of the planet dating back one million years."

Find out more about the Antarctica, the great White Continent, and Discover the World's expedition voyages at www.discover-the-world.co.uk/antarctica/

Tourism in Antarctica - Discover the World's stance

Nicola Rickett, our Antarctic product manager, has put 'pen to paper' to ouline our stance on Antarctic tourism and how operators such as Discover the World can, without doubt, play their part in the fight to keep this pristine continent exactly that, negating the wider scale problems faced by Antarctica in the face of increased tourism demand.

It's all about making the right choices.

For further insights please visit www.antarcticblog.com or for the specific post please click here

Thanks
Alexis

Survival in a New Zealand heaven - Not a bad job for the Castaway team

The castaways of Taransay must be kicking themselves. They were sent up to the cold 'north' whilst the new participants probably still can't believe their luck as they travel far far south to the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.

Indeed, the new series of Castaway launches on BBC1 tomorrow, March 9th at 9pm.  Once again a group of strangers will be left on a deserted island to fend for themselves, as part of a social experiment in self-sufficiency. 

Over the course of 3 months the castaways will have to build their own homes and learn how to use the island’s natural provisions to feed themselves.  There won’t be much time to sit back and enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, rich snorkeling opportunities or lush green hills, as this will be a case of working to survive!

If you want to be a Castaway in style you can stay on Great Barrier Island at the luxurious Earthsong Lodge.  A 2 night package starts at GBP 892.00 for 2 people sharing.  This price includes air transfers from Auckland, double room accommodation with sumptuous dinners and breakfasts, and a guided visit to Glenfern Sanctuary.  Further details can be found by visiting www.discover-the-world.co.uk/newzealand

Click here for some more info on the series - www.bbc.co.uk/castaway

Virgin Galactic takes off in Kiruna - Swedish Lapland

Story Angle: Space travel for mere mortals takes a step forward - Branson stamps his mark on Lapland and the city of Kiruna, whilst close by is an experience of a different sort - the Swedish Icehotel

According to www.sweden.se, british entrepreneur Richard Branson and his Virgin Galactic have picked Kiruna (the northernmost city of Sweden) as one of their platforms for space tourism. In September 2004 Branson announced that his Virgin Group of companies had commissioned five spacecrafts. These vessels would be the first in the Virgin Galactic fleet, aiming to carry private passengers with adventurous spirits, not to mention fat wallets, beyond the atmosphere of Earth and into space.

The first commercial space tourism adventures will be launched in the US, from Spaceport America in New Mexico, starting as soon as 2008. Shortly thereafter, perhaps in 2011 or 2012, these atmospheric escapes will begin in Kiruna as well.

So...if unique experiences to space aren't quite within your readers' budgets, how about an alternative experience, visiting the icehotel and even taking part in husky sledging, snowmobiling, moose watching and of course sleeping on ice!

It just so happens that the Swedish Icehotel is around 20 minutes from the satellite control center and Discover the World offer a 3 night holiday experience (Dec - Apr each year) to the Swedish Icehotel from £751 based on twin share (1 night on ice, 2 nights in 'warm' accomodation). Click here for more details.

For images and further info then call me on 01737 214 294.

thanks.
Alexis

North Pole Solar Eclipse Voyage - July/August 2008

In a really special addition to our Arctic Voyage offerings, clients can now journey to the very top of the world and be one of the few to experience a dramatic Solar Eclipse on this unique voyage in the Arctic seas.

The total eclipse will only be visible from a narrow corridor on the 1st August 2008, where the vessel hopes to sit in the very centre of the eclipse path across the earth, which will cross the northern island of Novaya Zemlya.

Of course, availability is limited and it has so far proven extremely popular, so the old story of booking early definitely applies. The starting price is from £12,490pp for a twin cabin (which doesn't include a flight to Helsinki - from around £220pp), bookable through Discover the World. Here are a few vital details:

Departure Date:   Duration:  Vessel:   Prices From:
19th July 2008   17days      Yamal    GBP 12,490

Please also Download discover_the_world_north_pole_solar_eclipse_voyage.doc  for more information including an outline itinerary and pricing.

Thanks and any questions or for images then call me (Alexis) on 01737 241 294 or email alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk

Sarpik Ittuk - inaugural Antarctica voyage

With a long awaited inaugural voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula now over, Quark Expeditions' Sales & Client Services executive Dale Woods reports back about how the new vessel - Sarpik Ittuk - performed. Here's his account:

THE DRAKE PASSAGE
The first question everyone has asked on my return has been, "What was she like in the Drake Passage?"  I can say with complete confidence that the new ship handles as well as any ship in our fleet!

I admit that a Force 9 gale, with winds of more than 40 knots, was more of a test than I had anticipated. But it means that I can tell you without reservation that she is an excellent ship, and a welcome addition to our fleet.

How many knots can she do crossing the Drake? 10! That's right . In a Force 9 gale she was able to maintain 10 knots. She can do the crossing in the required amount of time, quite handily. 

THERE ARE MANY OTHER ADVANTAGES TO SARPIK ITTUK
Getting in and out of Zodiacs was simple. You take only 3 steps and you are in the landing craft. The picture to the right shows the gangway lowered and ready for a the boat to run alongside.

The ship has powerful bow and stern thrusters, which made maneuvering in narrow channels and bays very easy.

The vessel's shallow draft - the amount of ship below the waterline - is another advantage when sailing the Peninsula. The ship can be positioned closer to shore, shortening the transfer times during landings.

The Panorama Lounge affords wonderful views of the passing scenery. I enjoyed relaxing in the lounge after a landing, while trading stories about what we had seen. We held the recap sessions in  the Lounge, which converts easily to a presentation room with all the latest audio-visual equipment.

We always had the option of strolling the ample exterior decks, if we wanted a breath of fresh air. They are perfect places for taking pictures of icebergs and wildlife in the water.

Something else that I think your passengers will appreciate is being able to look out the cabin window while lying in bed. That was a comfortable way to watch the sunrise at 2:30 in the morning!



Discover the World offer a number of small-vessel voyages to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, including voyages aboard the Sarpik Ittuk through 'till February 2008. Please visit our website - www.discover-the-world.co.uk/antarctica - for more information or call/email me on 01737 3663 94 / alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk for some great images. Voyage prices start from £2,137 per person excluding flights which are available through Discover the World from approximately £900.

Thanks.
Alexis

Top tips on surviving Drake passage

With the start of the Antarctic season creeping up, chances are many peoples' thoughts are slowly turning to the dreaded Drake Passage, arguably the roughest stretch of water in the world.  The Drake Passage is located between the most common point of embarkation for Antarctic voyages in South America (Ushuaia) and the white continent itself.  It is the place where not only are there high and strong winds that blow most of the time, but where the "Circumpolar Current" is squeezed through its narrowest gap. This is a Westerly flowing current that flows around Antarctica powered by Antarctic winds. It flows at the rate of around 140 million cubic metres (tonnes) of water per second, or the equivalent of 5000 Amazon rivers!

To reach the Antarctic peninsula it is necessary to traverse this stretch of water at right angles to the current flow. The result is often very rough seas indeed although sometimes it can be surprisingly calm.  Being prepared for the worst and anything else is a bonus and for a lifetime of memories it's worth plucking up the courage, and take heed of some handy tips we'd like to share:

Gingernut biscuits - or indeed any kind of ginger (tea, sweets, crystalised variety).  Ginger is great for settling a queasy stomach, and good for sharing with fellow passengers who don't have them in their own country - an great icebreaker (excuse the pun) and conversation-starter!

Get to bed in good time, Chances are that you'll be high on adrenaline, but if you can be asleep for when you hit the Drake then it's amazing how the body adjusts (without you knowing it!). Most passengers do tend to get their sealegs after the first 24 hours.

Sit up on the bridge, and keep your eye on the horizon - this helps combat sickness.

Stay hydrated and do eat (even though you may not feel like it) - you'll feel better with something in your stomach.

Visit your doctor/GP before you leave - they may have access to stronger medication than across the counter. Your doctor onboard will also be able to offer other medication.

Mind you, what's at the end is ultimately worth it, and we promise that one will never regret it!   Any other handy tips/hints from those proud to have survived the Drake are most welcome....!

thanks. Alexis

East Antarctica Voyage - unique and adventurous

Our East Antarctica Voyage visits various areas of the continent from New Zealand, including those of the Ross Sea and the areas home to some lesser-known Antarctic huts such as (Doug) Mawson's hut and Dumont D'Urville's hut. You'll even visit Terra Adelie where 'March of the Penguins' was filmed.

This is a great opportunity to visit Antarctica's less accessible areas but also remains the perfect trip for anyone who has already visited the Peninsula but can't resist a look at the 'other side'!

Please visit out Antarctic blog - www.antarcticblog.com - to view more details or if you need prices, information and images, then call me on 01737 214 294.

Ice Warrior - A call to the wilds of the Arctic for UK residents

Hard core adventure galore with cold spells 100% of the time...hows about an arctic adventure?!?!?

As their website - www.ice-warrior.com - explains "Ice Warrior is a long term project encompassing all those gutsy, traditional aspects of pioneering that were present during the days of the Golden Era of exploration but brings them into the 21st century. We are currently calling for new volunteers who wish to be considered for places on the Ice Warrior Squad 2007, in training for an expedition in March/April 2008.

This sounds like a fantastic experience and ties in nicely with the International Polar Year next year. All info can be found at their website - www.ice-warrior.com 

If Arctic exploration is on the cards for an upcoming commission, get some inspiration from our various offerings including Arctic Voyages, as well as our Canadian polar bear holidays,Greenland holidays and of course our Alaska holidays, whilst Iceland remains king of winter-time Arctic adventure, and just happens to be our 'biggest' product, both in terms of passenger numbers and individual holiday offerings.

For images, factbox information or possible story angles across our Arctic offerings then please call me on 01737 214 294. Thanks. Alexis

The Queen approves New Zealand Antarctic medal

New Zealanders and other nationals who have made an outstanding contribution to Antarctica could be in line to receive a New Zealand-specific medal, equivalent to the Queen's Service Medal.

With its first recipients to be announced in the 2007 New Year's Honours List, the Queen has approved this medal (equivalent to the British Polar Medal) for New Zealand and other nationals involved in the NZ Antarctic programme who have made a significant contribution to the protection and knowledge of Antarctica.

As award-winning New Zealand news and information website www.stuff.co.nz reports, the "...medal could be awarded to New Zealanders and others who...have made an outstanding contribution to either exploration, scientific research, conservation, environmental protection or knowledge of the Antarctic region"

Please visit the British Antarctic Survey website for a history of the prestigious British Polar Medal medal, instituted in 1904 for members of Captain Scott's first expedition to the Antarctic aboard Discovery.

Please also visit our dedicated Antarctic Voyages website, which includes details of all our small-vessel explorations of the great white continent, upon which Scott and his men undertook one of the greatest - if not the - greatest 'earthly' journeys known to man.

For your chance to visit the historical places that Scott and his fellow explorers first discovered, our Great Explorers' Voyage (departs 12th December 2006) is the perfect option and is the last of its kind planned, at least until 2008 (and even this is not guaranteed due to ice breaker availability). You will visit Cape Evans (Scott's 'Hut Point'), Shackleton's hut at Cape Royds and even attempt the 'farthest south by ship' record by visiting the Bay of Whales, where Amundsen was based for his successful south pole expedition.

With the upcoming International Polar Year 2007/2008, Polar education is once again on the agenda and this initiative will be fundamental in helping today's world community to better understand just how much the cold ends of the sphere we all live on really do influence us. If you need further details on our educational small-vessel expeditions then please call me or visit our Antarctic Voyages website.

Thanks. Alexis - 01737 214 294