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Duration: 1-9 Days Season: June-September A colorful blend of old Europe, Croatia's coastline reminds guests of an ancient, beautiful world. ROW Adventures boasts this epicurean voyage for small groups to explore the steep coastal mountains, ...
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Travel to Antarctica
Travel to Antarctica on an adventure cruise with ROW.

Travel to Antarctica - By Ship, Kayak and Foot:
Travel to Antarctica on an adventure unlike any other. You will explore this vast white wilderness of mountains and ice aboard an expedition cruise ship that carries just 80 passengers. You will walk, hike, kayak and actively explore the islands, ice shelves and mountain ranges of the most remote continent on earth, first sighted in 1820 and named Antarctic from the Greek, “opposite of the north.” This is a land of superlatives where each day is filled with new discoveries.
Wildlife viewing is a highlight and because there has never been a native population of people here, when you travel to Antarctic you see wildlife that remains unafraid. Nowhere else on earth can you get so close to massive colonies of penguins as well as several species of seals. Being in this land of magnificent dimensions, where icebergs float on a deep blue sea, creates soul-stirring experiences that lift your spirit and connect you to nature’s grandeur in profound ways. Memories of the peculiar, awe-inspiring, and stunning beauty of Antarctica will stay with you forever.
ROW’s classic Antarctic adventure cruise and tour, “Antarctic Unbound: By Ship, Kayak & Foot” is a distinctive water-based odyssey that combines a variety of activities with the excitement of observing emerging springtime life. Your Antarctic cruise takes place aboard the Ocean Nova, one of the most eco-friendly ships touring the Polar Regions. Because of our passion for paddling, ours is the only tour that includes kayaking at no extra charge. Kayaking in the Antarctic offers intimate views of the pristine scenery and unique, magical wildlife. In addition to kayaking, there are daily zodiac excursions, walks on land, and visits to the most scenic bays and peninsulas of Antarctica. On-board experts, including naturalists and an ornithologist, add to the richness of this extraordinary journey. (Kayaking is currently only available on the 11-day itineraries.)
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- Overview
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- Duration: 11 days or 22 days
- Intensity: Beginner
- Season: October & November
- Minimum Age: 16
- Begins In: Ushuaia
- Ends In: Ushuaia
- Airport: Ushuaia, Argentina
Travel to Antarctica on one of the smallest cruise ships available; kayaking included at no extra charge; intimate and extensive wildlife viewing including up-close penguin and seal encounters; fabulous lectures and learning. As we cruise along the coast of Antarctica, the Ocean Nova might be escorted by albatrosses and petrels. The abundance of life along the coast includes elephant seals, fur seals, bird colonies, and whale feeding areas. A myriad of penguin rookeries abound. Penguin species such as the adelie, chinstrap and gentoo provide hours of entertainment while rare occasions might offer king, macaroni and emperor penguin sightings. It is not uncommon to see minke or humpback whales. The intimate contact with wildlife combined with the breathtaking, otherworldly-landscapes, create a dynamic Antarctica cruise experience for all levels of adventurer.
Antarctica is the world's fifth largest continent and much its area is covered by ice. In fact, about 90% of the world's total ice is here. Curiously, it grows and shrinks by the season, and thus the continent is twice as large in the winter than during the summer. Our trips take place during the late spring and early summer when the wildlife is active and penguins are preparing to nest.
Scenically, Antarctica is stunning. Much more than ice, there are also mountains, islands, sheltered coves and vast wilderness. Antarctica's highest peak is Vinson Massif in the Ellsworth Mountains, at 4892 meters, or 16,050 feet. There are also dormant volcanoes in Antarctica such as Mount Erebus, located on Ross Island, and Deception Island, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula.
As mentioned previously, it was not until 1820 that the first sightings of Antarctica can be confirmed and it is thought that the first landing took place in 1821. In 1840 it was determined that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands, but it wasn't until 1890 that the name Antarctica was first used to refer to the continent. For most of the 19th century, much of Antarctica remained untouched due to its remoteness and the challenging climate which made travel to Antarctica in those times very difficult. The continent has neither indigenous people, nor permanent residents but there are several permanent research bases in Antarctica operated by various governments. Roughly 1,000 to 5,000 people reside at these research stations on the continent throughout the year.
Antarctic tourism is generally considered to have begun in the late 1950s when Chile and Argentina took more than 500 fare-paying passengers to the South Shetland Islands aboard a naval transportation ship. It grew very slowly in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. When the "wall" fell in the fall of 1989 and the Soviet Union started to break up, more ships became available as the Russians had the most ice-worthy vessels and visitations to Antarctica increased through the 1990's. Today, about 35,000 people visit Antarctica as tourists each year, although only about 19,000 go ashore as some of the larger cruise lines have trips that cruise the coast but do not have people disembark. Generally ships sail to Antarctica from Argentina or Chile.
One of the benefits of traveling on a smaller ship is that one of the rules for tour operators is that only 100 passengers at any one time may be landed in any one place in Antarctica. On our ship, you get to go ashore every time we stop.
Unlike any other continent, there is an international treaty signed by 46 countries that governs Antarctica. The signors agree that Antarctica should remain a peaceful, free and demilitarized place where international cooperation and scientific research are available to all, with a minimum of human development.
Our Antarctica cruise adventure holds many surprises and wonders for the curious traveler and we invite you to join us for an incredible learning and life-enriching experience.
"If Antarctica were music, it would be Mozart. Art and it would be Michelangelo. Literature, and it would be Shakespeare. And yet it is something even greater; the only place on earth that is still as it should be. May we never tame it." – Andrew Denton |
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- Dates & Rates
- Below you will find all available instances of this trip. Roll over departure dates to see a complete list of departures. Roll over the demographic icons to get a brief overview of the demographic group.
- Why ROW
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Travel to Antarctica - ROW Difference
Antarctica is one of the most distinct ecosystems in the world and ROW is committed to offering our guests the best experience possible. Our trips are scheduled during Antarctica's late spring and early summer prior to the peak period of visitation. The wildlife is active and preparing for the breeding season and you visit without the crowds that come later.
When travel to Antarctica or other in the Polar Regions, the ship is as important as the tour itself. Most tour vessels carry between 100 to 200 or more people. By contrast, the Ocean Nova is limited to 80 guests. The Ocean Nova burns up to 70% less fuel than comparable ships making this an environmentally conscious tour that aligns itself with ROW Adventures' values to responsible, sustainable tourism.
- On the November 10, 2012 departure, ROW will have a smaller and exclusive group of 12-14 guests led by ROW founder Peter Grubb and partner Betsy Bowen. Both are inspiring travelers that bring a fun, easy-going style, many great stories and an added zest for inspiring curiosity.
- Free kayaking- Antarctica is one of the most powerful places on Earth. Paddling your own kayak while dwarfed by massive, chiseled icebergs and gliding through the serene waters at your own pace, is one of the most humbling experiences life can offer. Most tours charge hundreds of dollars for this activity. In our case, this is included in your trip fee. (Currently, kayaking activities are only offered on the 11-day itineraries.)
- The Expedition Team members on the Ocean Nova are world-class leaders and lecturers who are hospitality trained. The on-going lecture series will give guests a well-rounded background on the geography, wildlife, ornithology, history and more, to further help you discover this boundless white wilderness.
- Zodiac loading is accessible for all guests. Most ships have a steep gangway; however on the Ocean Nova passengers step directly from a loading platform directly onto the Zodiacs, making landing operations much more efficient and comfortable.
- We follow “Leave No Trace” tourism practices
- The Ocean Nova is a member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators), the association that regulates tourism activity in Antarctica.
- All top-quality expedition gear is provided
- Each cabin boasts a sea view and private facilities. The guests have full access to outer decks as well as comfortable indoor viewing.
- You enjoy a fantastic culinary experience aboard the Ocean Nova. The main restaurant located on Deck 3, can comfortably accommodate all guests in one seating. Breathtaking exterior views of the sea ensure you will not miss anything while enjoying good company and food. All meals are prepared by professional chefs, and offer a plethora of options. Breakfast and lunch are served in a buffet style presentation, and dinner is a plated three-course meal with your choice of meat, fish or vegetarian entrees.
ROW is committed to sustainable travel and preservation of the environment. We have passionate, knowledgeable guides and artfully orchestrated itineraries. Our goal is to provide guests with meaningful and memorable interactions with both nature, and our fabulous destinations. We operate in a way that pays attention to the smallest detail, reflecting our respect and commitment to the environment.
The Ocean Nova is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which was founded in 1991 by seven private tour operators with the goal of promoting what IAATO states as the “highest possible standards of travel in this remote, wild and delicate region of the world.” When tourism in Antarctica started in 1969, the number of tourists visiting each year was a few hundred each year but has since risen to over 35,000 people each year, of which about 19,000 actually disembark. In order to prevent tourism from having a negative impact, IAATO works in close cooperation with government and scientific foundations to ensure environmentally sound travel in Antarctica. IAATO has dveloped rules and restrictions for the number of people, assure proper staff-to-passenger ratios, activity and site specific guidelines, emergency evacuation plans and much more. |
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- FAQ
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Travel to Antarctica - FAQs
Where is Antarctica located?
Antarctica is situated over the South Pole and covers approximately 14 million square km./4250 square mi. and is divided into two separate regions called Greater Antarctica to the east and Lesser Antarctica to the west.
What is the weather like?
Weather conditions when traveling to Antarctica vary greatly, being in the extreme southern hemisphere, winters (June-August) are dark and spring/summer (October-February) have long hours of light. During the summers, temperatures range from around 20 degrees to as warm as 48 degrees. Due to the natural patterns of the sun however, the extended daylight hours often warm those areas that are protected from winds. Some guests find it warm enough for t-shirts and shorts!
What is the best time of year to visit Antarctica?
Due to the erratic weather of Antarctica, there is a very small window for traveling to Antarctica that spans from November to March. We prefer to travel during the early season which is late October through the end of November for a variety of reasons. One of these is that even though relatively small numbers of people visit Antarctica, there are even fewer in the spring (October-November) than in the peak tourist season of December to February. Arriving in October and November is beautiful because life is emerging from a long winter's sleep, the landings are still untouched and because:
- Landscapes, penguin colonies, and photographic opportunities are much better in the Antarctic spring. Later-season landings are met with mud and an excess of guano because the penguins have inhabited the rookeries for several months by the time peak season arrives.
- Fewer ships travel during the early season. This allows for a more flexible itinerary than in the later season.
- Prices are lower during the early season than during the peak season.
Is the kayaking in Antarctica special?
So much of life in the Antarctic originates or depends on the sea. Being in a kayak puts you in intimate touch with that life. You paddle among icebergs, among swimming seals, and feel the pulse of life in a way that is not possible in any other manner.
How much kayaking will I do on this trip?
Antarctica kayaking is completely dependent on weather and sea conditions. A typical kayak trip ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. Our goal is to give those guests who wish to kayak an opportunity to do so at least twice during our Antarctic voyage.
Do I have to have previous kayaking experience? It's best if you have had previous kayaking experience. If you don't have previous experience, then find a class or other way to kayak prior to the trip. The kayaks are covered sea kayaks, so it's also helpful if you know how to do a wet exit in the remote chance that you tip over.
What will I see during the early season?
The early spring offers unique viewing opportunities not otherwise found during the height of the regular season in Antarctica. Depending on which adventure you will find yourself with different backdrops. If you are traveling on our 21-day Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Explorer some of the many sites you will enjoy include:
- Excellent photographic opportunities ranging from early season wildflowers to rare orchids.
- The king penguins breed on an irregular cycle so, we will see king penguin chicks in South Georgia! It should be noted this is the only location you will get to see chicks this early in the season.
- Also on South Georgia, elephant seals deliver their pups in October, which means we should have chubby little elephant seal pups to entertain us on our voyage! Fur seal activity is also very busy on the beaches of South Georgia.
- The shorter itineraries in November anticipate seeing:
- Penguins. On the peninsula penguin chicks normally hatch around Christmas. While early season is not the time for chicks on the peninsula, it is a time that parents exhibit pre-chick activity: courting, mating, and nest-building. During mating season, penguins exhibit a variety of postural displays, dances, and calls in the process of obtaining and defending a nest site and in finding a mate. To intrigue a potential mate, males begin building their nest by smoothing out a crater in the ground and filling it with rocks, feathers, and sometimes, bones. A favorite past time is stealing a stone or pebble from a neighbor's nest from an unsuspecting neighbor.
- Weddell seals stretch out on the fast ice and crabeater and leopard seals often lounge on the remaining winter sea ice.
- Lucky guests will catch a harmonized show of a pair of light–mantled sooty albatross.
What is the best way to get there?
The trip embarks from Ushuaia, Argentina. Common air routes typically transit through Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago Chile.
Does ROW Adventures arrange airfare to and from Ushuaia?
We do not book airfare to and from Ushuaia, however we can refer you to an air travel specialist to arrange your flights.
Are you able to arrange extensions?
We have been working with partners in the southern hemisphere since 1992, and have plenty of ideas for extending your trip whether it be hiking in Peru or snorkeling in Galapagos. Guests often combine a trip to Antarctica with a visit to Machu Picchu. Another popular destination to consider is the Easter Islands. We are passionate about travel and are eager to hear about your interests to help you plan your adventure.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
There are many travel arrangements that must be coordinated for any Antarctica trip. Space on our vessel is limited. Generally we recommend that you book four to twelve months in advance. However, space may be available closer to the departure date, so don't hesitate to check with us.
What about sea sicknesses?
While there is always a risk of rough sea conditions while on a ship, it is important to remember each person has different reactions to these conditions. The most likely time that rough seas are encountered is while cruising through the Drake Passage. Once we are near the Antarctic Peninsula and islands, most cruising is in sheltered waters. We encourage all guests to consult with their doctor regarding preventative medication. Other ideas include acupressure wrist bands, ginger candy and other preventatives.
Are there any extras on board the ship?
In addition to our fascinating ongoing lecture series, there is also a bar and a gift shop. You can purchase wine or beer and enjoy observing the passing scenery in one of the many observation areas onboard, while sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula. There is also a gift shop on board where guests can shop for gifts for family and friends. The Ocean Nova also has internet access available for purchase.
What kind of clothing do I need?
We will provide you with a complete packing list. Here are a few tips:
- Bring loose, breathable layers of wool, silk or fleece as opposed to cotton Polar fleece is a very popular choice.
- Waterproof pants are required for zodiac expeditions and kayak trips.
- You have the option of bringing your own parka or renting a coat on board. If you do choose to rent a parka, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reserve one for you. If you are bringing your own parka, look for one that is lightweight, roomy, and wind and weather resistant. Bright colors are more visible, so they are a safer option for use in the Polar regions.
- Bring a wool or polar fleece sweater.
- No one likes cold hands, so bring gloves to keep your hands warm and dry. We suggest wearing a polypropylene liner under gloves so your hands will be protected when you remove gloves or mittens to take photos.
- Wool Cap. This is great for protecting ears.
What clothing is provided?
We provide dry suits for the kayaks, as well as water-proof boots. If you prefer to rent a parka from our ship, please let us know, and we will make sure there is one available for you. |
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- Video
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- Itinerary
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Travel to Antarctica - Itinerary
This itinerary is meant as a general guideline. Weather conditions determine exactly what we'll do each day once we reach the Antarctic Peninsula. (see itinerary maps below)
Day 1—Ushuaia Arrive in Ushuaia, where you’ll board your ship tomorrow. Today, the day is yours! Situated on the Beagle Strait, Ushuaia is the largest city in Argentine Tierra del Fuego, and arguably the southernmost city in the world. Busses and taxis are available to transport you from the airport to the city center (see Pre-Departure packet for currency details). Here, you are free to enjoy the Argentinean leather markets and succulent lamb dishes that make Patagonia famous! There are also an array of museums and parks, including Tierra del Fuego National Park and its popular “Train at the End of the World.”
Day 2—Embarkation Upon arrival to the ship in the afternoon, you are greeted by our Expedition Team and ship’s officers for a trip orientation and safety briefing. Afterward, mingle with your fellow guests and guides at the captain’s welcome dinner! This is a chance to get acquainted with your friends in adventure while taking in the mountainous scenery on this early-evening cruise. After dinner, you are invited to relax and watch for wildlife as we sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic penguin, cormorant, and sea lion colonies.
Day 3,4—Drake Passage Rise at your leisure and enjoy your morning coffee or tea while watching for albatrosses, prions, and petrels that frequently follow the ship. Our Expedition Team is out on deck as well, actively searching for whales and dolphins that may also be seen in the area.
Along with wildlife-watching, our experts have prepared informative presentations and entertaining lectures on the history, geology, and creatures of the Falkland Islands and the Great Southern Ocean. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are also available and held in a comfortable lecture hall.
The length of our journey depends on sea conditions, but we should approach the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula in the evening of Day 4.
Day 5-9—Antarctica With four full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the most wildlife-rich part of the continent, our Expedition Team and ship captain create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The route emphasizes the most scenic bays and channels of the peninsula, with stops at penguin rookeries, sea wallows, bird colonies, whale feeding areas, and sites of historic and scientific interest.
Sites may include the picturesque Neko Harbor, the humpback whale-favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-teemed Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins abound, and weddell, crabeater, and elephant seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory leopard seals and the aggressive Antarctic fur seal. Minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season, and orca sightings are also common.
Other opportunities include Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadiskiy scientific bases, as well as historic bases like the U.K.’s Port Lockry or Wordie House.
Day 10,11—Drake Passage We continue our lecture series and wildlife-spotting as we sail back to Ushuaia, reflecting on the rare privilege of exploring Antarctica and its fragile future. We arrive at Ushuaia in the early hours of Day 12.
Day 12—Ushuaia, Disembarkation Depending on your flight, rise early and depart to Buenos Air, or stay in Ushuaia for a few extra days of discovery and enlightenment!
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15 Day Itinerary: Holidays in the Weddell Sea
Day 1—Ushuaia Arrive in Ushuaia, where you’ll board your ship tomorrow. Today, the day is yours! Situated on the Beagle Strait, Ushuaia is the largest city in Argentine Tierra del Fuego, and arguably the southernmost city in the world. Busses and taxis are available to transport you from the airport to the city center (see Pre-Departure packet for currency details). Here, you are free to enjoy the Argentinean leather markets and succulent lamb dishes that make Patagonia famous! There are also an array of museums and parks, including Tierra del Fuego National Park and its popular “Train at the End of the World.”
Day 2—Embarkation Upon arrival to the ship in the afternoon, you are greeted by our Expedition Team and ship’s officers for a trip orientation and safety briefing. Afterward, mingle with your fellow guests and guides at the captain’s welcome dinner! This is a chance to get acquainted with your friends in adventure while taking in the mountainous scenery on this early-evening cruise. After dinner, you are invited to relax and watch for wildlife as we sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic penguin, cormorant, and sea lion colonies.
Day 3,4—Drake Passage Rise at your leisure and enjoy your morning coffee or tea while watching for albatrosses, prions, and petrels that frequently follow the ship. Our Expedition Team is out on deck as well, actively searching for whales and dolphins that may also be seen in the area.
Along with wildlife-watching, our experts have prepared informative presentations and entertaining lectures on the history, geology, and creatures of the Falkland Islands and the Great Southern Ocean. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are also available, held in a comfortable lecture hall.
The length of our journey depends on sea conditions, but we should approach the Antarctic Peninsula in the evening of Day 4.
Day 5-12—Antarctica Our Expedition Team and ship captain create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity to include as much of the diversity of the Antarctic Peninsula as possible.
We hope to begin with Christmas Eve at Elephant Island, the most notorious island in Antarctic history, where 22 bedraggled members of the Endurance Expedition lived under two upturned lifeboats for 135 days awaiting the return of their leader, Sir Ernest Shackelton. Weather permitting, we land at the historic Cape Wild, now home to chinstrap penguins and a memorial bust.
Awake on Christmas Day to the astounding ice of the Weddell Sea! As we navigate farther south, look for majestic emperor penguins and huge tabular icebergs calved from the ice shelves of the east Antarctic Peninsula. This sight is sure to challenge the limits of your appreciation for nature!
We continue with landings and cruises in the Antarctic Sound. Known as “Iceberg Alley,” the sound is an astonishing assortment of floating ice as well as a large concentration of adelie penguins at Brown Bluff and Hope Bay. The 48 kilometer-long waterway is our gateway from the Weddell Sea to the South Shetland Islands and the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The west side features the most scenic bays and channels of the peninsula, with stops at penguin rookeries, sea wallows, bird colonies, whale feeding areas, and sites of historic and scientific interest.
Sites may include the picturesque Neko Harbor, the humpback whale-favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-teemed Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins abound, and weddell, crabeater, and elephant seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory leopard seals and the aggressive Antarctic fur seal. Minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season, and orca sightings are also common.
New Year’s Eve is set to be celebrated during our last night among the icebergs as we say goodbye to the Deep South.
Day 13,14—Drake Passage We continue our lecture series and wildlife-spotting as we sail back to Ushuaia, reflecting on the rare privilege of exploring Antarctica and its fragile future. We arrive at Ushuaia in the early hours of Day 15.
Day 15—Ushuaia, Disembarkation Depending on your flight, rise early and depart to Buenos Air, or stay in Ushuaia for a few extra days of discovery and enlightenment!
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22 Day Itinerary Overview:
The 22 day journey begins in Puerto Madryn, Argentina (south of Beunos Aires) and ends in Ushuaia. You'll be amongst the first people of the year to visit some of the most incredible wildlife on Earth. This longer itinerary features stops at both the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia. Each a cherished treasure among wildlife adventurers. You then travel further south to Antarctica where you follow much of the itinerary in the 11 day trip.
To receive a detailed, day-to-day itinerary for the 22 day journey, please click here: Antarctica Unbound 22 Day or email info@rowadventures.com
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11 Day Map
22 Day Map
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- Ship Plans
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Travel to Antarctica - Ship Info

(click on the deck plan diagram for a larger photo)






Cabins and Amenities Sea view; Queen-sized bed separable into two twin-sized beds; Sitting area; Satellite TV, DVD/CD player; Telephone; Mini-refrigerator; Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries; 225 square feet or more; Plush terry robes and slippers; Fresh flowers and fruit basket; 24-hour room service.
Ship Specifications Staff & Crew: 68 Guests: 114 Length: 90,6 meters Breadth: 15,3 meters Draft: 5,14 meters Cruising speed: 14.5 knots Registered: Malta |
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If you would like to send this trip to a friend that you think may be interested, please complete the form below. To send this trip to multiple friends, enter each email separated by a comma in the "Friend's Email" field.
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- Reserve spot
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Please complete the form below to send a request to reserve a spot for this trip. We will review your request and respond to you as soon as possible. Please add any additional notes or comments that we will need to know about your request. This could be anything from specific date requirements to special food allergy information.
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