Jetsettersblog

Antarctica adventures with Abercrombie & Kent 2012 /13 and the opportunity to join an expedition hosted by Geoffrey Kent to mark Abercrombie & Kent’s 50th anniversary

Following Sir David Attenborough’s ‘Frozen Planet’ series last year, which resulted in a surge in Antarctica bookings and enquiries, Abercrombie & Kent has added an extra Antarctica journey to its programme for the 2012 / 2013 winter season. Expeditions include family friendly voyages following in the steps of the courageous Shackleton; expeditions led by Dr James McClintock, the world acclaimed climate change expert; the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime day trip to Antarctica; and extreme trekking to the South Pole.

The highlight this year however is that Geoffrey Kent, Founder & Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent, will be joining clients to celebrate Abercrombie & Kent’s 50th Anniversary on board ‘Le Boreal’, departing on 27 November until 10 December 2012, where he will share his many remarkable travel stories and experiences.

And for those who aren’t able to make it to the Antarctic this year, Rob Caskie, eminent historian and storyteller, will be presenting his new lecture on Captain Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s epic journeys to the Antarctic at the Royal Geographical Society on 26th September 2012. For more information and to purchase tickets please go to: http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/rgs.cfm

Geoffrey Kent Hosted Expedition
27 November – 10 December 2012
Geoffrey Kent will join a two week expedition on-board ‘Le Boreal’ to the Antarctica marking the anniversary of his first visit to Antarctica 20 years ago as well as forming part of A&K’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. From whale-rich waters of the Drake Passage to the Antarctica Peninsula’s remote coastline, the trip will explore the rugged shorelines teeming with penguins and seals, and will include a behind the scenes visit to the environmental research stationand the remains of turn-of-the-century whaling and sealing stations. Days will end with cocktail parties on board hosted by Geoffrey Kent who will mingle and chat to guests about the day’s discoveries and his global adventures.

Antarctica hosted by Dr James B. McClintock, professor, scientist and award-winning author
6 – 21 December 2012
Antarctica is currently the fastest warming area on the planet with temperatures and related ice-melt increasing at an even faster rate than had ever been predicted which is impacting marine, animal and human life around the planet. Join Dr. James B. McClintock, professor, scientist and award-winning author, on this fascinating voyage where you will learn how climate change is rapidly influencing marine life on the Antarctic Peninsula, tales of what life is like at an Antarctic research station, his research diving adventures and his marine ecological studies.

A White Christmas in Antarctica: Family departure calling all intrepid young travellers
16 December 2012 – 6 January 2013
Antarctica is the perfect way to introduce children to truly exceptional and unparalleled wildlife experiences. Whether it’s the king penguin colonies, wandering albatross or fur and elephant seals slumbering on the beach, the Antarctic is a living class room with so much to capture their imagination. To encourage enthusiastic young travellers, Abercrombie & Kent have developed a ‘Young Explorers’ Programme’ which offers fun and interactive workshops on art, writing, history and geology… while the parents enjoy on-board lectures covering ornithology, marine biology, history and geology. And of course for young and old alike there is also much to learn from the stories of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who is widely known as one of the most inspirational leaders of the twentieth century.

In the Wake of Shackleton
1 January 2013 – 21 January 2013
To mark the anniversary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s intrepid voyage to the Antarctic, Abercrombie & Kent have created an adventurous itinerary that follows a portion of his historic trek across South Georgia. After a short whistle-stop tour around the ‘Paris of South America’ travellers will fly on to southerly Ushuaia and embark on this historic trek. The voyage includes the Falkland Islands, expedition landings to New Island and Carcass Island, followed by South Georgia and the most-anticipated destination: Antarctica. Along the way you will explore the wildlife-rich, glacier carved coves, the rugged shore-lines and enjoy dozens of on-board lectures on the history and geology as well as the opportunity to visit Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave where you can mark your respect to this incredible man.

The South Pole: Conquering the Final Degree
5 – 17 December 2012
An extreme adventure group trip with the aim of pushing clients to their limit. Ski across one of the most formidable environments to the remote South Pole, where only several hundred people have been. Covering a total of 69 miles – an average of 6-10 miles per day – this trip is every bit the ultimate endurance test and only for the fittest skiers. After days of being challenged by the vast, surreal landscapes and the alien phenomenon of continual day-light, the emotion of reaching the South Pole is immeasurable.

The Greatest Day Trip
This is truly the ultimate day trip. Setting off from Cape Town, South Africa fly 5 ½ hours over the immense South Ocean and spend the day at the beautifully designed and ecological camp set in one of the last great wildernesses on earth: Antarctica. Guests can choose from a range of activities and walks with genuine polar explorers as guides, who have skied over 16,000kms in the Polar Region. After a taster of the area, celebrate the achievement with an incredible champagne lunch before returning to Cape Town.

Going South with Scott & Shackleton: Abercrombie & Kent’s 50th Anniversary Lecture
Wednesday 26th September 2012 Royal Geographical Society, London
Eminent historian and storyteller, Rob Caskie will be presenting his new lecture on Scott and Shackleton’s epic journeys to the Antarctic at The Royal Geographic Society on Wednesday 26th September to mark both Abercrombie & Kent’s 50th Anniversary celebrations and the Centenary of Scott’s Antarctic expedition. Rob Caskie’s ability to bring history to life and captivate his audience with his spell-binding accounts, combined with the riveting tales from Scott’s ill-fated expedition and Shackleton’s Epic Journeys promise to make a fascinating evening. Abercrombie & Kent is delighted that Smith & Williamson will be co-sponsoring the evening.

Tickets cost £25 and can be purchased online here: http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/rgs.cfm with all proceeds from ticket sales donated to The Haven Trust.

For more information please visit www.abercrombiekent.co.uk