2011 Chappellet Cruise to Antarctica!
The Perfect Pairing...
Chappellet Winery & Central Coast Wine Classic
Wine Aficionado Expedition Cruise aboard Silversea in Antarctica
February 11-21, 2011 ~ 10 days
Thank you for your interest in this life changing adventure to Antarctica aboard Silversea’s expedition ship, the Prince Albert II with only 132 adventurous guests. You will be a guest of Archie McLaren & Carissa Chappellet who will be offering a number of onboard activities. You will be very well looked after - and your highest expectations are sure to be met. Below, you will find a great deal of information about this experiential cruise.
Dear Friends of Chappellet Winery and the Central Coast Wine Classic,
Please join us on a wholly remarkable adventure with Silversea Cruises on the Prince Albert II Expedition Ship for its cruise to Antarctica from February 11-21, 2011. This will be a culinary and wine experience that you will never forget, as the destination and the amenities, including Chappellet wines throughout the trip, will be profoundly exciting and enriching.
The Prince Albert II, which boasts a strengthened hull at the highest Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation, was specifically designed to navigate waters in remote destinations, including both polar regions. In addition to being structurally remarkable, the Prince Albert II is also the most luxurious expedition vessel at sea.
The Antarctic is vast and contains a surprising multitude of wildlife to compliment the vast and eerie land and waterscapes. On each day of our six at the Antarctic Peninsula, Silversea will offer two complimentary zodiac departures with expert guest naturalists bringing you personally into the unique environment with its dramatic manifestations of beauty.
Aboard the vessel, Carissa will host Chappellet wine dinners and tastings and will explain the special Napa Valley territory on Pritchard Hill that creates grapes that result in the highly rated and sought-after wines of Chappellet. Archie, who has been a wine collector for many years and has participated in some of the most special tastings imaginable, will comment about Chappellet’s connection with and relationship to the world’s greatest wines, as well as their symbiotic relationship with the culinary arts as presented by the renowned Silversea team.
This once-in-a-lifetime trip is one that we wish to share with our closest friends and supporters. Please join us on Silversea’s phenomenal excursion into the rarest of all natural destinations as we explore places that few can visit and do so in a style that is thoroughly enjoyable and edifying. You can also extend your cruise in Buenos Aires, the Paris of the South.
We look forward to sharing this special adventure with you.
Best wishes and best personal regards,
Archie and Carissa
www.Chappellet.com
www.CentralCoastWineClassic.org
PS – The ship is almost sold out – so we encourage you to plan today. Your deposit is fully refundable until October
Chappellet Expedition Antarctic Wine Cruise
Come experience Silversea, rated the “World’s Best Small Ship” cruise line for almost a decade.
Including all this aboard Silversea!
a. All shore expeditions daily led by an experienced team of naturalists
b. Exclusive events aboard hosted by Archie McLaren & Carissa Chappellet including private wine receptions, food & wine pairings, wine dinners and discussions.
c. Silversea’s luxurious Prince Albert II with only 132 guests features a fitness center, entertainment, and spa treatments.
d. All ocean-view stateroom accommodations, some with private teak veranda
e. Open-seating dining – ranked the finest cuisine at sea. Dine when, where and with whom you choose
f. All onboard gratuities included, none expected
g. All beverages are complimentary throughout the ship including an in-suite beverage cabinet stocked daily with your preference of wines, spirits, soft drinks
h. Complimentary 24-hour room service
i. Complimentary Silversea waterproof parka
j. Complimentary in-suite movie channels and Videos/CD/DVD’s available
k. Twice daily suite service with turndown service every evening
l. $300 ship board credit and bottle of Don Perignon if paid with American Express Platinum or Centurion card
Ushuaia, Argentina to Antarctica
10 Days - Prince Albert II - Voyage 7104
February 11-21, 2011
Date Port Arrive Depart
11 Feb 2011 Ushuaia, Argentina 5:00 PM
12 -13 Feb 2011 Drake Passage, Antarctica
14 - 18 Feb 2011 Antarctic Peninsula Expeditions -
19 - 20 Feb 2011 Drake Passage, Antarctica
21 Feb 2011 Ushuaia, Argentina 8:00 AM
Current Rates – per person : prices increase as the ship fills up
Stateroom Published Fares Chappellet 55% Savings Fares*
Owner's Suite – 626 sq. ft including 158’ Veranda, deck 7 $53,095 $23,892
Grand Suite – 675 sq. ft. including 87’ Veranda, deck 7 $49,495 $22,272
Silver Suite – 460 sq. ft. including 2 French balconies, deck 5 $42,495 $19,122
Medallion Suite – 351 sq. ft. including 86’ Veranda, deck 7 $40,095 $18,042
Expedition Suite – 460 sq. ft. 2 view windows, decks 3 & 4 (on rqst) $34,195 $15,387
Veranda Suite – 230 sq. ft. including French balcony, deck 5 (on rqst) $28,295 $12,732
Vista Suite – 194 to 230 sq. ft. Large picture window, deck 4 (on rqst) $23,595 $10,617
View Suite – 230 sq. ft. View window, deck 3 (on request) $22,395 $10,077
Explorer Class – 185 to 275 sq. ft. View window, deck 4 $20,095 $9,042
Adventurer Class – 175 to 184 sq. ft. 2 Portholes, deck 3 (sold out) $18,895 $8,502
Fares are cruise only. In addition guests are required to purchase Silversea’s Ushuaia Air Charter Package roundtrip between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, including transfers in Ushuaia between airport/pier, on day of embarkation/disembarkation for an additional charge of $800 per person to be added at time of booking. For details refer to Terms & Conditions.
Single Occupancy supplement 200% ~ Rates will increase as the ship fills up
Hurry, space is tight on this small ship for the better suite locations at this terrific 55% savings on the Prince Albert II! A 10% deposit confirms your suite at today's price - and it is refundable in full until October 2010. Deposit and Insurance rate increases for 2011 bookings for new reservations made after April 30.
You are welcome to invite others to join you and participate in the added complimentary wine program. You may also extend your stay before and after the cruise in Buenos Aires. We offer interesting pre and post cruise hotel and tour packages. Airfare is a separate component that we are happy to help arrange for you, or you may contact the airlines direct and use mileage. Silversea also offers flight arrangements including transfers, or you are welcome to arrange your own flights if you want to take advantage of your frequent flyer miles.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
For reservations with added amenities at the lowest price and to ensure inclusion in all Chappellet & Central Coast Wine Classic private cruise activities, it is essential to contact:
Michael Mastrocola’s Millennium
(831) 659-015 ~ escape@mmtravel.net
More details online at www.mmtravel.net
Here is a sample daily itinerary with featured highlights:
CLASSIC ANTARCTICA ~ Ushuaia Roundtrip
February 11 - 21, 2011 • 10 Days • Voyage 7104
Expedition Highlights:
• Marvel at spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers
• Set foot on the continent of Antarctica
• Encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins
• Spot seals – elephant, Antarctic fur, Weddell, leopard and crabeater
• Watch for whales – humpback, Minke, orca, pilot, and beaked
• Identify seabirds – snowy sheathbill, Antarctic cormorant, kelp gull, Antarctic tern, cape petrels, wandering albatrosses, southern fulmars, blue eyed shags, southern giant petrels, skuas, black-browed albatrosses, Wilson’s storm-petrels, sooty shearwaters
• Visit scientific research stations and historic whaling sites
Day 1 — Ushuaia, Argentina
Departing from Buenos Aires, fly to Ushuaia and transfer to the port. Embark Prince Albert II and bid farewell to Tierra del Fuego, the ‘Land at the End of the World’. This evening, after settling in and setting sail, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.
Days 2–3 — Drake Passage
The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that glide in the air currents of our ship’s wake such as the black-browed albatross, sooty shearwaters and white-chinned petrels. Have your cameras ready to capture the magical color of a midnight sunset.
As we set sail on our initial transit, familiarize yourself with the elegant Prince Albert II and the welcoming Expedition Team members. Attend wildlife, geography and historical discussions hosted by our expert naturalists and guest lecturers that will prepare you for the exciting adventures that lie ahead. When available, visit the Bridge to learn about the instruments and techniques of Antarctic navigation.
Days 4–8 — Antarctic Peninsula
While sailing to Antarctica, every turn can be a new and breathtaking adventure. As the pack ice becomes thicker, it’s apparent to everyone that we are moving closer into Antarctica’s vast white wilderness. Guests find this part of the world irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for humpback, Minke, and orca whales to surface from below the frigid waters. Each day we will attempt Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, we will cruise amidst colorful icebergs or step ashore to visit a variety of penguin rookeries and perhaps scientific research stations on complimentary excursions led by our team of natural history experts.
A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course depending on weather, ice conditions and wildlife we may encounter. Here are some of the places we may visit:
Aitcho Islands, South Shetland Islands (just off the Antarctic Peninsula at the entrance to the English Strait)
• As you step off the Zodiac to explore the island, it’s very likely you’ll be greeted by the locals…penguins. Penguin breeds living here include gentoos and chinstraps. Other annual breeders include the Southern giant petrels.
• While heading back to the ship, you may have company as a leopard or southern elephant seal follows alongside your group’s Zodiac.
Brown Bluff, Tabarin Peninsula (a 2,200-foot-bluff on the Antarctic continent)
• Brown Bluff is an ice-capped, 745-metre-high, flat-topped mountain with a prominent cliff of reddish-brown volcanic rock.
• Adelie and gentoo penguins, kelp gulls, and pintado petrels use this as a breeding area.
• Birds such as the all-white snow petrel and skuas may be seen from a distance.
• As you explore the area, a Weddell seal may be seen basking in the sunlight.
• Wait long enough and you might see the Adelie penguins standing along the rocks finally make their way into the surf.
Cuverville Island, Errera Channel
• The island was discovered by Gerlache’s Belgian Antarctic expedition of 1897–99, and was named for a vice admiral in the French navy.
• Large, bare rock areas provide nesting sites for gentoo penguins.
• Snow petrels and pintado petrels also may be seen whilst Wilson’s storm-petrels nest in the higher scree of the island.
• During Zodiac tours, hauled-out Weddell and Antarctic fur seals may be seen.
Paradise Bay (on the Antarctic peninsula)
• The bay is well named for its spectacular scenery of mountains, glaciers and icebergs.
• From the ship, observe Argentina’s Almirante Brown Station, one of many Antarctic research stations.
• Here, you will actually set foot on the continent of Antarctica.
• View the wildlife from sea level while cruising in your Zodiac with one of our experienced Expedition Team members. There’s a good chance you’ll come across a crabeater seal relaxing on a nearby ice floe, or if you’re very lucky, you may find your Zodiac surrounded by Minke whales.
Paulet Island
• As you arrive, you may well be amazed by the sight of Adelie penguins covering the island. The island is home to the 80-90 thousand Adelies that come here to breed.
• On a nearby hill, view a massive colony of blue eyed shags.
• Kelp gulls and snowy sheathbills are amongst the birds that breed on Paulet Island, and Wilson’s storm-petrels are regularly seen.
• Listen as your Expedition Team guide tells of Otto Nordenskjold and his party that over-wintered on the island in 1912. Remnants of their hut still remain.
• If time permits, take a Zodiac cruise to view impossibly blue icebergs, Crater Lake and the Adelie penguins making themselves at home on the ice floes.
Petermann Island, Wilhelm Archipelago
• The island is named for German geographer August Petermann and was first discovered by a German expedition in 1873-74.
• Our onboard Geologist will take the opportunity to point out various geological features such as the many basaltic dikes along the shoreline, and the more granite composition of the small summit, where rock surfaces show glacial polish and some glacial grooving.
• During our landing, we will be able to observe rookeries of Adelie penguins, gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags.
Pleneau Island, Wilhelm Archipelago
• Pleneau Island lies at the south end of the Lemaire Channel, and was first explored during Charcot’s 1903–05 French Antarctic Expedition. The island was named for the expedition’s photographer, Paul Pleneau.
• Amongst the common breeding birds are Gentoo Penguins, kelp gulls and south polar skuas.
• See the gentoo penguins during a landing whilst looking out for southern elephant seals that are often hauled-out in wallows.
• Enjoy spectacular glacial and ice scenery.
Port Foster, Whalers Bay (Deception Island)
• Deception Island is home to a collapsed volcano and an excellent example of a ‘caldera’ where it is believed that the volcano’s summit collapsed with one section sinking far enough to allow the sea to flood the interior. We plan to sail inside this breached wall through a narrow entrance called Neptune’s Bellows.
• Our resident geologist will take the opportunity to explain the unique volcanic features of the area while our historian will introduce you to the whaling history of Deception Island. It is said that it was from here that Nathaniel Palmer allegedly became the first American to sight the Antarctic continent in 1820 when he stood at Neptune’s Window and looked out across Bransfield Strait.
• Still visible on the island are the boilers used to make whale oil in the early 1900s.
Port Lockroy, Goudier Island
• Built by the British as a listening station for enemy activities during WWII, then used as a research station in the 1950s, and since 1962 as a museum and gift shop.
• Snowy sheathbills and gentoo penguins roam outside the museum.
• Perhaps sight a whale or two on your Zodiac cruise.
Ukrainian Research Station ‘Vernadsky’ (located on Galindez Island)
• While on shore, we can tour the museum or stop in their lounge for some light shopping, fun and drinks.
• Surrounded by icebergs this is a perfect opportunity for Zodiac cruising and watching the various wildlife. It’s not uncommon to come across one of the world’s top predators, the leopard seal, while navigating through the ice.
• Gentoo Penguins, kelp gulls, blue-eyed shags and skuas are amongst the birds that breed here.
• Weddell Seals are occasionally hauled out and could be seen during a Zodiac cruise.
Days 9–10 — Drake Passage Return
Navigating our return through the Drake Passage, we will watch for seabirds and wildlife we may have missed on the first trip. Take this opportunity to attend additional presentations offered by the onboard lecturers and to swap photos with newfound friends as we journey towards Ushuaia.
Day 11 — Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II and transfer to Ushuaia International Airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires.
Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.
Expedition Team:
Expedition Leader: Robin West
Asst Expedition Leader: Jarda Versloot
Environmentalist: Claudia Holgate
Marine Biologist: Chris Cutler
Marine Biologist: Robin Aiello
Geologist: Juan Carlos Restrepo
Ethno-Historian: Christian Walter*
Marine Biologist: Ha Jo Spitzenberger*
Ornithologist: JJ Apéstegui
Photographer: Richard Sidey
*German-speaking lecturer
