Antarctica remains one of the world’s last true wilderness frontiers. With the latest David Attenborough documentary ‘Frozen Planet’ currently screening on TV, there is heightened interest in travel to the White Continent.

A voyage to Antarctica represents the trip of a lifetime. Celebrating 100 years since the first Antarctic expedition, global travel company Abercrombie & Kent is delighted to release its new Antarctica Brochure featuring four luxury Antarctic cruises over the 2012/2013 summer. Experts in expeditionary cruising to the White Continent, this season also marks A&K’s 21st year of operation in the region, bringing the company’s total tally of Antarctic journeys to an astounding 150.
 
Certainly there is no more remote or pristine destination on earth. Antarctica’s icebound landscapes and rugged scenery are breathtaking. It also boasts one of the greatest mass of animals on the planet. Along with the nearby remote sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, it features an astonishing abundance of wildlife – easy to get close to thanks to rare human encounters, with many species not found anywhere else on earth.
 
Key to A&K’s Antarctic experience is the extraordinary calibre of lecturers and guides who accompany each journey. A team of naturalists, geologists, historians and ornithologists are all handpicked for their expertise, field research, experience and personal accomplishments - some have been expedition team members for over 20 years.
 
In the 2012-13 season A&K will charter the sophisticated MV ‘Le Boreal’ for four departures. Carrying 199 passengers, Le Boreal is the only all-balcony suite vessel in Antarctica. Elegant and slim-line, the vessel has also been designed according to strong environmental guidelines: a computerised positioning system avoids the need for dropping anchor in fragile environments; engine insulation reduces energy consumption; it boasts an advanced waste water system and waste management; operates with the lightest, cleanest fuel and the Zodiacs have fuel efficient motors. The technologically advanced stabilising system also minimises the effect of rough waters for added passenger comfort. 
 
On board no concession is made to creature comfort. The guest quarters are among the most comfortable on any Antarctic cruise, and each cabin boasts its own en suite bathroom, balcony and floor to ceiling windows. Other on-board facilities include two restaurants, an outdoor heated pool, a theatre for lectures and on board functions, hairdresser, spa, hammam and fitness centre, as well as wireless internet throughout the vessel.
 
According to A&K Managing Director Sujata Raman, “Antarctica is a destination that suits many types of traveller. One of our journeys is tailored to families with a guaranteed White Christmas in South Georgia and New Year’s Eve on the Antarctic Peninsula. Solo travellers are also welcomed with wonderful on board camaraderie and minimal extra costs. Photographers are sure to capture superb shots of wildlife and landscapes, while travellers seeking an educational element will be well satisfied with the high caliber of professional guiding throughout.”
 
A&K operates two expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula one of which is a designated Climate Change Mission Trip escorted by climate scientist Dr. Jim McClintock. In addition, there are two journeys which also visit the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Departures are between November 2012 and January 2013. with prices starting from US$10,995 per person.
 
Special Offer: Reservations made by 31 March 2012 receive a 10% discount off published fares (excluding Owner’s Suite).