On board of Explorer II, cruises and expeditions take place during the southern summer, when the Antarctic continent is hospitable. The sun diffuses its light from 4 h30 a.m. to approximately 11 p.m. and the summer temperatures oscillate between -2°C to +15°C maximum. In November and December, whales, penguins, seals and birds are thousands to gather. The penguins, dressed in black smocking, stretch their necks towards the sky and cheep in an astonishing cacophonous concert ; while females protect their progeny still covered with their young gray down, quivering under the caresses of the wind.
Some, more adventurous and sportive ones, swim at an Olympic speed and jump on the sparkling icebergs to finally slip in the ocean. The baby seals play in the water, follow one an other, and make irresistible dives. Adults rest with languor and idleness, sometimes on the belly, sometimes on the back and suddenly, gather their energy to go to refresh themselves.
The melting of ice opens new channels, from where appears the backs of the whales, coming to play around the zodiacs in which you will be doing the expeditions.
The Antarctic peninsula and the Shetland Islands of the South have evocative names : Deception Island, Elephant Island, Half Moon Island, Paradise Bay... the Falkland Islands, the South Georgia island of and of course the Antarctic continent, form part of your cruise.
Cape Horn and the Drake passage are also of great moments... But it is the commander, as sole master on board, who chooses the route according to the weather and the sea !
Explorer II, a boat with character, adds to cruise in Antarctic a supplement of spirit, a subtle key of very " british " charm, of comfort and relaxation.
Its capacity for this destination is limited to 180 passengers.
Equipped with the one of the best " freeze " items, Explorer II can face all the moods of the sea and the whims of the weather : its speed, its hull reinforced especially to face ice, its stabilizers and its engines ensure power, handiness and balance, essential so that the passengers accomplish their travel in total peacefulness.
Sometimes this 133 meters length boat faces the strongness of the nature elements, sometimes it plays with the cherishing waves, sometimes it dances around the icebergs with an astonishing agility.
Hardly having stepped on the deck, that you yourself " immediately at home " : the fair woodworks, the sparkling coppers, the mural decoration, the very personalized living rooms where one can slacken in remarkably comfortable armchairs and sofas, and the two restaurants, evoke these charming boarding houses of yesteryear, without forgetting the impressive and convivial library. The passengers are accompanied by a team made up of eminent experienced naturalists, geologists, zoologists, historians and ornithologists who, by their passion, their formation and their specialization, prove to be the ideal companions to leave to discovered the Antarctic.
During the days on sea, travelers are invited to briefings and enthralling conferences and find with joy these experts of a great availability on the sites of excursion.
Information : EXPLORER II Cruises (Monaco)/ Claire Laloue E-mail :patgour@club-internet.fr
Photographies :album.club-internet.fr/patgou
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