Exploring the Exotic – Antarctica Cruise-Sailing
Exploring the Exotic - Antarctica Cruise
Antarctica is one of the great unexplored areas of the world. It wasn't until the last fifty years that there has been any appreciable exploration or study of the vast frozen continent. Now the tourist with sufficient money can actually view and set foot on this unique part of the earth.The tourist season for Antarctica is restricted only to the months of December through February when it is the peak of summer in the southernmost part of the world. Only vessels equipped for the icy waters cruise to one of the coldest areas of the earth. Three major cruise lines offer Antarctic cruises: Celebrity Cruises, Orient Lines, and Radisson Seven Seas. Smaller specialty expedition companies also offer other trips to this destination.Celebrity Cruises travels to Antarctica with the polar icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov, a refitted 1980's Russian polar research vessel. This ship takes a fortunate 106 passengers to the polar region with the amenities expected from Celebrity Cruises such as pool, sauna, and gym. Accommodations are small by comparison to a cruise ship; staterooms can be as small as 135 square feet while a suite with private bath is only 285 square feet.Currently Celebrity Cruises has one 11-day trip to Antarctica scheduled for departure February 6, 2006. The price is approximately $10,000 per person. The cruise originates and returns to Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego, the southernmost town in South America near Cape Horn. As with all cruises in the frozen waters, destinations depend upon actual weather conditions during the cruise.Orient Lines provides several Antarctic cruises each year aboard its world traveler ship Marco Polo. This ship was originally built in Germany in 1965 and was rebuilt in the early 1990's. It has twelve decks and carries 826 passengers, a cruise ship not a research vessel like the Kapitan Khlebnikov. Accommodations vary from deluxe and regular suites to a full complement of cabin categories to choose from. Orient Lines has a high reputation for quality and the Marco Polo is a full service ship with many restaurants and amenities.Orient offers a variety of Antarctic cruises throughout the season from December to February with the option of 11 to 33 day cruises, depending upon point of departure. The longest trip begins in the Caribbean, passes through the Panama Canal and tours the west coast of South America before touring Antarctica. Once the ship reaches the Cape Horn area, regular 11-day cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego. Other cruises are 15 or 18-day cruises that start in Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prices start at around $5,000 per person for the 11-day cruise.Radisson Seven Seas provides cruises to Antarctica aboard the ship Explorer II. Explorer II is designed to cruise safely in the polar region. While this vessel carries 300 passengers elsewhere, only 198 people can take the Antarctic cruise. Explorer II is a small cruise ship with all the amenities expected from a luxury and award-winning cruise line such as Radisson Seven Seas.Radisson Seven Seas provides only two cruises per year in the Antarctic region, both in the month of January. Both cruises are round trip from Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego and are 12-day trips. While the 2005 cruise itinerary shows cruising the Antarctic Peninsula, the 2006 cruises show only cruising the South Shetland Islands without mention of the Antarctic continent. Prices start at around $7,500 per person for the 12-day cruise.More Cruise - Cruise Information And More!
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Cunard! The Name Alone Evokes Nostalgia For A More Civilized Era-Sailing
Cunard! The Name Alone Evokes Nostalgia For A More Civilized Era
Traveling famously on a Transatlantic crossing or cruising the world on a stately Cunard has been the exemplar of the good life for 163 years. Cunard's rich legacy of lustrous White Star Service? and realm of privileged indulgence are the gold standard by which others are measured. Few thrills compare...Cunard has launched nearly 180 ships with enough firsts and foremost to be forever inscribed in maritime history. Canadian Samuel Cunard began his steamship company in the early 1800's with a vision, but it is unlikely he foresaw ships with the size, speed or cultured, gracious living afforded by the magnificent Cunarders of today.The onboard ambience attracts a loyal following of guests with similar interests and values - the opportunity to socialize with peers who share so much in common is one of the great joys of "traveling Cunard."Cunard Cruise Lines White Star Service can only be described as truly European in that staff attends to every desire with polite, gracious and highly responsive attention - unobtrusive but very much there. When you first come on board, if you half-close your eyes, you will sense immediately that you are on a liner from the twenties or thirties. But open them fully and you will realize at once that the d
Inflatable Boats and Inflatable Kayaks Are Naturally Safe and Stable-Sailing
Inflatable Boats and Inflatable Kayaks Are Naturally Safe and Stable
Inflatable boats such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable catamarans, and inflatable sport boats have several advantages over their traditional watercraft counterparts. They typically cost less, are easy to transport, and can operate in more shallow waters than a deep hull boat. But many people don't realize that inflatable boats are just as safe, or even more secure, than traditional boats. Because of their safety reputation, inflatable boats are now essentially the standard for use by the military, coast guard and other rescue agencies worldwide.BuoyancyBuoyancy is one of the main concerns with any watercraft. How high a boat sits in the water and how well it stays afloat are important contributors to overall safety. Buoyancy also helps determine the amount and weight of cargo that a boat can transport.Inflatable boats and inflatable kayaks tend to be more buoyant than traditional watercraft, mainly because of the inflatable collar or tubes. The inflatable sections help spread the buoyancy out over the entire area of the boat, making it more resistant to sinking. In addition, the collars or tubes on an inflatable boat are usually designed with separate chambers so that if one chamber becomes deflated, the overall buoyancy will not be noticeably affected.StabilityNot only does the design of inflatable boats contribute to increased buoyancy, it also helps make the watercraft more stable. Unlike traditional V-hulled boats, an inflatable boat sits flat in the water and has a low center of gravity, making them virtually impossible to tip. They are better able to handle rough water, and people standing up in the boat are not going to cause the craft to capsize. And swimmers and divers can use the sides to pull themselves up without causing the boat to rock or flip.Power & ManeuverabilityWith the right size motor, inflatable boats can be quicker and more powerful than traditional boats because they are much lighter. For this same reason, they are much more responsive and easy to maneuver. In fact, because inflatable boats are so light and quick, it is important that you do not use too large of a motor. For general boating and fishing on inflatable boats, an 8 horsepower motor is adequate for watercraft up to 14 feet. Larger boats and inflatable sports boats for activities such as water skiing will require a motor with around 30 horsepower.Other Safety FactorsAs with traditional boats, there are a number of other precautions that help increase the overall safety of inflatable boats. The following list provides comprehensive guidelines, both for preparing to use an inflatable boat and for operation while out on the water.Before Leaving Port? Familiarize yourself with all aspects involved with the operation of your inflatable boat and make several practice runs before heading out on the water with passengers.? Familiarize yourself with the water safety regulations for your area.? Explain basic boat operations to all passengers and make sure that there is someone else in the boat that can operate it in case you become unable to do so.? Tell someone on shore the names of all people on your inflatable boat, where you plan to go, and when you expect to be back.? If you have a cellular phone, bring it with you in case of emergency.? Be sure to bring enough life vests or other allowable floatation devices for yourself and all passengers and make sure everyone puts them on before leaving if required by law to do so.? Also pack paddles, maps, flares, and other essential navigational and safety equipment.? When loading your boat, distribute weight evenly from side to side and front to back. Tie down loose cargo so it doesn't shift.? Check weather conditions for the area and consider bringing a waterproof weather radio or hand held VHF Marine radio.? Learn about navigational concerns related to the specific body of water on which you plan to use your inflatable boat and don't exceed the capabilities of you or your boat.On The Water? Require all passengers to remain seated while the boat is in motion, and never allow anyone to ride on the bow of the boat. If anyone must stand up, be sure they maintain three points of contact.? If using a motor, keep your hands away from the propeller and be sure passengers remember to stay clear of the prop when they are in the water.? Always use the stop switch lanyard that attaches to the driver that will kill the engine should you fall overboard. Test it before leaving port to be sure it is operating correctly.? Be aware that heavy rains and other water changes can create problems with debris floating in the water or hidden under the surface.? Do not operate the inflatable boat under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.? Remember that the captain of the boat sets the standard for safety, and you are responsible for the operation of the boat as well as your passengers' behavior.Special Safety Considerations For Inflatable BoatsWhen using an inflatable boat, it is also a good idea to take along a foot pump and a repair kit. Even though boats with independent inflatable chambers can still operate when one chamber deflates, there may be instances when you may need to patch a puncture or re-inflate the boat at some point. It is important to have the necessary tools as well as an understanding of how to make repairs.In addition, organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Safe Boating Council and the American Boat & Yacht Council provide information on boating safety. The Coast Guard, many state agencies, and private groups offer water safety classes and Web sites such as BoatEd and BoatSafe offer online testing and certification approved by many states.Although it is unlikely that your inflatable boat will capsize if you follow these safety precautions, it is also a good idea to know how to swim. Those who enjoy boating on a regular basis may also want to consider a CPR course.In addition to being easy to use and often less expensive than traditional boats, inflatable boats, inflatable kayaks, and other inflatable watercraft are more safe and secure in key areas such as buoyancy and stability. Following the tips listed in this article will add to the overall safety of your boating experience and enhance your enjoyment of your inflatable boat as well.About the Author:C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com, providing consumer information on
rigid inflatable
fishing boats and the best inflatable kayaks. She
and her family make frequent fishing trips to Canada's backcountry. The numerous
portages required to reach some of the smaller lakes have made her especially
appreciative of the lightweight, compact design of most
inflatable sport boats.Copyright 2005 Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com
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