ME AND SHACKLETON

Have you ever dreamed about doing something so exciting that you can't stand it?

I have!

For years I have dreamed of going to the bottom of the earth to traipse across the vast empty stretches of the Antarctic, commune with Penguins and just stare at the awesome beauty that God created.

Unfortunately, the Antarctic is somewhat difficult for mere mortals to access. There were always expedition ships (without stabilizers) that crossed the Magellan
Straits taking two or three days time to get there. I love to sail...and do not suffer from being seasick. However when I heard stories that passengers were sometimes strapped into their beds for two days and that even the crew got sick....I opted out of that scenario.

Then there was...and I say was...a company that flew tourists there, landed and stayed for a few days before it returned to Punta Arenas, Chile. I can't find them now...but perhaps that has something to do with the economy and the $67,000 per person price tag that it cost for the one week journey.

Quantas Airlines flies several flights yearly from Sydney or Melbourne, Australia, down over the Pole and returns within 24 hours. If you purchase a 1st Class (lie down bed like) seat...you get to look at the Pole from the comfort of the up front cabin and keep your seat all the way. If you fly in Coach...you have to give your seat up halfway through the flight to swap with some other unfortunate soul who may have had the bad luck to have a center seat all the way over... for a mere $3000.

So...now there is a new game in town....Le Boreal. A brand new French expedition ship. Abercrombie & Kent the tour company that is marketing the trips on this new ship, says that Sherman Travel (whoever that may be) has been quoted saying that this trip is one of the Top 10 Cruises for 2010. It is,
"raising the bar on Antarctic adventuring as per style and comfort, as well on cruise lines' expected environmental sensibilities in the region."
Can you imagine a balcony for each stateroom? On an expedition ship?
It is small...(very important in Antarctica)and attractive with a heated pool (is that like a hot tub at a ski resort?), two restaurants and even a spa? Wow!
And environmentally sensitive to the last wilderness and frontier in the world?
This one I have to see......!

I have requested more information (and to find out if it has stabilizers) and if this is everything it is supposed to be...I will let you know. I will also be scheduling myself on it for a future sailing. Abercrombie & Kent says that you get a 20% discount if you book before March 31, 2010...so do hope they let me know so I can plan my next escape soon.