Actually hrprof they did it right. They had all the zodiacs and naturilists and the report back from the people we sent were fanstastic. I had very serious doubts myself about them handling this properly - I was wrong.

The ship only holds 300 or so when it is FULL and every resident and cabin is taken. I think they limited the passengers (I am not positive of this fact) to under 200. Therefore they ran the landings as they did when we were on the Hanseatic. Two groups. One went ashore one went out exploring in the zodiacs and then they switch. Two to Three landings a day. In fact it sounded like a duplicate of the trip I took on the Hanseatic.

So IF they do this again and IF they do it the same it will be without a doubt the most luxurious way to see all that the Antarctica has to offer. It is still way up in the air they are just "talking" about doing it again. Linda actually handles Residensea not me so there may be more news I dont know. I think however they are talking either at the end of 06 - December or at the beginning of 07. If they do this then Ken and I will most likely be jumping aboard. Will let everyone know when anything definite is announced and able to booked. I think quick booking will be necessary as it was so "hot" and well received last time they did it.

There are many other ships that do the Antarctica. Linblad, Russian Freighters etc. However none of these is a first class ship of course. Will be much cheaper it just depends on what you are looking for in the trip.

Now anyone that can stay in the wilds of Africa and watch wild dogs for hours will I am sure be able to handle a less than 6 star ship experience for the nature of the Antarctica. I was thinking about you the other day and I am becoming such an advocate for Southern Africa I figured one of these days I might be right there with you watching those wild dogs. Africa and the wildlife grows on you that is for sure. Missed your posts glad to see you back.

As to pricing. It changes with itineraries. I honestly dont know right now how the single supplement works. I did a lot of booking on Residensea initially. Had over 100 on the ship for the Americas cup in New Zealand. Then the single supplement was reasonable but I cannot remember how it worked. However the ownership has now changed to the people who actually own the condos on the ships so things have changed.

All fares are FULLY INCLUSIVE this means all food, room service, with alcohol and tips and port taxes included. The cabins are nice about like a Voyager cabin, better fabrics, with balconies. The area between the bed and the wall is ridicuously tight. Just a bad design. Free standing shower and full bath tub in the bathrooms. The ship is beautiful.