There was an interesting tidbit in this month's Cruise Travel Magazine.

I already mentioned that A&K were taking over the New World Discoverer from Society Expeditions. There was also an interesting piece about the Explorer II:

"The former Minerva, which Saga Cruises has used seasonally as the Saga Pearl and Abercrombie & Kent has chartered as the Explorer II for its Antarctica program, will go under a German Charter. Beginning in March, Phoenix Reisen, rather than Saga Cruises, will operate the ship as the Alexander von Humboldt for eight months; then she reverts to A&K in Antarctica before Phoenix takes on the ship for a five-year year-round charter."

That last line is the kicker. Although A&K has Explorer II next year, and RSSC has two sailings Jan 2006, neither company has access to the ship for the 2006-2007 Antarctica season.

Another interesting quote from the same article:

"Hapag-Lloyd has announced a partnership with the US travel operator Expedition Leaders to charter the Bremen beginning June 20 for use on expedition-type cruises geared to the North American and itnernational markets; she will be renamed Discoverer. Hapag-Lloyd also plans to build a larger, bilingual German- and English-speaking market for its Europa, Colombus, and Hanseatic."

So, if Hapag-Lloyd really wants to build up its "english-speaking market," what better way than to renew its agreement with Radisson for the Hanseatic?

With both of these reports, one would think that there is a good chance that Radisson would have access to a great ship for Antarctica, either World Discoverer or Hanseatic, for 2006-2007 Antarctica season.

Anyone want to start making plans?

Marc - I am definitely interested, depending on the ship. My husband, however, needs some convincing, but will probably come around. Let's keep an eye on the developments and itineraries.

Leslie

Very interesting Marc and very HOPEFUL. I would jump on the Hanseatic in a minute. Maybe I should register with Hapag Lloyd. The Europa is a glorious ship. I toured her in Dublin, the captain of the Europa had been our Captain on the Hanseatic. He remembered us and invited us on board. A COMPUTER in every cabin - how could it be any better. They really are the best European cruise line and if they start welcoming English speaking guests that interests me. The Captain told me they really only wanted Germans and although they would accept Americans and English at that time they did nothing to attract them purposely. They will have some great itineraries.

By the way I am going to the Galapagos in February. Linda went on the old Renaissance ship a few weeks ago and tried that out. She loved the Galapagos, Ron's pictures are AMAZING. I must get him to post those he is an incredible photographer. She said the cabins were okay, the food not so good. I am definitely going and she may also join me next month and then we will compare this ship and the old Renaissance ship.

Ker & Downey book the Galapagos so if I decide to add this we will do it through Ker & Downey.(I have to tell you I love this tour company they are really top notch, and so easy to work with) Anyway I will report back. I know you are going to ask me the name of the ship and I cannot remember right now which ship K&D said they were going to use I think the Legend and the Eclipse are the two they like the most.

Linda will know she is really going to be the Galapagos person if we decide to do this. I am going to do Africa - cant do it all.

We just got off the Hanseatic last month after 18 days in the S. Pacific. Wow -- what a ship! What unbelievable food, service, and anything else you can think of. I would take this ship again in the blink of an eye -- I can't recommend her enough.

Since so many have stated an interest in Antarctica in 2007, I decided to bump this to the top.

Maybe we should start a roll call!

And don't forget it is offered as a side excursion if you go on the Mariner South American trip Segment 3!

Side excursion?

Are you talking about a flight over Antarctica?

Or do they put you in a zodiac over and back?

Marcie
Will you & Tom be doing this side trip?

Marcie, this was offered on our Lima/Buenos Aries cruise (part of SA cruise). We didn't take it but I heard mixed reports. Maybe someone who's taken it will chime in.

Mark, I doubt this is what you have in mind. I would love to do Antartica but I don't think 2007 will be my year. We'll see.

Antarctica is on the TOP of my wish list...!!

Michele

The side trip is expensive and usually just a flight over Antarctica. They usually also offer an excursion with a flight that lands but it cannot compare with a normal cruise to Antarctica. Not sure that it is worth the cost for what you would experience.

I had a meeting with an RSSC executive on Monday and asked about the plans for 2007 for Antarctica. He said he knew nothing at this time.

Antarctica is a place Ken and I would love to visit again. The problem is a choice between N.Z. and Antarctica early 07 - that is difficult choice. If the ship offered is good probably Antarctica would be the best bet while you can still go there. N.Z. will always be around.

Boy does this trip sound interesting to me. I think Fred will agree. Patrick

Ngaire:

While on Navigator, see if you can find out any more. I think Antarctica December 06 - January 07 would be great!!!!

Have a great trip!

Marcie, rather than the Antartica flight, I would choose the "Torres de Paines tour" (I think I spelled it right). We did not take this one but we met passengers who really liked this trip. It is a flight to a national park with craggy mountains and beautiful lakes. If I went back, this is one I would take.

Donna

Did you all do the entire grand circle?

Betty, I wish. No, we only did the segment from Lima to Buenos Aires. Loved it!

We'd love to go the Antarctic some day. But it's a pricey item, so we will have to save up, I think (plus we're moving that summer, and will be girding our loins.) David might manage travel in January some time soon, but there is the weather irony of this particular destination, given our geographic position in the universe--the reverse of going to Polynesia in the summer--we get to go from one freezing cold place to another!

Thanks Donna....sounds like something to consider!

Donna

Did you go to Manchu Picchu? I have a deposit on Segment 4 in 2006, Lima to FL. Trying to find a cheap pre-cruise (is there such a thing?)to see the ruins. The hotel that is recommended is booked solid. I would hate to go to Peru and miss this site. Am waiting for my SA brochure to arrive to see what RSSC offers. I must have thrown mine out. Right now I have a TA looking for me. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
You can email me privately. As is my usual habit, I have taken this topic & turned it. Sorry everyone.

Just returned from a Galapagos - Peru trip with Lindblad. MP stay was at the Sanctuary, the only hotel at the ruins. Also stayed at the Monasterio in Cusco. Both are run by Orient Express and I think that you have to stay at Monasterio in order to get space at the Sanctuary - not a great sacrifice - Monasterio is an elegant and fascinating hotel. The land operator used by Lindblad in Peru is also used by A&K. They are first class. Will try to get the name of the company in the event that they run independent tours.

Thanks so much, hrprof. I know I have to spend the night in Cusco before taking the train up, but hadn't even looked into hotels there yet. The Sanctuary Lodge is the one that was showing fully booked. I have used A & K in the past. Oh goodie, something else to web surf today.

Called Lindblad - their ground operator is Lima Tours. Good Luck. BTW, if you do get into the Sanctuary, request one of the rooms overlooking the ruins - my request was honored at no extra charge! It is a little noisy in the morning when the buses start to arrive - but, we were up for a dawn walk anyway.