Antarctica or Alaska – Two distinctive cruise adventures for two decidedly different budgets.
You’re ready for a transforming adventure filled with wildlife and wondrous scenery. Do you cruise Alaska in premium comfort, enjoying an extended stay in Seattle? Or travel to the ends of the earth on an out-of-this-world voyage to the White Continent of Antarctica?
ANTARCTICA: Ten-day, $15,000 splurge
FLY Relax in lavish, totally reclined comfort while flying with LAN Airlines. Round-trip from Miami to Ushuaia, Argentina. Premium Business Class fares from around $4,200.
CRUISE Warm up to the icy peaks of Antarctica aboard Silver Explorer, the exceptional, 132-guest adventure ship from Silversea Expeditions. Travel round-trip Ushuaia while experiencing all-inclusive, Silversea luxury, including Relais & Châteaux–inspired cuisine and signature butler service. Ten-day sailing departs December 3, 2012. Vista Suite fares from $10,599.
SHORE EXCURSIONS Meet Adélie penguins on the Tabarin Peninsula, watch crabeater seals in Paradise Bay, and perhaps glimpse whales off Port Lockroy. These complimentary experiences and many others — led by your ship’s expedition team or expert guest host in Zodiac craft — are part of your all-inclusive fare.
SPA TREATMENT Indulge in an Absolute Spa Ritual that combines an aromatherapy massage and a youth-inducing facial, specifically tailored to your skin’s needs ($287). Available at the onboard Spa at Silversea.
TOTAL: From $15,086
ALASKA: Ten-day, $2,000 steal
FLY Discover why Alaska Airlines consistently scores highest in customer satisfaction as you fly round-trip between Chicago and Seattle. Economy Class fares from around $385.
CRUISE Spend a week exploring Alaska’s magnificent Inside Passage with Holland America Line. Conveniently sailing from Seattle aboard the mid-sized ms Oosterdam, you’ll cruise Tracy Arm and visit colorful ports such as Sitka and Ketchikan. On board, take a class in the Culinary Arts Center or Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Departs September 23, 2012. Ocean-view fares from $849.
SHORE EXCURSION Hop inside a Jeep 4×4 for a thrilling backcountry safari through the Tongass National Forest. Wind your way along the rugged, abandoned logging roads, arriving at a pristine mountain lake.There, you’ll grab a paddle and navigate your way across in a 20-person, Alaskan Native–style canoe. Four hours; from $151.
STAY Relax before or after your cruise with a two-night stay at the stylish Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, which overlooks Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound. Virtuoso guests enjoy a room upgrade, if available;full American breakfast; a $50 spa credit; and a $50 dining credit. Two nights from $570.
TOTAL: From $1,955
Contact the expert cruise counselors at Covington Travel arrange your cruise adventure, whatever your tastes and budget.
Source: Virtuoso Traveler, April-May 2012. Fares accurate at time of publishing and subject to change.
