February 1, 2018 – February 10, 2018
Fly Over The Drake
Once again, Luminous-Landscape is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity: a trip south of the Antarctic Circle. Most cruises to Antarctica keep well north of the circle, and although these cruises visit some excellent locations, there is a whole different world south of the circle: new beaches, new landings, new cruising channels, and access to amazing icebergs and wildlife.
I have been traveling to Antarctica every year since 2005, some years I have even made the journey to this amazing continent twice! On one of our trips about five years ago, we went south of the circle and had the chance to travel through a channel called the Gullet. This was one of the best days of my life. Words cannot describe the scenery; it was like being in heaven. The water was flat; as calm as a mirror. The sky was the bluest I’d ever seen it, almost black when you stared straight up. The reflections of the coastline against the mirrored water was the most incredible sight I had ever seen. For most of the day, we remained on deck, taking photographs and holding our breath, waiting excitedly to see what was around the next bend. The ship’s crew served us our meals on deck, as no one was willing to step away and risk missing an opportunity for such incredible shots.
On this upcoming trip, we hope to see this same channel and others like it. Take a look at this video from our 2009 trip to the Gullet Channel and you’ll see why it is such a magical place:
Enjoy The Slide Show . . .
Every voyage to Antarctica has offered me a life-changing moment. I have shared this with passengers on past trips, and they typically scratch their heads and say, “Sure,” with doubtful looks on their faces. By the end of the trip, I always have people come up to me to say, “You were right.” I love Antarctica so much that I even got married there in 2015.
On this adventure, you can expect to see penguins, whales, a wide variety of birds, pristine landscapes, and impressive icebergs.
Unlike many comparable expeditions, this trip is devoted entirely to the pursuit of photography. From the moment you arrive at your hotel in Punta Arenas until your final departure, everything will be provided for you. We are not a tour group. Our goal is to be at the right place, at the right time, offering you an incredible photography experience. We will also have a team of world-class instructors along for the entire trip. Each of these instructors will accompany us on our excursions and will provide lectures during our days at sea. The instructors will also be available to help you edit and post-process your photographs so that you will return home with images you only dreamed were possible.
There will also be pre-organized educational sessions throughout the trip for those who are interested. The expedition staff will be available to provide presentations on the history, geology, and wildlife of the region. It will be a non-stop educational and creative adventure!
Our team includes seasoned Antarctic adventurers eager to assist you throughout the trip. Our photography team consists of Art Wolfe, Daniel Bergmann, Steve Gosling, Katrin Eismann, Ignacio Palacios, and of course, myself. We also have a very large and experienced expedition team, consisting of at least 12 guides. I have worked with the same team for several years and they are second to none in Antarctica! The expedition team loves this trip as much as we do, as it offers them the opportunity to see Antarctica in a different light than most tourist cruises.
This is a fly over the Drake trip. We save four days of sailing in some of the roughest seas in the world by flying over them. We get on our ship in a protected harbor and immediately set sail to the Antarctic Circle. The downloadable PDF will have all of this information in it as well.
The Itinerary:
Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, ANTARCTICA XXI takes you to one of the most spectacular and remote places on Earth: Antarctica. Sail with us to the far south, and be one of the few adventurous travelers to cross the Antarctic Circle.
DAY 1 · Start of the Air-Cruise
The ANTARCTICA XXI staff welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, on or before 2:00 p.m. local time. You are then transferred to your hotel and will attend a mandatory briefing, providing you with important information about your voyage as well as essential guidelines for all Antarctic visitors. A hosted “welcome dinner” will introduce you to the local fare as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.
DAY 2 · Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins the moment you exit the airplane as clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. We will explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station before boarding a Zodiac which will transport us to our expedition vessel.
DAY 3-8 · Exploring Antarctica
Sail along ice-filled fjords amongst spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals, and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day.
In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides will share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, leading you ashore to come face-to-face with the wildlife, history, and the many wonders of the Antarctic landscape. From a glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing the highlights of your daily adventures with fellow guests over drinks.
The goal of the expedition is to sail as far south as we can, in an attempt to reach the Polar Circle. The expedition team will set our specific route based on local conditions, allowing our guests to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point, and other magnificent destinations. Each voyage is uniquely crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
When we do cross into the circle, you can expect a celebration to honor the gods. This is a traditional mariner event, just one more factor that will make your trip special.
DAY 9 · Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board your flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a final night. (Please Note: meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and are not included in the cost of the program).
DAY 10 · End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight home.
Our Ship
The Ocean Nova is one of the finest expedition vessels currently operating in Antarctica. It’s just the right size to offer both comfortable accommodations, as well as easy maneuverability, making it capable of exploring areas inaccessible to larger ships. The meals are excellent. The crew is the friendliest you’ll ever find. Each of these factors will add up to ensure that you have a thoroughly enjoyable adventure!
The Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable expedition vessel. She was constructed in Denmark in 1992 intended for the ice-choked waters of Greenland. She was fully refurbished in 2006, and has since benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements. Her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for travel in Antarctica.
Ocean Nova has the capacity for 67 passengers, each of whom will be accommodated in comfortable, outside cabins. The ship offers three levels of accommodation: dedicated single cabins, twin cabins, and triple cabins.
In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The ship has a fleet of seven Zodiac boats, each well-suited for daily disembarking and wildlife watching.
CABINS
Category Average size Details
Single cabins 87 sq. ft. / 8 sq. mt. One lower bed
Twin cabins 106 sq. ft. / 10 sq. mt. Two lower beds
Triple cabins 150 sq. ft. / 14 sq. mt. Two lower beds and one upper bed
All cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk, a chair, a wardrobe, a controlled heating system, and a private bathroom and shower.
PASSENGERS: 72
EXPEDITION STAFF & CREW: 46
LIFEBOATS: two, fully enclosed, capacity of 110 (in addition to four life rafts, capacity of 100)
LENGTH: 73.0 m
BREADTH: 11.0 m
PROPULSION: Diesel engines, 2,000-horsepower
ICE CLASS: 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
DRAFT: 3.7 meters
CRUISING SPEED: 12 knots in open water
A Bit More
A deposit in the amount of $2,500 USD per person is required at the time of booking. A second payment in the amount of $7,500 USD per person is due by April 1, 2017. The balance is due in full 120 days prior to our departure date. Please consult the terms and conditions of our expedition for complete details (see PDF).
All passengers will also be given access to a private web page on Luminous-Landscape, as well as access to a private forum topic on the Luminous-Landscape forum. With these resources you will be kept up-to-date with the latest trip information, enabling you to plan, shop, and pack well in advance of the expedition. We’ll also send out several direct email briefings in advance of the trip.
To register, click on the link, fill out an application, and email it back to ANTARCTICA XXI. They will make arrangements to collect your deposit.
Words cannot describe a trip like this. It needs to be experienced to be appreciated. My friends often ask me where my favorite place on the planet is (as I travel so much), and every time (since my first visit), I tell them: Antarctica. If you enjoy travel and want to get away from the typical tourist crowd, this is the trip for you. You will see sights that amaze you and you will come back with photographs that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. I really hope you consider this opportunity, it would be an honor to share Antarctica with you!
NOTE: ANTARCTICA XXI is responsible for the travel arrangements and delivery of the expedition; the photography instruction program is the responsibility of Luminous Landscape.
The participation fee includes payment for the organization and delivery of the photography instruction program provided by Luminous-Landscape. ANTARCTICA XXI will collect this portion of the program fee from all participants upon reservation, and will remit it to Luminous Landscape. Any questions, inquiries, claims, or refund requests pertaining to the photography instruction program should be directed to Luminous-Landscape at kwr@luminous-landscape.com, or +1-317-379-7482.
DOWNLOAD THE TRIP BROCHURE PDF (Click Here)
DOWNLOAD THE TRIP REGISTRATION FORM (Click Here)
Pricing:
Single Cabins (4 available)
US $26,995 per berth, all-inclusive.
Each with 1 lower berth and private facilities.
Twin Cabins (27 available)
US $18,995 per berth, all-inclusive.
Each with 2 lower berths and private facilities.
Triple Cabins (3 available)
US $16,495 per berth, all-inclusive.
Each with 2 lower berths, 1 upper berth, and private facilities.
Availability: First come, first served. Couples will share a cabin. Individuals traveling alone will share a double or triple cabin with others of the same sex, unless a dedicated single cabin is selected. These fees may be paid in installments, and all bookings are all-inclusive.
I hope to see you on this trip. It’s an amazing journey with an excellent teaching team as well as what I consider the best expedition Team and ship in Antarctica.
Instructors
Kevin Raber
I see the world through the lens and a frame. Photography for me is an extension of who I am. I have gone through many stages in my career. At one time I was a portrait photographer with many prestigious clients. Over time I grew restless for something else in the field. I truly enjoy my current work as a fine art landscape photographer. There is something special about examining and photographing everything from grand scenes in nature that are there for a moment and then gone to industrial landscapes and focusing on the incredibly minute details of peeling paint and rust. I am most fortunate to be able to travel to many wonderful places.
I have fond memories of nights and weekends spent in the darkroom creating prints. The stereo blasting. It could be fun and it could be tedious. You didn’t always know what you were going to get and, at times, it required extensive hands-on darkroom manipulation. I can still smell the chemicals. I was taught by masters of the darkroom.
Today, that has all changed thanks to the advent of computers, digital cameras and Photoshop. The darkroom is the computer. Some things are still unpredictable, but the tools to achieve the final result allow you to see them immediately on the screen in real time and right in front of you. Digital allows you to capture a range of tonalities and exposures that were impossible with film. Variables such as emulsion, temperature, chemistry and exposure are taken out of the equation. What you see on your computer monitor is what you will get when printed. One thing that hasn’t changed is the music. It goes along with creating and working on images. Thank God for iTunes.
I embraced digital early on. It continues to evolve and provide flexibility to all who embrace it. The digital age is still young and has completely transformed our industry. Never before has a switch from analog to digital been so prevalent as in photography. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next ten years takes us.
My career in photography has evolved since 1972 when I first began making a living with photography. Today I am also CEO of the Luminous-Landscape.com, one of the most visited and prestigious websites for the photographers on the internet, with over 1.5 million visitors a month. I lead photography workshops to edge of the planet locations as well provide instructional videos to photographers on how to improve their craft.
There doesn’t seem to be anything that can dampen my passion and enthusiasm for photography. It has opened doors to the world for me and I am most grateful I can share my experiences with others.
https://luminous-landscape.com
Art Wolfe
Art Wolfe needs no presentation. He is an American photographer and conservationist, best known for color images of wildlife, landscapes and native cultures. His photographs document scenes from every continent and hundreds of locations, and have been noted by environmental advocacy groups for their “stunning” visual impact. Wolfe’s career has been described as “multi-faceted”, involving wildlife advocacy, art, journalism, and education. According to William Conway, former president of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Wolfe is a “prolific and sensitive recorder of a rapidly vanishing natural world.” In the last 30 years, the public has viewed Wolfe’s work in more than sixty published books, including Vanishing Act, The High Himalaya, Water: Worlds between Heaven & Earth, Tribes, Rainforests of the World, and The Art of Photographing Nature.
Katrin Eismann
www.katrineismann.com Along on the Expedition is Katrin Eismann. Katrin is an amazingly talented photographer that will inspire you to see differently.
Katrin Eismann is an internationally recognized artist, author, and educator who has been working with digital imaging tools since 1989. Katrin’s extensive teaching and speaking engagements address the latest tools and techniques of digital imaging and the impact they are having upon professional photographers, artists, and educators. She speaks German and English and has taught and presented in Europe, Asia, South America, and throughout North America.
Katrin studied photography and electronic still imaging at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Upon graduating at the top of her class in 1991, she had the good fortune to become the first intern at the Kodak Center of Creative Imaging in Camden, Maine. Three years later she was the Director of Education and had implemented a rigorous curriculum that focused on imaging, design, and multimedia.
Daniel Bergmann
I was born and raised in Iceland and developed an interest in photography as a teenager. Combined with a strong interest in nature and travel it soon led me into the field of nature photography, which has been my passion ever since. Over the past two decades I’ve build my reputation as a nature and landscape photographer and in 2009 I was invited to participate in the distinguished Wild Wonders of Europe project. I’ve authored four books and the latest one, Iceland Landscapes, is a collection of landscape photographs with text that is written with photographers in mind.
About ten years ago I started guiding photography tours and workshops in Iceland. Due to growing demand it has become my main occupation. While anyone can come to Iceland and travel on his/her own to some of the main photography destinations the experience is more relaxing, rewarding and productive with local guidance. And I enjoy nothing more than introducing travelers to this country that I’m continually so fascinated with.
Ignacio Palacios
Ignacio Palacios is a Spanish photographer based in Sydney
who is best known internationally for his travel and altered / fine art nature photography work. Ignacio has travel around the world since 1998, gathering an extensive collection of images of people, places, wildlife and landscapes across more than seventy countries in five different continents. He is one of the world’s few full-time professional photo guides.
In the last four years Ignacio has been focusing on photographing Australia’s landscapes. He has received Australian and International awards and has been finalist in some prestigious competitions such as the NSW AIPP Epson Awards, Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer, National Geographic Travel Contest, Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year, Eyes on Asia, Head On and the International Loupe awards. Ignacio’s work is published internationally in photographic magazines and Lonely Planet books. He has recently being awarded with a LUX Gold in Spain (the most prestigious professional photography award in his country) and finalist and highly commended in the Travel Photographer of the Year competition.
Steve Gosling
I am a professional photographer who specializes in producing creative & contemporary landscape images (my ‘signature’ style is moody, atmospheric and minimalist black & white photographs).
My images have been published internationally as posters & greetings cards and have appeared in advertisements, books, magazines, newspapers & calendars across the world. Prints of my work have been exhibited in venues throughout the UK and have appeared on sets for both theatre and film productions. My work has also won awards in both national and international competitions.
I particularly enjoy writing & teaching about photography. As well as being a contributor to many of the major photography magazines in the UK and abroad I regularly give talks to photographic societies and other groups. I have run a successful workshop program for several years encouraging and inspiring photographers of all levels from across the world.
A Gallery Of Images From Our Previous Journeys
Author
Elevate Your Vision
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