Abercrombie & Kent Expands Cruise Offerings in Antarctica and the Arctic

Beginning next season, guests traveling to Antarctica will sail aboard the new, all-balcony ‘Le Lyrial' featuring spacious, luxury suites, while sister-ship, ‘Le Boreal,' heads north to follow the route of the Vikings – and offer solo travelers a savings of up to $7,295. There are new themed departures of the most requested journeys, including a Family New Year Antarctic cruise and a Photography Expedition to the Arctic.

These bucket-list adventures feature the finest expedition ships, as well as world-renowned scientific and historical experts who share their knowledge and passion for the most exotic places on earth. On these exclusively-chartered voyages, A&K transforms ‘Le Lyrial' and ‘Le Boreal' into truly luxurious and intimate cruisers by limiting the capacity to just 199 guests. This not only guarantees a private balcony, but Category 1 status in Antarctica, which means no limit to the number of shore landings, an important difference between A&K expeditions and larger ships.

A&K's Expedition Team includes award-winning research scientists, habitat conservationists, wildlife photographers and historians - many of whom have been with A&K since the beginning. Guests can expect enriching lectures, top-notch guidance from a minimum of 16 expedition staff, plus Zodiac drivers who are field naturalists, providing expert commentary.

The Arctic: Wilderness Forged by Fire and Ice

At the top of the world sits an expanse of ocean bounded by volcanic islands and fjords studded with glaciers, a place where Inuit villages and Viking shores are still ruled by the magnificent polar bear. A&K has developed two expeditions timed to coincide with the long summer light of the midnight sun.

NEW: Iceland & Greenland: In the Wake of the Vikings (Aug 16-27, 2016) – Capture the striking contrasts between the geological treasures of Iceland's Westmann Islands and Greenland's iceberg-stacked Skjoldungen Fjord as you retrace the route of the Vikings between Prince Christian Sound to Eriksfjord. A focus on photography means ample opportunities to capture the shot of a lifetime with lectures and workshops from A&K's resident Photo Enrichment Coach and a Nikon ambassador.

12 days from $10,495 (when booked by December 31, 2015). A&K has waived the single supplement for select cabin categories, saving solo travellers up to $7,245.

Arctic Cruise Adventure: Norway, Greenland & Iceland (Aug 2-16, 2016) – Rare wildlife, including an impressive population of polar bears, along with geological wonders and history – take it all in on this comprehensive voyage from Norway and Spitsbergen to the Arctic's more remote and magnificent islands. 15 days from $13,495. (when booked by December 31, 2015).

Antarctica: the Incredible White Continent

Cloaked in glacial ice and surrounded by blue seas, Antarctica is the last truly wild place on earth. Choose from two A&K voyages, each featuring special departures designed to capture the best of the Antarctic spring and summer seasons.

Classic Antarctica – Travel from Argentina across the legendary Drake Passage before landing in Antarctica, which you explore for five days. A&K's Expedition Team points out humpback whales, leopard seals and multitudes of penguins. Choose from a departure designed to engage the family or the desire to understand the effects of Climate Change. 12 days, from $10,995 (when booked by March 31, 2016).

NEW - Family New Year (Dec 28, 2016-Jan 8, 2017)

Designed especially for ages 7 to 18, Family departures feature two Young Explorers Guides and distinct groups for younger and older children to ensure engaging and age appropriate fun.

Understanding Climate Change (Jan 7-18, 2017)

Led by Dr. James McClintock, noted Antarctic researcher and climate change expert, guests enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit to the U.S. Palmer Research Station (weather permitting) to deliver new scientific equipment from A&K Philanthropy.

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands – A panoramic voyage that explores wildlife-rich South Georgia and the unspoiled terrain of the Falklands – spying the regal king penguin, Southern elephant seals and wandering albatross unique to the Southern Ocean – before cruising south to the White Continent. 17 days from $16,995 (when booked by March 31, 2016).

Family Holiday (Dec 13-29, 2016)

Celebrate the spirit of the season with the entire family in an unforgettable destination.

Photography Expedition (Jan 17-Feb 2, 2017)

Capture the challenging landscapes and wildlife of the Southern Ocean with advice from A&K resident Photo Enrichment Coaches.

Environmentally-Sound Voyages

Abercrombie & Kent's expeditions exceed all environmental protocols, including those set by IAATO, AECO, the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency and Antarctic Treaty Party nations. Both ‘Le Lyrial' and ‘Le Boreal' employ the latest environmental practices and technology, including a computerized dynamic positioning system that eliminates the need to drop anchor in fragile marine reserves; thermal and phonic insulation for engines and propulsion systems; the cleanest-burning marine gas oil fuel; and Zodiacs with fuel efficient motors.

Join Abercrombie & Kent on a voyage of discovery in the remote, seldom visited polar regions. A&K journeys are the most rewarding and all-inclusive way to experience Antarctica and the high Arctic, with pre- and post-cruise lodging and sightseeing, charter flights, on-board lectures, twice-daily shore excursions, most drinks, and crew and staff gratuities.

For additional details and day-by-day itineraries, contact your travel professional, go to www.abercrombiekent.com or call 800 554 7094 to speak to a destination specialist.