The vessel is strongly built of steel with an ice-strengthened hull, perfect for the polar seas. The ‘ Grigoriy Mikheev ' is manned by an en­thusiastic Russian crew of around 20, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian captains are recognised experts in polar navigation. All our international expedition leaders and lecturers are highly knowledgeable, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment.

The ‘ Grigoriy Mikheev provides accommodation for 46 travelers in comfortable twin and superior cabins.
All cabins are outside, with a desk, windows and ample storage space.

6 Twin cabins without bath have upper and lower berths and wash basins. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located on the same Deck 3.

14 Cabins with private facilities are located on Decks 3 and 4 and have upper and lower berths.

3 Superior cabins with private facilities located on Deck 4 have a double sofa-bed and a separate single bed.

The ‘ Grigoriy Mikheev has a large bridge and good open deck-viewing areas. She carries a full complement of Zodiac craft, excellent for landings and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise in­accessible areas. Excellent cuisine prepared by international chefs is served in the dining room, which also serves as the lecture room. Other public areas include a lounge and bar, a small library, an infirmary and a sauna.

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Day 1

Arrival at the city of Punta Arenas where you will be met by Antarctica XXI Staff, to be later transferred to the selected hotel. During the afternoon, before dinner, you will receive instructions in relation with the norms that should be followed in Antarctica and about the procedures of embarkation and disembarkation. Later, you will enjoy our welcome dinner at the José Nogueira Hotel, a centenary French style mansion, where you will have the chance to meet your expedition mates.

Day 2

Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island ( South Shetland Islands ). The flight takes a little over three hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Grigoriy Mikheev".

Day 3

As we cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Peninsula , sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our Journey toward the south may include visits to some of the most magnificient spots in the white continent such as: Hannah Point , Port Lockroy, Petermann Island , Paradise Bay , Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our adventure will be full, with daily landings and cruises in zodiacs boats, selected lectures and anenjoyable time on board.

Day 4

Return to King George Island where we will disembark, in Zodiac boats, at Fildes Bay by "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base, and head to the "Teniente Marsh" aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas . End of program upon arrival at the Airport in Punta Arenas.

Day 5

Flights scheduled and Antarctic itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions. At the end of the program, a free transfer to the city will be available at the airport for all passengers staying overnight.

Remarks:

Flights scheduled and Antarctic itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions. At the end of the program, a free transfer to the city will be available at the airport for all passengers staying overnight.

Departures: Classic Antarctica

15 December to 21th December

20 December to 26th December

Program subject to changes, depending on weather conditions

Antarctica Express Air-Cruise

DAY 1
In Ushuaia, Argentina, we will embark on the “Grigory Mikheev” and we will sail across the Beagle Channel towards the Chilean town of Puerto Williams, before setting sail southwards.

DAY 2 to 3
We will wake up in front of mythical Cape Horn, and should the weather permit it, we will put our Zodiac boats into the water to visit the most legendary island in the world. Back on board, we will start the adventurous crossing of the waters named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage, escorted by Black Browed Albatrosses and Southern Giant Petrels. We invite you to enjoy the lectures given by our Antarctic experts, and to gaze and search the sea on the lookout for Humpback and Minke whales swimming on their way down to Antarctica.

DAY 4
The time has come to spot the first icebergs! The South Shetland Islands will finally come into sight and in the afternoon, we will have the chance to make our first landing. Exploration will continue all evening, thanks to the endless daylight.

DAY 5
Upon reaching King George Island, we will visit the Chilean Frei Base and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. We will gather at the aerodrome where we will board the flight that will take us to Punta Arenas, Chile.

Departures: Express Antarctica

• Currently no departures available

Program subject to changes, depending on weather conditions

New Year Antarctica Air-Cruise

DAY 1
Arrival at Punta Arenas and transfer to the city. Welcome dinner at Hotel José Nogueira and overnight.

DAY 2
Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island and embarkation on board the “Grigory Mikheev”.

DAYS 3 to 7
While cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, our journey southwards will include visits to magnificent spots, such as: Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our target will be the crossing of the Lemaire Channel and latitude 65° S. After a last visit in the South Shetland Islands region, the Grigory Mikheev will set sail northwards across the Drake Passage. We will celebrate our astounding experience with a memorable New Year Eve.

DAY 8 to 9
We invite you to relax and enjoy life on board while watching the magnificent wildlife which inhabits the Drake Passage, such as albatrosses, petrels and whales. With the American continent in sight, the Grigory Mikheev.will sail through the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, on Navarino Island, where we will have the time to tour around before continuing towards Ushuaia.

DAY 10
Arrival at Ushuaia and disembarkation.

Remarks:

Flights scheduled and Antarctic itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions. At the end of the program, a free transfer to the city will be available at the airport for all passengers staying overnight.

Departures: New Year Antarctica

25 December to 03 January 2009

Program subject to changes, depending on weather conditions