The MV 'Minerva' Antarctica Cruise

For travellers ready to step off the beaten track into wilderness realms of beauty and splendor, there's no finer ship than 'Minerva' (formerly called 'Explorer II'). She offers an on-board experience that's second to none, and takes you to places few other cruise passengers ever see.

Strength and Style.
'Minerva' looks and feels like a country house hotel. But there's strong steel (including an ice-strengthened hull) behind the graceful exterior. Bow and stern thrusters make her extraordinarily maneuverable, and stabilizers minimalize the effects of wind and water to help keep passengers comfortable in remote seas.

Hands-on Exploration.
Some people are content to watch the world scroll past the rail of a cruise ship's promenade deck. 'Minerva' passengers experience a very different reality. This ship brings you into direct contact with the exciting world around you.

Zodiac auxiliary craft - safe, stable, motorized rubber rafts - are the workhorses of any well-planned Antarctic expedition, and 'Minerva' carries a fleet of twelve. Easy to launch and land, Zodiacs make it possible for passengers to explore remote Antarctic shores where there are no piers or other docking arrangements. They also function as exploratory vessels, specializing in "up front and personal" encounters. You'll never forget your first circumnavigation of a 100-foot-high aquamarine-tinted iceberg, followed by the placid gazes of the dozen sleek seals camped out on its slopes.

Adventuring in Comfort.
Every 'Minerva' departure is a real adventure: a fresh, spontaneous, unscripted journey that's fundamentally different from a traditional cruise itinerary in all ways but one: on-board comfort and style.

'Minerva' boasts uncommonly elegant guest quarters, among the most spacious and comfortable available on any Antarctic cruise. Many have walk-out balconies, and all have outside views, private bathrooms (with bath or shower and hairdryers), satellite television service, telephone and individual climate controls. Beds can be arranged in twin or queen configurations, and full laundry service (as well as a self-service launderette) is available.

Space to Meet and Mingle.
'Minerva' sets high standards of comfort in her public quarters as well. Her Promenade Deck offers glorious views of Antarctic seascapes. A state-of-the-art lecture lounge is a popular center for daily discussions and updates (though if you prefer you can watch the proceedings on closed-circuit television in your cabin). An exceptional library offers a wide range of fact and fiction titles, as well as facilities for passenger e-mail access.

For the fitness enthusiast, there's a health club and spa with sauna and whirlpool. Visit the beauty salon for a quick trim, and the boutique for remembrances of your expedition.

Two elevators service all passenger decks.

International Cuisine.
Dining on board is a sophisticated pleasure. Seating is not assigned: Eat where and with whom you please, enjoying meals selected from imaginative international menus (and the stunning views from the dining room's picture windows). There is always a selection of light fare and vegetarian dishes, and special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. In-cabin room service is available.

Cheers! On board, all bar drinks -excepting premium liquors and premium wines such as champagne - are included in your fare cost. Relax and swap adventurer's tales in two cocktail lounges on board.

Warm, Personal Service.
To ensure the highest quality of service, 'Minerva' carries a crew of 146 to accommodate just 199 passengers.

Scheduled Bridge Visits.
If you've ever wondered what gets entered into a ship's log, or whether mariners still use a sextant, just visit the Bridge and ask the officer on duty. Scheduled visits to the bridge are offered on each cruise, for a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of blue-water navigation.

On-board Physician.
'Minerva' has an on-board medical facility and carries an accredited, practicing physician as a member of the ship's staff.

Pack for Adventure.
In keeping with the informal ambiance of expeditionary cruising, there are no formal evenings on board the ship. While you will want to change out of your day clothes for dinner, you won't need a wardrobe any dressier than "smart casual" wear.

Smoking.
'Minerva' respects the needs of both smokers and non-smokers. While smoking is not permitted in most areas (for reasons of both safety and courtesy), the ship has a dedicated Smoking Room on the Bridge Deck, in addition to designated areas on the outer decks.

A&K Chile and A&K Argentina. Abercrombie & Kent is the first international tour operator to establish a fully-fledged local office in South America. Our on-site presence in Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina provides support for our travellers and ensures that strict A&K standards are always in place.

What are the advantages to sailing with 'Minerva' and Abercrombie & Kent? You be the judge -- Conde Nast Traveler already has.

• Double bottom hull ice class vessel with an ice rating (Italian RINA Class 1-D) that exceeds the requirement for operating safely in Antarctica.
• Equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, including a GMDSS emergency communication system and a satellite weather system, receiving real-time satellite images of weather and ice conditions.
• Lifeboats are enclosed and equipped with survival gear, blankets, food and water.
• Chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as "the world's best expedition ship."