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St. Helena to Cape Verde Islands

St. Helena to Cape Verde Islands

From USD $1,650

Description

During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).

Trip Name
St. Helena to Cape Verde Islands
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 89 metres Passenger Capacity: 108 - 116 Built / refurbished: 1976 / 2009 M/v “Plancius” accommodates 116 passengers in 53 passenger cabins (108 passengers as of season Arctic 2020) with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 26 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds), and 2 triple cabins (1 bunk bed plus 1 lower bed). The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. M/v “Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius fully meets our demands to achieve this. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/v “Plancius” is manned by an international crew of 37 (18 nautical crew and 19 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 – 2: Sailing the Ridge
Here you sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the submarine mountain range running some 16,000 kilometres (10,000 miles) from the Arctic Ocean to near the southern tip of Africa.
Day 2 - Day 3 – 4: Onward to Ascension
This dry volcanic island is a major home for the sooty tern (also known as the wideawake), whose colony here sometimes grows to over a million breeding pairs. You may get the chance for a hike to the richly vegetated top of this island, and a visit the shore to watch the green turtles laying eggs on the beach.
Day 3 - Day 5 – 9: Across the Equator
Joining you across the Equator are Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas in their northbound spring migration.
Day 4 - Day 10: Praia, Cape Verde Islands
You disembark in Praia on Santiago Island - the capital of the Cape Verde Islands, at 9:00 hours*. If you’re flying out on the night of May 2/May 3, we offer an additional tour in and around Praia. Here you can visit the historic Cidade Velha and its massive hillside fortress, built to defend against English raiders. Other sights include the oldest Christian church in the tropics, and the slave whipping post in the main square. Stroll the Praia streets and enjoy the variety of indigenous folk music spilling out of the tavern windows.*Disembarking passengers will have access to a few hotel rooms where you can collect your luggage and freshen up before travelling to the airport – or back to your hotel, if you’re staying longer in Praia.
Day 5 - Please Note:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader will determine the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-04-202002-05-2020USD $1,650Quadruple Porthole
22-04-202002-05-2020USD $1,900Triple Porthole
22-04-202002-05-2020USD $2,200Twin Porthole
22-04-202002-05-2020USD $2,400Twin Window
22-04-202002-05-2020USD $2,750Superior

Inclusions

    • Sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the submarine mountain range running some 16,000 kilometres
    • In Praia visit the historic Cidade Velha and its massive hillside fortress, built to defend against English raiders

Map