  Marcelo Sola
From the City of Ushuaia we will depart on an unforgettable expedition to the “Ecological, Historical and Tourist Staten Island Provincial Reservation” by hiring the services provided by the Ice Strengthened Vessel from Antarpply Expeditions, which offers this kind of excursions. |
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In order to start this fantastic voyage we will have to make all the necessary arrangements with a tourist agent commercializing the services of Antarpply Expeditions to this kind of exotic destinations. |
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Once everything has been settled, we will have to get ready at the time arranged at the Commercial Port of Ushuaia to get on board the M/V “Ushuaia”, name with which the Antartic vessel belonging to the Argentinian company was re-baptized.
The overwhelming size and beauty of the vessel will take your breath away. The impressive oceanographic ship that you will be getting acquainted to was built in an Ohio shipyard in the 1970’s by the American Shipyard Builders. During the year 2002, the Vessel was upgraded on the most advanced navigation and communication equipment for Antarctic navigation, and cabins and rooms were totally refurbished for passengers comfort.
Other important facts about the vessel "Ushuaia" is that she was built as an oceanographic research vessel by the United States of America pursuant to the requirements by NOAA (National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration), a United States of America government agency, and that she has operated successfully in all her missions. |
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The “ Ushuaia” is 84,8m long, has a 15,5m beam, and a 5,6m draft and a cruise speed of 13,5 knots. She can navigate for forty two (42) days, or a total distance of 13,000 miles, without any need for a bunkering stop. She also counts with wide spaces for the relaxation and pastime of expeditionary members.
The Expedition
We will hardly notice that we have set off. We will soon be away from the concrete wharf of Ushuaia and we will bid farewell to the southernmost city in the world. |
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As we get off shore we will observe the northern coast of the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped summit of the Martial Mountains that surround the Bay. |
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The adventure begins and we will all be protagonists. We will head eastwards through the Beagle Channel heading for the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Our destination: the mythical Staten Island. |
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We will gather in the conference room and listen carefully to a lecture on safety measures given by the Commanding Officer on the ship. During this lecture, we will be trained on landing proceedings, as well as in different ways of “clearing for action” during a fortuitous collision, fire, abandonment of boat or man overboard. |
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Once the safety lecture is over and the cabins are assigned, you will be able to wander freely through all the permitted areas of the Vessel. Get to know the different decks, the projection room, the library, the dining-room or access the bridge where we will be welcome by Captain Jorge Aldegheri, who will willingly explain the technology on this oceanographic vessel. |
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After an exquisite dinner prepared by the expedition cruise’s Chef, we will pass onto the bar to share friendly moments with our expedition mates. Playing cards, backgammon or throwing darts, are some of the activities that take place whereas sport fans prefer an intense ping-pong game. |
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The vessel will start rocking a little more than usual which means that we are leaving the Island of Tierra del Fuego, to go along the 29km of Le Maire Strait towards Staten Island (Isla de los Estados). It is time to go to sleep or may be just rest until the following morning. |
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