New York, May 2009 -- Marguerite Bay, rarely visited even by Antarctic standards, is dotted with ice-covered islands, is home to the only known breeding colony of emperor penguins on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula, and is the centerpiece of Hurtigruten's newest 17-day Antarctica itinerary. Guests have multiple chances to go ashore and visit with these elegant creatures during the nine days spent in Antarctica. Other highlights include two nights in the lively city of Buenos Aires and a tour of Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, before departing for the Drake Passage and Antarctica about the MS Fram, the company's newest and most deluxe expedition ship. Cabin fares are $6,499 to $10,699 per person, double; suites range from $11,299 to $18,799. Optional excursions are offered in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia (all excursions in Antarctica are included).

These once-in-a-lifetime voyages explore the vast and mysterious wilderness of the White Continent, the coldest, driest and windiest destination on earth, replete with gleaming icebergs, blue whales and orcas feeding mere feet from the ships, and penguin populations whose individual rookeries number in the tens of thousands. Although the Marguerite Bay rookery is protected for environmental reasons and cannot be entered, guests are able to get close to the emperors nearby. Marguerite Bay is also home to several research bases, both new and old.

The sailings feature naturalist guides, noted guest lecturers and PolarCirkel boat landings. Other possible Antarctica landings, where even closer encounter with gentoo and chinstrap penguins is possible, include Whaler's Bay on Deception Island, with its warm springs and black, volcanic sand; Half Moon Island, famous for its large, chinstrap penguin rookery, kelp gulls, Antarctic terns and whale spotting; Cuverville Island, boasting the largest known colony of gentoo penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula; Antarctic Sound, where huge, mile-long tabular icebergs can be seen as well as an estimated half-million Adélie penguins; and Wilhelmina Bay, feeding ground for whales and seals.

Fares include air between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, transfers, all meals onboard, the services of expert guides, lectures and PolarCirkel boat landings; port charges and cruise taxes. Fuel surcharges are additional. Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic's Spitsbergen.

For more information about the cruise, pre- and post-cruise explorations and optional excursions, contact Hurtigruten at, (800) 323-7436 or (212) 319-1300; fax (212) 319-1390; for brochures, (800) 666-2374, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us.

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Gillies and Zaiser
10 Nytko Drive, Suite 115
Pomona, NY 10970-2646

HTN-13-May, 2008