Presents
Classic Antarctica
January 2–16, 2021 | From $14,890*
In cooperation with
Classic Antarctica
Jan 2–16, 2021 | 15 days from $14,890
A & K A D VA N TA G E S
▶▶ Cruise for 10 nights aboard luxurious ‘Le Lyrial’ with ▶▶ Discover rare yet abundant wildlife on a voyage ideally
guaranteed balcony accommodations and a guest capacity timed with the peak of the austral summer
limited to just 199, only when exclusively chartered by A&K
▶▶ Explore the Antarctic Peninsula for five action-packed
▶▶ Begin your journey with a two-night stay at luxury Palacio days with excursions led by the region’s best guides
Duhau — Park Hyatt on Alvear Avenue in Buenos Aires
▶▶ Hone your skills under the wing of a dedicated A&K photo
▶▶ Sail with an exceptional team curated by A&K, featuring coach, learning tips and tricks for shooting on everything
our award-winning Expedition Team, an experienced from mobile devices to professional SLRs
service staff and crew, and one of the best personnel-to-
▶▶ Travel with NIU professor of micropaleontology Dr.
guest ratios at 1 to 1.3
Reed Scherer, and learn of his longtime working research
▶▶ Enjoy all-inclusive cruising with included onboard meals in Antarctica
and house drinks, Zodiac excursions, expedition gear, port
charges, gratuities, Traveller’s Valet® laundry service, and
complimentary Wi-Fi
For more information, please visit myniu.com/travel or call +1 815 753 1512.
Buenos Aires
ARGENTI NA
Ushuaia
D R A KE
PASSAGE South Shetland
Danco Coast Islands
A NTARCT ICA
ARRIVE/DEPART
AIR
CRUISE
DAY 1: Depart USA adventurers for a welcome cocktail reception and briefing.
Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires | Meals: B
DAY 2: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in Argentina’s capital and transfer to your hotel, DAY 4: Ushuaia | Gateway to Antarctica
where you spend the rest of the day at leisure. Fly to the charming port town of Ushuaia, the southernmost city
Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires | Please note that the official in the world. On arrival, savor a gourmet lunch at the Arakur
hotel check-in time at Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is resort, enjoying panoramic city and mountain vistas while
3:00 p.m. you dine. Time and weather permitting, take a guided walk
in the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve, or simply relax with a
DAY 3: Buenos Aires | Vibrant Latin American City cappuccino and enjoy scenic views of Ushuaia. This afternoon,
Latin passion and European romance define the beautiful city transfer to your ship and settle in for your first night on board.
of Buenos Aires, a dynamic mecca known for its wide-ranging Wander the decks to become acquainted with the ship, relax in
architectural styles, contemporary and historic arts, and the lounge and mingle with fellow guests in anticipation of your
culinary pleasures and parrillas (steakhouses). This morning, voyage. From your private balcony or the outside decks, take in
choose from a selection of included excursions and experience views as you cruise the beautiful Beagle Channel before heading
the city’s best treasures alongside local A&K guides. You may, out to sea. ‘Le Lyrial’ | Meals: B L D
for example, choose a panoramic city tour complete with a
tango demonstration, or a tour focused on Buenos Aires’ lively DAYS 5–6: The Drake Passage | Legendary Waters
street art scene. Later this afternoon, meet with your fellow The journey south toward Antarctica is an exciting
For more information, please visit myniu.com/travel or call +1 815 753 1512.
one, furthered by singular, voyage-long access to our plan your active, curated itinerary and daily excursions that
knowledgeable A&K Expedition Team and enrichment may include the following areas:
experts — both on board and onshore. Set out into the
Antarctic Sound: At the northernmost tip of the Antarctic
Drake Passage, a 600-mile-wide swath of water where the
mainland, this body of water features some of the best
Southern Ocean currents are squeezed between South
sightseeing on the peninsula and a proliferation of giant
America’s southern tip and Antarctica’s northernmost
icebergs. Noted for its vast numbers of bird species, the sound
reaches. An important trade route in the 19th and early 20th
is home to the largest breeding colonies of Adélie penguins in
centuries, the waters and icy conditions that define this
Antarctica. Look forward to opportunities to land on remote,
passage once made the journey a difficult one, though the
wildlife-laden islands as well as possible opportunities to
stabilizer-equipped ‘Le Lyrial’ handles it with ease. After
experience a continental landing on the northwest tip of the
lunch, enjoy a stimulating presentation from one of your
Antarctic Peninsula.
expert lecturers or join your naturalists on the deck to look
for whales and abundant seabirds, which feast on the Drake’s South Shetland Islands: Antarctic research stations,
krill-rich waters alongside other mammals. It’s all just a taste remarkable history, amazing geological features and
of the educational enrichment and wildlife you will encounter abundant wildlife define these islands off the shore of the
in the days to come. Later, chat with your A&K Expedition Antarctic Peninsula. Our A&K Expedition Team will look for
Team about the next day’s itinerary. ‘Le Lyrial’ | Meals: B L D opportunities to visit a wide range of sites including working
research stations, volcanic islands and historic sites, along with
DAYS 7–11: Antarctica | The White Continent gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguin rookeries.
As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on
Danco Coast: Bordering the South Shetland Islands along the
the horizon, a sense of excitement begins to build. Travel in
Antarctic continent, the Danco Coast is famed for its scenic,
the comfort of your luxury cruiser, enjoying enriching lectures
jaw-dropping waterways. From the comfort of ‘Le Lyrial,’ you
from members of the A&K Expedition Team on topics ranging
may sail through some of its most stunning and photogenic
from birdlife to photography and history. Dependent on
channels, straits and bays.
weather, sea, ice and wildlife conditions, Antarctic expeditions
demand spontaneity, and no two are ever the same. With that Each cruise day begins with an early breakfast followed by a
in mind, your Captain and A&K Expedition Team carefully morning excursion on swift Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats).
For more information, please visit myniu.com/travel or call +1 815 753 1512.
Backed by expert A&K drivers, each excursion is accompanied predator and scavenger nicknamed the “stinker.” The immense
by lecturers and joined by groups of no more than 10 guests. albatross is an especially stunning sight to behold. These
After mornings discovering native species and striking wandering birds boast a wingspan approaching 12 feet and are
terrain, return to ‘Le Lyrial’ for lunch, and time to relax and capable of gliding through the air for hours at a time in search
observe the wildlife-rich waters that surround you, searching of food. ‘Le Lyrial’ | Meals: B L D
for everything from fin whales, humpback whales and orcas to
Antarctic and imperial shags. By the afternoon, set out for the DAY 14: Depart Ushuaia
day’s second excursion, which may include visiting a scientific ‘Le Lyrial’ docks at Ushuaia this morning. After breakfast, say
research station, hiking on a sheltered beach packed with goodbye to your crew and fellow guests before disembarking.
basking Southern elephant seals, or circumnavigating colossal Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, where
icebergs that serve as floating homes to seals and penguins. you connect to your international flight home; or join our new
After full days of adventure, evenings aboard your luxury Ushuaia Post-Tour Extension. Meals: B
cruiser invite you to unwind over cocktails in the cozy lounge
DAY 15: Arrive USA
before dinner in the elegant dining room. At night, choose to
recap the day’s discoveries with your naturalist guides; chat
Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be
on deck with fellow guests; or seize the opportunity to capture
adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather,
photos in the stunning low light characteristic of Antarctica’s
wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond
long, ethereal twilight. ‘Le Lyrial’ | Meals: B L D
A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.
DAYS 12–13: The Drake Passage | Memorable Return
Bid farewell to wondrous Antarctica, and begin your cruise
back to Ushuaia at the southernmost tip of Argentina. The I N S P I R I N G A C C O M M O D AT I O N S
ship’s return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for
recap and reflection, with time to compare notes with your
expert lecturers on the wildlife, history and geology of the
White Continent. Spend time on board with newfound
friends in the comfortable common spaces of ‘Le Lyrial,’ enjoy
quiet relaxation on your own private balcony or absorb more
fascinating lectures by your captivating A&K Expedition ‘Le Lyrial’ Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt
Team. While cruising through this historic passage, you Sophisticated, all-balcony luxury Buenos Aires
may spot various species of whales and seabirds, including expedition cruiser exclusively Contemporary luxury hotel
the elusive albatross and the giant petrel, an opportunistic chartered by A&K. occupying a former palace dating
from 1934.
For more information, please visit myniu.com/travel or call +1 815 753 1512.
Best of the White Continent
A profoundly moving place, Antarctica is the only continent on earth governed by peace and science.
Travellers to this wondrous wilderness may discover these inspiring highlights.
Entertaining Penguins
You’ve not seen penguins until you’ve seen them in Antarctica, where
you may observe behavior that includes nesting, pebble pilfering and
their unique calls known as ecstatic display.
Expert Photography
Coaching
On every A&K voyage, opt
to enjoy photo programming
led by A&K’s dedicated
professional photographers
and designed for all skill levels.
Whales Galore
Humpback, minke, blue, orca and fin — these are
among the 10 species of whales found in numbers
in the waters surrounding Antarctica, and a thrill to
see from many vantage points with A&K.
Mesmerizing Geology
More than glaciers, Antarctica’s dramatically diverse landscapes
also include idyllic bays peppered with ice floes, narrow passages
lined by steep cliffs and volcanic islands with geothermal black sands.
Meet Your A&K Expedition Team
For information on booking your international air or to make reservations, please call +1 815 753 1512.
Reservations may be made by check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover). Program prices are guaranteed for reservations made
before March 31, 2020.
Please note: This tour requires a minimum of $100,000 of emergency evacuation insurance for participation. Please call for full details.
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of $2,500 per person is required. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.
Cancellation fees per person:
181 days or more prior to departure: $700 per person
180–121 days prior to departure: $1,700 per person
120–91 days prior to departure : 20% of program price
90–61 days prior to departure: 50% of program price
60 days prior to departure or less: 100% cancellation penalty
TOUR CONDITIONS
Tour Deposit and Payment: Reservations may be made by check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover). Tour prices do increase every
year, and it is possible that increases could occur after the printing of this brochure in advance of your tour’s departure.
Tour Pricing: This is a package tour in which land tour costs and special group airfares have been combined in the most advantageous way.
Should you wish to make any deviation from the package tour by changing your departure and/or return dates, the advantages of the package
tour price may be eliminated, and additional charges will be assessed.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is very important and can be purchased through USI Travel Insurance Services. This insurance is designed to
cover you and your tour investment from tour cancellation/interruption penalties and provide medical expense, medical evacuation, baggage
and personal effects loss, and accidental death coverage, as well as emergency assistance. There is an advantage to early enrollment in this travel
insurance program. Purchasing coverage within 21 days (Plus and Elite Options) of your initial tour deposit can make you eligible for 1) Pre-
Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver and 2) Optional Cancel for Any Reason Coverage (Elite Option). If you wish to take advantage of
the special above provisions, you must enroll within 21 days of the date your initial trip deposit is received. Contact Travel Insurance Services at
800 937 1387 or my.travelinsure.com/niu.
RESPONSIBILITY
Neither THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (“NIU”) nor THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
(“NIUAA”) conducts tours or acts as agent for participants interested in tours. NIUAA acts as a facilitator with tour operators, with whom tour
participants make arrangements for completing travel. We’re pleased to act as a liaison with tour operators should you have any questions
or concerns that may arise before, during or after your tour. NIUAA strongly encourages you to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the tour
operator’s cancellation and refund policies and other terms and conditions, and also to investigate available insurance options from third parties.
NIU and NIUAA are not responsible for changes to trips or travel arrangements, or for losses or additional expenses resulting from travel.
Neither NIU nor NIUAA owns or operates any entity which provides goods or services for this program. Neither NIU nor NIUAA acts as agent
for the independent suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodations or other services. All such persons or entities are independent
contractors. As a result, NIU and NIUAA are not liable for any negligence or willful act of any such person or entity or any third person. In
addition and without limitation, NIU and NIUAA are not responsible for any delays, delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections,
loss, death, damage or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in
connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment, with
or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. NIU and NIUAA reserve the right to withdraw its affiliation with any
individual tour operator should conditions warrant.
None of NIU, NIUAA, any tour operator, supplier of services, or their respective affiliates, officers, directors, trustees, employees, agents or
other representatives (each, an “Organizer”) pursuant to or in connection with this itinerary shall be responsible or become liable for any delay
incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation; nor for any loss, damage or injury to person or property by reason of any
event beyond the control of any Organizer, or occurring without the fault or negligence of such Organizer.
The right is reserved to substitute the airline to be used; the type of aircraft; and to alter the dates of the tour; the tour routing; or to cancel the trip
if a minimum number of bookings is not reached for either the air or land portion of this itinerary. The right is also reserved to substitute hotels for
other hotels in available categories. Further, the right is reserved to decline to accept or to retain at any time any person as a participant on any
tour or to cancel any tour. No refund will be made for voluntary absence from the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. The
schedules contained herein are subject to change without notice. All rates are based on current Tariff and Exchange rates in effect at the time of
the printing of this itinerary and are subject to adjustment without prior notification in the event of changes therein or in changes in the number
of participants on which the rates are based. The carriers concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time
passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. The passage contract in use by carrier concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole
contract between the carrier and the purchaser of this tour.
For more information, contact the NIU Alumni Association at 815 753 1512 or visit the Travel section at
myniu.com to make your reservation. $100 of the trip cost is tax-deductible as a charitable donation.
Alumni Association
Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
For more information, please visit myniu.com/travel or call +1 815 753 1512.
‘Le Lyrial’ Pricing & Deck Plan
D AT E S & P R I C I N G
INCLUDES HOTEL ROOM UPGRADE + ONBOARD BUTLER SERVICE
*Price includes internal air. Early booking discount is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.
Journey Details
This journey contains some active elements, including Zodiac boat excursions, walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes. Minimum age is 7
years. Categories 4–9 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship. First group event: welcome reception on Day 3. Last group event:
disembarkation at 9:00 a.m. on Day 14.
‘ Le Lyrial’
n Category 1 Zodiac
Classic Stateroom Open Air Bar
Sun
Deck
Zodiac
n Category 2
Deluxe Stateroom
n Category 3
Elevator
Bar
Premier Stateroom Grill 614 612 610 608 606 604 602
Pool Panoramic Panoramic
Internet Lounge Terrace
Elevator
n Category 4* 611 609 607 605 603 601
Library
Prestige Suite
n Category 5*
Premier Two-Room Suite
Elevator
Fitness Sauna 536 534 532 530 528 524 520 516 512 508 506 504 502
Photo Desk
Leisure Area
n Category 6* Showers and
Stream Room
Elevator
Bridge
Privilege Two-Room Suite Salon Massage 539 537 535 531 527 523 519 515 509 507 505 503 501
n Category 7*
Grand Deluxe
Two-Room Suite
Elevator
434 432 430 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 412 410 408 406 404 402
Theater
n Category 8* Elevator
437 435 433 431 429 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 411 409 407 405403 401
Grand Privilege
Three-Room Suite
n Category 9* Bar
Elevator
Owner’s Suite Excursion 334 332 330 328 326 324 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308
Desk
Club Lounge
*Butler service included. Shop Elevator Reception Medical
Elevator Desk 337 335 333 331 329 327 325 323 321 319 317 315 311 309 Center
Marina
The Restaurant
Elevator
For more information, please visit myniu.com/travel or call +1 815 753 1512.
‘Le Lyrial’ Staterooms & Suites Layout
Owner’s Suite Grand Privilege Three-Room Suite Grand Deluxe Two-Room Suite
(Category 9) (Category 8) (Category 7)
Cabin: 581 sq. ft. | Balcony: 129 sq. ft. Cabin: 581 sq. ft. | Balcony: 129 sq. ft. Cabin: 484 sq. ft. | Balcony: 108 sq. ft.
TV TV TV
TV TV TV TV
TV TV TV
TV TV TV TV
TV TV TV TV TV
TV TV
TV TV
TV TV TV
TV TV TV Bar Bar TVBar TV TV TV TV TV T
TV TV TV TV Desk Desk Desk
Bar Bar Bar
Bar Bar Bar Bar
Desk Desk Desk
Bar Bar Bar Bar Bar Bar Bar
Bathtub Bathtub Bathtub Bathtub Bathtub Bathtub WardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe Bathtub Bathtub Bathtub
WardrobeWardrobe WardrobeWardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe WardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe
WardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe Bar Wardrobe Bar Bar Wardrobe
Bathtub Bathtub Bathtub Bathtub Bathtub Bathtub Wardrobe Shower Shower Bathtub
ShowerBathtub Wardrobe Bathtub Bathtub
Wardrobe Wardrobe Wardrobe Wardrobe Wardrobe
WardrobeWardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe Wardrobe Wardrobe
Wardrobe
Wardrobe Wardrobe Wardrobe Wardrobe
Shower Shower Shower Shower
WC WC Shower
WC Shower Shower WC WC WC WC WC Shower Shower
WC Shower WC WC WC WC Shower
WCShower WC Shower WC WC WC
WC WC Shower
WC WC Shower Shower WC WC WC WCShowerWC Shower
WC Shower WC
WC Shower WCWC WC WCShower WC Shower
WC Shower WC WC WC WC
TV TV
TV TVTV TV Bar
Bar Bar
Bar Bar
Bar
TV TV TV TV TV TV
TV TVTV TV TV TV
TV TV TV TV
TV TV TV TV TV TV
TV
TV TV TV
TV TVBarTV
Bar Bar
Bar Bar Bar Bar Bar Bar
TV Bar TV Bar TV Bar
Bar
TV
Bar
Bar
Bar Bar
Bar Bar Bar Bar Bar
WardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe Bar Bar
Bar Bar
Wardrobe Bar Wardrobe Bar
Wardrobe Wardrobe
Bathtub Bathtub
WardrobeBathtub
Wardrobe Wardrobe WardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe WardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe WardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe
Bathtub Bathtub
Wardrobe Wardrobe Shower Shower Bathtub
Wardrobe Shower Wardrobe Wardrobe Wardrobe
Shower Shower Wardrobe
Shower
Shower Wardrobe
Shower Shower Wardrobe
Wardrobe Shower Wardrobe Wardrobe
Shower Shower Wardrobe Wardrobe
Shower ShowerShower Shower
Shower ShowerShower Shower Shower
Shower Shower Shower Shower
Shower Shower
WC WC Shower
WC Shower Shower WC WC WCWardrobeWardrobe Wardrobe WC WC
WC WC
WC WC WC WC WC
WC WC
Shower WCShower Wardrobe WC Shower WC WC WC
WC Wardrobe Wardrobe WC WC WC WC WC WC
Wardrobe WC WC WC WC
Exceptional luxury in a Grand Privilege Three-Room Suite The Grand Deluxe Two-Room Suite
For more information, please visit myniu.com/travel or call +1 815 753 1512.