198-passenger Explorer II, a luxurious small- cruise ship, to sail Antarctic itineraries. A&K will offer four different sailings in winter 2004/2005. two of which are hosted in conjunction with Abercrombie & Kent, an upscale tour operator.Luxurious adventure,Five- Star service & amenities of a traditional luxury vessel plus the hardware of an adventure ship 1A1 Super Ice Rating(highest possible for passenger vessel) with a Baltic ice-class B rating. Advanced environmental marine technology, Fleet of Zodiac landing craft,Extensive lecturer program Crew to guest ratio: 1 to 1.5 luxuriously appointed, ocean-view staterooms Single seating dining,Gratuities included. Explorer II carries a staff and crew of 146 to accommodate just 198 guests. That's a staff to guest ratio of 1 to 1.4, one of the very highest at sea. She offers many services not normally available on expedition cruising and thoughtful touches such as binoculars included in all guest rooms, and complimentary parka and backpack for each guest.

Explorer II' brings a rare touch of comfortable, informal refinement to Antarctic travel. Launched in 1996, she has been likened to a country-house hotel, a comparison confirmed by her fresh flowers, gleaming brass, polished wood and works of original art. But there's strong steel beneath the graceful exterior. 'Explorer II' is well equipped to handle the open-water cruising and icy channels of Antarctic seas. Her speed, ice-strengthened hull, stabilizers and bow thrusters give her the power, stability and agility necessary to ensure a safe, smooth passage for all on board. Without sacrificing an iota of strength, 'Explorer II' sets new standards of style in expeditionary cruising.

Entertainment:
Your days at sea can be as active as you choose. When you're not out on the Promenade Deck whale watching and glacier-gasping, you can work out in the gym, unwind in a sauna, enjoy a massage or a movie at the cinema. Each day you'll meet for informal pre-shore briefings or post-excursion wrap-ups in the ship's lounge or theater-style auditorium. Highly experienced Antarctic naturalists briefs you in advance about the natural wonders, wildlife, geology and history of the White Continent. They escort each shore excursion and, later, recap the day's discoveries at informal get-togethers. The gracious, wood-paneled Library with its 4,000+ volumes is one of the largest at sea. The Lounge is the social heart of the ship, where you can chat with newfound friends and enjoy informal lectures. Two open bars, the Shackleton (with lounge pianist daily) and the South Cape, provide additional corners where you'll probably spend a good deal of time socializing with fellow guests and mingling with members of the expedition. The atmosphere is informal and unregimented, with a warm sense of camaraderie. Liquors, wines and beverages (excluding premium wines and champagnes) are complimentary on board.

Public Areas:
The Main Lounge (which can accommodate all guests) is used for lectures, recaps and special entertainment functions. The Shackleton Bar has full bar service with pianist for afternoon tea and after dinner entertainment. The South Cape Bar is a comfortable lounge with full bar service. The Card Room can accommodate up to 32 guests for private functions or card games. The Smoking room is available for smokers where the ship is otherwise designated as non-smoking. The Cinema can accommodate 98 guests and is used for movie entertainment as well as private functions/lectures. Explorer II has a medical center on board with licensed doctor. The medical center is equipped with basic emergency equipment and medicines.

Cuisine:
Explorer II has two dining areas on board. The Verandah Café is open seating and open for breakfast and lunch. Service is primariliy buffet style with menu service available upon request. The Main Dining Room is open seating and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch is buffet with menu service available upon request; Dinner is full menu service. All drinks (excluding premium wines and champagnes are included. Explorer II offers two international cuisine dining rooms, both with simultaneous open seatings. In the main Dining Room or the casual Verandah Café (open for breakfast and lunch only), you'll be seated where and with whom you please, ready to enjoy a leisurely meal selected from imaginative, international menus with a gourmet touch.. There is always a selection of light fare and vegetarian dishes, and special diets can be accommodated with sufficient advance notice. You can sit where, when and with whom you please in the Main Dining Room and in the alternative Verandah. House wines as well as all bar drinks are included in your fare. As far as the dress code goes, relax. After a full day exploring, you'll probably want to change your clothes for dinner. In the gracious Main Dining Room with its panoramic windows, you can select from imaginative à la carte menus that also include a choice of spa cuisine and vegetarian offerings. The Verandah Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch buffets in a casual environment.

Service:
Explorer II carries a staff and crew of 146 to accommodate just 198 guests. That's a staff to guest ratio of 1 to 1.4, one of the very highest at sea. She offers many services not normally available on expedition cruising and thoughtful touches such as binoculars included in all guest rooms, and complimentary parka and backpack for each guest.

Accomodations:
All are ocean view and the twelve suites - including the two Owner's Suites on the Bridge Deck -have private balconies. Two Owner's Suites (360 sq. ft) and ten suites (290 sq. ft) have sitting areas and a separate area with extra large double wardrobe. 226 sq. ft. deluxe staterooms have sitting areas and two double wardrobes. Some offer pull-out sofa for triple occupancy. Other staterooms (categories A, B and SA) measure 140 sq. ft. catgory include ( A, B, SA) . .

All cabins have a private bathroom with shower, individual climate control, two music channels, TV/DVD, direct dial phone, a wall-mounted hairdryer and terry robes for guest use while on board. Standard, Superior and Deluxe cabins feature two twin beds which can be converted to Queen upon request. . Suites have queen beds. Superior, Deluxe and Suies include a small refrigerator and TV with VCR. Calls can be made 24 hours a day and charged to a major credit card. Guests can send and receive e-mails via the Radio Officer. Internet service is not available.

Spa/Fitness:
Explorer II's Fitness Center, is where guests may crunch, lift, tread, pedal or run to their hearts' content. And maybe follow your workout with a few laps in the pool, (open on a limited basis in Antarctica) and you 'll be exercised and eager to partake of the offerings of the Beauty Centre. There's a small fitness room with sauna, a sundeck and pool, there is a ping-pong table as well in the Fitness center. The health club offers stationary bikes, treadmills and including full cardiovascular as well as weight equipment. A full-service beauty salon offers hair styling, manicures and pedicures. In addition a selection of facials and The Beauty Salon provides full service massages.

Gratuities:
The policy on Radisson Explorer II is that all tips are included in your cruise fare.

Children's Program:
There are no dedicated kids' facilities on board Radisson Seven Seas Explorer II.

Shipboard Amenities The Explorer II brings a rare touch of comfortable, informal refinement to Antarctic travel. The highest caliber of expedition staff and lecturers brief guests about the wildlife, geology and history of the continent, escort each shore excursion and recap the day's adventures at casual get-togethers. Her inviting, all ocean view staterooms have large picture windows, suites have private balconies and every room has a pair of binoculars for use during the voyage. The ship's main dining room - which has panoramic views - offers open seating and serves imaginative international menus. An alternative venue, Verandah Restaurant, is open for buffet breakfasts and lunches. The ship has an open-bridge policy, 24 hours a day.

A week's cruise has one or two formal nights (tuxedos and classically elegant gowns were a staple), otherwise the dress code is always country club casual.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises attract primarily American, with a handful of European and South American travelers sprinkled in. Many passengers on RSSC cruises stay on board for more than one segment.