100th Anniversary Dive Expedition to the Titanic Wreck

Itinerary

• Nova Scotia

  Nova Scotia is a Canadian province located on Canada's southeastern coast.  Its capital, Halifax, is the major economic centre of the region. Nova Scotia is the second-smallest province in Canada.  The province includes several regions of the Mi'kmaq nation of Mi'kma'ki(mi'gama'gi), which covered all of the Maritimes, as well as parts of Maine, Newfoundland and the Gaspé Peninsula. It was named after Scotland, and today people of Scottish descent are still the largest ethnic group in the province.

• Halifax

  Halifax is a city in Canada, which was the capital of the province of Nova Scotia. It was the largest city in Atlantic Canada until it was amalgamated into Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996. Halifax Harbour is among the largest natural harbours in the world, and settlement here by the British was originally planned with strategic military protection in mind. Local sights include Halifax Citadel, Pier 21 (Canada's Ellis Island), Maritime Museum, and a tidy collection of parks, shops and restaurants. The Waterfront in particular has a great variety of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and other entertainment.

• Newfoundland and Labrador

  Newfoundland and Labrador is a province of Canada on the country's Atlantic coast in northeastern North America. This easternmost Canadian province comprises two main parts: the island of Newfoundland off the country's eastern coast, and Labrador on the mainland to the northwest of the island.  The Island of Newfoundland has its own dialects of the English, French, and Irish languages. The English dialect in Labrador shares much with that of Newfoundland. Labrador also has its own dialects of Innu-aimun and Inuktitut.

• St. John's

  St. John's is the provincial capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland. The city enjoys a long and vibrant history as the oldest English-founded city in North America. The harbour was a frequent haven for European fisherman throughout the early 1500s, and was officially declared an English colony in 1583. St. John's has over 400 restaurants. Situated in the downtown area on Water St. and Duckworth, there are numerous shops, restaurants and historic buildings. It is a rugged and rocky outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with a distinctive accent and fishing culture that makes it completely unique.

• • Halifax
  • Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

  Day 1: Halifax - Cruise

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Marriott Harbourfront

  Located in downtown Halifax, the Marriott Harbourfront hotel overlooks the harbour and connects to Casino Nova Scotia via an indoor skyway. The hotel is 1 block from the shops and restaurants of Historic Properties and offers spacious rooms with harbor or city views. Guestrooms feature luxury Revive Collection bedding with down comforters, turndown service, and both high-speed and wireless Internet access. The hotel has a 5,000-square-foot spa with personal trainers, and yoga and Pilates classes. Enjoy a dip in the indoor pool, soak in the spa tub, or head for the Scottish pub.

• • St. John's
  • Fairview Cemetery
  • Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

  Day 2: Halifax - St. John's

  2012 is the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Departing from your hotel, today's private tour with driver and guide encompasses all aspects of Halifax's connection to the sinking of the Titanic, including the historic pier from which cable ships were dispatched to pick up victims, the churches, temporary morgue sites, and Fairview Cemetery, where rows of gravestones mark the final resting place of 121 victims. Immerse yourself in history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses an excellent permanent exhibit on the disaster, including photographs, wooden artifacts and the only intact Titanic deck chair in the world. Compare the details of this devastating event to the Halifax Explosion which occurred just five years later. The result of a collision between the Imo and the Mont Blanc, a French munitions ship, the explosion leveled the north end of Halifax, and killed or injured thousands. But most importantly, learn of the compassionate relief effort displayed by the world to help this city and its inhabitants overcome their instant and tragic loss, and rebuild their lives. Return to hotel.

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.

  Enjoy a flight from Halifax to St. John.

  Includes airport transfer in luxury vehicle with private driver.

  At 7:00 pm, meet other dive participants and your expedition leader for an orientation and casual briefing over a meal at the hotel restaurant.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Newfoundland (Standard)

  Overlooking St. John’s historic harbour, Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland is at the centre of a thriving community, and offers travelers a wealth of amenities all within easy reach of the historic city’s myriad attractions. Although Newfoundland is known as "the rock" for its rugged terrain, it is home to Canada's friendliest souls. You'll find a host of them at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland. Here in this perfect blend of rustic scenery and eastern Canadian hospitality, you will discover a relaxed elegance that reflects the spirit of these shores.

• • Generic Expedition Vessel

  Day 3: St. John's - Titanic Expedition

  Enjoy most of today in the quaint town of St Johns, Newfoundland. At 3:00 pm, you will meet with expedition representatives in the hotel lobby for a complimentary transfer to the expedition vessel. At 5:00 pm, the vessel will depart the port of St. John's, and begin the voyage toward the Titanic site.

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)

  Specially designed for operation under severe weather conditions, your expedition survey vessel will feature high manoeuvrability and station keeping capabilities. Service speed is approximately 14 knots, with max speed reaching 16 knots.
  Accommodation is in shared/double occupancy cabins, and five-star cuisine is served three times daily.

• • Mir Submersible Dive Unit

  Day 4: Titanic Expedition

  While at sea, you will have time to explore the support ship, and meet the explorers, scientists, submersible pilots and other staff. You will be introduced to Dr Anatoly Sagalevitch, Head of the PP Shirshov Submergence Unit and Chief Pilot. Lectures and briefings by on-board experts will help you prepare for your upcoming 12,500-foot dive (approximately 3,750 meters) to the most famous shipwreck in the world. You will board the submersibles for an orientation session to become familiar with the surroundings. Meals prepared by first-class Western chefs are enjoyed in the Captain’s mess hall. On deck there are good opportunities to observe many species of seabirds, and possibly dolphins and whales.

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)
• • Launching the Mir

  Day 5: Titanic Expedition

  Sea conditions permitting, you arrive at the Titanic site this morning, and the dives will commence.
  
  During the 7 days at the Titanic wreck site, each diver will get to experience one deep-sea dive down to the wreck in a Russian Mir submersible dive unit.
  
  The remaining days at the site will allow you to attend lectures, films and presentations on the Titanic and general oceanography, and get familiar with the Mirs, watching all of the launches and retrievals. Spend time getting to know your fellow expeditioners, stay active in the on-board fitness area, enjoy first class cuisine, or simply relax.

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)
• • Inside the Mir

  Day 6: Titanic Expedition

  Brought to you in part by the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Moscow, your expedition staff for the duration of this amazing experience will be comprised of the following:
  
  -Anatoly Sagalevitch (Head of the Expedition)
  -Rob McCallum (Expedition Guest Leader)
  -Don Walsh (Oceanographer / Adventurer-Explorer)
  -Peter Batson (Expedition Researcher)
  -TBD Titanic Historian / wreck expert

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)
• • Submerged Mir

  Day 7: Titanic Expedition

  While at the site of the Titanic wreck, on each of these exciting dive days (subject to weather conditions) submersible dives are planned for expeditioners (in each MIR there are two participants and a pilot) with time allotted for a rest period. Please note that the Captain and Expedition Leader will determine the sequence of dives and rest periods.
  
  Your dive to the Titanic will be made aboard either the MIR I or MIR II submersibles. These vessels are capable of reaching ocean depths of 20,000 feet (6,090m).

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)
• • Gliding Over the Wreck

  Day 8: Titanic Expedition

  It takes about two and a half hours to reach the ocean floor. As you approach the bottom the excitement begins to build. Your pilot slows the Mir’s descent and switches on the exterior lights. You eyes are glued to your viewport. Suddenly a lunar seascape emerges. You’ve reached the abyssal plain, 12,500 feet beneath the surface. Your pilot engages the thrusters and your Mir glides slowly above the ancient terrain. You are minutes away from the great wreck.
  
  During your three to four hours down at the Titanic wreck site, you will explore most of the significant areas of interest. The dive will focus on the bow section, the largest and most impressive section of the wreck. Your Mir will glide over the top of the wreck to look down into the cavern where Titanic’s famous grand staircase was once located. You will also spend time exploring the iconic bridge and promenade areas.

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)
• • Bow of the Titanic

  Day 9: Titanic Expedition

  Prior to the actual dives, participants will attend a final briefing with the pilots. Launching of MIR I and II will be staggered, however it is expected that they will both be at the wreck site together.
  
  As the MIRs maneuver to explore the Titanic wreck; you will be entranced by its majesty and the sheer marvel of your endeavor. Ample time will be built in for photography and quiet observation.
  
  On the way from bow to stern, or vice versa, your MIR will move out into Titanic’s debris field. You will see numerous artifacts strewn across on the ocean floor, undisturbed for a century. These will not be touched. (the dive is for observation only – there will be absolutely no attempts to salvage anything from the Titanic site.)

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)
• • Titanic Propellor

  Day 10: Titanic Expedition

  Dives can take place both in daytime and night time depending on prevailing conditions. Group members will be able to observe and photograph the operation from a good vantage point and will be updated regularly on the progress and route of the submersibles, and they will get a chance to visit the Navigation Room to hear the communication with the submersibles.

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)
• • Deep Sea Anemones

  Day 11: Titanic Expedition

  Dives involving expedition participants are interspersed with dives for the on-board scientists at the discretion of the Expedition Leader.
  
  During you dive, you will be able to view one of the ship’s giant boilers as well as one of its enormous propellers. While focusing on the Titanic wreck, you will also see deep-sea life – rattail fishes, anemones, squat lobsters. Keep in mind that you are one of the few to have dived to these depths and seen these animals alive.

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)
• • Final Day at the Wreck

  Day 12: Titanic Expedition

  This is your final day at the Titanic wreck site. The support ship will depart the wreck site bound for St. John's, Newfoundland later today.

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)
• • Farewell Barbecue

  Day 13: Titanic Expedition

  As the support ship sails back in the direction of St. John’s, enjoy informal discussions and recaps with expedition leaders, tour the laboratories to watch scientists at work, and reflect on your incredible diving achievement. Weather permitting a farewell barbecue with your fellow divers, the MIR submersible team and the crew of the support ship will be held on the outside deck.

  Accommodation: Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)

• Day 14: St. John's

  A morning arrival to St. John's, Newfoundland. After breakfast on board, you will bid farewell to your expedition team and disembark in St. John's.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Newfoundland
• • downtown St. John's

  Day 15: St. John's

  Includes airport transfer in luxury vehicle with private driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)

Accommodation

• • Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

  Marriott Harbourfront

  Located in downtown Halifax, the Marriott Harbourfront hotel overlooks the harbour and connects to Casino Nova Scotia via an indoor skyway. The hotel is 1 block from the shops and restaurants of Historic Properties and offers spacious rooms with harbor or city views. Guestrooms feature luxury Revive Collection bedding with down comforters, turndown service, and both high-speed and wireless Internet access. The hotel has a 5,000-square-foot spa with personal trainers, and yoga and Pilates classes. Enjoy a dip in the indoor pool, soak in the spa tub, or head for the Scottish pub.

  • More information
• • Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

  Sheraton Newfoundland (Standard)

  Overlooking St. John’s historic harbour, Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland is at the centre of a thriving community, and offers travelers a wealth of amenities all within easy reach of the historic city’s myriad attractions. Although Newfoundland is known as "the rock" for its rugged terrain, it is home to Canada's friendliest souls. You'll find a host of them at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland. Here in this perfect blend of rustic scenery and eastern Canadian hospitality, you will discover a relaxed elegance that reflects the spirit of these shores.

  • More information
• • Generic Expedition Vessel

  Expedition Dive Ship (Standard)

  Specially designed for operation under severe weather conditions, your expedition survey vessel will feature high manoeuvrability and station keeping capabilities. Service speed is approximately 14 knots, with max speed reaching 16 knots.
  Accommodation is in shared/double occupancy cabins, and five-star cuisine is served three times daily.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking ($40,000 per person, which includes $3,000 per person non-refundable booking fee). For non divers, the deposit is $7,000 per person. The balance is due 120 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • For cancellations of confirmed bookings after the initial deposit, but before September 30th, 2011, a $3,000 non-refundable booking fee will be retained. For cancellations after September 30th, 2011, and before 120 days prior to the expedition, 50% of the monies shall be refunded. Cancellations within 120 days or less of the expedition will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation. *Disclaimer: Weather delays during dive days could possibly extend the expedition. Alternatively if the expedition encounters good weather the support ship may return to St. John’s slightly earlier than scheduled. In this instance passengers may remain aboard the vessel in the port of St. John’s until the date of scheduled disembarkation. If a trip must be delayed, or the itinerary changed or extended due to weather conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, or other contingencies over which the company has no control and its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays or changes is not included and will be charged to the participant at cost.www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions.

• Request a Quote