Cruise West announced yesterday that they are adding a 19-night Antarctica expedition to their 2010 voyage offerings. Cruise West will operate on the 114-passenger Corinthian II that will visit the Falkland, South Georgia and Orkney islands. The announcement follows the Seattle-based company’s entrance into European river cruises and the Galápagos in 2009.

“Cruise West is making a conscientious effort to keep itinerary offerings fresh and intriguing,” said president and CEO Dietmar Wertanzl. He added that Antarctica is a “natural progression” in a bid to create excitement for repeat customers while also appealing to new ones.

The Corinthian II is a sister ship of Cruise West’s Spirit of Oceanus. Wertanzl added that repeat guests will feel right at home because of the familiar surroundings. Corinthian II was previously operated by Travel Dynamics. The vessel is ice-strengthened for voyages into Antarctic waters, and is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore. Originally built in 1992 and refurbished in 2005.

Passengers will overnight in Buenos Aires before embarking the ship in Ushuaia. The February 2010 program is priced starting at $13,899, with savings of $1,000 if booked and paid in full by May 1, 2009. The voyage will go on sale March 5.

Visit Cruise West’s Web site for more details.