Table Of Content
Gray rock peaks punch out of the wind-carved snow, passing icebergs dot the dark blue waters, and wildlife abounds that can be seen nowhere else – all serving to remind us that we are truly in another world. Are you a spellbound solo traveler or shutterbug, captivated kith and kin, or enthralled nature or history buff? Perhaps you’re someone seeking more active adventure, a guaranteed White Christmas, or the high latitude high life?
Cross The Drake Passage
No, the remote location, frozen landscape, and unpredictable weather can make tourism operations in Antarctica tricky, but Oceanwide Expeditions has the right experience, knowledge, and expertise to stay safe in the Antarctic. I feel privileged to have been able to experience Antarctica alone, but in the company of such passionate, energetic, capable, and talented staff I am honored and feel immensely grateful. Since Antarctica doesn’t belong to anyone country, however, no visa is required. You still need to verify visa requirements for any country you may pass through en route to your embarkation point or ones you visit before or after your expedition.
Hurtigruten Expeditions
They all are hardy (with 1C ice class ratings from Lloyd's Register) but also stylish, with contemporary interiors and comfortable rooms. Antarctica cruises offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. The cost of an Antarctic cruise can vary depending on factors such as trip duration, vessel type, and included activities. We believe that the value of an Antarctic cruise lies in the unparalleled experiences and breathtaking sights that await you.
I found Goldilocks in Antarctica with this big little ship that’s just right - The Points Guy
I found Goldilocks in Antarctica with this big little ship that’s just right.
Posted: Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Our Antarctic Expedition Cruises
Expedition cruise vessels are a world apart from your average ocean cruise liner; small, agile and exclusively designed for intrepid exploration, built to withstand the most extreme environs and climatic conditions around the Southern Ocean. Viking Octantis is designed to carry 378 passengers, which is on the high side for Antarctica cruise ships. Like Hurtigruten's Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, it isn't able to land all or even most of its passengers at once in Antarctica. These Lindblad Expeditions ships may be my favorite all-around picks for an Antarctica cruise. Sailing since July and November 2021, respectively, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution each are designed to hold no more than 126 passengers -- a notably low number that allows for an intimate experience when exploring the White Continent. Like Lindblad's chartered navy ship, many of the early vessels used for tourism to the White Continent were tough-built government or scientific ships that were designed with navigating icy areas but not necessarily comfort in mind.
The result is a ship with less outdoor space for viewing scenery than is typical for small vessels operating polar trips. Built tough for polar exploring (it has a PC 6 rating, one notch below the Lindblad vessels), it also is designed to be upscale with elegant, 1940s-influenced decor, such pampering touches as a L'Occitane spa (the first at sea) and butler service in the top cabins. High-tech touches include a GPS that lets it hover in sensitive areas without dropping anchor. Each vessel has two glass-walled "igloos" on its top deck where passengers can spend the night under the stars.
Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Cruise
All of them sail with a large number of rigid inflatable Zodiac boats for landings and have strengthened hulls and other design features that let them operate in icy areas. You will leave Ushuaia, Argentina aboard the Sea Spirit cruising to the Falkland Islands. Further along, we journey to South Georgia Island, where you will stroll pristine beaches while penguins and seals roam the beautiful landscape. Keep an eye out for the splendid king penguins (distinct from the emperor penguins)!
The Antarctica Expedition Experience
Antarctica Camping is a unique and unforgettable way to expand your experience on the White Continent. This optional activity allows you to meet Antarctica on its own terms by spending a night out on the ice and snow. Camping is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Antarctic wilderness. Spend hours watching the drama of ever-changing light upon the landscape, capturing that perfect photo, or simply falling asleep to the mysterious sounds of the ice.
No matter when you choose, an Antarctic expedition cruise promises awe-inspiring scenery and unforgettable adventures. Let our experts take you deep into the heart of this majestic environment so it can get into yours. Our optional kayaking program gives you the chance to experience these incredible destinations in a unique and interesting way. All three regions on this itinerary offer fantastic paddling opportunities, each one more rewarding than the last. Sea Kayak Club participants in South Georgia encounter swarms of penguins and seals while paddling in a supremely wild and beautiful environment. The Antarctic Peninsula delights kayakers with spectacular polar scenery and ice features of every description.
From October to December, the 7th Continent is ice-covered and penguins are busy laying their eggs. Mid-February to March is an ideal time to see whales as they return to the region to feed. Talk to your Polar Travel Advisor about the best season for your Antarctic voyage. Antarctica, at times an unforgiving continent marked by harsh temperatures and rugged terrain, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife that inhabits the glaciers, mountains, bays, fjords, inlets, pebble beaches and rugged coastlines. The Antarctic Peninsula, for instance, is abundant with minke, humpback, right, blue, sperm and killer whales.
For example, research stations operated by countries like New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina would follow their respective time zones. Similarly, stations operated by other countries or organizations would adhere to the time zone of their home base. As Antarctica is primarily used for scientific research and doesn't have any permanent residents, the concept of time zone is more practical and logistical rather than a reflection of local inhabitants' daily routines. Airport transfer from Ushuaia to your hotel, as well as the first night, are included in your cruise package. Accommodation aboard the Sea Spirit, all port fees, meals aboard and Zodiac cruises and landings are included. Alcoholic beverages, additional activities such as kayaking and camping are separate.
Whatever your preference, discover the draws of this pristine, primordial polar paradise your way. Select from the finest selection of polar class Antarctica cruise ships available below, operated by only the most trusted of partners, preeminent pioneers in polar exploration who offer exceptional itineraries, unrivaled knowledge, and utmost levels of service. Just unveiled in early 2022, Viking Octantis is fast-growing Viking's first-ever expedition cruise ship, and it boasts some unusual features that make it one of the best cruise ships for exploring Antarctica. For that reason, I am partial to the older but more intimate Hurtigruten polar vessel Fram, which carries just 200 passengers when operating in Antarctica. But Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen have one big advantage versus that ship and many others operating in Antarctica, which is that their starting rates for trips to the region are significantly lower. Lindblad was the original pioneer of tourist trips to Antarctica, and it has years of experience in the region that has helped shape the way it designed these nearly identical vessels, both specifically built for polar travel.
This voyage takes you to some of the world’s most gorgeous locations and offers some of the best opportunities to paddle with wildlife. If you enjoy sea kayaking, then do not miss your chance to participate in this exciting adventure activity. Our state-of-the-art expedition vessels feature hybrid propulsion technology, ice-class hulls and advanced onboard waste-reduction systems. Large enough to offer excellent stability and a spacious onboard experience, yet small enough to get off the beaten track, you'll discover that HX ships are the perfect balance for the ultimate Antarctic adventure.
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