Best Antarctica cruise ships: 11 new expedition vessels that will take you to the White Continent
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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. High-tech touches include a GPS that lets it hover in sensitive areas without dropping anchor. Some begin in Buenos Aires; others start in Santiago and include more of South America, such as Patagonia and the Chilean fjords. The line also offers coveted sailings that include time inside the Antarctic Circle, not just out on the Peninsula. The itineraries are generally 17 nights round-trip from Buenos Aires, simplifying airfare. There’s also an extended cruise option, departing from Fort Lauderdale and returning to Buenos Aires.
World Explorer
They were the the first to organise trips to Snow Hill and revolutionised North Pole tours, so they’re always looking for what’s next in the world of polar voyages. This trip is only offered once every couple of years in the early season (October) and requires either an icebreaker ship or a Class 1A ice-strengthened ship with helicopters, which allows guests to get close to the emperor penguin colony. A few companies offer Antarctica tours that aim to cross the Circle (we say aim because nothing is guaranteed down here), and these itineraries are usually around 14 days (with 7-10 days on the Peninsula). But one thing to keep in mind is that you’re not sailing to Antarctica in a little boat.
How do we meet our responsible travel targets in Antarctica?
How to Cruise Antarctica Without Sailing the Drake Passage - TravelAge West
How to Cruise Antarctica Without Sailing the Drake Passage.
Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
You must be an experienced climber, and be able to prove it, before a company will accept your booking for these challenging adventures. If you love the idea of kayaking but don’t want to do it every single day on your trip, many companies now offer what’s called ‘day paddle excursions’, where you sign up for a once-off and jump in an inflatable kayak for an hour or two. When you book a sea kayaking package you are given a dry suit and instruction from your experienced guides, and the goal is to get out as much as possible during your itinerary. If you’re ready to step up the adventure, here’s a guide on what’s on offer and how to ensure you don’t miss out.
Antarctic Peninsula
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? Whatever your preference, discover the draws of this pristine, primordial polar paradise your way.
Indulge in them all with the most popular Antarctica cruises available below.
Passengers who book in late October and November are likely to see penguins courting and nesting while those who cruise in December and January will see chicks hatching. Passengers seeking a gentler-on-the-wallet experience, preferring some cruise ship comforts, but care little about private verandas or butlers. Quark’s passengers tend to be uber-active cruisers eager to camp overnight, snowshoe, go mountaineering and cross-country skiing while still traveling upscale. You’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage and set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. By traveling with us, you'll experience this incredible part of the world in a way that builds human connection and gets closer to nature while respecting the environment. Antarctica is the only continent with no significant plant life and no native land mammals, reptiles, or amphibians.
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]
Antarctica was formed around 35 million years ago and remained undiscovered until around 1820 when Russian explorers spotted the mainland. However, this may have only been the first documented discovery of Antarctica, as it's believed that Pacific Islanders may have reached the white continent in 650 AD. Start planning your journey to exploring this pristine world of ice, wildlife, and awe-inspiring beauty.
Time spent cruising the waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula totals three and a half days. Holland America Line has a great deal of expertise cruising to Alaska. The line attracts a slightly older mainstream passenger than Celebrity, and the extended cruise length rules out almost all families. Expect seasoned travelers onboard, particularly those who’ve sailed Holland America before. Situated off the coast of Antarctica, Elephant Island is named after the elephant seals that populate it and due to the island being shaped like an elephant head. Rugged mountains, glistening sheets of ice and unique wildlife add to the mystique of this remote destination.
Abercrombie & Kent: Antarctica Charters that Feature All-Inclusive Luxury
Passengers are pampered by an attentive crew and all-inclusive amenities such as free-flowing alcohol and caviar, all-suite digs and a photo studio. Photography enthusiasts, who want to learn from and shoot pics with a National Geographic photography expert are next in line, as are active explorers, who care more about adventure than fancy cruising. Among the big-ship cruise lines sailing to Antarctica, Princess Cruises sits right about in the middle of the pack with pricing that is highly flexible, allowing you to add all-in style fare options that make your cruise almost all inclusive. Book early enough with a sale in place and you might find the deal of the century.
They carry kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis for polar exploring in addition to Zodiac boats for landings, and they have remotely operated vehicles -- just in case you want to see what's going on down below. This line notably features late winter (Antarctica's late summer) sails -- a chance to see the region in a different season, with nesting penguins and returning whales. Both of these vessels sail with a maximum of 500 passengers when operating in Antarctica, which is on the high side for an Antarctic-based vessel. If you're eager to make a lot of landings in Antarctica during a trip to the continent, Hurtigruten's newest ships may not be the best choice.
WWF-Australia is a well-established conservation organisation helping protect our natural environment. Donations from our trips help their pioneering whale research and conservation efforts to establish marine protected areas around Antarctica and save whale species from extinction. If you have an average fitness level (and above) you are compatible with Antarctica travel, so you don't need to spend hours in the gym before considering booking a trip. Your cell phone will not work during your Antarctica cruise as the continent is still considered extremely remote and doesn't have the right telecommunication infrastructure in place. This means you'll still have plenty of free time to do your own thing (and use the ship's excellent amenities) but also have the comfort of knowing expert leaders are handling the pesky logistics. Antarctica refers to the seventh continent of the world and is largely situated in the Antarctic Circle - a line of latitude sitting at around 66.5° south of the equator - at the base of the globe.
Marvel at humpback and minke whales gliding gracefully through the water. Spot elephant seals lounging on pristine rocks, and watch waddling penguins as they go about their day, tending their young, and diving off the ice into the water to feed. Nowhere on Earth feels as remote as Antarctica, yet the wildlife here is abundant and spectacular. The icy shores are a haven for millions of penguins, as well as seals and seabirds, while the deep blue waters support a huge population of whales. Your Expedition Team will help you spot and photograph iconic animals, and there will be lectures on ornithology and natural history from our wildlife experts. In the Science Center you'll learn more, and perhaps even help out with wildlife conservation through out Citizen Science projects.
The last few years have brought a stunning new crop of small "expedition" cruise vessels specifically designed for Antarctica sailings that are far more upscale and elegant than anything seen before. Plus, anyone fearful of embarking and disembarking exploration boats can take comfort in the sheltered Hangar where passengers easily get in and out of Special Operations Boats from inside the ship, well protected by elements. And for kayaking couples, Viking makes it easy to snap wildlife photos while in hands-free two-seater kayaks powered by pedaling.
Smaller ships have much better manoeuvrability, which allows them to navigate through narrow channels and into tight bays to allow you to access Antarctica close up. You don’t really want to spend all that money just to get down there and look at the continent from your balcony. “We pride ourselves on innovation and pushing the boundaries of discovery to provide unique, immersive experiences for our expeditioners while maintaining a light footprint.
During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour.
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