For a long time, the only people who ever went to the White Continent were researchers or explorers. Nowadays it's not as difficult to get there anymore but it's still one of the most remote places you can visit. Intrepid travelers simply find the best Antarctica cruise deals to make what was once an impossible dream a reality.
Antarctica is the most southerly continent in the world. It's also the least populated, with its thousand or so human inhabitants living in research bases from countries as diverse as Russia and South Africa. Only a handful of cruise ships sail the icy waters here and they can only do it because they're specially built to deal with the harsh conditions.
Ice is the main feature of the landscape too. There isn't much land-based wildlife other than large bird colonies, including penguins. However, the seas are home to creatures such as whales. Your itinerary will likely include the Ross Sea or the Antarctic Peninsula. You may also visit spectacular destinations such as Anvord Bay or the South Shetland Islands.
In winter, it's nearly impossible to sail around the frozen continent. However, summer temperatures can be in the lower teens and the melting ice makes it easier for ships to pass. In December, the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, you may even experience sunlight at midnight. It's important to remember though that itineraries can change quite suddenly due to unpredictable weather conditions.
Obviously you'll need to bring warm clothes. In fact, cruises in this part of the world are very casual since practicality and warmth are what you want in your clothing. Especially your shoes should be waterproof although a waterproof jacket and even pants will come in handy too. You'll also need to bring your bathing suit, since many ships visit hot springs near the coast. Good sunscreen and sunglasses are essential as well. Bring everything you might need, since you can't just pop out to the shops to get supplies once you're here.
Cruises to the continent are quite expensive. It's best to thoroughly research the various cruise companies before committing to one. Check whether they include shore excursions and what their safety record is. Smaller vessels can get to more places but the larger ships handle rough seas better. Also check that the company has a good reputation for being environmentally responsible, since the ecosystem in this remote part of the world is extremely fragile. The company should be a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.
Different companies depart from different ports. Many depart from Ushuaia, a city in Argentina's remote Patagonia region. Some depart from Santiago, the capital of Chile. Several vessels depart from Hobart, the capital of Tasmania in Australia, and others depart from either Invercargill or the Port of Bluff, both in New Zealand. You may even depart from Cape Town, South Africa's second largest city.
You can book cruises to Antarctica once you're in a port that offers voyages there, such as in Ushuaia. However, it's easier to simply book online. Online is a better option too because you can compare deals and customer feedback.
Antarctica is the most southerly continent in the world. It's also the least populated, with its thousand or so human inhabitants living in research bases from countries as diverse as Russia and South Africa. Only a handful of cruise ships sail the icy waters here and they can only do it because they're specially built to deal with the harsh conditions.
Ice is the main feature of the landscape too. There isn't much land-based wildlife other than large bird colonies, including penguins. However, the seas are home to creatures such as whales. Your itinerary will likely include the Ross Sea or the Antarctic Peninsula. You may also visit spectacular destinations such as Anvord Bay or the South Shetland Islands.
In winter, it's nearly impossible to sail around the frozen continent. However, summer temperatures can be in the lower teens and the melting ice makes it easier for ships to pass. In December, the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, you may even experience sunlight at midnight. It's important to remember though that itineraries can change quite suddenly due to unpredictable weather conditions.
Obviously you'll need to bring warm clothes. In fact, cruises in this part of the world are very casual since practicality and warmth are what you want in your clothing. Especially your shoes should be waterproof although a waterproof jacket and even pants will come in handy too. You'll also need to bring your bathing suit, since many ships visit hot springs near the coast. Good sunscreen and sunglasses are essential as well. Bring everything you might need, since you can't just pop out to the shops to get supplies once you're here.
Cruises to the continent are quite expensive. It's best to thoroughly research the various cruise companies before committing to one. Check whether they include shore excursions and what their safety record is. Smaller vessels can get to more places but the larger ships handle rough seas better. Also check that the company has a good reputation for being environmentally responsible, since the ecosystem in this remote part of the world is extremely fragile. The company should be a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.
Different companies depart from different ports. Many depart from Ushuaia, a city in Argentina's remote Patagonia region. Some depart from Santiago, the capital of Chile. Several vessels depart from Hobart, the capital of Tasmania in Australia, and others depart from either Invercargill or the Port of Bluff, both in New Zealand. You may even depart from Cape Town, South Africa's second largest city.
You can book cruises to Antarctica once you're in a port that offers voyages there, such as in Ushuaia. However, it's easier to simply book online. Online is a better option too because you can compare deals and customer feedback.
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