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Embark on an expedition cruise and witness breathtaking icebergs and penguins by the beach from the top deck, all as you take in once-in-a-lifetime moments. Don't miss cruising Antarctica and experiencing some of the most exhilarating destinations in the world. 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.
Ponant brochures
These itineraries are usually around 20 days long, with quite a few days spent at sea navigating between each destination, so if you can find a longer itinerary that includes more days at each place it’s worth exploring. 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. One unique tour that’s popped up recently, and has been pioneered by Quark Expeditions and now also offered by Ponant, is a trip to the emperor penguins of Snow Hill. 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). After our very successful tour to Antarctica this season, we are going to be running another exclusive adventure down to the Peninsula in 2025, this time crossing the Antarctic Circle! As the season progresses into February and March, the continent witnesses the awe-inspiring migrations of thousands of humpback whales and penguins shedding their feathers in the molting season.
Antarctica FAQ
In November, as the continent emerges from its icy slumber, voyagers are greeted with pristine and untouched snowy landscapes. By the end of this article you will have a great understanding of the differences between the best Antarctica cruises and which companies we recommend based on personal experience and intimate industry knowledge. Antarctica is home to some unique sub-species that you will only find in this region of the world. Sail past glaciers where you can spot leopard seals that will greet you with indistinguishable grins.
Night Antarctica CruiseDetails
The sub-Antarctic archipelago of the Falkland Islands, or Islas Malvinas, is known for its wildlife—penguins and bird species are plentiful—as well as its dramatic history. Sovereignty disputes between the United Kingdom and Argentina led to the 1982 Falklands War. There’s everything from Magellanic penguins to military history to pique the interest of polar travelers. For those who wish to contribute to our understanding of this remote region, some companies collaborate with research institutions to allow passengers to participate in data collection and other scientific activities. If you’re a hardcore mountaineer or experienced rock climber there are a number of small expedition companies that offer these activities on certain itineraries.
I went on a 22-day cruise for $144 a day, worth it: Holland America - Business Insider
I went on a 22-day cruise for $144 a day, worth it: Holland America.
Posted: Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Holland America offers a wide range of stateroom choices, from lower-cost interior cabins (which have advantages in Antarctic-length days) to large suites, and all come with fare options to make them more all-inclusive. We always recommend booking Antarctic cruises sooner rather than later. Book Celebrity with the right timing and you might find getting to Antarctica is more affordable than you thought.
You’ll find out everything you want to know from our Antarctic experts, including naturalists and ornithologists. We feel like almost anyone who would enjoy a Princess cruise in any scenic part of the globe would enjoy a Princess Antarctic cruise. Princess has scenic cruising down to a science and is capable of both entertaining and educating its guests along the way.
They'll lead you on adventures off the ship, deliver fascinating lectures, unlock nature's wonders in the Science Centre, and perhaps even entertain you along the way. On your cruise to Antarctica, the Expedition Team will be your companions in adventure. Before leaving for your voyage, please make sure anything you bring that may come into contact with the environment (clothes, equipment, etc.) is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
The focus is always on full immersion in the destination on a highly comfortable ship featuring excellent food. Think casually elegant style -- this time, more reminiscent of a posh ski resort in warmth and coziness -- perfect for a vessel with polar pursuits. 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.
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]
On the southern-most tip of the planet rests one of the world's most massive and mysterious landmasses - the frozen realm of Antarctica. Named after the legendary Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen - the first man to traverse the Northwest Passage in 1903, and reach the Geographical South Pole in 1911. MS Roald Amundsen is as pioneering as the man it is named after, the state-of-the-art ship features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that reduces fuel consumption and shows the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. Experience the tranquillity of vast panoramas and sail among the sublime frozen icescapes of Antarctica, as we pass between icebergs, close to calving glaciers, and past huge ice floes in the Southern Ocean.
So really, in most situations you’re paying more money for a nicer ship and cabin. Adventure activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and camping, usually have an additional cost no matter which company you’re with too. At the budget-friendly end, less extravagant ships may lack the luxurious amenities, but they often deliver an authentic, intimate connection with the Antarctic wilderness. A smaller ship often means a shallower draft too, so they can get into some areas that may not be deep enough for larger vessels. Besides that, there’s other considerations when it comes to ship size and choosing the best Antarctica expedition.
In September 2021, Ponant unveiled an even tougher polar vessel, the 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot. Equipped with ice breaking capabilities, it's able to sail to polar areas that most other polar cruise vessels can't reach. Note that, currently, its Antarctica sailings are being mostly marketed by Ponant itself, which means they may draw mostly French-speaking travelers. High-tech touches include a GPS that lets it hover in sensitive areas without dropping anchor. Just unveiled in August 2021, World Navigator is the first vessel for Atlas Ocean Voyages, an all-new cruise operator that's focused on "luxe adventure" trips -- and it's already high on my list of favorite ships for polar exploring. Most routes run 13 to 19 days from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Exploration amenities include custom-made Zodiacs, paddleboards, kayaks, two seven-passenger helicopters and one seven-passenger submarine. In inimitable French style, the vessels are simply gorgeous and sleek, conjuring up the ocean and its array of moods and colors. National Geographic devotees are at the top of the list -- from magazine admirers to those who've already toured or cruised with National Geographic -- who like the scientific bent.
Head to Sky Lounge to listen to soothing live music as you enjoy a glass of wine with the perfect ocean view. Take in the views from the alfresco Rooftop Terrace, or enjoy a peaceful moment at the pool in the adults-only Solarium. During an Antarctica cruise, you’ll have the chance to look out for some of the world’s most incredible marine mammals.
